Rates and Fees
User Fees and Adjustments
The Chesterfield County Department of Utilities is entirely self-supporting. No county tax dollars are used for any utilities operation. As a result, the Utilities Department depends on revenues generated from system users and new connections.
Fees for utility services are adjusted periodically to keep revenues in line with operating expenses, to replace aging facilities, and to maintain the highest standards of service.
Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Charges
Effective with bills issued on and after July 1, 2023, the consumer shall pay charges for utility service in accordance with these schedules.
Bimonthly Service Charges
Customers are billed bimonthly (every two months). Customer, capacity and commodity charges make up the total bimonthly bill. The customer and capacity charges equal the minimum charge for service regardless of the amount of water used. The commodity charges are determined by the metered water volume (amount of water used). For more information about how to calculate your bill, view Calculating Your Water and Wastewater Bill (PDF) or call 804-748-1291.
Customer Cost Charge
A customer cost charge of $5.08 for each service account. However, customers who have only a water account or a wastewater account shall pay a customer cost charge of $10.16.
Commodity Cost Charge
- Water: $2.43 per 100 cubic feet (CCF)
- Wastewater: $2.56 per 100 cubic feet (CCF)
Capacity Cost Charge
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is a unit established by the Utilities director as a benchmark for comparing utility demands that are generated by different classes of customers.
Residential Customer Classes
Dwellings with a 5/8-inch meter pay per unit at the rates shown below. Dwellings served by larger size meters pay in accordance with the schedule shown on the non-residential customer classes table. For manufactured homes and multifamily dwellings, per unit charge is based on 85% of the 5/8-inch meter charge, as listed in the county ordinance, chapter 18, article II, section 18-27, subsection (a)(3)(iv).
| Customer Class | Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Bimonthly Capacity Charge | Wastewater Bimonthly Capacity Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling, single-family, including townhouses and manufactured homes that are not located in a manufactured-home park | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $16.70 | $28.30 |
| Dwelling, two-family (per unit) | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $16.70 | $28.30 |
| Manufactured homes that are located in a manufactured-home park | N/A | 0.85 | $14.20 | $24.06 |
| Multiple-family dwellings other than multiple-family dwellings used exclusively as housing for colleges or universities (per unit) | N/A | 0.85 | $14.20 | $24.06 |
Non-Residential Customer Classes
For meters that are greater than 12 inches, the charges are determined by the Utilities director based on the number of equivalent residential units (ERU) per unit.
| Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Bimonthly Capacity Charge | Wastewater Bimonthly Capacity Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 and 3/4 inch | 1.00 | $16.70 | $28.30 |
| 1 inch | 2.50 | $41.75 | $70.75 |
| 1.5 inch | 5.00 | $83.50 | $141.50 |
| 2 inch | 8.00 | $133.60 | $226.40 |
| 3 inch | 16.00 | $267.20 | $452.80 |
| 4 inch | 25.00 | $417.50 | $707.50 |
| 6 inch | 50.00 | $835.00 | $1,415.00 |
| 8 inch | 80.00 | $1,336.00 | $2,264.00 |
| 10 inch | 115.00 | $1,920.50 | $3,254.50 |
| 12 inch | 155.00 | $2,588.50 | $4,386.50 |
Water Volume
The water volume for residential consumers who are connected to the wastewater system but not to the water system shall be 0.296 hundred cubic feet per day. Non-residential consumers who are connected to the wastewater system but not to the water system shall install a private meter approved by the director. The volume shall be based on the private meter reading.
Active Accounts
A consumer who has paid a connection fee shall pay the bimonthly service charge and ancillary charges, irrespective of whether the consumer is actually receiving utility service.
Connection Fees
Connection fees consist of:
- Capital Cost Recovery Charge
- Water Service Installation - Meter Charge
- Water Service Installation - Service Line Charge
For more information, call Chesterfield County Utilities at 804-748-1862.
Capital Cost Recovery Charge
The capital cost recovery charge is based on equivalent residential units (ERU), which are units established by the Utilities director as a benchmark for comparing utility demands that are generated by different classes of customers.
