An Analysis of Residential Water & Sewer Costs and the Financial Case for an Irrigation Meter in Brick, New Jersey

Deconstructing Your BTMUA Utility Bill

An accurate understanding of utility costs begins with a detailed deconstruction of the bill itself. For residents in Brick, NJ (08723), bills from the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (BTMUA) are composed of several distinct charges that reflect both fixed infrastructure costs and variable consumption. A thorough grasp of this framework is essential for managing water expenses and evaluating the financial merits of capital improvements like a secondary irrigation meter.

The Quarterly Billing Framework

The BTMUA issues bills to its customers on a quarterly basis, or every three months. However, the billing cycle is not tied to the calendar quarter; the exact date a bill is issued may vary from one period to the next.¹ This structure suggests that meter readings occur on a rolling basis throughout the township. The legal and financial responsibility for the utility bill rests with the property owner. While an owner may provide a copy of the bill to a tenant, the BTMUA holds the owner accountable for all charges.¹

For payment, the BTMUA provides an online portal, which is facilitated by the third-party service doxo.com.³ The Authority is also in the process of developing its own e-billing system, for which customers can pre-register to receive bills via email in the future.³ It is important to note that an automatic payment (autopay) feature is not currently offered by the BTMUA.¹

A foundational principle of BTMUA’s billing is the “readiness-to-serve” concept. Every property connected to the utility system incurs a minimum quarterly charge for both water and sewer service, regardless of whether the property is occupied or any water is consumed.¹ These fixed charges cover the BTMUA’s costs for maintaining the vast infrastructure—including 406 miles of water mains, 338 miles of sewer lines, 26 pumping stations, and the reservoir—that makes service available to the property.⁶ To cease these minimum quarterly billings, a property owner must have the water and sewer lines physically cut and capped at the curb, a process that is inspected by BTMUA personnel.⁷

Component 1: The Water Charge

The total water charge on a BTMUA bill is a sum of two parts: a fixed service charge and a variable consumption charge.

Part A: Fixed Quarterly Service Charge

This is a flat fee, billed each quarter, determined by the size of the water meter installed at the residence.8 The vast majority of single-family homes are equipped with a 5/8-inch meter. According to the most recent and detailed rate schedule available, the fixed quarterly service charge for a standard 5/8-inch meter is

$57.00.⁸

Part B: Variable Water Consumption Charge

This charge is based directly on the volume of water used during the billing period, measured in thousands of gallons. The BTMUA employs a tiered rate structure, where the cost per unit of water increases as consumption surpasses specific thresholds. This structure is designed to encourage water conservation while ensuring the utility’s revenue stability. The BTMUA engaged a professional consulting firm, Raftelis, to conduct a comprehensive cost-of-service study to develop its rate structures, and this tiered system is a common outcome of such analyses.9

The current tiered water rates are as follows ⁸:

Tier 1: $3.76 per 1,000 gallons for the first 10,000 gallons used in a quarter.
Tier 2: $4.25 per 1,000 gallons for all usage between 10,001 and 50,000 gallons.
Tier 3: $4.75 per 1,000 gallons for all usage exceeding 50,000 gallons.

It should be noted that another, likely outdated, rate document exists on the BTMUA’s web server which presents a different, simpler rate structure.⁷ However, the tiered schedule is more complex and consistent with the type of professional rate-setting study the BTMUA is known to have undertaken.⁹ Therefore, this analysis proceeds with the tiered rates as the current standard, but official confirmation from the BTMUA is strongly recommended.

