Round Rock water utility begins wastewater averaging in November

Wastewater averaging is when the City determines what you will be changed for wastewater (or sewer) charges for the next year.  Since the City does not have meters on the wastewater lines leaving your property, the utility averages the winter months water use to determine what your home or business will be billed.  It is assumed that your water use is the lowest at this time of the year because very little or no water is being used outdoors, it is all indoor use.  The three months water use is averaged and that average is what you are charged for sewer the rest of the year.

In order to conserve water and money on your water bills the rest of the year, it is recommended that automatic irrigation systems are turned off during this time -- November through February.  If your yard needs to be watered, simply run it manually once and then turn it off once the cycle has run. 

Landscape typically does not need supplimental water, as rainfall usually supplies enough.  However should the City experience another dry winter some plants may need the extra help; but only half of the required summer needs.  Cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours mean that the plants are evaporating less water, which means they do not need the same amount of water as they do in the summer months.  Turf grass also goes dormant during winter too, to prepare for the springtime growing season.  Hand-watering plants is recommended over running the irrigation system, it provides a more thorough watering and only waters the plants that need the water.

Although the City of Round Rock is no longer under a mandatory watering schedule, water waste is prohibited year-round.  Water waste is defined as:

• failing to repair a controllable leak 
• operating a permantently installed irrigation system with:
  • broken sprinkler heads;
  • overspray onto hardscape (sidewalks, parking lots);
  • misting;
• allowing water to run off a property during irrigation to a depth greater than 1/4 inch.

Water conservation tips

To report a violation, call the City of Round Rock's non-emergency police line at 218-5500 or email Jessica Woods at jwoods@round-rock.tx.us  Reports can be anonymous.  A property address must be provided in order to follow up on any complaint.

To report a water leak, contact 218-5555.

If you have a question regarding your water bill or wastewater averaging, please call the utility billing office at 218-5460.