Saving Money on Sewer Fees with a Separate Irrigation Meter in Henrico County
If you have a large lawn or garden in Henrico County, you might be paying sewer fees for water that never enters the wastewater system. Most Virginia municipalities, including Henrico, bill sewer charges based on your total water consumption. That means every gallon you use for your sprinklers, pool, or garden hose gets charged as if it went down the drain. Installing a separate irrigation meter lets you measure outdoor water use separately so you only pay sewer fees on the water that actually enters the sewer system. This simple upgrade can save hundreds of dollars per year during the growing season. Henrico County Department of Public Utilities.
How Henrico County Bills Sewer Fees
Henrico County’s Department of Public Utilities uses a consumption-based sewer billing model. Your monthly sewer bill is calculated as a percentage of your total water usage, typically around 90-95%. If your household uses 10,000 gallons in a month and 3,000 of those gallons go to irrigation, you are still paying sewer fees on all 10,000 gallons. The county assumes all water entering your home eventually returns as wastewater. That assumption works for indoor use but not for outdoor watering, car washing, or pool filling. Sewer Line Repairs for Historic Houses in the Museum District.
Henrico’s billing structure is common across Virginia but can be particularly costly in neighborhoods with large lots and thirsty landscaping. Areas like Glen Allen, Short Pump, and parts of western Henrico often see summer water bills jump by 40-60% due to irrigation. Without a separate meter, that extra usage still counts toward your sewer charges. Virginia Department of Health Cross-Connection Control.
What Is a Separate Irrigation Meter
A separate irrigation meter, sometimes called a “subtract meter” or “secondary meter,” is a second water meter installed on the outdoor water line before it connects to your home’s main supply. This meter tracks only the water used for irrigation, pools, and outdoor faucets. The data from this meter is subtracted from your total water usage when calculating sewer charges, so you only pay sewer fees on the water that flows through your indoor plumbing. Who to Call for a 24-Hour Plumbing Emergency in Downtown Richmond.
The meter is typically installed in a buried box near your property line or next to your existing meter. It includes a backflow prevention device to protect the public water supply from contamination. The system must meet Henrico County’s plumbing code requirements and pass inspection before it can be activated.Henrico County Permit and Installation Process
Installing a separate irrigation meter in Henrico County requires a plumbing permit from the Department of Public Utilities. The process starts with submitting an application that includes a site plan showing the meter location, the type of backflow preventer, and how the outdoor system will be connected. A licensed master plumber must pull the permit and perform the installation. Plumbing Bon Air.
Once the permit is approved, the plumber taps into the main water line, installs the new meter in an approved meter box, and sets up the backflow preventer. The installation typically takes one to two days depending on site conditions. After installation, a county inspector checks the work to verify code compliance and proper backflow protection. Only after passing inspection can the meter be activated and the billing arrangement begin. Tankless Water Heater Installation for Modern Homes in Short Pump.
Homeowners should expect permit fees, inspection fees, and the cost of the meter and backflow device. These costs vary but often range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the complexity of the installation. The investment pays for itself in reduced sewer bills over two to three years for most households. Fixing Main Line Sewer Backups in Bon Air Neighborhoods.
Backflow Prevention and Annual Testing Requirements
Backflow prevention is mandatory for separate irrigation meters in Henrico County. The county requires a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly or a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) depending on the system design. These devices stop contaminated water from flowing backward into the public water supply if pressure drops suddenly.
Henrico County’s cross-connection control program requires annual testing of the backflow preventer by a certified tester. The test confirms the device is working correctly and meets Virginia Department of Health standards. Test results must be submitted to the county, and any needed repairs must be completed promptly. Skipping annual testing can result in water service disconnection.
Backflow preventers must also be winterized in freezing weather. In Henrico’s climate, where winter temperatures can drop into the teens, the device needs to be drained or protected to prevent cracking. Many homeowners schedule winterization in late fall and reconnection in early spring.
