A charge levied by a municipality or utility company for the provision of wastewater removal and treatment services. This assessment typically appears on a regular billing statement, often combined with charges for other utilities such as water or garbage collection. The amount due is usually calculated based on water consumption, though some jurisdictions employ a flat-rate system or consider other factors, such as property size or the number of residents.
Effective management and treatment of wastewater are crucial for public health and environmental protection. These fees fund the infrastructure necessary to collect, transport, and process sewage, preventing the spread of disease and minimizing pollution of waterways. The practice of charging for these services has evolved over time, reflecting growing awareness of the environmental impact of untreated sewage and the increasing cost of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure.