Utility Bill and Surcharge Questions

Common Questions related to utility billing.  

If you have further questions please contact: utilities@boxelder.us

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Common Utility Questions
Who pays the surcharges?

Surcharges are applicable to utility services provided. When surcharges are applied, they are only applied to the utility accounts active for those specific utilities.

When do surcharges get applied?

Surcharges on projects do not get applied until the SRF (State Revolving Fund) loan has been drawn and applied. 

What do my sewer "rates" pay for?

Your sewer (wastewater) bill pays for the cost of transporting and treating wastewater away from your home or business. The wastewater is moved through a series of pipes and possible lift stations on its way to the wastewater treatment facility. The charges are based on the volume of wastewater treated on your behalf. The wastewater system is paid for entirely with utility fees, it receives no tax base support.


Is my sewer bill based on how much water I use?

Sewer rates are based on an average of water usage during the "off season" of November through January, when water usage is typically lower. Multi-Family Units utilize a different calculation method. 

For more information about how charges are calculated, please visit the City of Box Elder Municipal Code, Section 42-29(c).

What do my water "rates" pay for?

Your water bill pays for the city's cost of pumping, treating and delivering clean water to your home or business. Those costs include the maintenance and replacement of wells, water treatment facilities and pipes. We do not pay for the groundwater itself, but for the infrastructure and treatment to deliver the water.  The water system is paid for entirely with the water fees, it receives no tax base support.

If I only use city water and have septic, am I charged for sewer?

No, the surcharges are specific to the utilities you use and that are on your utility bill.