Winter averaging is the practice by which water utilities measure domestic water use during a specific winter period in order to develop the calculation for a customer’s sewer charges during the following year.  The winter averaging period in San Antonio begins November 15 and ends March 15 each year. 

Q:  Why does winter averaging occur in the winter?
A:  Outdoor water use (irrigation, car washing, and recreational uses) is generally considered to be minimal in the winter time, meaning that all water used at a location is going out through the sewer pipes.

Q:  How is the winter average calculated?
A:  Consumption data is collected for three consecutive months between November 15 and March 15 and used in the calculation to arrive at the winter average.  (Ex:  Consumption between Nov 15 and Feb 15 is 3500, 2500 and 2700 gallons.  These three numbers are added together and divided by three to get the winter average:  3500+2500+2700=8700/3 = 2900 gallons winter average).  The new winter average is provided to the wastewater utility and the sewer charge for the following year is calculated based on current (or future, if changes are expected) sewer rates.

Q:  When does the new winter average take effect on my sewer bill?
A:  Depending on the wastewater provider, the new winter average may take effect on April 1 (SAWS and Somerset wastewater customers) or July 1 (SARA wastewater customers).

Q:  How will I find out about my new sewer charge for the following year?
A:  You will receive information about the updated sewer charges when you receive your wastewater bill.  No special mailings will occur.

Q:  What can I do to reduce my sewer charges for the following year?
A:  Reducing overall water use during the winter averaging period is essential in cutting your sewer charges for the coming year.

• Fix all leaks as soon as possible (toilets, faucets, service lines, irrigation, etc.)
• Reduce outdoor water use to near zero.
• Water landscape plants once per month if no rain falls or water selected plants by hand.
• Consider replacing old toilets with new, water-efficient toilets.
• Replace old shower heads and faucet aerators with new, efficient models.
• Use only the water that is needed while washing hands, dishes or brushing teeth.
• Collect cold water from tub or sink while waiting for hot water and use it for watering plants or other uses of your choice.

For more information on tips for using water wisely in the winter, check out this exerpt from BexarMet's blog post on winter water wise tips:

"In addition to these tips, also remember to “winterize” your home against freezing temperatures,  especially any exposed outdoor pipes.  Wrap exposed pipes with the proper foam insulation and secure with duct tape.  Not only will a broken pipe cause potentially massive amounts of damage, but the leak will inflate your water bill and negatively impact your pocketbook.  Since you’re already outside, be sure to cover outdoor faucets with an insulating faucet cover to protect it from the cold."

To read our entire blog post on wise water use in the winter, click HERE.

For more information on your water bill, log onto www.bexarmet.org/customers/customerservice.aspx or call BexarMet at 210-922-1221.