What is conservation pricing?

Conservation pricing is used to encourage water conservation to help sustain an adequate water supply for future generations. Gainesville uses a conservation rate structure that residential customers are billed according to four tiers. The four tiers are defined as follows: 

  • Lifeline 0-2,000 gallons
  • 1          2,001 - 5,000 gallons
  • 2          5,001 - 8,000 gallons
  • 3          >8,000 gallons  

Also under tiered rate structure, commercial and multifamily class customers are billed based on a percentage of winter average usage (winter average usually runs from November to April but varies by billing cycle). Commercial and multifamily class customer tiers include: 

  • Tier 1 = Less than 125% of winter average, 
  • Tier 2 =  Greater than 125% to 180% of winter average 
  • Tier 3 = Greater than 180% of winter average

General industry customers are billed at the lowest rate for all consumption under this new structure. As of January 2010, irrigation meters are being billed at Block 3 for all consumption in compliance with the MNGWPD’s Water Supply and Water Conservation Plan.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Lifeline Rate?
2. How do I apply for service?
3. How do I transfer service?
4. When will my water be turned on?
5. Is there a connection/disconnection fee?
6. Do I have to pay a deposit?
7. Can I get my deposit back?
8. What are the current water and sewer rates?
9. How do I close my account?
10. When can the water be turned off?
11. How many days do I have to pay my bill before I receive a late fee?
12. Can my billing cycle be changed to coincide with the day I get paid?
13. What is the Account Service Fee on my bill?
14. What forms of payments do you accept?
15. Is there a fee for making my payment by credit card?
16. Can I make an online payment?
17. Can I view my account online?
18. Can I have a copy of my account history?
19. Where do I send my payment?
20. Who do I make the check payable to?
21. My payment is past due. Can I leave it in the drop box?
22. What are your office hours?
23. If my service is disconnected for nonpayment, why do I have to pay an extra deposit if I already have one?
24. What is a CCF?
25. How many gallons are in a CCF?
26. How can I locate my meter?
27. Why is my bill high?
28. How can I alter/change the name on my account?
29. Do you offer landlord agreements?
30. Who do I contact if I want to purchase a new water meter?
31. Who do I contact for information on backflows?
32. What are the current outdoor watering restrictions?
33. Who do I contact if I have questions about the Oakwood Debt Service on my water bill?
34. Who do I contact if I have questions about the Braselton Rates on my water bill?
35. Who do I contact if I have questions about the Flowery Branch Sewer Rates on my water bill?
36. Who do I contact if I have questions about the Hall County Sewer Rates on my water bill?
37. Does Gainesville have the same problems with lead as Flint Michigan?
38. What is conservation pricing?
39. How can I plan ahead for the cost of my monthly residential water/wastewater bill?
40. Can you explain the proper way to read a water bill?