Component 2: The Sewer Charge

Sewer service charges are calculated based on the total water consumption recorded by the property’s primary water meter.⁷ The system operates on the logical assumption that the majority of water entering a home is ultimately discharged into the sanitary sewer system. The BTMUA is responsible for collecting the township’s sewage, which is then conveyed to a facility on Mantoloking Road operated by the Ocean County Utilities Authority (OCUA) for treatment. The fees charged by OCUA are a significant factor in determining the BTMUA’s sewer rates.¹⁰

Despite a comprehensive review of available public documents, including BTMUA’s financial reports and budgets, a current, officially adopted sewer rate schedule could not be located. This represents a critical data gap. For historical context, a 2011 news article reported the sewer rate as a quarterly base charge of $83.59 plus a variable rate of $1.62 per 1,000 gallons.¹⁰ These figures are over a decade old and should not be considered current. As an analogue, documents from the nearby Long Beach Township MUA show a 2023 annual base sewer rate of $600, or $150 per quarter, in addition to variable charges.¹¹ This demonstrates that the fixed portion of a sewer bill in the region can be substantial. To perform any accurate calculation, the current sewer rate must be obtained directly from the BTMUA.

Calculating Your Bill: A Practical Analysis

Applying the identified rate structures to specific consumption scenarios illuminates how billing components interact and affect the total cost. The following analysis provides a detailed calculation for the user’s specified usage and expands to include other common consumption levels for broader context.

Cost Analysis for 2,000 Gallons of Water

A quarterly bill for a residential customer with a standard 5/8-inch meter who consumes 2,000 gallons of water is calculated as follows:

Fixed Water Service Charge: This is a constant fee based on the meter size.

Charge: $57.00 ⁸

Variable Water Consumption Charge: The 2,000-gallon usage falls entirely within the first and lowest-priced tier.

Calculation: 2 (thousand gallons)×$3.76 (per 1,000 gallons)=$7.52
Charge: $7.52 ⁸

Sewer Charge: This charge is based on the 2,000 gallons of water consumed.⁷ As the current rate is unknown, it must be represented as a variable (
Sewer Charge).
Total Estimated Bill: The total bill is the sum of the water charges plus the unknown sewer charge.

Calculation: $57.00+$7.52+(Sewer Charge)=$64.52+(Sewer Charge)
Total: $64.52 plus the quarterly sewer charge.

Estimated Quarterly Bill Scenarios

To provide a more comprehensive view, the following table illustrates the estimated quarterly bill at three different consumption levels: low usage (2,000 gallons), average usage (12,000 gallons, a figure previously cited by the BTMUA as typical ⁶), and high usage (20,000 gallons). This demonstrates the impact of the tiered water rates and the significance of fixed charges.

Quarterly Consumption	Fixed Water Charge	Variable Water Charge Calculation	Total Water Charge	Total Estimated Quarterly Bill
2,000 Gallons	$57.00	2×$3.76=$7.52	$64.52	$64.52 + Sewer Charge
12,000 Gallons	$57.00	(10×$3.76)+(2×$4.25)=$37.60+$8.50=$46.10	$103.10	$103.10 + Sewer Charge
20,000 Gallons	$57.00	(10×$3.76)+(10×$4.25)=$37.60+$42.50=$80.10	$137.10	$137.10 + Sewer Charge

Note: The “Sewer Charge” is based on the total quarterly consumption and must be obtained from BTMUA for an accurate total bill.

The Irrigation Meter Solution: A Comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis

For homeowners with significant outdoor water needs, such as in-ground sprinkler systems, the BTMUA offers a program to install a second, dedicated water meter. This allows for the separate measurement of water that does not enter the sanitary sewer system, thereby avoiding sewer charges on that volume. However, this solution involves a significant upfront investment and a different water rate structure, necessitating a careful cost-benefit analysis.

The “Lawn Irrigation (Sprinkler) Account” Program Explained

The BTMUA’s “Lawn Irrigation (Sprinkler) Accounts” program allows a customer to establish a separate account and install a second meter for the exclusive purpose of metering outdoor water use.⁷ The primary financial benefit of this arrangement is that water registered on this second meter is exempt from all sewer charges.¹⁰ Furthermore, unlike the primary residential account, this secondary account does not incur a minimum quarterly charge; the customer is billed only for the water that is actually consumed through the irrigation meter.⁷

The Financial Equation: Costs vs. Savings

Evaluating the financial viability of an irrigation meter requires a detailed examination of the one-time installation costs, the ongoing billing rates, and the potential savings.

