City of Derby

Calculating Your Water Bill

Water rates are structured to balance reasonable rates with the need to budget appropriately for the purchase of water and debt service payments to cover system improvements both current and future. By reviewing rates annually, we are able to ensure that both priorities are observed.

In May 2007, the City Council, which also serves as the Water Company Board of Directors, approved a new water rate structure.

The structure eliminated the use of the AWC (Average Winter Consumption). It also reduced the base rate to $11.00 for 2,000 gallons of water. The plan is designed to encourage conservation by using an increasing rate structure.

Water Rate Schedule (through December 31, 2008)

2,000 gallons or less: $11.00 (base rate)

2,000 gallons to 6,000 gallons: $1.86/1,000 gal.

6,000 gallons to 10,000 gallons: $2.21/1,000 gal.

10,000 gallons to 20,000 gallons: $2.63/1,000 gal.

20,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons: $3.14/1,000 gal.

More than 40,000 gallons: $3.75/1,000 gal.

Changes for 2008

In August 2008, the Wichita City Council approved an increase in water rates for all its retail and wholesale customers. (The City of Derby is a wholesale customer). Beginning January 1, 2009, the rate Derby pays Wichita for treated water will increase from $1.55 to $1.65 per 1,000 gallons. This 10-cent increase will be passed along to Derby's retail customers in the form of a revised rate schedule (listed below).

The 30-cent increase in the base rate includes not only the recent increase (20 cents), but also two increases passed by Wichita in October 2007 (4 cents) and in January 2008 (6 cents).

The primary reason why the City of Wichita raised its rates is that it has recently invested in new capital assets to ensure a high-quality, long-term supply of drinking water for its customers. Derby benefits from Wichita's investment in treating water and recharging the underground aquifer, so like every other customer, we share the cost.

Water Rate Schedule (Rates effective January 1, 2009)

2,000 gallons or less: $11.30 (base rate)

2,000 gallons to 6,000 gallons: $1.96/1,000 gal.

6,000 gallons to 10,000 gallons: $2.31/1,000 gal.

10,000 gallons to 20,000 gallons: $2.73/1,000 gal.

20,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons: $3.24/1,000 gal.

More than 40,000 gallons: $3.85/1,000 gal.

If you have questions, please call the Water Company at 788-1424 or send an email.

Questions or comments? Contact the Web Manager.