This annual report details the results of a statewide survey of water and wastewater rates and rate structures conducted by the North Carolina League of Municipalities and the Environmental Finance Center in 2016. Residential and non-residential drinking water and wastewater rates and rate structures are analyzed for 418 local government and non-governmental water and wastewater utilities throughout the State of North Carolina. The report is one of several products (including an interactive Rates Dashboard, data tables, and utility rate sheet summaries) created at the conclusion of the annual survey. All of the products can be viewed on the project page shown below.
This report answers frequently asked questions about what utilities are charging, their rate structure designs, billing practices, rate increases, affordability and cost recovery, including:
- Current Rates
- How much is charged for residential consumption?
- How much is charged for commercial consumption?
- How much is charged for residential irrigation water?
- How do rates differ based on utility size, utility type or river basin?
- How do rates differ for customers inside or outside municipal boundaries?
- Rate Changes Over Time
- How often do utilities change their rates?
- How have residential rate structures changed in recent years?
- Affordability
- What does the average North Carolinian pay for water and/or wastewater service?
- How affordable are utility rates in North Carolina?
- Promoting Conservation
- What can utilities do with rates to encourage conservation?
- Financial Sustainability
- Are utilities financially self-sufficient in North Carolina?
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