Budget Billing for Your Utility Bill

Do you crave the secure feeling of knowing your water charges will be the same each month of the year? The City of Thornton offers just such a service, called the Budget Billing program.

How Does It Work?

Although sewer and trash collection rates remain more or less constant throughout the year, your water consumption fluctuates with the season. When you request budget billing, the City totals your water consumption for the previous 12 months and divides that by 11. It will then charge you for that many gallons each month for the next 11 months, regardless of your actual usage.

The City uses the 12th month of the cycle to even things up on this estimate. If, on the 12th month, your water usage exactly matched your last year's use (which of course is highly unlikely), then you would have no left-over charges due for your water. If you used less than you paid for over the last 11 months, then the City will credit your account. If you used more, then the City will charge you for this difference on the 12th bill.

Billing Services and Information

Budget Billing Rules and Regulations - A PDF document
Budget Billing Application Form - A PDF document

Some Warnings and Disclaimers

Note that the budget billing system is based on an estimate of average water consumption in gallons. If the rates happen to increase during the year, that increase is reflected in the your water bill. Also, note that your water bill can provide a useful indicator of any major change in your consumption, for instance if you happen to have an undetected leak. If you use budget billing, be sure to watch the variance portion of your bill to detect problems.

Only the water portion of your bill is open to budget billing. For more detailed information on budget billing, please read the Budget Billing rules and regulations before filling out and submitting your budget billing application.