South Tidewater News

What’s Happening

Chesapeake water and sewer billing periods are running long due in part to the recent transition to a new rate structure and billing software, which required extra staff time to check nearly 71,000 accounts for accuracy. The quality control tests revealed an accurate system but the process created a delay in releasing bills. Billing periods, which are normally an average of 60 days, are currently running closer to 75 days. This will lead to higher-than-usual bills because more water has been used during the longer billing period. In these cases, future bills will be for shorter periods and thus lower cost. 

What We’re Doing

To get the billing periods back on track, staff have been working overtime to read meters and to release bills. Two vacant meter reader positions are currently in the process of being filled. Staff from other City departments as well as temporary agencies have been contracted to supplement current Public Utilities staff.  

If you have any concerns about your bill, or if you are struggling to pay, please call 757-382-6352 when the City is open. Public Utilities Customer Service will work with individual customers to minimize impacts by providing payment plans and waiving penalties/interest as appropriate.

Annual Rate Increase

The annual water/sewer rate increase of 2.9% is set to go into effect on January 1, 2024. This is an annual increase that is necessary due to the rising costs of providing quality water and sewer services. 

Additional rate structure information is available here.

Original source can be found here.