Macon Water Authority Rates, Fees, & Charges
The Macon Water Authority is committed to providing fair prices to our utility customers.
Our rates, fees, and charges are structured to include:
- A base fee, which is calculated according to the size of the customer’s meter
- Variable (volumetric) charges, based on consumption
Base rates also vary due to the services and variable sizes of meters in Macon-Bibb County, GA. The wholesale rates for utility customers in Monroe County, Jones County, and the City of Byron are based on the retail rates for Macon-Bibb County customers.
Macon Water Authority Board Approves 2025 Rate Increase to Support Infrastructure Improvements and Reliable Service
On Thursday, November 7, the Macon Water Authority (MWA) Board of Directors approved a new rate structure for water and wastewater services, effective January 1, 2025. The decision follows a thorough rate analysis identifying additional funding needed to support critical infrastructure projects and meet increasing service demands.
The approved rate adjustment reflects MWA’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality and reliability of water and wastewater services for all customers. The funds generated by this increase will go directly toward financing essential upgrades and expansions, including improvements at the Lower Poplar and Rocky Creek Water Reclamation Facilities and the Authority’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) implementation. These projects are part of MWA’s long-term Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to ensure sustainable, high-quality service for Macon-Bibb County.
What the Rate Change Means for Customers
For an average household using 5,000 gallons of water per month, the new rates will result in an estimated additional cost of approximately $6.23 per month for water services. For those who also use MWA’s sewer services, an additional $6.23 per month will apply, bringing the total increase to $12.46 per month for both water and sewer combined.
This increase covers water and wastewater services, supporting the necessary revenue to fund MWA’s infrastructure projects and meet growing service needs. “We recognize that our customers, like us, are facing rising costs in today’s economic climate,” said MWA President and Executive Director Ron Shipman. “There is never a convenient time to adjust rates, but we appreciate the cooperation and support of our valued customers. This investment enables us to secure the equipment needed now to meet our community’s future needs.”
These adjustments follow a period where MWA has maintained some of the lowest rates in the state while delivering safe, high-quality water and storm-water services to the community.
Why the Increase is Necessary
MWA’s 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan includes significant investments to address aging infrastructure and to support continued growth. To fund these efforts, MWA issued a $102.7 million bond in October 2024, and a potential second bond issuance of $300 million is scheduled for 2026. Together, these bonds will enable upgrades and expansions that enhance service delivery, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and improve system resilience.
Shipman emphasized that the combination of adjusted rates and bond funding will allow MWA to enhance service through essential repairs and upgrades, ensuring safe, high-quality water for decades.
“To maintain the highest level of water safety, which remains our top priority, infrastructure maintenance and replacements are vital. This includes replacing and maintaining pipes, drainage systems, pumps, and electrical components,” Shipman said. “These improvements are necessary and will benefit our customers and the broader community for years to come.”
In addition to supporting these projects, the rate increase will allow MWA to maintain the financial stability necessary to meet its debt obligations, including bond debt service requirements, and keep the Authority on a path toward long-term operational and financial health.
Next Steps
With the new rates taking effect on January 1, 2025, MWA will continue to communicate with customers about the changes and provide resources to help them understand how the rate adjustment may affect their monthly bills. Information will be available on the MWA website, along with FAQs and details on assistance programs. MWA customers in Jones and Monroe counties and the city of Byron will experience rate changes in February 2025, in accordance with a contractual requirement.
You can browse our 2025 rates and fees for residential and non-residential customers at the links below:
The MWA’s Five-Year Rate Plan
In October 2022, the MWA Board of Directors approved its most recent five-year rate plan, which included the adoption of rates for 2023-2025.
The rate plan was completed through oversight of the MWA Finance Committee, following the MWA staff’s in-depth analyses of:
- Customer Demand Trends
- Operational Requirements
- Capital Project Needs
- Debt-Coverage Targets
Additionally, in 2020 we began with the MWA Board approved a single-tier rate structure that charges the same usage fee per CCF, regardless of total consumption. CCF is a unit of measurement that is equivalent to approximately 748 gallons.
