Fairfax Water & Home Sprinkler (cost, water bill, cars)

[capitalhockey]

Hi all,

I installed a sprinkler system for my lawn last year. It was my first experience with having an irrigation system. I discovered that Fairfax County Water has a peak surplus fee policy during summer. They use your winter cycle (Dec, Jan, Feb) as the threshold for normal usage. In the summer, every gallon you go above threshold will be subjected to a large surplus fee. This has caused my water bill to nearly triple. I dont use much water during winter cycle. I asked if they can reset threshold cycle to March, April, and May -- a more normal time period where people wash their cars and use sprinkler. They told me it's not possible.

Doesnt make much sense. Seems like anyone with sprinkler system will be punished with policy. Anyone with advice?

Thanks!

[pcity]

Originally Posted by capitalhockey

Seems like anyone with sprinkler system will be punished with policy.

I think that's the whole point of the surplus fee. They want to charge extra to people who use sprinklers, have pools, wash cars a lot, or water lawns a lot instead of just using water for basic necessities.

[capitalhockey]

I talked to rep....she said I have option of installing a submeter. That way I can separate home usage from sprinkler usage. There's upfront cost for equipment and installation. Additionally, since I will have two meters, I will be billed as a "commercial" entity which comes with associated business fees and surcharges. She said any cost savings will be washed out with fees.

Looks like there's not much options out there for anyone with sprinkler system besides just using less.