Services - Utility Billing - FAQs

Question:
Does the City of Meridian have a residential recycling program?

Answer:
Yes, the city has a recycling program that is included in the cost that you pay for trash. The City utilizes the proceeds from the recycled materials to pay for household hazardous waste collection and have paid for such things as the playground equipment located in Storey Park, garbage cans and recycling education materials.

Question:
What are the charges for water, sewer and trash?

Answer:
Water Rate:$1.39 per 1000 gallons plus $4.04 administration fee. Winter Sewer: (Winter months: December-March billings) $3.04 per 1000 gallons of water used plus $4.74 administration fee. Summer Sewer: (April-November billings) Charges are based on an average from the winter’s water consumption. New Homeowners Sewer Rate: All new owners that moved in during the winter months (December-March) will be given a summer average based on the use of 6,500 gallons per month. The summer average applies to the sewer only, as the water charge is always based on actual usage.

Question:
When will I get my bill?

Answer:
If you live North of Cherry/Fairview your bill will be mailed on or before the 20th of each month. If you live South of Cherry/Fairview your bill will be mailed on or before the 5th of each month.

Question:
What if I discover a leak or receive a letter telling me the City has discovered a leak at my residence?

Answer:
If you discover a leak December-March you may apply for an adjustment to your sewer billing. To apply for an adjustment, please submit a letter of explanation indicating the problem, when it was fixed and any repair bills or receipts if you did the repairs. This should be mailed to 33 E Idaho Ave. Meridian, Id. 83642 or fax it to our office at 208-887-4813.

Question:
How do you figure my summer sewer average?

Answer:
Charges will be based on an average from the winter water consumption. (December-March)

Question:
Does the city adjust for pets, indoor plant watering, car washing and topping off pools or spas?

Answer:
We do not adjust for this type of use. The majority of users will have some water use that does not enter the sewer system; this has been adjusted for through the summer average for your sewer rate.

Question:
What if I am still watering outdoors when we go into the winter water use period?

Answer:
Please submit a letter to our office at 33 E Idaho Ave., Meridian, Id 83642 or fax it to 208-887-4813 and we will make an adjustment to the sewer portion of your bill as well as take this into consideration when it is time to average your account for the summer rate.

Question:
What if I don’t have the 4 winter months to use for my average?

Answer:
Your summer sewer average will be based on 6,500 gallons until you have occupied the home and have enough history to establish an average.

Question:
I had guests visiting over the holidays. Why should I pay a whole year of higher sewer bills because they were here over the winter water use period?

Answer:
Please submit a letter of explanation to our office at 33 E Idaho Ave., Meridian, Id 83642 or fax it to 208-887-4813 and we will take this into consideration when it is time to average your account for the summer rate.

Question:
How do I find out when my trash will be picked up?

Answer:
You may call Sanitary Service Company at (208) 888-3999 or see map on Sanitary Service directory in utility billing.