Residential Customer Classes
Dwellings with a 5/8-inch meter pay per unit at the rates shown below. Dwellings served by larger size meters pay in accordance with the schedule shown on the non-residential customer classes table. For manufactured homes and master-metered multifamily dwellings, per unit charge is based on 85% of the 5/8-inch meter charge, as listed in the county ordinance, chapter 18, article II, section 18-22.
| Customer Class | Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Recovery Charge | Wastewater Recovery Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling, single-family, including townhouses, manufactured homes that are not located in a manufactured home park, and individually-metered multifamily dwelling units | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $5,725 | $5,400 |
| Dwelling, two-family (per unit) | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $5,725 | $5,400 |
| Manufactured homes that are located in a manufactured home park | N/A | 0.85 | $4,866 | $4,590 |
| Master-metered multifamily dwellings other than multifamily dwellings used exclusively as housing for colleges and/or universities (per unit) | N/A | 0.85 | $4,866 | $4,590 |
Non-Residential Customer Classes
For meters that are greater than 12 inches, the charges are determined by the Utilities director based on the number of equivalent residential units (ERU) per unit.
| Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Recovery Charge | Wastewater Recovery Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $5,725 | $5,400 |
| 1 inch | 2.50 | $14,313 | $13,500 |
| 1.5 inch | 5.00 | $28,625 | $27,000 |
| 2 inch | 8.00 | $45,800 | $43,200 |
| 3 inch | 16.00 | $91,600 | $86,400 |
| 4 inch | 25.00 | $143,125 | $135,000 |
| 6 inch | 50.00 | $286,250 | $270,000 |
| 8 inch | 80.00 | $458,000 | $432,000 |
| 10 inch | 115.00 | $658,375 | $621,000 |
| 12 inch | 155.00 | $887,375 | $837,000 |
Water Service Installation Charges
The meter and water service line installation for meters that are larger than 2 inches shall be the actual cost that Chesterfield County incurred to install the meter plus 25%.
Meters
| Meter Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | $200 |
| 1 inch | $240 |
| 1.5 inch | $460 |
| 2 inch | $600 |
Service Lines
| Meter Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | $2,800 |
| 1 inch | $3,000 |
| 1.5 inch | $5,000 |
| 2 inch | $5,600 |
Residential Irrigation Meter
Chesterfield County Utilities offers a residential companion meter for irrigation systems to residents who have a water and wastewater account and would like a second meter to measure outside water use separately. No wastewater charges are applied to the residential companion meter, since outside water does not enter the sewer system.
The residential companion meter for irrigation is available at a cost of $800, but is only available to Chesterfield County homeowners. It is not available for commercial use or entrances to subdivisions and their common areas. Learn more regarding service or meter for outside water consumption in the county ordinance, chapter 18, article II, section 18-23.
For more information about residential companion meters, see How to Obtain a Residential Companion Meter for an Irrigation System (PDF) or call 804-748-1862.
Ancillary Charges
Ancillary charges are those that are specifically for services that are indirectly related to utility service and that provide a special benefit to the person being charged.
For more information, call Chesterfield County Utilities at 804-748-1862.
Bacterial Test
Bacterial Test - New Construction (per test) - $35
Meter Testing Charges
When a water meter is tested at the consumer's request and the test establishes that the meter is inaccurate according to industry standards (American Water Works Association (AWWA) C700a-91, section 3.8, Registration Accuracy) the consumer shall not be assessed the meter testing charge.
| Meter Size | Charge |
|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | $30.00 |
| 1 inch | $30.00 |
| 1.5 inch | $40.00 |
| 2 inch | $40.00 |
| Meters larger than 2 inches | Charged the actual cost of the test |
Portable Water Meter Deposit
Portable Water Meter Deposit - $1,800
Septic Dumping Charge
Septic Dumping Charge - $5 per 100 gallons
Strong Waste Surcharge
Significant industrial users shall pay a surcharge for the cost of treating excessive strength waste or pollutants in accordance with county ordinance, chapter 18, article IV.
| Rate Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| BOD Surcharge Rate (RBOD) | $0.25 per pound |
| TSS Surcharge Rate (RTSS) | $0.24 per pound |
| Tier 1 TN Surcharge Rate (R1TN) | $1.49 per pound |
| Tier 2 TN Surcharge Rate (R2TN) | $1.49 per pound |
| Tier 1 TP Surcharge Rate (R1TP) | $4.59 per pound |
| Tier 2 TP Surcharge Rate (R2TP) | $4.59 per pound |
Temporary Voluntary Meter Disconnection Fee
The temporary voluntary meter disconnection fee is equal to the customer cost charge plus the capacity cost charge for each billing period of disconnection, plus the service re-connection fee.
