The City Council has adopted the Voluntary Metering Program (VMP) to help promote water conservation and offer city residents the opportunity to potentially save money on their utility bill. The Voluntary Metering Program began in 2005 and is available through the Public Works Department to any single family residence inside the City limits. Currently, residential customers are billed a flat rate of $24.40 a month for water service, regardless of the amount of water used.
You could potentially save money on your utility bill if you use less water than the monthly allotted amount (currently 1100 cubic feet of water). Plus, it is the right thing to do for our community and the environment.
In addition, rates for flat rate water service are scheduled to increase every year for four years beginning in 2007. Switching to metered water service now will allow you to become more conscious of your water consumption and help you keep your bill low.
City of Bellingham Water Conservation Specialist, Anitra Accetturo, offered these tips for signing up and participating in the Voluntary Metering Program:
First, use the Water Consumption Calculator to get an idea of how much water your household uses and the potential cost savings from installing a water meter.
Then, decide if you want to participate and print out a Public Works Permit Application (PDF). Bring your completed application and a check, payable to Finance Director for $150, to the Permit Center at City Hall, 210 Lottie Street. The program fee of $150 pays for the water meter and installation.
