Direct Debit Payment Option
In 2005 the District implemented “Direct Debit” as an alternative way to pay water and/or sewer service charges, in addition to the current choices of cash and check.
This option draws the “TOTAL AMOUNT DUE” on the specified “PAST DUE DATE” as indicated on your current billing statement. The bill amount ($) is drawn from the verified account which has been set up by the account holder specified on the authorization form. To sign up, download the Direct Debit Payment Form, print the form and fill in the required information. Return the signed original to the district’s administration office. If you have questions please call Tricia Poitevint at (509) 922-5443 ext. 221.
Direct Debit Monthly Payment Option
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BILLED ON A MONTHLY BASIS FOR YOUR REGULAR CHARGES?
It’s GREEN (saves paper because no bills are sent), it is easy to budget, and safe. You can determine the charges (see below) so you will know each month how much to set aside/reserve. The regular charge for each month is based on the number of days in the month. Your payment will be debited from your bank account on the last day of the month (or the next business day after if it falls on a weekend). This monthly billing is only available to those who make their payment method “Direct-Debit”. You will continue to receive a quarterly billing showing your usage and any overages that may have occurred. Payment for those charges can also be done by “Direct-Debit” on a quarterly basis. Download the Direct Debit Payment Form, print the form and fill in the required information. Return a signed form to the District’s Administrative Assistant before the first day of a new billing cycle (cycles listed below) to join in.
For questions call Tricia Poitevint at 922-5443 x221.
How To Read Your Bill
The District generates bills for commercial accounts on monthly cycles and residential accounts on quarterly cycles.
Residential billing on quarterly cycles:
December, January, February (overage billed in March billing)
March, April, May (overage billed in June billing)
June, July, August (overage billed in September billing)
September, October, November (overage billed in December billing)
Each account is billed in advance for regular charges and in arrears for water (overage) usage, at the beginning of each billing cycle. The due date is always the last day of the billing cycle. A 10% late charge is assessed at the beginning of each billing cycle on any unpaid previous balance. The 31-day month base rate regular charge for sewer is $30.86, and water is $10.93. The water base rate allows you to use up to 240 gallons (32 cubic feet) of water per day at no extra charge. Water usage in excess of 240 gallons per day is billed at a higher rate.
Below is the explanation of District billing terms:
PREVIOUS READ = Actual meter read (gallons or cubic feet) from previous billing (dated approximately 3 months ago or more).
PRESENT READ = Most recent meter reading (gallons or cubic feet) from current billing (dated approximately 1 month ago or more).
PRESENT CONSUMPTION THIS PERIOD = Quantity of water measured by your meter from the previous read date to the present read date. This is the difference between Present Read and Previous Read, measured in cubic feet of water. Most meters measure in cubic feet, and some residential meters measure in gallons. Billing software converts gallons to cubic feet (7.48 gallons per cubic ft.).
SERVICE FROM = Beginning date of present billing cycle.
SERVICE TO = Last day of present billing cycle.
BILL DATE = Date Bill prepared and sent to customer.
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE = Amount due for this billing cycle plus past due balance.
Meter Reading
The District reads the residential meters four (4) times per year. Customers are required to keep the meter vault clear of obstructions such as shrubbery, debris, machinery, vehicles, etc. Residences with meters in back yards must provide access for meter reading. The District on occasion will trim shrubs to access the meter. If the meter reader experiences a problem, a door hanger will be left describing the problem. You have the option of reading the meter yourself or making an appointment for the meter to be read. Failure to respond will result in your meter reading to be estimated. If you choose to read your own meter, please call Kathy Millick at 922-5443 ext. 225 with the meter read. For additional information contact John Yake at 922-5443 extension 227.
Usage Charges
When a water customer uses more than 240 gallons per day, an overage charge will be added to the bill and is listed separately. Overage charges for residential customers usually appear in the fall billing cycle reflecting summer irrigation. Occasionally the meter is read incorrectly. If you think the water consumption is in error, or you have a question regarding the bill, please contact Kathy Millick or Tricia Poitevint.
Annual Budgets
This District prepares an operating budget each year. Annual budgets are available for public viewing upon request at the District office. The previous year’s financial statements have been audited by the Washington State Auditor and are available for public viewing at the District office. For more information, call Kathy Millick at 922-5443 ext. 225.