Why must we pay sewer charges as well as water charges?

Sewer charges have been included on Albany water bills for the last two decades. We must charge for sewer use because all of the waste is treated by Albany County at its wastewater treatment plants. The county bills us for treating the waste, and we must recover this cost from property owners.

Back in the 1970s, it was determined that the fairest way to assess sewer charges was to base them on the amount of water used by our customers since most of our customers generate waste in their daily lives, and that waste ends up in our sewer system. Because we have a combined storm and sanitary sewer system, wastewater, whether it is from a household toilet or lawn sprinkler, will end up in the sewer system. The more effluent that goes through the county sewage treatment plants, the more the City is charged for processing that effluent.

Show All Answers

1. Who owns the water service leading to my house?
2. Will the City repair the portion of the water service I am responsible for?
3. Who repairs the sidewalks and driveways damaged during a water main break?
4. My lawn was damaged during a water main break. Will you replace it?
5. My water bill is too high. What should I do?
6. What is the oldest water main in the City?
7. Why are there more water main breaks in the cold weather?
8. Why must we pay sewer charges as well as water charges?
9. Why do owners of vacant property still have to pay a water and sewer fee?
10. Can the public visit any of the Water Department facilities or reservoirs?
11. Many Capital District communities have water restrictions. How about Albany?
12. I have heard Albany water was judged the best in the State. Is that true?
13. Is it true that the Albany Water Department is checking every water main in the City?
14. Is Albany water the lowest priced water in the Capital District?
15. What effect did the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America have on the Albany Water Department?
16. Where does Six Mile Water Works get its name?