The Sanitation Districts collect funds annually to pay for the operation and maintenance of the Sanitation Districts’ wastewater system. These charges are collected via the Service Charge Program for residential and commercial customers and via the Surcharge Program for industrial dischargers. Click here to view a map of the Sanitation Districts. Click on the District that you think contains your property and you will be linked to a detailed map of that District with options to view the Connection Fee and Service Charge rates, forms and ordinances for that District. If you have any questions about the Connection Fee or Service Charge forms, rates or ordinances, please contact our offices at (562) 908-4288 or 800-426-7414, Extension 2727. Basis of the Service Charge The amount of the Service Charge collected from residential and commercial customers is established based on ordinances adopted by the Sanitation Districts' Boards of Directors. Generally, each District adopts two ordinances that govern the calculation of the Service Charge. The Master Service Charge Ordinance establishes the procedures for calculation and collection of the Service Charge. The Rate and Mean Loadings Ordinance is the vehicle for adoption of the rates, the estimated loading factors and the cost allocation factors used to calculate the Service Charge for a parcel. Collection of Service Charges The majority of the Service Charges are collected from residential and commercial wastewater dischargers by the placement of a direct assessment on the annual property tax bill. The Los Angeles County Tax Collector collects the Service Charge on behalf of the Sanitation Districts. Parcels that do not receive property tax bills (i.e. government parcels, etc.) are charged directly via direct billing. Adjustments to Service Charge There are occasions when adjustments should be made to a parcel’s Service Charge. Normally, the Sanitation Districts make adjustments when a wastewater discharger can demonstrate that: (a) A parcel is not connected to the sewer system but has paid a Service Charge; (b) The water consumption for a parcel is below average for the category of use; or (c) The Sanitation Districts has either the wrong quantity or category of use for facilities located on a parcel resulting in over estimation of the quantity of wastewater discharged from the parcel. When the Service Charge System was initiated in the late 1970s, the Sanitation Districts attempted to identify all parcels that were on a septic tank and NOT connected to the Sanitation Districts’ wastewater system. However, from time to time, customers come forward that have paid Service Charges and can prove that their property has been on a septic system. Under these circumstances, the Sanitation Districts refund the Service Charges paid. This process is initiated when a customer submits a Claim for Service Charge Refund. The Sanitation Districts’ Master Service Charge Ordinance makes provisions for adjustment of future Service Charges for water conservation. The estimated loadings adopted by Sanitation Districts' ordinances assume a normal level of water consumption. When a customer demonstrates that they use less water than normal, the Sanitation Districts allow an adjustment to the Service Charge. The criteria for an adjustment to the Service Charge rate are based on the use of the property. If the parcel is a single family home, the water usage has to be less than 98 hcf (hundred cubic feet) or 200 gallons per day. If the parcel is a condominium, the water usage has to be less than 93 hcf or 190 gallons per day. The water usage limit for a business is calculated based on the square footage of the business. Please contact the Sanitation Districts at 562-908-4288 or 800-426-7414, Ext. 2727 for water usage limits specific to a business. This whole process is initiated when a customer submits a Petition for Service Charge Reduction Due to Reduced Water Consumption. From time to time, the Sanitation Districts review the status of parcels with reduced water consumption status to verify that water usage still meets the criteria. The Sanitation Districts Service Charge is based on the type and size of facilities located on a parcel. The Sanitation Districts depend on various sources for collection of this information including local building departments of the member cities, customers and the County Assessor. Occasionally, facility information changes or the information received is erroneous, resulting in incorrect Service Charges. The Sanitation Districts make adjustments and refund overpaid Service Charges when the customer can demonstrate that the facilities have changed in the prior years. This process is initiated by submission of a Claim for Service Charge Refund.