Provides a general overview of the current practices and procedures that should be considered for financing and establishing rates and charges for wastewater collection and treatment systems. It updates the 1984 Edition of Financing and Charges for Wastewater Systems co-published by (American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and (American Public Health Association (APHA), then in its second edition, and serves as a guide to wastewater utility managers, municipal officials, engineers, accountants, and rate analysts. Because the material was updated using a more rigorous peer-review process, the publication is now classified as a Manual of Practice. This manual is not intended to provide a simplistic “cook book” or universal approach to cost allocation and rate making. Rather, it is meant to illustrate the various ways of analyzing and allocating the operating and capital costs associated with collecting and treating wastewater and developing rates and charges that reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of service. The manual stresses the complexity of the integrated considerations involved in developing wastewater system cost allocation and rates for services.

This 4th edition of Financing and Charges for Wastewater Systems provides an overview of current industry practices that should be considered for financing and establishing rates and charges for wastewater collection and treatment systems. In addition, this Manual of Practice reflects and is responsive to changes in the industry over the last decade that have occasioned a heightened awareness about wastewater utility financial management and the equitable distribution of cost responsibilities across customer groups or classes. These changes, including tightening environmental regulation and replacement of aging infrastructure, have resulted in a pronounced increase in the cost of wastewater services. At the same time, the portion of costs paid through federal and state assistance programs have declined, challenging the affordability of this vital service. In this context, guidance on wastewater rate-setting practices, and particularly the distribution of costs across user groups, is of critical importance. As individual wastewater utilities address their financial management challenges, it is important that their practices for setting rates and charges be responsive to the unique circumstances and values of the communities they serve. Accordingly, this manual offers industry-accepted guidance in addressing these challenges without prescribing specific methods. In many instances, acceptable methodological alternatives are presented. Financing and Charges for Wastewater Systems is structured to provide the reader with an overview of financing mechanisms for wastewater systems and a framework for development of wastewater rates and charges.

Provides a general overview of the current practices and procedures that should be considered for financing and establishing rates and charges for wastewater collection and treatment systems. It updates the 1984 Edition of Financing and Charges for Wastewater Systems co-published by (American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and (American Public Health Association (APHA), then in its second edition, and serves as a guide to wastewater utility managers, municipal officials, engineers, accountants, and rate analysts. Because the material was updated using a more rigorous peer-review process, the publication is now classified as a Manual of Practice. This manual is not intended to provide a simplistic “cook book” or universal approach to cost allocation and rate making. Rather, it is meant to illustrate the various ways of analyzing and allocating the operating and capital costs associated with collecting and treating wastewater and developing rates and charges that reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of service. The manual stresses the complexity of the integrated considerations involved in developing wastewater system cost allocation and rates for services.

Handbook of Project Finance for Water and Wastewater Systems provides an easy-to-read guide for gaining an understanding of the myriad options available for financing water and wastewater projects and how to evaluate which options are most appropriate. This crucial reference delineates a basic system for comparing the actual costs of various programs. The book describes the seven major factors that can dramatically affect user charges. It then analyzes each funding alternative in terms of these common cost factors. No other book provides such an understandable framework for comparing project costs and their ultimate impact on ratepayer charges. Handbook of Project Finance for Water and Wastewater Systems is an essential book for utility managers, consultants, engineers, regulators, environmental attorneys, and planners. Features Addresses the seven major factors that affect project costs Easy to read Presents easily comparable options