Active Accounts
A consumer who has paid a connection fee shall pay the bimonthly service charge and ancillary charges, irrespective of whether the consumer is actually receiving utility service.
Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Charges
Effective with bills issued July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, the consumer shall pay charges for utility service in accordance with these schedules.
Bimonthly Service Charges
Customers are billed bimonthly (every two months). Customer, capacity and commodity charges make up the total bimonthly bill. The customer and capacity charges equal the minimum charge for service regardless of the amount of water used. The commodity charges are determined by the metered water volume (amount of water used). For more information about how to calculate your bill, view Calculating Your Water and Wastewater Bill (PDF) or call 804-748-1291.
Customer Cost Charge
A customer cost charge of $5.08 for each service account. However, customers who have only a water account or a wastewater account shall pay a customer cost charge of $10.16.
Commodity Cost Charge
- Water: $2.36 per 100 cubic feet (CCF)
- Wastewater: $2.43 per 100 cubic feet (CCF)
Capacity Cost Charge
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is a unit established by the Utilities director as a benchmark for comparing utility demands that are generated by different classes of customers.
Residential Customer Classes
Dwellings with a 5/8-inch meter pay per unit at the rates shown below. Dwellings served by larger size meters pay in accordance with the schedule shown on the non-residential customer classes table. For manufactured homes and multifamily dwellings, per unit charge is based on 85% of the 5/8-inch meter charge, as listed in the county ordinance, chapter 18, article II, section 18-27, subsection (a)(3)(iv).
| Customer Class | Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Bimonthly Capacity Charge | Wastewater Bimonthly Capacity Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling, single-family, including townhouses and manufactured homes that are not located in a manufactured-home park | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $15.90 | $28.30 |
| Dwelling, two-family (per unit) | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $15.90 | $28.30 |
| Manufactured homes that are located in a manufactured-home park | N/A | 0.85 | $13.52 | $24.06 |
| Multiple-family dwellings other than multiple-family dwellings used exclusively as housing for colleges or universities (per unit) | N/A | 0.85 | $13.52 | $24.06 |
Non-Residential Customer Classes
For meters that are greater than 12 inches, the charges are determined by the Utilities director based on the number of equivalent residential units (ERU) per unit.
| Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Bimonthly Capacity Charge | Wastewater Bimonthly Capacity Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 and 3/4 inch | 1.00 | $15.90 | $28.30 |
| 1 inch | 2.50 | $39.75 | $70.75 |
| 1.5 inch | 5.00 | $79.50 | $141.50 |
| 2 inch | 8.00 | $127.20 | $226.40 |
| 3 inch | 16.00 | $254.40 | $452.80 |
| 4 inch | 25.00 | $397.50 | $707.50 |
| 6 inch | 50.00 | $795.00 | $1,415.00 |
| 8 inch | 80.00 | $1,272.00 | $2,264.00 |
| 10 inch | 115.00 | $1,828.50 | $3,254.50 |
| 12 inch | 155.00 | $2,464.50 | $4,386.50 |
Water Volume
The water volume for residential consumers who are connected to the wastewater system but not to the water system shall be 0.296 hundred cubic feet per day. Non-residential consumers who are connected to the wastewater system but not to the water system shall install a private meter approved by the director. The volume shall be based on the private meter reading.
Active Accounts
A consumer who has paid a connection fee shall pay the bimonthly service charge and ancillary charges, irrespective of whether the consumer is actually receiving utility service.
Connection Fees
Connection fees consist of:
- Capital Cost Recovery Charge
- Water Service Installation - Meter Charge
- Water Service Installation - Service Line Charge
For more information, call Chesterfield County Utilities at 804-748-1862.
Capital Cost Recovery Charge
The capital cost recovery charge is based on equivalent residential units (ERU), which are units established by the Utilities director as a benchmark for comparing utility demands that are generated by different classes of customers.
