Desalination and Osmosis: What They Mean for Property Managers
August 22, 2025
The High Cost of Wastewater and How Submetering Helps Consumers Save
When it comes to utility expenses, most property owners and residents immediately think of electricity or water usage. However, one of the most overlooked – yet rapidly rising costs is wastewater. Cities and municipalities across the country continue to increase wastewater treatment fees to cover aging infrastructure, environmental compliance, and growing demand. For multi-family communities and condominiums, this can represent a significant portion of the monthly budget.
So, what makes wastewater so expensive—and how can submetering provide a fair and cost-saving solution for consumers?
Why Wastewater Costs Are Rising
Infrastructure Upgrades
Much of the nation’s wastewater systems were built decades ago. Aging pipes, treatment facilities, and pumping systems require costly upgrades and maintenance. These expenses are often passed down to consumers in the form of higher utility rates.Environmental Regulations
Municipalities must comply with strict federal and state environmental regulations for wastewater treatment. Meeting these standards requires investment in advanced technologies, which drives up operating costs.Increased Water Usage
More residents mean more water consumed and, consequently, more wastewater generated. Communities with growing populations experience higher treatment costs to keep up with demand.Flat Rate Billing
In many multi-family communities, wastewater is billed as a flat fee or tied directly to overall water consumption. This often results in residents paying unfairly—some subsidizing the heavy users in their community.
How Submetering Reduces Wastewater Costs
Submetering is the installation of individual meters for water, gas, or electric utilities within a multi-family property. When it comes to water and wastewater, submetering plays a key role in both cost savings and fair allocation.
Accurate Billing
Submetering ensures residents are billed only for the water they actually use. Since wastewater charges are typically based on water consumption, this means each household is responsible for its proportional share.Encourages Conservation
When residents know they are accountable for their own usage, they become more mindful about conservation. Even small changes—like fixing leaks, running full laundry loads, or reducing shower times—can significantly lower both water and wastewater costs.Fair Cost Distribution
Instead of splitting a massive wastewater bill evenly among all units, submetering shifts costs to actual consumption. This eliminates the unfair practice of responsible residents subsidizing those with excessive usage.Supports Long-Term Sustainability
Communities with submetering systems reduce strain on local wastewater facilities by lowering overall water demand. This not only saves money but also supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Real Savings for Communities and Residents
Studies show that submetering can reduce water consumption by 15–30%, which directly impacts wastewater charges. For property managers, this translates into lower operating costs, fewer disputes over billing, and a more attractive community for prospective residents. For homeowners and renters, it means fairer bills and greater control over monthly expenses.
Final Thoughts
The rising cost of wastewater is a challenge every community faces, but submetering provides a practical, fair, and sustainable solution. By holding residents accountable for their actual usage, submetering not only helps reduce overall utility costs but also encourages conservation and protects valuable community resources.
At Think Utility Services, we specialize in helping multi-family communities and condominiums implement submetering solutions that make a real difference in cost savings and sustainability.
