Sewer Rate Graph
This graph shows the changes to the city's residential sewer rates inside the city, as passed by the City Council, from 1961 (rate effective in 1963) through 2018. There hasn't been a rate increase in 5 years.
The graph does not show the city's minimum rate or the flat rate for domestic, non-commercial, non-industrial users with a non-metered water source, however, the table below does.
Sewer Rate Table
The Effective Date is when the rate changed, not necessarily when the ordinance was passed. The rates in this table are shown from the most current to the first one passed.
Generally, the Fees: Rate column shows the rate for metered water used or sewage discharged inside the Sanitary District, the Fees: Minimum column shows the minimum rate for metered water, and the Fees: Non-metered column shows the flat rate for domestic, non-commercial, non-industrial users with a non-metered water source, e.g., non-metered wells. For specific wording on each rate group, see the respective general ordinance in the General Ordinance column.
| Effective Date | Fees: Rate (per 100 cubic feet) |
% Change | Fees: Minimum |
% Change | Fees (per quarter): Non-metered |
% Change | General Ordinance (GO) |
| 01/01/18 | $9.01 | 5% | $28.21 | 5% | $47.32 | 2.5% | GO 5, 2018 |
| 12/01/16 | $8.58 | 16% | $26.87 | 16% | $46.17 | 8% | GO 15, 2016 |
| 07/21/16 | - | - | - | - | $42.75 | -13% | GO 8, 2016 |
| 07/01/15 | $7.40 | 15% | $23.16 | 15% | $49.36 | 15% | GO 16, 2012 |
| 07/01/14 | $6.43 | 15% | $20.13 | 15% | $42.89 | 15% | GO 16, 2012 |
| 07/01/13 | $5.59 | 15% | $17.50 | 15% | $37.29 | 15% | GO 16, 2012 |
| 01/01/12 | $4.86 | 45% | $15.21 | 45% | $32.42 | 23% | GO 9, 2010 |
| 07/01/10 | $3.35 | 35% | $10.49 | 35% | $26.41 | -58% | GO 9, 2010 |
| 01/01/05 | $2.48 | 64% | $7.76 | 64% | $63.38 | 64% | GO 12, 2004 |
| 07/01/04 | $1.51 | 26% | $4.72 | 26% | $38.56 | 26% | GO 12, 2004 |
| 01/10/01 | $1.20 | 80% | $3.75 | 33% | $30.65 | 155% | GO 28, 2001 |
| 06/09/77 | $0.665 | -29% | - | - | $12.00 | 16% | GO 2, 1977 |
| 06/03/70 | $0.94 | 81% | $2.82 | 81% | $10.35 | 80% | GO 11, 1970 |
| 09/25/61 | $0.52 | - | $1.56 | - | $5.76 | - | GO 5, 1961 |
Notes: Percentages are rounded. Outside the city rates are not shown. GO 8, 2016 applied only to domestic, non-metered (wells). GO 2, 2016, not shown, established solid waste charges on the sanitary bill. GO 8, 2012, not shown, updated sewage use ordinances - no change to rates. GO 11, 1970 and GO 5, 1961 used additional graduated rates not factored into the table above.
Residential Comparison
Baker Tilly compared figures for monthly charges passed onto residents by 9 Indiana municipalities comparable to Terre Haute. Currently**, Terre Haute's rates* are the 4th lowest out of 10 for wastewater + stormwater rates.
**Data presented to the city in the fall of 2022.
*Dollar amounts for all municipalities are the average or flat rate residential fees for wastewater (sewer) and stormwater (storm); excluding Indianapolis's estimated stormwater fee per month. Solid waste (trash) fees and the relevant portion of the Sanitary District's tax levy are not included.
Sewer Rate Ordinances
The following general ordinances are, or have been, part of the city code dealing with sewer rate changes, establishment of solid waste charges, or updating the sewage use ordinances.
General Ordinance Number 5, 1961
General Ordinance Number 11, 1970
General Ordinance Number 2, 1977
General Ordinance Number 28, 2001
General Ordinance Number 12, 2004
General Ordinance Number 9, 2010
General Ordinance Number 8, 2012
General Ordinance Number 16, 2012
General Ordinance Number 2, 2016
General Ordinance Number 8, 2016