Treating wastewater is complex, using sophisticated biological systems, multiple filters, and modern disinfection methods.
So why does your sewer part of the monthly bill cost more than water usage?
The Short Answer:
It is easier and cheaper to treat lake water to make it drinkable than to treat the community’s wastewater (industrial, commercial, and residential) and make it clean enough to reintroduce into a creek or river.
Water leaving the plant must be free of harmful pollutants to protect fish, turtles, birds, and other creatures that depend on the creek.
Below is a step-by-step guide for turning lake water into potable or drinking water.
And here are the steps to turn your wastewater into creek-able water.
There are more steps to the wastewater treatment process than water treatment process.
Charlotte Water (CLTWater) only uses water meters to measure usage, so wastewater usage is calculated based on that water usage up to a limit or cap.
Energy and chemical costs are higher for wastewater treatment processes, hence the higher cost for wastewater treatment vs. water treatment on a water bill.
The cost to treat wastewater and meet federal regulations continues to increase. Our goal is to always meet and exceed regulations to ensure cleaner water goes into our creeks.
Stop right here if you’re satisfied! The Longer Answer gets a bit technical about how your billing works.
The Longer Answer:
CLTWater pays for water and wastewater services via usage and billing fees, not taxes (contrary to popular belief). CLTWater posted the official Revenue Manual that details all fees.
How can I help reduce my water / sewer bill and rate increases?
Toss all trash in the trashcan, not down a drain. Did you know that ‘flushable’ wipes clog pipes and require manually pulling them out of pumps? Wipes can cause expensive repairs and maintenance.
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The cost of a home water filtration system varies considerably. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average is $2,050, with a range of $1,044 to $3,266.¹ However, HomeGuide estimates a whole home system can cost as much as $5,400 on average.² We’ll explain the factors that impact the total cost and some reasons why you should consider having NexGen install a home water filtration system for you.
There are many types and sizes of water filtration systems. The type of system is only one cost factor but is perhaps the most significant one, so that’s where we’ll start.
A water filtration system can serve a single fixture or purify the water supply for your entire home. The types of systems available include:
: You may pay as little as $850 for a carbon, mineral, or sediment filter, but one with an ultraviolet (UV) light element can cost as much as $2,900. A system that also integrates a water softener can cost up to $5,400. Reverse osmosis filtration systems are the most expensive; they can cost from $4,800 up to $8,000. However, these can remove 99% of the contaminants in the water supply.²
: When you factor in equipment costs and labor, an under-sink unit ranges from $170 to $580 on average.²
It may include up to three filters that allow for pre-filtering and water conditioning. Types of under-sink filters include reverse osmosis, carbon, alkaline, sediment, and heavy metal filters. They also include water softeners.
: You may spend between $800 and $4,000 to install a well-water filtration system for your entire home.²
Well water typically requires more filtration and local water quality has a significant impact on the price. Some of the technologies that may be used include UV light, distillation, reverse osmosis, chemical injection, particle, or activated carbon filtration.
: Rainwater filtration systems can include distillation, reverse osmosis, or UV-light treatment. You’ll pay for pre-storage gutter and downspout collection/filtration and post-storage filtration. You’ll also have to purchase a storage reservoir. And the total cost also depends on whether this water will be used for drinking or gardening.
As mentioned, a reverse osmosis system is the costliest but removes most metals, chemicals, and pathogens. Even for an under-sink unit, you may pay up to $950. Whole-house or under-sink UV water filtration units (which kill bacteria and viruses) can cost up to $1,500. Whole-house water softeners cost up to $2,500, and whole-house chemical injectors cost up to $1,500. A full water distillation system can be up to $3,600.²
The labor to install a whole-house system can cost from $200 to $600. In contrast, an under-sink filtration system ranges from $120 to $300.² A plumber, manufacturer-certified specialist, water-treatment installation company, or home improvement store contractor can install a home water filtration system. The cost of labor varies based on the installer’s rate and your geographical location.
Aside from the type of system, treatment method, and labor, other factors that influence the cost of a home water filtration system include:
: Water testing by a professional helps determine the best type of system for your home. It costs from $100 to $300.²
: Higher-end, more efficient models with more features and greater contaminant-removal capabilities are more expensive.
: If you need a 25+ foot pipe connection installed, it’ll cost $150 to $850. Plus, a plumber charges anywhere from $45 to $150 per hour.²
: An electrical outlet must be placed within 10 to 15 feet of a whole-house filtration system’s tank. Installing one costs $150 to $350.²
: Depending on your location, a plumbing permit can cost $30 to $500, but one is necessary for installing a large water filtration system.²
: You’ll be charged $40 to $300 to remove and dispose of an old water filtration system.²
: The cost to repair holes in sheetrock made to install water filtration lines ranges from $100 to $400.
Water filtration systems have many benefits. By investing in one, you’ll have safer drinking water, especially if you have an older home with lead pipes or use well water. A filtration system can remove chlorine and minerals, so tap water tastes better. It can also address hard water so there are fewer stains on dishes, clothes, and fixtures. Pipes and appliances are protected against mineral buildup and impurities, so they can last longer.
NexGen specializes in the installation and repair of home water filtration systems. Our fully licensed and insured technicians provide high-quality service to ensure your water supply is clean and safe. We service all makes and models of water filtration and cooling systems, while our team is experienced with HALO water filtration, purification, and conditioning equipment. Members of our X Protection Plan receive extended parts and labor warranty along with priority service. To learn more about our water filtration services or schedule free water testing, call (805) 301-6788 today.
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