Frequently Asked Questions

It is important for water customers to understand how their water meter works. The following graphic indicates a few features of typical water meters, both current and new, that are utilized in the City. If you feel your meter is not operating as it should, please contact the Utilities Billing Department at 517-627-2149. In most cases the City will be able to run a report that shows hourly usage at your home or business for the previous 30 days. This can be very helpful in identifying leaks.

• Fixed rates are designed to recover unchanging costs associated with the operation of water and wastewater utilities (including costs to maintain existing infrastructure, improve infrastructure, and repay loans and bonds used to build that infrastructure). 
• Variable rate calculations are based on the amount of water and wastewater used (which reflects the costs of providing water, such as costs for chemical treatment to provide safe water and energy to move and deliver water.)

To view our current fee schedule, click here.

The charts and infographics on the My Utilities Page will help you decipher and understand how your bill is calculated. These two graphics will also help: