Water Rates
Survey Report
FEBRUARY 2024
RESEARCH
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 2
2023 Water Rates Survey Report
November 2023
Paul Aljets, Aljets Consulting
In its latest evaluation of municipal water systems, the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) has assembled insights into the
dynamics of city drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Oregon. The latest survey highlights nuanced
differences across regions and population scales, reinforcing trends noted in preceding annual surveys. Notably, the study
draws a parallel with the 2021 findings, revealing a trend towards increased water rates and additional fees. There is a
discernible tightening in policies concerning overdue payments. Despite a general uptick in the adoption of water
conservation management plans, the practical application of water reuse on private and public domains has seen a decline.
The report also touches upon infrastructure capacity, indicating that, although some cities have bolstered their water
systems to meet demand, others are on the brink of surpassing their operational thresholds. Finally, bolstered by additional
fees charges, charges for water have increased significantly over the last four years.
Introduction
For the last 24 years, the LOC has gathered information to better understand city drinking water and wastewater rates. The
ability to gather this information has been a useful tool that allows cities to better understand trends in drinking water,
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 3
wastewater, and stormwater rates; and to understand how water rates might be impacted based on region, population, or
economic demographics. In the past, this survey was conducted in partnership with the University of Oregon and Oregon
State university. However, the last four iterations of this survey have been accomplished solely by LOC.
Survey Methods
This survey was conducted from September 18 to October 15, 2023. Responses were received from 70 cities (out of
Oregon’s 241 cities) and represent 1,347,666 residents, or 44% of the population residing in Oregon cities. This is
significantly fewer respondents than in previous years. The LOC created the survey with Qualtrics and distributed it to
city managers, city recorders, and other individuals with positions equal to a city’s chief executive officer. These
individuals often relied on support from relevant city staff or forwarded the survey to be completed by city staff.
Population
#
%
Quintile
1st Quintile
14
20.0%
2nd Quintile
15
21.4%
3rd Quintile
12
17.1%
4th Quintile
14
20.0%
5th Quintile
15
21.4%
TOTAL
70
Region
N. Coast
6
8.6%
Metro
6
8.6%
N. Willamette
14
20.0%
S. Willamette
11
15.7%
C. Coast
3
4.3%
S. Coast
1
1.4%
S. Oregon
6
8.6%
Gorge
6
8.6%
C. Oregon
3
4.3%
SC Oregon
1
1.4%
NE Oregon
8
11.4%
E. Oregon
5
7.1%
TOTAL
70
Respondent
Cities
44%
Non-
respondent
Cities
56%
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 4
Cities are divided into population quintiles or groups of cities representing roughly one-fifth of the 241 total cities. This
provides a more accurate comparison of differences among city populations. If the LOC randomly selected cities from
each quintile, we would expect 20% to come from each of the five quintiles. Among respondent cities, there was
overrepresentation in the South Willamette and Gorge regions. Further, the survey showed an underrepresentation of cities
in several regions, including Metro. Respondent distributions by population Quintiles were relatively uniformly
distributed. In the above table, cells marked with green indicate an overrepresentation and those in red denote
underrepresentation.
Please see Appendix C for a map of LOC’s Small Cities Regions.
General Results
Billing, Late Fees, Penalties, and Collections
Ninety percent of cities issue water bills to their residents and customers monthly, which is consistent with previous
iterations of this survey. Bi-monthly billing was common in cities with a population less than 10,600, and no city reported
annual billing in this survey. Further, 59% of the city respondents allow for paperless billing, which is consistent with the
2021 survey, which saw a significant increase in paperless billing from 2019. Paperless billing is more common in cities
with a population greater than 3,250, as well as in the Metro, North Coast, and both valley regions.
Figure 1: Billing Frequency
Late fees and interest rates vary. However, these average $12.05 in late fees and 4.6% for interest. This is a significant
increase from the last two surveys (2.9% interest in 2019 and 3.9% in 2021). South Central Oregon has the highest
average late fee ($30.00), and North Willamette Valley has the highest interest rate (10%). On average, late fees are
assessed 25 days after the due date, far later than 2021 or 2019. Taken with the above information, the results show a
continued trend toward stricter water billing policies in cities but with less frequent assessment of late water bills.
Monthly
90%
Bi-Monthly
10%
Quarterly
0%
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 5
Water shut offs in 2019 were consistently an average of 30 days across populations and regions. These variations in 2021
averaged about 40 days, but the differences in population and region could vary as much as two weeks.
How many days after due date
before you disconnect water
service?
Quintile
1st Quintile
65.7
2nd Quintile
31.1
3rd Quintile
27.8
4th Quintile
32.8
5th Quintile
46.9
TOTAL
40.8
Region
N. Coast
30.0
Metro
61.6
N. Willamette
24.5
S. Willamette
47.3
C. Coast
57.5
S. Coast
30.0
S. Oregon
34.0
Gorge
55.0
C. Oregon
39.0
SC Oregon
45.0
NE Oregon
41.0
E. Oregon
41.5
TOTAL
40.8
Table 1: Disconnection Limit
What dollar amount or number
of days late triggers
collections? - Dollar Amount
Quintile
1st Quintile
$251.00
2nd Quintile
$160.00
3rd Quintile
NA
4th Quintile
$11.25
5th Quintile
$51.25
TOTAL
$74.47
Region
N. Coast
NA
Metro
$100.00
N. Willamette
$23.75
S. Willamette
$35.00
C. Coast
NA
S. Coast
NA
S. Oregon
$77.50
Gorge
$10.00
C. Oregon
NA
SC Oregon
$10.00
NE Oregon
$87.50
E. Oregon
$251.00
TOTAL
$74.47
Table 2: Collection Limit (Dollars)
Tables 1-3 show the breakdown of not only when water services are disconnected but also what triggers bills being sent to
collection. Again, here we see much more leeway from cities with fewer than 450 residents; however, this number has
dramatically decreased from the average of $500 in 2019. In fact, the fourth and fifth quintiles are the only population
categories that did not decrease the dollar amount to trigger collections in the last four years. Cities average about $52 in
back payments, or 87 days before bills are sent to collections.
