Utilities

Water Rates 2024

Effective December 15, 2023, the rates for water sold are as follows:

Residential Inside City Limits

 The first 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $22.27 per month

 All over 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $5.57 per 1,000 gallons

Residential Outside City Limits

The first 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $24.47

All over 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $6.41 per 1,000 gallons

Commercial Inside City Limits

The first 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $22.27

All over 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $5.37 per 1,000

Commercial Outside City Limits

The first 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $24.47

All over 1,000 gallons or part thereof - $6.41 per 1,000

Future Infrastructure Fee

The Future Infrastructure Fee for all customers shall be $5.00 per month

Sewer Rates

Effective September 15, 2017, the rates for sewer used 

from the municipal water system are as follows:

Inside City Limits

The first 2,000 gallons or part thereof - $27.25 per month

All over 2,000 gallons or part thereof - $4.25 per 1,000 gallons

Outside City Limits

The first 2,000 gallons or part thereof - $28.50 per month

All over 2,000 gallons or part thereof - $5.25 per 1,000 gallons

 Trash rates for 2024 

The residential trash rates are:

In-town: $26.22 per month (includes a 95-gallon trash and 95-gallon recycle container)

• • • $21.45 per month for senior citizens

    • $10.73 for an additional 95-gallon trash cart

    • $6.23 for an additional 95-gallon recycle cart

    • $19.67 per bulk item

Out-of-town: $26.75 per month (includes a 95-gallon trash and 95-gallon recycle container)

• • $21.87 per month for senior citizens

  • $10.94 for each additional 95-gallon trash cart

  • $6.23 per month for each additional 95-gallon recycle cart

  • $19.67 for each bulk item

 Commercial rates:

• • • $26.22 per month for a 95-gallon trash cart

    • $5.93 per month for a 95-gallon recycle cart (not included with trash rate)

    • $56.81 per month for a 2-yard dumpster dumped one day a week; $155.27 when dumped twice a week; $253.74 when dumped three times a week

    • $71.01 per month for a 3-yard dumpster dumped one day a week; $194.09 when dumped twice a week; $317.17 when dumped three times a week

    • $85.21 per month for a 4-yard dumpster dumped one day a week; $232.90 when dumped twice a week; $380.60 when dumped three times a week

    • $113.61 per month for a 6-yard dumpster dumped one day a week; $310.54 when dumped twice a week; $507.48 when dumped three times a week

There are ways to save money

on water and sewer bills

There are several ways to help cut the cost of water and sewer bills.

Sewer averages set during winter

Watch water usage closely in December, January, February and March. Sewer usage for the year is set by using the average of water usage during those months.

The new sewer average goes on bills in April and is in place for the rest of the year.

If you have a leak during the months in which the sewer average is set, save your receipts from the plumber or from the purchase of plumbing supplies. Take the receipts to City Hall to show that the leak is fixed and the final sewer average will be adjusted according to the timing of the leak.

Water-saving tips

Fix leaks. Watch your water bill each month. Leaks usually start small and gradually increase. If you have a question about your usage, call City Hall at 488-3433 and information on your usage history can be readily provided.

Change water faucets and toilets to low-flow usage. An efficient shower head can drop water usage by almost one-half. A low-flow toilet will also save water usage.

Use water sense rated dishwashers and washing machines. Only use the appliances when there is a full load to wash.

Place a half gallon milk jug filled with water in the tank of older toilets to save water when flushing.

Head to the car wash. The time limit on the wash encourages you to be more efficient and saves the usage at home.

Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or scrubbing hands.

Xeriscape yard landscaping and utilize a rain barrel to catch water. Know what your plants and/or grass need for optimum sustainability. Most people overwater their landscape.

City burn pit is open for yard waste only

The City burn pit at the sewer plant (one mile south of town on Line Street) is for city residents only and for yard waste only, including trees, brush, leaves and grass clippings.

The burn pit will be left unlocked during daylight hours unless the use of this facility is abused by dumping of items that do not comply with the state permit, such as fencing, decking and other lumber materials. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment does monitor the City of Belle Plaine for compliance. 

All bagged material must be emptied and bags placed in container next to the gate. 

You can help monitor correct usage by calling 911 if you see illegal dumping in the burn pit.