Utility rate changes

Effective January 1, 2022, there will be some changes in the water and wastewater costs on residents' monthly utility bills. Current utility rates vary depending on several factors including location and type of service. Detailed rate information is in the Fees and Charges schedule.

Overall, the average household will have an increase of $1.70 per month or $20.40 per year. Each of the charges is explained briefly below.

New rates for 2022

Wastewater — O & M: Increase of $0.90 per month
This covers wastewater operation and maintenance costs. The fixed portion of this charge is going up $0.90 per month due to increased capital expenditures to ensure wastewater infrastructure can continue to provide service to our residents.

Wastewater — treatment: Average increase of $0.80 per month
This charge covers the cost of sewage treatment at the Capital Region Wastewater Commission Treatment Plant. The actual cost for each household will depend on the volume of water used. For an average household using 14.5 m³ of water per month, this will mean an increase of $0.80 per month.

Please note wastewater treatment charges in 2022 will be calculated on 92.5% of water used to account for water that doesn’t enter the sewer system.

Utility rates explained

Water rates

• Water — flat charge: This pays for the water meter, monthly billing and maintenance of fire hydrants.
• Water — metered: This pays for infrastructure, operation and maintenance costs. The actual cost for each household will depend on the volume of water used. You can control some of the costs by following some simple water conservation practices.
• Water — truck fills: For residents who purchase water from the Sherwood Park, Ardrossan or South Cooking lake truck fill stations.

Wastewater rates

• Wastewater — O & M: (operation and maintenance) This charge is to pay for the operation and maintenance of sewer lines. This charge is made up of both a fixed rate charge and a metered charge based on your water consumption. On your utility bill these two wastewater charges are combined.
• Wastewater — treatment: This charge reflects the cost of sewage treatment at the Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission Treatment Plant. This charge is based on the amount of water consumed by each household. Wastewater treatment charges are calculated on 92.5% of water used to account for water that doesn’t enter the sewer system.

Stormwater rates

• Sewer — storm: This pays for the maintenance of the stormwater facilities and collection system.

Waste management rates

• Solid waste — pickup: This pays for weekly waste collection and special events. The rate for Sherwood Park and rural hamlets includes weekly organics collection during the summer months.
   

Sample utility bills

The average home uses 14.5 m³ (cubic meters) of water each month. The example bills below are calculated based on this average.