Waivers, Discounts and Adjustments
Forty-one percent of cities provide waivers, discounts or reductions to certain segments or their customer base, which is
relatively consistent with the 39% found in 2019 and 43% in 2021. This is most commonly based on the low-income
status of residents, low-income housing and for senior citizens. Such accommodations are most likely to occur in cities
with a population greater than 3,275 and in the Metro, North Coast, and South Willamette regions.
Table 3: Collection Limit (Days)
What dollar amount or
number of days late triggers
collections? – Days
Quintile
1st Quintile
82.8
2nd Quintile
73.3
3rd Quintile
61.3
4th Quintile
80.3
5th Quintile
79.1
TOTAL
76.9
Region
N. Coast
45.0
Metro
106.3
N. Willamette
47.5
S. Willamette
79.8
C. Coast
180.0
S. Coast
NA
S. Oregon
83.3
Gorge
NA
C. Oregon
NA
SC Oregon
90.0
NE Oregon
43.3
E. Oregon
105.0
TOTAL
76.9
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 6
Figure 2: Does your city issue waivers, discounts, and adjustments?
Accommodation is often made for detected leaks that could significantly increase water bills. On average, cities will go as
far back as 62 days to provide a billing adjustment, an average consistent with the previous survey. Data collected on this
shows a clear pattern based on population. Table 4 shows that while smaller cities are more lenient on delinquent
payments (3
rd
quintile being an outlier), there is far less accommodation for miscalculation of bills due to detected leaks.
Cities with a population less than 500 average 25 days readjustment, whereas cities with a population greater than 10,600
average 66 days, or about two monthly billing cycles. While this may be an artifact of lower response rates in this year’s
survey, the lowest population category and the largest population category reduced their adjustment period significantly
from 2021.
If a leak is detected, how far back does the city
make adjustments to the water bill? - Days
Quintile
1st Quintile
25.0
2nd Quintile
41.3
3rd Quintile
143.8
4th Quintile
63.3
5th Quintile
66.0
TOTAL
61.8
Region
N. Coast
42.0
Metro
80.0
N. Willamette
103.9
S. Willamette
55.7
C. Coast
180.0
S. Coast
30.0
S. Oregon
60.0
Gorge
15.0
C. Oregon
0.0
SC Oregon
NA
NE Oregon
30.0
E. Oregon
22.5
TOTAL
61.8
Table 2: Bill Adjustments for Water leaks – Days
Yes
41%
No
59%
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 7
Asset Management Systems
Cities were asked if they maintain asset management systems for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services,
respectively. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asset management is “a process water and
wastewater utilities can use to make sure that planned maintenance can be conducted and capital assets (pumps, motors,
pipes, etc.) can be repaired, replaced, or upgraded on time and that there is enough money to pay for it.” Figure 3 shows
that 29 cities (or 41% of respondents) utilize asset management for drinking water, 22 cities (31% of respondents) for
wastewater, and 14 cities (20% of respondents) for stormwater. These results are consistent with the 2019 results rather
than in 2021, which saw a near doubling in all cases of respondent cities using an asset management system. These
systems are consistently more likely to be utilized by cities with a population greater than 3,275 and in the Valley regions.
This suggests that larger systems, with greater revenue and staffing capacity, are more likely to engage in asset
management.
Figure 3: Asset Management Systems by Water Service Type
Rate Studies and Methodology
Cities were asked to indicate the last time they updated their rate and calculation methodology through a rate study. Rate
studies are often conducted to help municipalities develop financial plans and rates that will generate sufficient revenue to
fund operating and capital needs, and to help ensure that the rates charged to adequately fund the system are assessed
equitably among ratepayers. The survey shows in all cases (water wastewater, stormwater) that rates and methodologies
have been updated in the last six years. The Gorge region appears to be the only outlier with an average most recent rate
study year of 2014.
Other Billing and Rate Details
Seventy-two percent of cities do not require water utilities to be registered in the property owner’s name. This is most
common in cities with a population greater than 500. Most cities handle billing for vacant properties by closing the
account with no additional charge. However, eight cities do charge a vacancy rate. Others will bill a base rate or flat fee to
the property owner. The survey also solicited data on any additional fees that may be added to utility bills. Additional fees
indicated include backflow testing, new account fees, shutoff fees, and fees for tampering with water or wastewater lines.
The commonality of all these types of fees increased since 2019.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Water Wastewater Stormwater
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 8
Figure 4: Commonly Added Fees to Utility Bills
Other additional fees are unique to cities. As indicated below, some cities utilize drinking water and wastewater bills to
assess non-related fees for services such as public safety or ambulance fees. While the fee revenue is not generated for the
purpose of supporting drinking water, wastewater or stormwater services, the practice of including other fees on water-
related bills can serve as a more efficient means for billing and collecting other revenues. Responses included:
• Ambulance Fee
• Capital Improvements
• Debt Service
• Dirt Fill/Blocked Access
• Door Hanger Fee
• Excess Water Usage
• Fire Flow Charges
• Franchise Fees
• Garbage/Sanitation
• Streets and Infrastructure
• Streetlights
• Irrigation
• Late Fees
• Public Safety Fees
• Reconnection Fees
• System Development Charges
Most cities do not charge for stormwater services on their utility bill. Those cities that do are most likely to have a
population greater than 3,750 population or be located in the Metro, Southern Oregon, and Willamette Valley regions.
