Farmington Hills water and sewer customers are being billed under a new structure that took effect July 1, with household costs depending on water use.

The city eliminated its minimum bill and introduced fixed “ready-to-serve” charges alongside usage charges, according to the city’s rate page.

Residential customers with a 5/8-inch meter pay $9.67 per quarterly billing cycle for water and $6.63 for sewer before usage charges. Water costs $6.48 per 100 cubic feet, while sewer costs $6.71 per 100 cubic feet of metered water use.

Customers who previously used fewer than 16 units per cycle may see lower bills under the new structure, while those using more may pay more, according to a city announcement. Each unit equals 100 cubic feet.

What is driving costs

At a May 11 City Council study session, officials identified capital improvements and reserve funding as major sources of cost pressure. Other factors included declining water use, operating expenses, charges from regional water and sewer agencies, and debt payments.

Officials explained that many system expenses remain fixed even when customers use less water, increasing the cost per unit.

The discussion included costs associated with the Great Lakes Water Authority, the Evergreen-Farmington Sanitary Drain Drainage District and mandated infrastructure work.

Council members expressed concern about residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, whose incomes are not keeping pace with utility costs. Council Member Bridges requested that the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office advocate for broader income eligibility for assistance programs.

Ways to reduce water use

Farmington Hills Public Services Director Jacob Rushlow recommended checking for leaks and changing everyday habits in an interview with C&G Newspapers.

Residents can turn off the tap while brushing their teeth or washing dishes and aim sprinklers at grass rather than pavement.

“One running toilet can literally waste up to 100 gallons of water a day,” Rushlow told C&G.

He also recommended fixtures carrying the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label, which he said use about 20% less water than standard fixtures, and faucet aerators to reduce consumption.

Rushlow advised watering lawns every other day between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The city’s conservation guidance lists a narrower window of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to reduce evaporation.

The city also recommends repairing leaking faucets and toilets and running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

Help with bills

Eligible households can seek help through the Great Lakes Water Authority’s Water Residential Assistance Program, or WRAP. The program offers assistance with water and sewer bills, past-due balances and certain plumbing repairs.

Oakland County residents can contact United Way for Southeastern Michigan at 248-983-5656 or use the online assistance application.

Questions about Farmington Hills bills can be directed to Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Billing Services at 248-858-1110. The city’s Department of Public Services can be reached at 248-871-2530.