Utility Billing

EWING-LAWRENCE SEWER AUTHORITY

On May 20, 2024, Ordinance No. 24-1825 was enacted to revise the Sewer Service Fees for residents connected to the ELSA system. The previous rate for users stood at $8.54 per one cubic foot of water and has been unchanged since 2012. By law, the ELSA system in Hopewell Township must be self-liquidating. That is, it must raise enough revenue through sewer rates to meet all of its expenses. Therefore, because costs have increased significantly in the twelve years since 2012, the Township is obliged to adjust the rates accordingly.  

Going forward, Ordinance 24-1825 provides that rates may be increased with inflation in order to avoid large increases after many years of flat rates. This will help better manage the finances of the ELSA system in Hopewell Township and give customers a more predictable sewer bill.

The new rate, effective for June 2025 billing, is itemized as follows:

• Equipment rate, per quarter for all users $40.00
• Unit charge per cubic foot of usage*: $10.55
• Minimum usage charge: $10.55 + $40.00 = $50.55 per quarter *Based on readings completed by Trenton Water Works. 

For users with irrigation meters, an additional flat rate of $10.00 per quarter applies. 

For instance, a regular user reporting 5 cubic feet of water would incur the following: 

                    Old rate: $40.00 + $51.25 ($10.25 x 5) = $91.25

                    New rate: $40.00 + $52.75 ($10.55 x 5) = $92.75

New quarterly rates for homes without water meters:

• 1 Bedroom -        $164.05 + $40.00 equipment fee = $204.05 quarterly
• 2 Bedrooms -      $246.07 + $40.00 equipment fee = $286.07 quarterly
• 3+ Bedrooms -   $328.09 + $40.00 equipment fee = $368.09 quarterly