This reflects federal requirements for certain municipalities (based on population) to obtain a Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) permit. Phase 1 permits are required by the EPA for designated areas with a population greater than
100,000, and Phase II permits are required for those with a population less than 100,000 but located within a Census
Bureau designated "urbanized area."
35
18
14
12
10
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Shutoff New Account Other Tampering Backflow
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 9
Figure 5: Is Stormwater Included in the Utility Bill?
Drinking Water Rates and Methods
Seventy-eight percent of respondent cities charge for drinking water services. On average, 2022 was the last year that
water rates were changed. This indicates that rate changes occur nearly annually. as the 2021 survey found average
changes in 2020. Nearly all regions and populations had made such adjustments in the last three years. Cities with a
population less than 3,750 had lower median year alterations of 2020 and 2022, respectively. Among the 70 cities that
responded to this question, all noted that the water rate adjustment was an increase. The amount of increase varied
dramatically. On average, the increase was 10.7%, which is significantly higher than the 6% increase in 2021.
While many cities noted increases of less than 3%, 10 cities noted double digit increases. Nehalem had the highest rate
increase of 58%. The LOC asked cities to describe the reason for these increases. Seventy-one percent of cities listed
"inflation” as the reason for the increase in rates. Note that despite inflation being the primary reason for rate increases,
many of these cities did not raise their rates to a level that would keep pace with inflation.
The Rate % Increase for
Water Services
Quintile
1st Quintile
16.5%
2nd Quintile
14.8%
3rd Quintile
7.9%
4th Quintile
5.8%
5th Quintile
9.8%
TOTAL
10.7%
Region
N. Coast
20.0%
Metro
13.6%
N. Willamette
6.1%
S. Willamette
5.7%
C. Coast
4.4%
S. Coast
9.0%
S. Oregon
9.7%
Gorge
3.0%
C. Oregon
NA
SC Oregon
8.2%
NE Oregon
4.2%
E. Oregon
29.3%
TOTAL
10.7%
Table 3: Rate Service Increases by Population and Region
Yes
41%
No
59%
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 10
Among the cities that responded, most utilize a drinking water rate structure that includes a base or flat rate (based on a
certain quantity threshold of water use), with an additional rate based on additional water use beyond that threshold
amount. This rate structure is commonly referred to as an inclining block rate structure. The LOC provided a hypothetical
water service scenario in which a residential customer was billed for 5,000 gallons (6.684 CCFs) with a 3/4'' meter size.
Cities were asked to provide calculated amounts that would be charged based on their methods and rate. As water rates
can vary based on quantity of water consumed and the meter size, this exercise was intended to provide for a more
consistent mechanism to compare water rates. Table 6 shows the average across all cities at $52.81, an increase from the
average in 2019 of $41.23 and from $44.17 in 2021. This means water rates charged on the same hypothetical water use
increased by 28% in the last four years. Much of this dramatic increase appears to be in cities with a population less than
3,275.
For water services, what dollar amount would you bill them?
Quintile
1st Quintile
$ 59.16
2nd Quintile
$ 52.64
3rd Quintile
$ 71.82
4th Quintile
$ 50.20
5th Quintile
$ 39.19
TOTAL
$ 52.81
Region
N. Coast
$ 45.47
Metro
$ 42.82
N. Willamette
$ 53.53
S. Willamette
$ 62.03
C. Coast
$ 56.43
S. Coast
$ 48.50
S. Oregon
$ 74.58
Gorge
$ 37.75
C. Oregon
NA
SC Oregon
$ 23.96
NE Oregon
$ 44.83
E. Oregon
$ 55.67
TOTAL
$ 52.81
Table 4: For water services, what dollar amount would you bill them, including the base rate?
Wastewater Rates and Methods
Eighty-two percent of cities charge for wastewater services, consistent with the 2021 survey. This is more common in
cities with a population of more than 1,250, as well as cities in the South Willamette region. It can be assumed that
populations residing within cities that do not provide public/municipal wastewater service either depend on residential
septic systems or are served by another municipality, such as a county or special service district.
On average, 2022 was the last year that wastewater rates were changed. Nearly all regions and populations had adjusted
wastewater rates in the last five years. This indicates that drinking water rates may change far more frequently than
wastewater rates. As was true for drinking water, all respondents noted an increase in wastewater rates. On average, the
increase was 9.6%, a significant increase from the 6.6% increase found in 2021.
While many cities noted increases of less than 3%, many reported much higher increases. Six cities noted double digit
increases. The LOC asked cities to describe the reason for these increases. Again, most increases are due to CPI and
inflation adjustments. Five cities listed state and federal mandates as reasons for rate increases.
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 11
Among the cities that responded, most charge for wastewater based on a base or flat rate with an additional rate for
amount consumed afterward. The LOC provided a hypothetical water service scenario in which a residential customer was
billed for 5,000 gallons (6.684 CCFs) with a 3/4'' meter size, the same scenario as requested for drinking water. Table 6
shows the average across all cities at $68.87, which is nearly a $14 average increase from the 2021 answer ($55.15). This
is a 34.7% increase since 2021 (average in 2021 was $51.14).
