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Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Study

About the Project

Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) has commenced a Water and Wastewater Utility Cost of Service and Rate Design Study. The study will help ensure that sufficient revenues are recovered through our rates and that our rate and fee structures are aligned with the County’s financial objectives and the community’s values.

It is industry best practice to conduct this type of evaluation every three to five years. DES’ most recent cost of service and rate design study was conducted from 2003 – 2004. At that time, the current rate structure (charging based on water consumption) was reaffirmed and a rate model was established to calculate the annual revenue necessary to fund operation, maintenance, and capital infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement for the utilities, while adhering to financial policies. Stormwater is not within the scope of this study.

 

Project Approach and Scope

The study objectives are:

  • Financial Plan
    o Develop forecast of revenues and revenue requirements
    o Assess level of future increases
    o Build a financial planning model
  • Cost of Service & Rate Design
    o Analysis to allocate costs to provide service to various categories and customer classes
    o Evaluate the effectiveness of existing rate structure
    o Develop rate structure options that meet pricing objectives
    o Recommend defensible rates and rate structure to support the utilities

Public Engagement

The County will engage with utility customers from a broad and representative range of backgrounds and interests via online feedback forms, pop-ups and public forums.
In addition, a Rate Study Community Advisory Group (RSCAG), comprised of community members and businesses, has been formed to represent various segments of the County’s water and sewer utility customer base. Members of the RSCAG are encouraged to offer feedback on the Study, as it progresses.


 

 

About Arlington County Water and Wastewater Utilities

• Arlington County provides retail water and wastewater services to approximately 37,600 accounts and maintains several inter-jurisdictional agreements providing wholesale services to neighboring communities.
• The Utilities Fund was created as a self-sustaining, fee-based enterprise fund to support and maintain development of the County’s water and wastewater system infrastructure.

• Where does your water come from?
• How is wastewater treated?

Project Documents

• RSCAG Charter
• Fact Sheet

RSCAG Meeting Materials
Meeting No. 2 – November 14, 2019
  • Presentation
  • Meeting Minutes
Meeting No. 1 – October 21, 2019
  • Presentation
  • Meeting Minutes

 

Contacts

Project Manager

Krista Abele
703-228-3601

Media Inquiries

Jessica Baxter
703-228-3152

Public Engagement

Lisa Wilson 
703-228-6486

Rate Study Community Advisory Group

Subscribe to Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Study Updates

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