The graph above compares the monthly water and sewer bills of typical residential households using 6,000 gallons of water per month in 36 public water utilities in Orange, Wake, Durham, Johnston, Lee and Chatham Counties.

The average monthly OWASA bill of $63.56 ranked 25th lowest (or 14th highest) among 38 utilities in this comparison. (An average is shown for OWASA because we have seasonal rates that vary by time of year.)

However, the comparison above involves in-city rates for municipal water systems. Cities' and towns' water and sewer rates are often 2 to 3 times higher for non-city customers, thus enabling lower rates for in-city customers.

In contrast, OWASA has the same rates for customers in and outside of the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

If OWASA bills were compared to a weighted average bill for cities, the OWASA bill would therefore be closer to the low end of the graph above.
Source: The Triangle J Council of Governments' survey of water and sewer rates and fees as of January 1, 2007.