For wastewater services, what dollar amount would you bill them?
Quintile
1st Quintile
$37.00
2nd Quintile
$64.62
3rd Quintile
$107.11
4th Quintile
$67.30
5th Quintile
$55.29
TOTAL
$68.87
Region
N. Coast
$67.85
Metro
$60.75
N. Willamette
$72.52
S. Willamette
$76.46
C. Coast
$75.52
S. Coast
$52.50
S. Oregon
$103.17
Gorge
$56.34
C. Oregon
$41.28
SC Oregon
$64.50
NE Oregon
$51.27
E. Oregon
$44.33
TOTAL
$68.87
Table 6: For wastewater services, what dollar amount would you bill them, including the base rate?
The Rate % Increase for
Wastewater Services
Quintile
1st Quintile
16.5%
2nd Quintile
18.5%
3rd Quintile
10.0%
4th Quintile
4.2%
5th Quintile
8.1%
TOTAL
9.6%
Region
N. Coast
6.2%
Metro
11.5%
N. Willamette
9.8%
S. Willamette
7.1%
C. Coast
4.4%
S. Coast
8.6%
S. Oregon
14.4%
Gorge
5.0%
C. Oregon
4.8%
SC Oregon
8.2%
NE Oregon
9.6%
E. Oregon
16.5%
TOTAL
9.6%
Table 5: Wastewater Rate Service Increases by Population and Region
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 12
Stormwater Rates and Methods
Forty-one percent of cities charge for stormwater services, nearly identical to the 39 and 40% captured in the previous two
surveys. These services are present almost exclusively in cities with a population greater than 3,250 and those in the
Metro, and Valley regions. Again, this likely reflects those cities that are required by the EPA to have a Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System permit (commonly known as a MS4 permit).
Figure 6: Does your City Charge for Stormwater Services?
Again, 2022 was the last year on average in which stormwater rates were changed. Nearly all regions and populations had
made such adjustments in the last five years. All respondent cities noted that this adjustment was an increase. On average,
the increase was 31% compared to the 2019 average of 13.6% and a 2021 average of 10.2%. This change was most
significant in cities in the North Willamette and Southern Oregon regions, which saw an average increase of 53% and
54% respectively. However, this is likely skewed by three cities (Turner, Riddle, and Dundee) that reported 100%
increases in their stormwater rates.
The Rate % Increase for
Stormwater Services
Quintile
1st Quintile
NA
2nd Quintile
100.0%
3rd Quintile
100.0%
4th Quintile
16.3%
5th Quintile
14.7%
TOTAL
31.0%
Region
N. Coast
16.7%
Metro
19.9%
N. Willamette
53.0%
S. Willamette
17.0%
C. Coast
5.8%
S. Coast
NA
S. Oregon
54.0%
Gorge
3.0%
C. Oregon
1.0%
SC Oregon
NA
NE Oregon
NA
E. Oregon
NA
TOTAL
31.0%
Table 7: Stormwater Rate Service Increases by Population and Region
Yes
41%
No
59%
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 13
Most respondent cities charge for stormwater as a separate utility fee on a dollar per month basis. Table 8 shows the
average across all cities at $8.61, which is $0.33 higher than the previous survey’s figure of $8.28.
For Stormwater services, what dollar
amount would you bill them?
Quintile
1st Quintile
$5.00
2nd Quintile
$2.88
3rd Quintile
$4.75
4th Quintile
$6.24
5th Quintile
$13.24
TOTAL
$8.61
Region
N. Coast
$10.90
Metro
$11.32
N. Willamette
$9.29
S. Willamette
$7.19
C. Coast
$7.59
S. Coast
NA
S. Oregon
$3.39
Gorge
$9.38
C. Oregon
$8.51
SC Oregon
NA
NE Oregon
NA
E. Oregon
NA
TOTAL
$8.61
Table 8: For stormwater services, what dollar amount would you bill them on a per month basis?
Service Population, Consumption, and Infrastructure
Cities provide water services to residents but may also provide service to individuals outside city limits. The average
service population for respondent cities was proportional to the size of each city. While this is no shock, the more
interesting insight is the proportion of customers receiving drinking water services outside of city limits. On average, the
number of serviced residential accounts with drinking water outside of city limits was 31% of the number of accounts
inside the city proper. Still, the proportion of accounts outside of city limits increases as city population increases. This
may be a reflection of urbanization and population growth occurring within urban growth boundaries.
In terms of gallons, city residents (and outside city limits customers) consumed an average of 882 million gallons of
drinking water in 2023, which is a significant increase from the average from respondents in 2021. This increase is
potentially due to two factors. First, several large cities responding to this survey (Salem in particular) consume a truly
massive volume of water annually. Secondly, there may have been confusion from cities in the past about whether this
question is asking for average per household or average per year citywide. Table 9 shows that several regions are more
likely to consume more water. Water consumption can be impacted by several factors, including water conservation
efforts and plans, or aging infrastructure that may be subject to increased leakage.
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 14
Table 9: Average Annual Residential Consumption (Gallons)
This high demand and high consumption translate into an increased need for water infrastructure. The table below shows
the average number of pumps and lift stations, zones and water levels, and the total miles of water pipe (not including
laterals). Comparing regions is far less useful in this case as regional geographic differences influence city water
infrastructure. However, there is an obvious trend in the water infrastructure by population. Each column in Table 10
shows that as a city grows, even with regional variation, infrastructure expands and becomes more complex.