Part A: The Upfront Investment (One-Time Costs)

The total cost to install a second meter is not specified in BTMUA documents and will vary, but it is composed of several key expenses:

BTMUA Meter Charge: The BTMUA rate book states that “A meter charge will be applicable based on the size of installation”.⁷ While the exact fee for a new irrigation meter is not listed, the cost to
replace an existing 5/8-inch meter is $200, which serves as a reasonable estimate for the cost of the meter itself.⁸
Plumbing and Installation: A licensed plumber must be hired at the homeowner’s expense to reconfigure the property’s plumbing. This involves isolating all outdoor water lines (e.g., sprinkler systems, hose bibs) and routing them to be fed by the new meter, which is installed downstream from the primary meter.¹²
Permits: A plumbing permit from the township building department is a standard requirement for this type of work.¹²
Estimated Total Cost: Based on homeowner experiences in other jurisdictions and fee schedules from other utilities, the total all-in cost for a professional installation can range from approximately $600 to over $1,500, depending heavily on the complexity of the existing plumbing.¹⁵ It is imperative to obtain multiple written quotes from local, licensed plumbers.

Part B: The Ongoing Billing (The Irrigation Rate Premium)

A critical and counter-intuitive aspect of this program is that water consumed through the irrigation meter is billed at a different, higher rate than water from the primary meter. The financial benefit is therefore not simply the full sewer rate, but the sewer rate minus this water rate premium.

The BTMUA rate schedule for irrigation accounts is as follows ⁷:

$6.93 per 1,000 gallons for the first 18,000 gallons per quarter.
$8.71 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 18,000 gallons per quarter.

Comparing the base irrigation rate of $6.93 to the base standard residential rate of $3.76 reveals an “irrigation premium” of $3.17 per 1,000 gallons.

Part C: The Savings Variable (Avoided Sewer Charges)

The net savings are calculated for every 1,000 gallons of water used for irrigation. The formula to determine the actual savings is:

$ \text{Net Savings per 1,000 Gallons} = (\text{Sewer Rate per 1,000 Gallons}) – (\text{Irrigation Water Rate} – \text{Standard Water Rate}) $

Using the current rates, this simplifies to:

$ \text{Net Savings per 1,000 Gallons} = (\text{Sewer Rate per 1,000 Gallons}) – $3.17 $

Rate Comparison: Standard vs. Irrigation Meter

The following table visually contrasts the marginal cost of using 1,000 gallons of water for indoor purposes versus outdoor purposes (with a dedicated meter). This clarifies the financial trade-off.

Description	Cost per 1,000 Gallons
Standard Water Rate (Tier 1) ⁸	$3.76
Irrigation Water Rate (Tier 1) ⁷	$6.93
Sewer Rate (Variable)	To Be Confirmed by User
Total Cost for Indoor Water (Water + Sewer)	$3.76 + Sewer Rate
Total Cost for Outdoor Water (Irrigation Meter)	$6.93
Net Savings per 1,000 Gallons	(Sewer Rate) – $3.17

Breakeven Analysis: Is It Worth It for You?

This investment is only financially prudent for homeowners with substantial and consistent outdoor water usage. To determine the payback period, a homeowner should follow these steps:

Determine Your Total Upfront Cost: Obtain at least three written quotes from licensed plumbers for the complete installation, including all permits and fees.
Confirm the Current Sewer Rate: Call the BTMUA at 732-458-7000 and ask for the current residential sewer rate structure, including any fixed quarterly fees and the variable rate per 1,000 gallons.
Calculate Your Net Savings: Using the formula above, calculate your net savings for every 1,000 gallons of water diverted through the irrigation meter.
Estimate Your Annual Outdoor Water Usage: Review past summer bills to estimate high-consumption periods or, for a more accurate figure, read your meter before and after running your sprinkler system for a full cycle to calculate usage.
Calculate Gallons to Breakeven: Use the following formula to determine how much water must be used before the investment pays for itself:

$ \text{Gallons to Breakeven} = \frac{\text{Total Upfront Cost}}{\text{Net Savings per 1,000 Gallons}} $

This calculation will reveal the volume of irrigation, in thousands of gallons, required to recoup the initial installation cost.