Estimated Savings and ROI
Savings depend on your outdoor water use and Henrico’s current sewer rates. A typical homeowner using 5,000 gallons per month for irrigation during the six-month growing season could save $15 to $25 per month on sewer charges. Over a full year, that adds up to $90 to $150 in direct savings.
The return on investment improves for larger properties or homes with extensive landscaping. If your irrigation system uses 10,000 gallons per month in summer, you could save $30 to $50 per month, or $180 to $300 annually. At those rates, the meter pays for itself in about two years.
Henrico’s sewer rates have increased slightly each year, so future savings may be even higher. The county’s rate structure also includes a base charge, so you will still pay a minimum fee even with a separate meter. Still, the net savings during peak watering months can be substantial.
Here is a simple comparison of typical annual costs with and without a separate meter:
| Scenario | Annual Water Use (gal) | Sewer Charges w/o Meter | Sewer Charges w/ Meter | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Lawn | 30,000 | $450 | $300 | $150 |
| Medium Lawn | 60,000 | $900 | $500 | $400 |
| Large Lawn | 90,000 | $1,350 | $700 | $650 |
Common Questions About Irrigation Meters in Henrico
Will I still get a water bill for the irrigation meter? Yes. You will receive a separate bill for the water used by the irrigation meter, but it will not include sewer charges. Your indoor water use will still be billed with sewer fees on your main meter.
Can I install the meter myself? No. Henrico County requires a licensed master plumber to pull permits and perform the installation. DIY work is not permitted for this type of plumbing modification.
What if I stop using the irrigation system in winter? The irrigation meter will still register a small amount of water use for any outdoor faucets or dormant system components. You will not be charged sewer fees for that usage, but you will still pay for the water itself.
Does the meter affect my home’s resale value? A separate irrigation meter can be a selling point for buyers who want to control outdoor water costs. It also shows that the plumbing system is up to code and professionally installed.
Is a Separate Irrigation Meter Right for You
A separate irrigation meter makes the most sense if you use a significant amount of water outdoors during the growing season. If your summer water bills are much higher than your winter bills, you are likely paying unnecessary sewer fees. The investment is also worthwhile if you have a large lawn, multiple garden zones, or a swimming pool.
Homeowners in newer subdivisions with in-ground irrigation systems often see the fastest payback. Older homes with manual hose watering may still benefit, but the savings will be smaller. If you live in an area with water restrictions or drought concerns, a separate meter also makes it easier to track outdoor usage and stay within limits.
Before deciding, consider your outdoor water habits, the size of your property, and your budget for the installation. A licensed plumber can help you estimate your potential savings based on your current water bills and local rates.
Next Steps to Start Saving
The first step is to contact a licensed master plumber in Henrico County to discuss your property and water usage. The plumber will review your current water bills, assess your outdoor water needs, and explain the permit process. They can also provide a detailed cost estimate and timeline for installation.
Once you decide to move forward, the plumber will pull the necessary permits and schedule the installation. After the work passes inspection, you can begin seeing lower sewer charges on your next billing cycle. Most homeowners start saving money within the first two months of use.
If you are ready to stop paying sewer fees for water that never enters the sewer system, call Summit Plumbing today. Our licensed team has installed dozens of separate irrigation meters in Henrico County and can guide you through the entire process. Call (804) 602-4944 now to schedule your free consultation and start saving on your sewer bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a separate irrigation meter in Henrico County?
Installation typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on site conditions and meter location. This includes the permit, meter, backflow preventer, and professional installation.
How long does it take to install a separate irrigation meter?
Most installations take one to two days. The permit process and inspection can add another week or two to the timeline.
Will I still get a sewer bill for the water used by the irrigation meter?
No. The irrigation meter tracks only outdoor water use, and you are not charged sewer fees for that water. Your indoor usage is still billed with sewer charges on your main meter.
Do I need to test the backflow preventer every year?
Yes. Henrico County requires annual testing of the backflow preventer by a certified tester. The test ensures the device is working correctly and meets health and safety standards.