City Infrastructure Averages
Drinking Water Pumps and Lift
Stations
Zones and
Levels
Total Miles of Water
Pipes
Total Miles of Sewer
Lines
Quintile
1st Quintile
1.7
2.0
4.8
NA
2nd Quintile
2.3
1.3
8.4
6.6
3rd Quintile
10.0
2.0
13.0
8.3
4th Quintile
4.2
2.3
46.3
38.7
5th Quintile
14.4
8.0
213.0
246.9
TOTAL
7.5
4.1
97.1
95.2
Region
N. Coast
3.8
2.4
52.4
58.5
Metro
18.0
9.7
122.4
122.6
N. Willamette
8.1
5.3
140.6
189.6
S. Willamette
5.3
1.3
70.2
54.1
C. Coast
4.5
3.0
50.5
47.2
S. Coast
NA
NA
NA
NA
S. Oregon
13.0
5.0
188.0
102.5
Gorge
0
5.0
83.0
60.0
C. Oregon
NA
NA
NA
157.0
SC Oregon
NA
NA
NA
NA
NE Oregon
7.0
1.0
3.7
31.1
E. Oregon
NA
NA
NA
NA
TOTAL
7.5
4.1
97.1
95.2
Table 10: Averages for City Water Infrastructure
What is the annual average water
consumption for residential customers
(in gallons)?
Quintile
1st Quintile
17,398,014
2nd Quintile
68,445,360
3rd Quintile
169,793,493
4th Quintile
136,866,815
5th Quintile
4,554,671,576
TOTAL
882,748,596
Region
N. Coast
171,314,933
Metro
273,814,076
N. Willamette
2,056,783,709
S. Willamette
791,423,286
C. Coast
32,441,576
S. Coast
NA
S. Oregon
NA
Gorge
41,890,000
C. Oregon
NA
SC Oregon
NA
NE Oregon
87,553,333
E. Oregon
NA
TOTAL
882,748,596
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 15
On average, the last major update for city drinking water systems was in 2011. Most responding cities were within 10
years of this average. Despite recent updates, additional expansion may be needed for many cities. Respondent cities
noted daily production would exceed the design of their water systems by 2040, which is consistent with the 2019 average
of 2038. Wastewater systems, on average, are due to reach design capacity by 2033, which is significantly less time than
the average forecast of 2038 from the 2021 survey. This is most likely to occur sooner in cities with a population less than
10,600. North Coast and North Willamette and Central Oregon regions will exceed capacity first (average 2023, 2029, and
2028, respectively).
Water Conservation, Management, and Reclamation
Eighty-six percent of cities have a water management and conservation plan (WMCP), which is an increase from 71% in
2019 and 83% in 2021. These plans can be adopted voluntarily but are often a required condition associated with state-
issued water right permits. Cities with a WMCP tend to have a population greater than 3,250 and be in the Metro and
Valley regions. Eighty-nine percent of respondents measure their water loss. This is also more likely to occur in the above
stated quintiles and regions.
Figure 7: Does your city have an approved water conservation and management plan?
Forty-two percent of cities utilize or provide reclaimed water for irrigation on public or private property, which is
consistent with results in previous surveys. This is most likely to occur in cities with a population greater than 1,350 as
well as in the Metro, Willamette Valley, Central, Gorge, and Northeastern Oregon regions. On average, 22.9% of
reclaimed water is reused and applied to these properties, which is also a decrease from 2021. Many cities with such a
program noted that most of their water was reclaimed for city use. Farmlands and golf courses were the most common
property for which the water was reused.
Fewer cities apply biosolids to public or private property. Twenty-nine percent have such a program for biosolids, and
these cities are more likely to have a population greater than 10,600. Cities on average landfill 78.4% of biosolids.
Yes
86%
No
14%
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 16
Figure 8: Does your city apply biosolids to public/ private property?
Yes
29%
No
71%
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 17
Appendix A: Invitation to Participate
The League needs your help – please complete this survey by Friday, October 15.
For over two decades, the LOC has sent members a water-rate survey every two years. This information is
gathered and framed into a report that has been helpful to municipalities across Oregon. The data that is
collected provides an excellent source of detail to better understand city drinking water and wastewater
city rates.
Please take time to fill out the survey. It will be useful to you and other cities across Oregon. The target date
for completion is this Friday at 5PM.
NOTE: Please submit all answers using the online form. Please use the attached PDF only for information and
guidance.
Survey Link Below:
https://orcities.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4HkpU6iFjzCU4nQ
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the survey at research@orcities.org or
503-588-6550.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to fill out this important survey.
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 18
Appendix B: Survey Instrument
Water Rates Survey 2023
Q1 Water Rates Survey 2023
Note: Unless otherwise stated, the following questions pertain to residential (non-commercial) water, wastewater, and
stormwater rates.
Q2 Respondent Information:
City Name: (1) __________________________________________________
Your Name: (2) __________________________________________________
Your Job Title: (3) __________________________________________________
Your Email Address: (4) __________________________________________________
Your Phone Number: (5) __________________________________________________
Q3 UTILITY BILLING
This section asks questions about city billing including rates and methods. All questions relate to residential utility billing.
Q4 How often are bills issued?
