A New Direction
We work with third-party industry consulting specialists, like Raftelis, to identify and implement equitable rate structures for our customers and community, and also to meet the evolving needs of our organization to ensure we continue providing our trusted superior service.
A rate increase was originally scheduled to begin in 2020. Due to ReWa's strong financial standing and commitment to sound financial planning, we were able to instead phase-in the recommended rate increase over the course of the next 2 years (2022 and 2023).
Clean water is essential to a healthy environment and a thriving community. Discover how your investment in clean water contributes to the quality of life in our area.
Discover how your investment in clean water contributes to the quality of life in our area. Click below for a breakdown of the new rate structure.
How is your sewer bill calculated? What's changing?
Sewer bills are calculated based on water meter size and the amount of water used on a property. Sewer charges are typically presented as a separate line-item on the bill sent by your water agency. If you receive a bill directly from ReWa, your charges may be based on the amount of wastewater used on a property.
Previously, all customers in our service area paid $12/month as a fixed base charge regardless of their water meter size. In an effort to promote a more equitable rate structure for our customer base, all customers will be phased into a structure that charges based on water meter size.
For industrial users, the unused capacity charge will be phased out as our new rate structure is implemented.
Your Sewer Bill
Sewer charges can be found on your water provider's bill. The number next to the ReWa logo on your Greenville Water bill is made up of the following two charges:
- Base Charge - This monthly fixed charge covers a portion of our fixed costs associated with operating, building and refurbishing ReWa infrastructure.
- Volume Charge - This charge recovers the remaining costs associated with operating, building and refurbishing ReWa infrastructure. This charge is calculated based on water consumption by the customer.
- Sewer Charge - This is a wastewater or sewer charge from your sub-district. Wondering what sub-district you're in? Click here.
Customers in northeastern Greenville County and in Anderson County should contact ReWa Customer Service at 299-4000 for rates and further information.
More than 92% of our customers are billed by Greenville Water. If you are billed by a different water provider, please contact them with questions regarding your bill.
What do sewer rates pay for?
ReWa's wastewater trunk and treatment rates reflect the cost to build, finance, maintain, and operate water resource recovery facilities and our approximately 350-mile pipe system. Our operations allow us to renew the region's wastewater and reintroduce pure water back into local lakes, rivers and streams to be re-used further down the state.
In 2020, Greenville County released a 20-year Comprehensive Plan detailing how area leaders plan to nurture and sustain area growth. ReWa's work helps support and expand that growth. We partner with Greenville County and organizations like Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) to continue maintaining and building infrastructure that supports local neighborhoods, businesses and industries. In a collaborative approach with more than 100 area stakeholders, ReWa's Upstate Roundtable Plan presents a holistic strategy for infrastructure growth that aligns with the regional direction of the County Comprehensive Plan.
We work hard to ensure the cost of infrastructure remains equitable for all community members. Several key factors influence the cost of wastewater treatment:
- Collection and Treatment of Wastewater - Our customers create millions of gallons of wastewater or "sewage" every day. It's not just what's flushed down the toilet. Washing your hands, cleaning dishes, taking a shower, brushing your teeth - all of these activities create wastewater that needs to be transported to our facilities via a system of pipes and appropriately cleaned.
- Operating Costs - It takes a lot to clean dirty water. We strive to be safe, responsible and environmentally conscious in everything we do. Our treatment process enhances nature's way of purifying water by running the wastewater through a series of processes that include filters and clarifiers before re-introducing the clean water back into local waterways. ReWa's Operating Teams work 24/7 to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
- Capital Improvement Projects - We work hard to plan and prepare for additions and/or repairs to regional sewer infrastructure (pipes, facilities, etc.). We partner with area leaders to help support growth initiatives and ensure environmental protection.
- Water Quality Programs - ReWa has several water quality programs aimed at addressing stormwater infiltration to the sewer system, reducing sewer overflows and backups, and innovating new equitable solutions to keep our environment healthy and clean. We also collaborate with community partners like Reedy River Water Quality Group on environmental enhancement and preservation programs.
Rates, Fees and Charges
We work hard to ensure our region receives the highest quality of water at the most competitive price. Click the link below for a breakdown of monthly trunk and treatment charges for each of our customers.
Affordability Programs
We've partnered with organizations like United Way and the Salvation Army of Greenville to launch a Help to Community (H2C) Program which offers qualifying customers temporary financial support in paying for wastewater services.