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.
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