Monthly (1)
Bi-Monthly (2)
Quarterly (3)
Other (Please Specify) (4) __________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 19
Q5 What methods of payment are accepted? (Check all that apply)
▢ Cash (1)
▢ Check (2)
▢ Credit/Debit (3)
▢ Money Order (4)
▢ Direct Deposit (5)
▢ e-check (6)
Q6 Do you provide paperless billing?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Q7 What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply)
▢ Late Fee (1)
▢ Late Fee and Interest (2)
▢ Disconnect Water Service (3)
▢ Collections (4)
▢ Lien on Property (5)
▢ Other (Please Specify) (6) __________________________________________________
Display This Question:
If What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply) = Late Fee
Or What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply) = Late Fee and Interest
Q8 What is the late fee rate?
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 20
Display This Question:
If What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply) = Late Fee and Interest
Q9 What is the interest rate?
________________________________________________________________
Display This Question:
If What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply) = Late Fee
Q10 How many days past due date are allowed before the late fee is assessed?
________________________________________________________________
Display This Question:
If What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply) = Late Fee and Interest
Q11 What is the penalties amount and interest rate?
Penalties Amount (1) __________________________________________________
Interest Rate (2) __________________________________________________
Display This Question:
If What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply) = Disconnect Water
Service
Q12 How many days after due date before you disconnect water service?
________________________________________________________________
Display This Question:
If What methods of enforcement are used for late or nonpayments? (Check all that Apply) = Collections
Q13 What dollar amount or number of days late triggers collections?
Dollar Amount (1) __________________________________________________
Days (2) __________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 21
Q14 Does the city provide waivers, discounts or reductions to certain utility customers?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Display This Question:
If Does the city provide waivers, discounts or reductions to certain utility customers? = Yes
Q15 Please describe these waivers, discounts and reductions:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q16 Does your city provide credit or make any billing adjustments for leaks or billing errors?
Yes, water leaks (1)
Yes, billing errors (2)
Yes, both (3)
No (4)
Display This Question:
If Does your city provide credit or make any billing adjustments for leaks or billing errors? = Yes, water leaks
Or Does your city provide credit or make any billing adjustments for leaks or billing errors? = Yes, both
Q17 For what services are adjustments made for customer water leaks
▢ Water (1)
▢ Wastewater (2)
Q18 If a leak is detected, how far back does the city make adjustments to the water bill?
Days (1) __________________________________________________
Other Comments (2) __________________________________________________
Display This Question:
If For what services are adjustments made for customer water leaks = Wastewater
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 22
Q19 Please describe what you do for wastewater adjustments.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q20 Please email copies of your city Water/Wastewater Shutoff Policy and the city Water Rate Schedule to
research@orcities.org.
Q21 RATES & CHARGES
This section asks questions about debt services, asset management, and types of rates charged for water, wastewater, and
stormwater.
Q22 What percentage of rate revenue is obligated to debt services for the following systems?
Rate Revenue
Not Applicable
% (1)
N/A (1)
Water (1)
▢
Wastewater (2)
▢
Stormwater (3)
▢
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 23
Q23 Does your city maintain an asset management system for the following services?
Yes (1)
No (2)
N/A (3)
Water (1)
Wastewater (2)
Stormwater (3)
Q24 What was the last year you did a Rate Study for the following services?
Water (1) __________________________________________________
Wastewater (2) __________________________________________________
Stormwater (3) __________________________________________________
Q25 What was the last year you did a Methodology Update for the following services?
Water (1) __________________________________________________
Wastewater (2) __________________________________________________
Stormwater (3) __________________________________________________
Q26 Does your city require accounts to be in the name of the property owner?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Q27 How does your city handle billing for vacant properties?
Close accounts with no charges until opened by next occupant (1)
Our city does not handle billing for vacant properties (5)
Charge a vacant rate upon request of the owner. (Please Explain) (2)
__________________________________________________
Other (Please Specify) (4) __________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 24
Q28 What other account fees or charges are included on the utility bill? (Check all that apply)
▢ Backflow (1)
▢ New Account (2)
▢ Shutoff (3)
▢ Tampering (4)
▢ None (5)
▢ Other (Please Specify) (6) __________________________________________________
Q29 Is stormwater included in the utility bill?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Unsure (3)
Q30 What general government fees are included on the utility bill? (Check all that apply)
▢ Streets & Streetlights (1)
▢ Parks & Recreation (2)
▢ Police (3)
▢ Fire (7)
▢ Library (4)
▢ Surface Water Management (8)
▢ Other (Please Specify) (6) __________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 25
Q31 Does city ordinance have an automatic CPI/Income adjustment for the following services?
Yes (1)
No (2)
N/A (3)
Water (4)
Wastewater (5)
Stormwater (6)
Q32 Does your city charge for drinking water service?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Skip To: End of Block If Does your city charge for drinking water service? = No
Q33 What was the last effective date of your city's most recent rate change for water services? (Please respond with the
year only)
________________________________________________________________
Q34 Overall, did the rate increase or decrease at the most recent rate change? Please also include the percent (%) change.
Increase (% Increase) (1) __________________________________________________
Decrease (% Decrease) (2) __________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 26
Q35 Why did the city change water rates? (Check all that apply)
▢ State/ Federal Mandate (1)
▢ Inflation/ CPI (2)
▢ Treatment Costs (3)
▢ Labor Costs (4)
▢ Capital Improvement (5)
▢ Unknown (6)
▢ Other (Please Specify) (7) __________________________________________________
Q36 What is the rate structure for your city's water service?
