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1. What is my Capacity Fee based on?

The Capacity Fee is based on projected water use in gallons per day (GPD).

2. How was the current Capacity Fee derived?

All Capacity Fees must follow Government Code section 66000, commonly known as the “Mitigation Fee Act.” The fee was determined in 2006 by dividing the total net assets of the Authority’s system by the quantity of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs). The 2005 financial audit of Sweetwater Authority listed the value of total assets as $144,457,000. This number was divided by 62,650, the number of EDUs in Sweetwater Authority, for a value of $2,306 per EDU. This amount was rounded down to $2,300 per EDU. The Capacity Fee is analyzed approximately annually and the calculated value has consistently remained at approximately $2,300 per EDU.

3. When was the Capacity Fee last increased?

The fee had not changed between 1984 and 2006, and was increased in 2006 due to the need to construct capital facilities and the impact of water connections to the Authority’s water system.

4. What is an EDU?

An EDU is a unit that equates all residential, commercial, and industrial connections to a typical single-family residential unit.

5. What is the average use in gallons per day (GPD) in our service area?

A table showing the average use in our service area at the time the last Capacity Fee study was completed (2006) is available here.

6. I’m building a new home. What will my Capacity Fee be?

For permits issued prior to July 1, 2017, the Capacity Fee for one residence is $2,300.

7. I’m building a new home with an accessory unit, but only want 1 water service. What will my Capacity Fee be?

For permits issued prior to July 1, 2017, the Capacity Fee would be $2,300 x 2 EDUs = $4,600.

8. Do I still need to furnish plumbing fixture unit count with my plan submittal to Sweetwater Authority’s Engineering Department since you charge Capacity Fees based on gallons per day?

Yes. The plumbing fixture unit count is necessary to verify your service lateral and meter size.

9. I’m constructing a 10 unit condominium project on a vacant parcel. What will my Capacity Fee be?

For permits issued prior to July 1, 2017, the Capacity Fee would be $2,300 x 58% x 10 EDUs = $13,340.

10. I’m redeveloping a parcel with a Single Family Dwelling into a 4-unit attached Townhouse with a separate irrigation meter; using existing water service for irrigation. What will my Capacity Fee be?

For permits issued prior to July 1, 2017, the Capacity Fee would be $2,300 x 58% x 5 EDUs = $6,670, less a credit of $1,334 for the existing dwelling unit, which would be reclassified as an irrigation meter. The total Capacity Fee would be $5,336.

11. I have 2 existing houses (duplex) on my property currently being served by a single water meter and would like to add an additional water meter so each house can be billed separately. Is there a fee?

There is no Capacity Fee. The Capacity Fee only applies to new demand or development to the water system.

12. How will the Capacity Fee be determined for commercial buildings?

The expected demand (in gallons per day) as provided by the owner will be divided by 327 gallons per day to determine the number of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs). The Authority has developed a data base of historical water use for business, irrigation, industrial, and government accounts. The average water use for a specific class will be the basis of determining the total EDU.