In October 2023, the MWA Board approved the elimination of the 20% reduction and cap on residential sewer volumetric charges effective January 1, 2024. This means residential customers will bill the same as non-residential customers with the sewer consumption matching the water consumption. Example: 5 units in water = 5 units in sewer.
Our Approach to Utility Rates
The Authority implements rates according to a fiscally responsible and conservative approach. As a result, the MWA maintains some of the most competitive water and sewer rates in Georgia and in the nation.
As evidence, metrics used in a rate study conducted by the Environmental Finance Center at the University of North Carolina concluded that the MWA has water/sewer rates that are significantly lower than similar utilities in Georgia. In addition, MWA rates are deemed affordable when calculating them as a percentage of median household income in Macon-Bibb County.
2024 Rates & Fees Overview
You can browse our latest rates and fees for residential and non-residential customers at the links below:
How Rates Have Changed in 2023
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, and through the end of the year, MWA rates/fees will adjust to maintain the utility’s sound financial position, to allow for the Authority to continue to reinvest in long-term capital improvements for the water/sewer system, and to account for the increased costs of operations, especially due to inflation.
Consumption charges will increase 27 cents per CCF
The 2023 MWA rates/fees will continue to feature a single tier structure. MWA Residential and Non-Residential Customers pay a single tiered Water Consumption (Variable) Rate of $2.95 per CCF, which is a 27-cent increase compared to last year.
Likewise in 2023, MWA rates/fees will include an increase of 27 cents per CCF for sewer consumption charges (volumetric rates). MWA Residential and Non-Residential Customers will pay Sewer Consumption (Variable) Rates of $3.18 per CCF.
Note: One Unit or CCF is equal to 100 cubic feet, or approximately 748 gallons.
Base fees will increase 25 cents for standard residential meters
MWA Customers with a standard 5/8-inch or 1-inch meter will see an increase to their base fee for water and sewer services of 25 cents during 2023, as compared to last year. The Water Base Fee for MWA Residential and Non-Residential Customers with a 5/8-inch meter will be $9.50. The Water Base Fee for a 1-inch meter will be $12.00. In 2023, the Sewer Base Fee for MWA Residential and Non-Residential Customers with a 5/8-inch meter will be $9.50, while the Base Sewer Fee for Customers with a 1-inch meter will be $11.17.
Cap on Sewer Consumption Charges, With Discounts on Billing
The MWA is unique among public water and sewer utilities in that it will continue to bill less than the total volume (100%) of metered water for sewer consumption charges, while also placing a cap on sewer consumption charges during 2023, as it has in previous years. The MWA Board adopted this policy in 2012, and the Authority has implemented it each year since.
Residential Sewer Customers without an irrigation meter will pay variable rates based on only 80 percent of their metered water consumption, rather than 100 percent, and these sewer consumption charges will be capped at 30 CCF of monthly use.
Those MWA Residential Customers with an irrigation meter will pay NO sewer consumption charges for water use metered through their irrigation meter, but will pay sewer consumption charges based off their residential water meter — although only at 95 percent of the water consumed through that standard meter each month. However, there is no cap on sewer consumption charges for customers who have an irrigation meter.
2023 GA Water and Wastewater Rates Dashboard
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) provides a comprehensive overview of water and wastewater rates across the state. The 2023 GA Water and Wastewater Rates Dashboard, updated as of January 1, 2023, allows users to explore current rate structures for water and wastewater services in various municipalities. This tool is a valuable resource for residents, businesses, and utility managers to stay informed about local utility rates and compare them statewide.
Click here to explore the 2023 GA Water and Wastewater Rates Dashboard
Basin Specific Fees
Basin Specific Fees are charged to customers wishing to connect to the Macon Water Authority’s sanitary sewer system.
The basin fee is charged to recover the cost of extending the sanitary sewer lines and adding the capacity to the water reclamation plant. Each basin has its own cost, which is determined based on the distance from the water reclamation plant, pumping stations and force main needed, physical impediments, and environmental and engineering concerns.
For additional information regarding the cost of connecting to the Macon Water Authority’s sanitary sewer system, please call 478-464-5600.
