How can you stop paying sewer user fees for water which does not enter the sewer?

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The City of Saco Wastewater Department allows the use of subtractive water meters to record water that does not enter the city sewer system. Water used for things such as lawn watering, washing vehicles, and filling swimming pools can be subtracted from your sewer user fees. The same may apply to businesses that have some sort of consumptive water use.

A subtractive water meter sold by the city wastewater department can be installed in any line that does not enter the sewer. The meters are read by the customer once a year and the volume recorded on your meter will be credited toward your account.

The cost of the meter is $65.50. Depending on usage, the estimated payback period is 3-5 years. A home with new lawns can realize a payback in as little as 1 year.

What to do:

• Contact the Wastewater Treatment Department @ 282-3564 to schedule a pre-installation inspection.
• Purchase a subtractive meter from the City. (Only meters sold by the city are allowed)
• Have the meter installed in the agreed location by your contractor or yourself.
• Contact the Wastewater Treatment Department for post inspection certification.

How to get a credit:
Sewer user fee bills sent out in July and October of each year will have a notice on them requesting you to call in the reading from the subtractive meter. Before you pay your next sewer user fee bill, simply call the subtractive meter reading in to the Wastewater Treatment Department at 282-3564. The credit will be applied to your bill over the phone and the adjusted bill amount will be given. Payments can then be submitted with the adjusted amount.