Show All Answers

1. What is a fixed fee?

A fixed fee reflects the cost of bringing water to your house, before you turn on the faucet. A fixed fee is charged to cover system costs that occur whether a customer buys one gallon or 1,000 gallons of water. Examples of fixed costs include debt service payments and investments in infrastructure (water and sewer pipes, valves, etc). 

The fee is based upon the size of the meter. A larger meter increases the ability to make larger demands on the system, and therefore, costs more.

2. Where do the fixed fees come from?

Sources of fixed fees include:

• Great Lakes Water Authority (water) and Wayne County (sewer) 
• City of Livonia – debt and infrastructure cost

These fees are pass-through charges.

3. What are commodity charges? How did they change?

Commodity charges are per unit consumption charges based on meter readings. These charges apply to all meters. 

Livonia residential customers are charged $5.79 for every 100 cubic feet (750 gallons) of water purchased. This is comprised of $2.89 for potable water expenses and $2.90 for sewage related expenses

4. What are large user charges?

Large user charges are per unit charges assessed on water meters 1.5 inches and larger. Large meters have the ability to put more stress/demand on the system. Large user charges are designed to spread the system cost more equitably.

Large user charges per billing unit (750 gallons) are $2.66, in addition to commodity charges.

5. Why maintain the infrastructure?

It is less costly to maintain water and sewer pipes than to replace them. Much of the underground water and sewer system in Livonia is very old. 

A car is a good example. An oil change is less costly than a new engine.

6. What would it cost to change the size of my meter?

The ability to change meter size depends on the plumbing within a structure. You will need to have your situation assessed by a plumber to see if the desired change is possible.

Situations

• When a meter is being changed that doesn’t require a different size meter, the City will absorb 100% of the cost.
• When a meter is being changed to a larger size, the owner will pay 100% of the difference between the price of their current meter and the larger meter. 
• When a meter is being changed to a smaller size, the City will absorb 100% of the cost.

Size Versus Cost Comparisons

View the 2019/2020 comparison (PDF) of small, medium, and high usage for Small Users with 5/8 to 1 Inch Water Meters.