Water-Rate and ROI Methodology
This page explains how Smart Valve turns local tariff data and user-provided site information into readable rate context and savings estimates.
Smart Valve normalizes municipal water and sewer schedules into dollars per 1,000 gallons where possible, then models water charges, sewer charges, fixed charges, surcharges, and usage assumptions. Calculator outputs are estimates for screening and should be checked against the customer bill, meter size, local utility schedule, and site conditions before a purchase decision.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Rate Normalization
Utilities publish rates in different units, most commonly per 1,000 gallons or per CCF. Smart Valve converts compatible rate records into a common dollars-per-1,000-gallons view so cities can be compared more easily.
When a tariff includes tiered water rates, fixed monthly charges, sewer calculations, surcharges, or winter-average sewer logic, those details are represented separately so the model does not flatten every bill into one generic rate.
Bill Calculation Logic
Water charges
Monthly usage is applied across available water tiers and converted into a water-charge estimate.
Sewer charges
Sewer is modeled according to the recorded utility method, such as flat volumetric, percentage of water charge, capped percentage, or winter average.
Fixed charges
Meter-size fees are applied from the tariff record when available, with the first listed meter size used as the fallback.
Surcharges
Known flat or percentage surcharges are included where they are recorded in the tariff data.
Savings and ROI Framing
Savings estimates depend on a property baseline: actual water bills, usage volume, local water and sewer rates, meter size, and the operational conditions that make Smart Valve relevant. The site may use general performance ranges for education, but property-specific recommendations require a review of site details.
ROI pages and calculator experiences are intended for screening. Final financial decisions should consider installation scope, maintenance context, billing variability, and any requirements from local plumbers, engineers, or utility rules.
Known Limitations
Utility rates can change after a page is published. Public rate pages can move. Bills can include taxes, stormwater charges, franchise fees, demand charges, irrigation schedules, or account-specific terms that are not fully represented in a simplified calculator.
When the published page and a current utility bill disagree, the bill and current utility schedule should be treated as the controlling source for that property.