• The cost of having wastewater treated depends on the strength of the wastewater. 
• The typical standard for measuring the strength of wastewater is determined through laboratory analysis of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
• Normal wastewater rates include wastewater strength up to domestic or residential levels.
• Certain business operations have shown a higher strength of wastewater than domestic or residential users
• This surcharge is to cover the additional cost of wastewater treatment beyond the domestic or residential level.

• Eating establishments, such as dine-in or fast food restaurants, which prepare food products are listed as Class 1 dischargers. 
• Establishments which perform washing or cleaning services, including servicing of automobiles, are listed as Class 2 dischargers.  Examples include car washes, auto repair facilities and commercial laundry facilities.
• Other establishments which engage in food preparation or cooking, such as bakeries, donut shops and delicatessens are listed as Class 3 dischargers. 
• Other establishments may be included into surcharge program depending on wastewater discharge strength assessment.

What City Ordinance governs the surcharge program?

• Ordinance C-605-06

• The Wastewater Surcharge is determined and assessed by the volume of metered water consumption.
• Class 1 dischargers can anticipate a surcharge of approximately $3.18 per 1,000 gallons of water consumption.
• Class 2 dischargers can anticipate a surcharge of approximately $1.59 per 1,000 gallons of water consumption.
• Class 3 dischargers can anticipate a surcharge of approximately $1.80 per 1,000 gallons of water consumption.

• Businesses may request to have the strength of their wastewater analyzed.  However, certain requirements must be met.
• The City of Burleson will inspect all operations and facilities of the business before individual monitoring may begin.
• A sampling port must be present on the discharge line, which will enable proper sampling to take place.  If a sampling port is not available, the establishment may have one installed at its own expense.  Design review, approval and all associated permit fees are required.
• The requesting establishment shall pay all costs of analyzing wastewater samples and any costs incurred by the City of Burleson for individual monitoring.
• An industry may also elect to self-monitor its wastewater discharge upon approval by the public works department.

• The surcharge rate will be determined by the strongest wastewater strength user attached to each water meter.
• Surcharge rate will be applied to the meter, so the rate for any business served by that meter will be impacted.

• No, the surcharge will not be applied to meters that are dedicated to irrigation only.
• Irrigation that does not have a dedicated meter, and is subsequently part of the domestic feed, will be surcharged.