Council approves change to wastewater pretreatment billing to charge by loading rather than concentration

The Airway Heights City Council approved Ordinance C-1068 on first reading, updating the city's wastewater pretreatment rate rules to allow billing for high-strength wastewater based on loading (actual sewer flow) rather than only concentration or water use, Acting Public Works Director Dennis Fuller said.

Fuller explained the ordinance preserves the original intent—to surcharge dischargers whose wastewater increases treatment costs—but provides "flexibility to charge high wastewater strength based on loading rather than concentration." He said the current ordinance ties charges to water use about 95% of the time, but some dischargers discharge far less sewer relative to water use; the amendment permits a more equitable calculation based on measured sewer flow.

Fuller also told the council that dischargers will still need to invest in pretreatment and install flow meters where required; staff will follow up with affected businesses after adoption to explain implementation. A council member asked whether the change would address two local businesses' concerns raised at a previous meeting; Fuller replied staff will contact those dischargers and explain the program once the ordinance is adopted.

Council approved the ordinance on first reading that evening after the reading was placed on the agenda; recorded discussion indicated unanimous approval on first reading.