San Antonio Water System

Billing cycles for some residential and commercial SAWS customers will change beginning January 2015.

Affected customers will receive a letter in December explaining how this will impact when their meter is read and their billing due date.

The change will help SAWS become more efficient and further integrate former BexarMet service areas into a unified meter reading schedule.

When does the Billing Cycle Balancing Initiative begin?
Starting on Jan. 1, 2015, SAWS will begin reading meters according to the new schedule.

Why are the cycles being changed?
San Antonio Water System strives to provide the best possible service in the most efficient way possible. The Billing Cycle Balancing Initiative will enable San Antonio Water System to more efficiently read your meter and minimize cost. This is another step toward the integration of former Bexar Metropolitan Water System customers.

Has anything about my billing account changed as a result of the revised cycles?
Possible changes include: the date your meter is read; when your bill is generated; and your payment due date – based on your geographic location. For residential customers, the sewer winter averaging period may also change.

Why is my January 2015 bill higher/lower than usual?
Due to this Initiative, some accounts were re-assigned to a billing cycle that ends on a different date. In January this may cause some accounts to have bills as low as 15 days of consumption and as high as 54 days of consumption. A normal billing period typically includes a range between 28 days and 32 days.

Is this billing period fluctuation in January 2015 a one-time occurrence?
Yes.  After January 2015, your billing period will range between the customary 28 to 32 days.

What if I need more time paying a bill that has a high period of consumption days?
A SAWS customer service associate will be happy to work out payment arrangements with you. Call 704-SAWS or stop by one of our four customer service centers.

When is my next reading date?
You can find your next meter reading date printed on your monthly bill.

Will my rates increase because of this change?
No. However, a rate increase of 5.3 percent was approved by San Antonio City Council and will be reflected on your February 2015 billing statement.

How will this initiative affect my SAWS Easy-Pay account?
Easy-Pay will continue to draft your bank account on the due date printed on your bill.

How is this change going to affect my sewer winter averaging rate and/or monitoring period?
We will make adjustments to accounts to ensure a 91-day average. Sewer winter averaging only affects residential customers.