Residential Customer Classes
Dwellings with a 5/8-inch meter pay per unit at the rates shown below. Dwellings served by larger size meters pay in accordance with the schedule shown on the non-residential customer classes table. For manufactured homes and master-metered multifamily dwellings, per unit charge is based on 85% of the 5/8-inch meter charge, as listed in the county ordinance, chapter 18, article II, section 18-22.
| Customer Class | Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Recovery Charge | Wastewater Recovery Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling, single-family, including townhouses, manufactured homes that are not located in a manufactured home park, and individually-metered multifamily dwelling units | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $5,725 | $5,400 |
| Dwelling, two-family (per unit) | 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $5,725 | $5,400 |
| Manufactured homes that are located in a manufactured home park | N/A | 0.85 | $4,866 | $4,590 |
| Master-metered multifamily dwellings other than multifamily dwellings used exclusively as housing for colleges and/or universities (per unit) | N/A | 0.85 | $4,866 | $4,590 |
Non-Residential Customer Classes
For meters that are greater than 12 inches, the charges are determined by the Utilities director based on the number of equivalent residential units (ERU) per unit.
| Meter Size | ERUs Per Unit | Water Recovery Charge | Wastewater Recovery Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $5,725 | $5,400 |
| 1 inch | 2.50 | $14,313 | $13,500 |
| 1.5 inch | 5.00 | $28,625 | $27,000 |
| 2 inch | 8.00 | $45,800 | $43,200 |
| 3 inch | 16.00 | $91,600 | $86,400 |
| 4 inch | 25.00 | $143,125 | $135,000 |
| 6 inch | 50.00 | $286,250 | $270,000 |
| 8 inch | 80.00 | $458,000 | $432,000 |
| 10 inch | 115.00 | $658,375 | $621,000 |
| 12 inch | 155.00 | $887,375 | $837,000 |
Water Service Installation Charges
The meter and water service line installation for meters that are larger than 2 inches shall be the actual cost that Chesterfield County incurred to install the meter plus 25%.
Meters
| Meter Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | $200 |
| 1 inch | $240 |
| 1.5 inch | $460 |
| 2 inch | $600 |
Service Lines
| Meter Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | $2,800 |
| 1 inch | $3,000 |
| 1.5 inch | $5,000 |
| 2 inch | $5,600 |
Residential Irrigation Meter
Chesterfield County Utilities offers a residential companion meter for irrigation systems to residents who have a water and wastewater account and would like a second meter to measure outside water use separately. No wastewater charges are applied to the residential companion meter, since outside water does not enter the sewer system.
The residential companion meter for irrigation is available at a cost of $800, but is only available to Chesterfield County homeowners. It is not available for commercial use or entrances to subdivisions and their common areas. Learn more regarding service or meter for outside water consumption in the county ordinance, chapter 18, article II, section 18-23.
For more information about residential companion meters, see How to Obtain a Residential Companion Meter for an Irrigation System (PDF) or call 804-748-1862.
Ancillary Charges
Ancillary charges are those that are specifically for services that are indirectly related to utility service and that provide a special benefit to the person being charged.
For more information, call Chesterfield County Utilities at 804-748-1862.
Bacterial Test
Bacterial Test - New Construction (per test) - $35
Meter Testing Charges
When a water meter is tested at the consumer's request and the test establishes that the meter is inaccurate according to industry standards (American Water Works Association (AWWA) C700a-91, section 3.8, Registration Accuracy) the consumer shall not be assessed the meter testing charge.
| Meter Size | Charge |
|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | $30.00 |
| 1 inch | $30.00 |
| 1.5 inch | $40.00 |
| 2 inch | $40.00 |
| Meters larger than 2 inches | Charged the actual cost of the test |
Portable Water Meter Deposit
Portable Water Meter Deposit - $750
Septic Dumping Charge
Septic Dumping Charge - $5 per 100 gallons
Strong Waste Surcharge
Significant industrial users shall pay a surcharge for the cost of treating excessive strength waste or pollutants in accordance with county ordinance, chapter 18, article IV.
| Rate Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| BOD Surcharge Rate (RBOD) | $0.25 per pound |
| TSS Surcharge Rate (RTSS) | $0.24 per pound |
| Tier 1 TN Surcharge Rate (R1TN) | $1.49 per pound |
| Tier 2 TN Surcharge Rate (R2TN) | $1.49 per pound |
| Tier 1 TP Surcharge Rate (R1TP) | $4.59 per pound |
| Tier 2 TP Surcharge Rate (R2TP) | $4.59 per pound |
Temporary Voluntary Meter Disconnection Fee
The temporary voluntary meter disconnection fee is equal to the customer cost charge plus the capacity cost charge for each billing period of disconnection, plus the service re-connection fee.
Active Accounts
A consumer who has paid a connection fee shall pay the bimonthly service charge and ancillary charges, irrespective of whether the consumer is actually receiving utility service.