Birmingham Water Works assesses miscellaneous fees for various goods and services associated with providing water service. The cost of providing these goods or services provide direct benefit to the customer requesting the good or service rather than all customers. The use of fees equitably distributes costs of providing specific water-related services to those who request it.
The sections listed here provide information about each fee. This includes definitions, as well as fee amounts. See full BWWB Ratebook for all rates and fees.
Administrative Fees
Returned Check - $37.00
The returned check fee is assessed when a customer’s check is returned by a financial institution citing insufficient funds for the payment of water service.
Establishment of Service - $43.00
The establishment of service fee is charged to a new customer when an existing service is active again. This fee recovers the customer service cost associated with activating a new account.
Reconnection - $63.00 (2 inches or less) $101.00 (greater than 2 inches)
The reconnection fee is charged to restore service for a delinquent account. This fee recovers the cost of shutting off and restoring service.
Deposits for residential customers with sewer - $120.00
Deposits for residential customers without sewer - $60.00
Deposits for commercial customers – Varies
Charge is determined using the average consumption x 3 + base service charge per meter size.
After Hours Service - $107.00
The after hours fee is charged to an account that requests services after 3 p.m.
Emergency Shut-off - $37.00
Second Account Re-read - $37.00
Account Transfer - $43.00
The account transfer fee is charged to transfer the account of an existing customer from one point of service to another. This fee recovers the administrative cost of closing one account and opening another including the necessary meter readings.
Penalty Fees
Unauthorized Use (First Time) - $108.00
This penalty is assessed the first time water has been used illegally including use of water prior to setting or activating the meter; meter tampering of any kind; illegally diverting water or; tampering with or using a meter that has been locked. Unauthorized use will result in suspension of service. This fee covers the cost of disconnecting the service.
Unauthorized Use (Second Time) - $540.00
This penalty is assessed the second time water has been used illegally including use of water prior to setting or activating the meter; meter tampering of any kind; illegally diverting water or; tampering with or using a meter that has been locked. Unauthorized use will result in suspension of service. This fee covers the cost of disconnecting the service.
Meter Fees
Meter lock - $69.00
Meter pull - $56.00
Meter Testing (2 inches or less) - $126.00
The meter testing fee is charged when a customer requests a meter to be tested because of possible inaccurate readings. If the meter tests within the American Water Works Association (AWWA) specifications, the customer is billed according to the chart below. If the meter test is not in compliance with AWWA specifications, the fee is waived.
Meter Testing (greater than 2 inches) - $189.00
The meter testing fee is charged when a customer requests a meter to be tested because of possible inaccurate readings. If the meter tests within the American Water Works Association (AWWA) specifications, the customer is billed according to the chart below. If the meter test is not in compliance with AWWA specifications, the fee is waived.
Deposit for a Portable Fire Hydrant Meter - $1,250.00