Flat Rate (Monthly Lump Sum) (1)
Uniform Rate (Monthly Rate based on Number of Gallons Used) (5)
Inclining Block Rate (2)
Flat + Inclining Rate (6)
Declining Block Rate (3)
Flat + Declining Rate (7)
Other (Please Specify) (4) __________________________________________________
Q37 For water services, if you were to bill a residential customer for 5,000 gallons (6.684 CCFs) with a 3/4'' meter size,
what dollar amount would you bill them, including the base rate?
________________________________________________________________
Q38 Does your city charge for wastewater service?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Skip To: End of Block If Does your city charge for wastewater service? = No
Q39 What was the last effective date of your city's most recent rate change for wastewater services? (Please respond with
the year only)
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 27
Q40 Overall, did the rate increase or decrease at the most recent rate change? Please include percent (%) change.
Increase (% Increase) (1) __________________________________________________
Decrease (% Decrease) (2) __________________________________________________
Q41 Why did the city change wastewater rates? (Check all that apply)
▢ State/ Federal Mandate (1)
▢ Inflation/ CPI (2)
▢ Treatment Costs (3)
▢ Labor Costs (4)
▢ Capital Improvement (5)
▢ Unknown (6)
▢ Other (Please Specify) (7) __________________________________________________
Q42 What is the rate structure for your city's wastewater service?
Flat Rate (1)
Winter average water consumption used in summer months (2)
Winter average water consumption used all year (3)
Other (Please Specify) (4) __________________________________________________
Q43 For wastewater services, if you were to bill a residential customer for 5,000 gallons (6.684 CCFs) with a 3/4'' meter
size, what dollar amount would you bill them, including the base rate?
________________________________________________________________
Q44 Does your city charge for stormwater service?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Skip To: End of Block If Does your city charge for stormwater service? = No
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 28
Q45 What was the last effective date of your city's most recent rate change for stormwater services? (Please respond with
the year only)
________________________________________________________________
Q46 Overall, did the rate increase or decrease at the most recent rate change? Please include the percent (%) change.
Increase (% Increase) (1) __________________________________________________
Decrease (% Decrease) (2) __________________________________________________
Q47 Is your city subject to an MS4 Phase I or Phase II (DEQ Issued Stormwater) Permit?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Unsure (3)
Q48 Why did the city change stormwater rates? (Check all that apply)
▢ State/ Federal Mandate (1)
▢ Inflation/ CPI (2)
▢ Treatment Costs (3)
▢ Labor Costs (4)
▢ Capital Improvement (5)
▢ Unknown (6)
▢ Other (Please Specify) (7) __________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 29
Q49 What is the rate structure for your city's stormwater service?
Stormwater fees are included in wastewater rates (1)
Stormwater fees are a separate utility fee (2)
Stormwater fees are paid to a joint district within the county (3)
Other (Please Specify) (5) __________________________________________________
Q50 Does your city offer stormwater fee reductions or credits for onsite stormwater management?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Display This Question:
If Does your city offer stormwater fee reductions or credits for onsite stormwater management? = Yes
Q51 Please describe the reduction or credit (including the amount for onsite stormwater management)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q52 What does the average house pay for stormwater services (dollars per month)?
________________________________________________________________
Q53 DRINKING WATER SERVICES
This section asks questions about water services characteristics such as connections, facilities, water sources, system age
and condition, conservation, water loss, and metering.
Q54 Does your city provide drinking water services?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Skip To: End of Block If Does your city provide drinking water services? = No
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 30
Q55 What is the service population in 2022?
Inside City Limits (1)
Outside City Limits (2)
Service Population (Permanent
Residents) (1)
Service Population (Including Peak
Seasonal) (2)
Q56 Please list the number of connections for the following:
Inside City Limits (1)
Outside City Limits (2)
Residential (1)
Commercial (2)
Other (3)
Q57 What is the annual average water consumption for residential customers (in gallons)?
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 31
Q58 Please provide the following facility and water source information:
Total miles of water lines (all sizes), not including service laterals (1)
__________________________________________________
Total number of pumps and lift stations in your city (2)
__________________________________________________
How many levels or zones based on elevation do you have? (3)
__________________________________________________
How far away is the water source from the city (miles)? (4)
__________________________________________________
Q59 Please provide the following system age and capacity information:
Year of original system construction completion (1)
__________________________________________________
Year of last major update (2) __________________________________________________
What is the capacity of your water source? (3) __________________________________________________
What is the design capacity of your water plant(s) (MGD)? (4)
__________________________________________________
What was the average daily production in 2022 (MG)? (5)
__________________________________________________
How much of your daily average production is sold (not including city use)? (6)
__________________________________________________
What was the peak flow of water treated in a 24-hour period in 2022? (7)
__________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 32
Q60 Please list the amount of raw and treated water storage you have for the different types of applicable storage:
Raw Water Storage (MG) (1)
Treated Water Storage (MG) (2)
Closed Tanks (1)
Covered Urban Reservoirs (2)
ASR Reservoir (3)
Other (Please Specify) (4)
Q61 In what year will your daily production exceed design capacity?
________________________________________________________________
Q62 Does your city have an approved water conservation and management plan?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Q63 Do you measure water loss?
Yes (1)
No (2)
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 33
Q64 What method is used to determine water loss in the system?
IWA/AWWA water loss methodology (2)
Comparison of productions meters and customer metered volumes (3)
Other (Please Specify) (4) __________________________________________________
Unsure (5)
Q65 What percentage of the system does each type of meter represent?
