Any one of the following options is available to residents who use a large amount of water that does not go into the sewer system:

Irrigation Meters - These meters are already used in a number of homes.  Water flow going to the outside of the home is measured and the customers are charged for water use only, not sewer charges.  Because irrigation is not considered an essential use, water used for irrigation is charged a 25% higher rate than water intended for consumption.  The irrigation meters currently in place will still be available.  No refunds will be given to those who have already installed such meters.  The meters are the best option for residents with underground irrigation systems or anyone who does extensive lawn irrigation.  This option is available to all customers and is subject to a monthly fee of $8.33

Deduct Meters - These meters function in a fashion similar to the irrigation meters, but are installed inside the home.  They are available only to individually metered residential units.  The County would read these meters, then subtract the amount of water that goes through them from the sewer bill.  Not all homes (particularly those on slabs or crawl spaces) are suitable for installation of a deduct meter. The homeowner will be responsible for the $240 meter fee, all plumbing expenses for installation, and a monthly fee of $8.33.

Hose Bib Meters - The Sanitary Engineering Department only has a limited supply of the Hose Bid Meters and they are available on a first come, first serve basis. These will be available only for individually metered residential units who have a new lawn or newly resodded or reseeded lawn or those who want to fill a swimming pool.  They attach to an outside faucet and measure the water used outside.  That amount is then subtracted from the total amount used, so no sewer charges apply.  They can be used for up to one season for irrigation (April 15-October 15) and for four days for swimming pools.  The water measured by the meters will be charged at the irrigation rate.  Customers actually "rent" the meters and must return them to the County.