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User Rates Calculation

For all of the current rates for water, sewer and garbage, visit the  Billing Rates page.

These rates are effective January 1, 2024. 

Looking to estimate a bill amount? Try our new User Rates Estimator.

How User Rates Charges are Calculated

User rates are calculated differently depending on the type of property that is being serviced.  The below comprehensive example will help you understand how the user rates statement is calculated for a single-family residential property.  For examples of other types of properties, see our other comprehensive examples (PDF format).

How User Rates Charges Are Calculated


Water Consumption:
To calculate your water consumption charge we take your water consumption in cubic metres (converted into gallons per day) and multiply it by the tiered water rates.

April 15 reading: 2386 cubic metres
 August 5 reading: 2502 cubic metres (difference of 112 days)
Total cubic metres: 116(M 2)

2502(M2) - 2386(M2) = 116(M2), which converts to 227.8 gallons per day (116M2 x 220 = 25,520 gallons / 112 days)
consumption x water tier rate(s) x number of days in billing period

(Conversion: 1 cubic metre = 220 gallons)

Water Base Rate:
base rate x number of days in billing period

In this example, the water consumption rate is split among three tiers.
* first 110 gallons are in step 1
* the next 110 gallons are in step 2, and;
* the final 8 gallons are in step 3.

CALCULATION OF WATER FEES (DAILY)
Water base charge (daily rate):$1.00613
Water Consumption charges by tiered step (daily rate):
Step 1 – range from 0 to 110 gallons: 110 gallons x $0.00212/gal 0.23320
Step 2 – range from 111 to 220 gallons: 110 gallons x $0.00529/gal0.58190
Step 3 – range from 221 to 330 gallons: 8 gallons x $0.00925/gal0.07400
Total daily rate for 228 gallons – average per day:$1.89523
TOTAL WATER FEES ON STATEMENT (112 days):
Water base charge:$112.69
Water consumption charges by tiered step: 
Step 1 – range from 0 to 110 gallons: 110 gallons x $0.00212/gal 26.12
Step 2 – range from 111 to 220 gallons: 110 gallons x $0.00529/gal65.17
Step 3 – range from 221 to 330 gallons: 8 gallons x $0.00925/gal8.29
Total Water Fees:212.27

Sewer
base rate x number of units (if applicable) x number of days in billing period

Garbage
base rate x number of units (if applicable) x number of days in billing period

SEWER FEE
$0.45057/day per unit: 112 days x 1 unit$50.46
GARBAGE FEE
$0.624658/day per unit: 112 days x 1 unit$69.96

 

HOW THESE CHARGES WILL DISPLAY ON THE STATEMENT
WATER BASE RATE – RES$112.69
WATER CONSUMP – RES: STEP 1 – 0 to 110 gallons 0.0021226.12
WATER CONSUMP – RES: STEP 2 – 110 to 220 gallons 0.0052965.17
WATER CONSUMP – RES: STEP 3 – 221 to 330 gallons 0.009258.29
SEWER UNIT RATE – RESIDENTIAL: 1 UNIT50.46
GARBAGE UNIT RATE: 1 UNIT69.96
TOTAL IF PAID AFTER DUE DATE:$332.69
LESS 5% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE:-16.63
TOTAL IF PAID ON OR BEFORE DUE DATE:$316.06

Other Comprehensive Examples

2024 Comprehensive Example - Residential (2 Units)
2024 Comprehensive Example - Multi-Residential (50 Units)
2024 Comprehensive Example - Non-Residential

User Rates Estimator

Want to know how much your statement would have been if you used more or less water? Want to see how much adding a suite might add to your statement?  Our new user rates estimator can help you get an approximate idea of how much you may be charged based on the criteria below. 
The rates used in the calculator are from January 1, 2024.  This calculator assumes the property receives water, sewer, and garbage service.

Sorry this calculator only works for residential currently but if you have questions please contact User Rates 250-755-4525 ext. 2 userrates.info@nanaimo.ca.

This is the number of "dwelling units" at the property . For example if you have a house with a suite, you have 2 units. This calculator assumes one water meter. If your property has two meters then select 1 unit and calculate each usage separately.

This calculator currently only works for 1-4 units please contact User Rates 250-755-4525 ext. 2 userrates.info@nanaimo.ca.

The total amount of water in imperial gallons used over the number of days (entered below). To convert cubic meters to imperial gallons, multiply by the amount in cubic meters by 220.

The total days over the period you are calculating. The average user rates statement should be around 120 days.

Your daily usage is {{dailyUsage.toFixed(2)}} gallons. We charge tiered usage per unit.

Description Amount Rate Cost Estimated for bill
{{row.textDescription}} {{row.usage}} {{row.costPerUnitPerGallon}} {{row.cost < 0 ? '-' : ' '}}${{Math.abs(row.cost).toFixed(2)}}

Contact Us

User Rates
250-755-4525 ext. 2
user.rates@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: November 13, 2024

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