What is a Winter Quarter Average (WQA) and how is it calculated?

The Winter Quarter Average (WQA) is calculated by using your water/wastewater utility consumption used during the December, January, and February billing cycle. The WQA is used because it shows indoor domestic water consumption, which irrigation does not interfere with. The WQA is divided by the total amount of service days in the billing cycle to get a daily average usage. The daily average is then multiplied by 30.42, or 30.50 for leap years, to get your monthly average. Once this is calculated the new wastewater rate based off of your WQA is started in March every year. For more information visit our Water, Wastewater, and Recycled Water Rates page.


Example of the equation:(C ÷D)×Y =WQA

  • C = Total Consumptions for the WQA billing cycle.
  • D = Total number of days in the WQA billing cycle.
  • Y=daily average multiplication number.
    • Use 30.42 for non-leap years.
    • Use 30.50 for leap years.
  • WQA = this is the gallons per month charged as your wastewater rate for the next year.

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1. How do I read my water meter?
2. How do I apply for City water?
3. How do I add someone to my water account?
4. How do I get my water turned back on?
5. How do I sign up for an Automatic Bank Draft?
6. Is there anything I need to do when my new tenants take over the water bill?
7. How do I close my water account?
8. How can I reduce my high water bills?
9. What is a Winter Quarter Average (WQA) and how is it calculated?
10. Why does the City use the December, January, and February billing cycles for the Winter Quarter Average (WQA)?
11. What if I just moved and do not have a December, January, or February billing cycle for the Winter Quarter Average (WQA)?
12. When does the Winter Quarter Average (WQA) take effect on my bill?
13. How do I get a lower Winter Quarter Average (WQA)?