Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.

Ordinance C-605-06 governs the surcharge program.

• 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.