Special Considerations: The Pool Fill Meter Program

It is crucial to distinguish the permanent irrigation meter program from a separate, temporary program offered by the BTMUA for filling swimming pools. Confusing the two could lead to significant financial miscalculation.

A Separate Solution for a Separate Need

For large but infrequent water uses like filling a pool, the BTMUA provides a temporary “Pool Fill Meter”.¹ This is a fundamentally different offering from the permanent irrigation meter discussed previously.

How the Pool Meter Program Works

The pool meter program is designed for maximum convenience and minimal cost for a specific task:

No Cost to Use: The meter itself is provided by the BTMUA free of charge, though an application must be completed and submitted to their office.²
Temporary and Simple: The meter is a portable device that connects between two standard garden hoses, one from the house spigot and one leading to the pool.¹⁷
Sewer Credit: To receive credit and avoid sewer charges for the water used, the meter must be returned to the BTMUA office within three days of checkout. An extension may be granted if the office is called in advance.¹⁷
Usage Limits: A household may use the pool meter program a maximum of three times per year.¹⁷

This program is the ideal and intended solution for filling a swimming pool, as it completely avoids sewer charges on a large volume of water with no upfront investment from the homeowner.

Final Recommendations and Strategic Summary

Making an informed decision about water utility costs and potential investments requires clear data and a logical plan. The following steps and summary synthesize the findings of this analysis to provide an actionable path forward for a Brick, NJ homeowner.

Actionable Next Steps for the Homeowner

Confirm Official Rates: The most critical step is to obtain definitive, current rate information. Call the BTMUA Customer Service office at 732-458-7000 and request the officially adopted 2024-2025 rate schedule for a residential customer, specifically asking for both the water and sewer rate structures (fixed and variable components).¹⁸
Audit Your Outdoor Water Usage: An accurate financial projection requires accurate usage data. For one to two summer months, read your water meter immediately before and after running your irrigation system or performing other significant watering tasks. This will provide a precise measurement of your consumption, which is essential for the breakeven calculation.
Obtain Firm Quotes: Contact at least three licensed and insured plumbers who operate in the Brick, NJ area. Clearly state the project goal—to install a BTMUA-compliant second water meter for lawn irrigation—and request detailed, written estimates that itemize the costs for parts, labor, and any necessary municipal permits.
Perform the Breakeven Calculation: Once you have the confirmed upfront cost from plumbers and the confirmed sewer rate from the BTMUA, use the framework provided in Section 3.4 of this report to calculate your personal payback period in years. This will provide a clear financial basis for your decision.

Summary of Key Findings

Billing Structure: A BTMUA utility bill includes fixed quarterly “readiness-to-serve” charges for both water and sewer, plus variable charges based on a tiered water consumption model. Bills are generated as long as a property is connected to the system, regardless of occupancy.
Cost for 2,000 Gallons: The water portion of a quarterly bill for 2,000 gallons of consumption is $64.52 (comprising a $57.00 fixed fee and $7.52 in variable charges). The total bill will be this amount plus the quarterly sewer charge, which must be confirmed with the BTMUA.
Irrigation Meter Economics: Installing a permanent irrigation meter is a significant upfront investment, likely costing between $600 and $1,500 or more. Its financial benefit is not the full sewer rate, but rather the net savings after accounting for the higher water rate charged to the irrigation meter. This investment is only financially viable for customers with very high, consistent seasonal outdoor water usage.
Distinct Outdoor Water Solutions: The BTMUA offers two separate programs for outdoor water use. Use the free, temporary pool meter for filling a swimming pool.² Only consider the
expensive, permanent irrigation meter for high-volume, ongoing lawn and garden watering that occurs season after season.⁷

Works cited

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