Summer is right around the corner and that usually means higher temperatures and low rainfall totals in Oklahoma. These conditions can lead to higher utility bills primarily because of increased water usage. Please note there could be other factors that contribute as well depending on your household.

The City recently released a video featuring City Manager Michael Spurgeon explaining why your water bill may be higher during the summer months.

A few important items to remember:

• The City has not increased water or sewer service rates since the fall of 2019. Therefore, if your bill is higher, it is not because of any type of rate increase passed by the City.  
• The minimum monthly bill for a residence inside City limits is $48.69 with zero water usage. This fee includes flat and base charges for LifeRide ambulance service, trash collection and recycling, and fees for street lights, sewer, and stormwater.
• Billing cycles run about 4 to 6 weeks behind your actual usage. So, by the time the bill for a certain period arrives, many people don’t recall how much water they may have actually used the previous month.
• When a month is 5 weeks long, so is our billing cycle. When this occurs, your bill will be based on an extra week of usage. In 2021, this will occur in June and September.

How your water bill is calculated

Water meters are read every month to determine the amount of water used. This is measured in gallons, and the water consumption is billed per 1,000 gallons. The rate varies based on the type of meter, but the charge for a standard residential meter is $5.15 per 1,000 gallons inside City Limits.

Specific rates for City Utilities can be seen at BrokenArrowOK.gov/Rates.

Biggest summertime water uses

An average sprinkler system uses 1,000 gallons or more in only an hour. Installing a rain-sensing device so your sprinklers don't run during a rainy week can save you money. Filling up a swimming pool and children's water toys can also add significant usage.

A sudden spike in your monthly bill may also mean you have a leak in your plumbing system. Even a small drip can waste 50 gallons or more every day. Consult a plumber if necessary to find a leak.

Contact Utility Billing Customer Service

If you have any questions or concerns about your bill, please contact our Utility Billing Customer Service team directly. They will be more than happy to help address your issues and find a resolution. They can be reached at 918-259-8409.

Or, if you have water, sewer, or meter concerns please call the Utilities Department at 918-259-8373.

Residents of Broken Arrow who would like to legally discharge fireworks in the City limits may do so by purchasing a fireworks permit for $22. Permits are available for in person purchase through July 2 at the Community Permitting and Licensing office in City Hall, 220 S. First St. Permits will not be issued to persons under 18 years of age.

For added convenience, fireworks permits can be purchased online by visiting BrokenArrowOK.gov/fireworks.

Permits are valid during the hours of 3-11 p.m. on July 3 and July 4 only. Additional rules are listed on the printed permit.

It is unlawful to discharge fireworks within City limits without a permit. Certain restrictions apply. Fireworks must be discharged on a noncombustible surface of sufficient size to contain the entire ground portion of the display, not closer than 25 feet to any permanent structure.

For questions regarding the application, call Community Permitting and Licensing at 918-259- 2411, option 0.

The best way to control the mosquito population is by not allowing them to breed in the first place. You can protect yourself against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants when possible and using mosquito repellent containing DEET when outside.

• Prevent items such as buckets and tarps from holding standing water.
• Empty your outdoor pet’s water bowl and refill daily.
• Rinse, scrub, and refill birdbaths weekly. 
• Empty plastic wading pools weekly and store indoors when not in use.
• Regularly maintain swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs.
• Empty water from the pool and hot tub covers weekly.
• Store boats covered or upside down.
• Regularly check for clogged rain gutters and clean them if needed.
• Repair leaky lawn irrigation spouts.

To request mosquito spraying:

Due to federal regulations, the City must first prove there is a mosquito problem before crews can treat the requested area. Information is collected on a weekly basis from permanent trapping sites, and that data helps determine whether treatment is warranted.

You can report a mosquito problem online at www.ActionCenterBA.com, or use the City’s Action Center app (search for “Action Center Broken Arrow” in your app store) or call the Action Center at 918-258-3587.