Radio (%) (1) __________________________________________________
Touch (%) (2) __________________________________________________
Manual Read (%) (3) __________________________________________________
Q66 Do you have any additional comments on water services?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q67 WASTEWATER SERVICES
This section asks questions about water services characteristics such as connections, facilities, treatment, system age and
condition, and city wastewater programs.
Q68 Does your city provide wastewater services?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Skip To: End of Block If Does your city provide wastewater services? = No
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 34
Q69 What is the service population in 2020?
Inside City Limits (1)
Outside City Limits (2)
Service Population (Permanent
Residents) (1)
Service Population (Including Peak
Seasonal) (2)
Q70 Please list the number of connections for the following:
Inside City Limits (1)
Outside City Limits (2)
Residential (1)
Commercial (2)
Other (3)
Q71 What is the annual average wastewater base (volume) for a residential customer (x1000 gal. or 1.337 CCFs)?
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 35
Q72 Please provide the following facility, lines, and treatment information:
Total miles of sewer lines (all sizes), not including service laterals (1)
__________________________________________________
Total number of pumps and lift stations in your city (2)
__________________________________________________
Total number of treatment plants (3) __________________________________________________
What percent of city wastewater lines also serve stormwater (i.e. combined sewer)? (4)
__________________________________________________
Q73 What level of wastewater treatment is provided to city wastewater (Check all that apply)?
▢ Primary (1)
▢ Secondary (2)
▢ Advanced Treatment/ Tertiary (3)
▢ Nitrogen Removal (4)
▢ Phosphorous Removal (5)
▢ Other (Please Specify) (6) __________________________________________________
Q74 Please provide the following system age and capacity information:
Year of original plant construction completion (1) __________________________________________________
Year of last major plant update (2) __________________________________________________
What is the design capacity of your treatment plant(s) in dry weather (MGD)? (3)
__________________________________________________
What is the design capacity of your treatment plant(s) in peak wet weather (MGD)? (4)
__________________________________________________
What is the total amount of wastewater treated in 2022 (MG)? (5)
__________________________________________________
What was the peak wet weather flow in 2022 (MGD)? (6)
__________________________________________________
What was the peak dry weather flow in 2022 (MGD)? (7)
__________________________________________________
Q75 At what percent (%) capacity is the entire wastewater system operating?
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 36
Q76 In what year will the wastewater system be at maximum capacity?
________________________________________________________________
Q77 In what year will your daily production exceed design capacity?
________________________________________________________________
Q78 Does your city administer an industrial wastewater pre-treatment program?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Q79 Does your city apply or provide reclaimed water to public/private property?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Q80 What percentage (%) of total reclaimed water is reused/applied?
________________________________________________________________
Display This Question:
If Does your city apply or provide reclaimed water to public/private property? = Yes
Q81 Where does this reuse and application occur (i.e. city park, private golf course, industrial cooling tower, etc.)?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 37
Q82 Does your city apply biosolids to public/ private property?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Display This Question:
If Does your city apply biosolids to public/ private property? = Yes
Q83 Where does this biosolid application occur (i.e. city park, private golf course, etc.)?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q84 Does your city landfill biosolids?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Display This Question:
If Does your city landfill biosolids? = Yes
Q85 What percentage (%) of biosolids are landfilled?
________________________________________________________________
Q86 Do you have any additional comments on wastewater services?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q87 STORMWATER SERVICES
This section asks questions about water services characteristics such as number of customers, piped system, open channel,
etc.
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 38
Q88 Does your city provide stormwater services?
Yes (1)
No (2)
Skip To: End of Block If Does your city provide stormwater services? = No
Q89 Please list the number of accounts for the following:
Inside City Limits (1)
Outside City Limits (2)
Residential (1)
Commercial (2)
Other (3)
Q90 Please provide the following facility and water source information:
Total miles of piped system (1) __________________________________________________
Total miles of open channels, ditches, and swales (2)
__________________________________________________
Q91 What is the average Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) for residential in square feet?
________________________________________________________________
Q92 Do you have any additional comments on stormwater services?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 39
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q93
Thank You for participating in this survey.
Do you have any additional comments on any topic in this survey?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 40
Appendix C: Map of LOC Regions
2023 Water Rates Survey Report 41
Appendix D: Population Quintile and Regional Breakdowns
# Ci ti es % Cities
1st Quintile <500 48 19.8%
2nd Quintile 501-1350 48 19.8%
3rd Quintile 1351-3275 48 19.8%
4th Quintile 3276-10650 48 19.8%
5th Quintile >10650 49 20.2%
Small Cities <5000 161 66.5%
Top 5 % >45000 12 5.0%
Regi on 1 Regi on 2 Regi on 3 Regi on 4 Regi on 5 Regi on 6 Regi on 7 Regi on 8 Regi on 9 Regi on 10 Regi on 11 Regi on 12
N. Coast Metro N. Willamette S. Willamette C. Coast S. Coas t S. Oregon Gorge C. Oregon SC Oregon NE Oregon E. Oregon TOTALS
1st Quintile 3 1 4 3 0 0 2 9 3 2 8 13 48
2nd Quintile 2 4 5 7 2 2 5 3 1 3 10 4 48
3rd Quintile 8 2 9 4 3 3 6 1 2 1 5 4 48
4th Quintile 5 5 10 6 3 5 6 1 2 0 3 2 48
5th Quintile 1 19 7 6 1 1 5 1 3 1 3 1 49
TOTALS 19 31 35 26 9 11 24 15 11 7 29 24 241
8% 13% 15% 11% 4% 5% 10% 6% 5% 3% 12% 10% 100%
Quintile Ranges