Waterline Extension Fees
On January 6, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Macon Water Authority (MWA) approved a plan that will provide incentives for residents in Bibb County, who are currently receiving their water from wells, to tap into the existing MWA water lines.
For years, the MWA has been extending water lines throughout the county to meet growing demand, as well as to offer potential customers in more rural areas an opportunity to tap into the system. Currently, the Authority requires a $2,100 extension fee for a new customer to do so. But to encourage new customers to come on board, the MWA offers a no-interest payment plan as an incentive, allowing the $2,100 extension fee to be paid back over time.
Some of the terms, conditions, and/or details of this Waterline Extension special payment plan include:
- The payment plan is calculated on the $2,100 fee, with payments spread over no more than five years, paid on a monthly basis (60 months at $35.00 per month, for example), at no interest.
- The payment plan is offered to homeowners or residents of rental property.
- The owner of rental property, however, must become a utility customer; but the payments can be billed to whatever utility account (for renters) the property owner designates.
A promissory note and “Deed to Secured Debt” must be notarized and signed by all owners of the property. The “Deed to Secured Debt” will be recorded at the Bibb County Clerk of Deeds, and fees of $28 will be collected for the recording and ultimate discharge of the deed.
The tap and set fee must be paid for either a 5/8″ or 1″ meter. Currently, this charge is $690 for a 5/8″ meter and $790 for a 1″ meter. Anything larger is not covered under this policy and must be paid in full at the time of application. An application fee of $25 also will apply to anyone seeking water service.
Summary of Waterline Extension Fees:
- Application Fee = $25.00
- Tap and Set Fee = $690.00 for a 5/8-inch meter or $790.00 for a 1-inch meter
- Recording Fee = $28.00
- Water Extension = $2,100.00
The incentive plan only is available for Bibb County single-family residential dwellings, zoned as such.
This program is offered to existing houses currently serviced by a well and not intended for new construction. The MWA will confirm with the Bibb County Health Department that the structure is currently on a well. After the service is connected to the MWA water system, there cannot be any cross-connection allowed to the private well. Customers must ensure that the two systems remain separate for public health reasons.
For more information or to sign up for the Waterline Extension Program, please call the MWA’s Customer Service Department at 478-464-5600.
Late Payment Policy
Monthly water and sewer bills of MWA customers are due 20 days after they are mailed. A late fee is assessed following a five-day grace period; this late fee is the greater of $3.00 or 10 percent of the overdue balance.
Bills still due after another five days (30 days after they are mailed) will be assessed an administrative charge of $15.00. The administrative fee is a fee for processing a past due account. MWA customers can avoid late fees and administrative charges by paying bills on time, using any one of several convenient payment methods available. Customers may use the MWA website, automatic bank draft, or the MWA Customer Service Call Center, to make a payment at no additional charge.
Customer Payment Assistance
For those customers needing assistance in bringing their account current, the MWA offers payment extensions and installment plan agreements.
Payment Extensions allow you to extend our due date without incurring a late fee or penalty fee.
Installment Plan Agreement allow customers to pay their outstanding balance over the course months, based on the account.
During those months, the MWA customer must pay their current monthly bill and the agreed portion of the previous outstanding balance on that month’s due date. A customer must agree to pay off the entire outstanding debt for water/sewer use, and failure to do so will result in the disruption of service. Full payment of the outstanding debt will be required to restart service.
Contact customer service for more details and eligibility requirements.
Leak Adjustment Policy
This applies only to leaks after the meter and not due to negligence on the part of the customer or property owner.
Consumption must return to normal levels, and evidence of repair or an affidavit that the repair has been made may be required.
Average consumption will normally be based on the three months prior to the leak and one month after the leak. However, professional judgment may be used where seasonality or other factors would need to be considered to ensure equity for both the Macon Water Authority and the customer. The difference between the average consumption and the wasted water is applied to the appropriate rates and half of the calculated amount is given as a credit for water and for sewer if appropriate. Single-family residential Customers shall not pay more than three times their average consumption. No more than two months can be adjusted in a 12-month rolling period unless the Ma-con Water Authority fails to follow proper procedures.
In the event Macon Water Authority customers have experienced a leak that has caused a spike in consumption, they may qualify for a leak adjustment.
