The City of Brighton Utilities Department’s residential sewer/wastewater rates include both variable and fixed charges. The variable charges are calculated using winter quarter averaging (WQA) to determine the volume charged on residential wastewater bills for the 12-month period beginning in May of each year. The amount of water a household uses in the winter months is totaled and divided by the three months collected. This results in an average wastewater usage for each residential property.
The winter months are used calculate the WQA because indoor water usage is usually at its lowest during these months. These charges are calculated from usage in November, December, and January, but reflected on the December, January, and February statements. The WQA is calculated each April and will be seen on the May statements. This charge will remain until recalculated and applied the following May.