Understanding Your Newtown Township Sewer Bill

Staring at a sewer bill and wondering why it looks different from your neighbor’s? You are not alone. In Newtown Square, who bills you and how your charges are calculated can vary by location. This guide explains what shows up on a Newtown Township sewer bill, how to estimate your costs, and what buyers and sellers should verify before closing. Let’s dive in.

Newtown Township sewer service at a glance

Newtown Township administers sewer service under local ordinances, and parts of the system convey wastewater to regional partners for treatment. Depending on your property’s sewer district, flows may be conveyed to the Central Delaware County Authority and treated regionally, which can influence local user charges. You can review the township’s planning framework on the Public Sewer Extension Project and Act 537 page.

Because multiple entities are involved, bills can differ across neighborhoods. The regional conveyance role described in CDCA’s background helps explain why treatment costs may vary.

How your sewer bill is calculated

Newtown Township’s ordinance bases sewer charges on your prior 12 months of metered water use. If you are on a private well, the Township applies a set formula or flat well rate instead. A minimum charge may apply even if your usage is low. You can read the billing framework in the Township code on sewer rents and collection.

Each year, the Township receives a 12‑month water consumption statement from the water company, then prepares and mails sewer bills. The ordinance allows unpaid bills to become delinquent after the time shown on the bill, and they may be enforced with penalties and interest. Details are outlined in the sewer ordinance.

Line items and fees to know

• Volume charge. A rate per 1,000 gallons based on your prior 12 months of metered water use.
• Minimum charge. A statutory minimum applies even with low consumption.
• Well billing method. Properties without public water are billed using a Township formula rather than a water meter.
• Sewer certification fee. During a sale, you will pay a small admin fee for a sewer status letter. The exact amount is set by resolution, so confirm with the Township.

If you connect to public sewer for the first time under an Act 537 extension, tap‑in or connection fees can apply. Local planning updates have discussed user‑fee models and financing approaches; review current decisions with the Township and recent public reports, such as this engineer update on the Newtown sewer plan.

Penalties, liens, and why they matter at closing

Unpaid sewer charges can become a lien against the property, not just the owner. Historic ordinance language references a penalty after 30 days, with additional interest and collection actions. Always verify the current percentages in the latest resolution. For the legal framework, see the Township code.

Local developments that may affect rates

• Act 537 planning. Newtown’s long‑term sewage facilities plan shapes service areas and conveyance agreements. See the state’s notice of approval in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
• Regional treatment costs. CDCA conveys flows to regional facilities for treatment, and wholesale charges can influence user rates locally. CDCA’s history page provides helpful context.
• Recent project debates. Since late 2024, proposed plant concepts and capital cost projections have been publicly discussed in meetings and local reporting. Township actions in early 2025 opposed specific plant proposals. These decisions can affect future user charges. See a summary of resident concerns about a proposed treatment plant and follow Township updates on the Public Sewer Project page.

Buyer and seller checklist

Use this quick list during listing, inspections, and contract due diligence.

• Confirm the sewer district and billing authority. Ask which entity bills the property and which district it is in. Start with the Township’s public sewer planning materials.
• Pull 12 months of water usage. Sewer charges are based on the prior year’s water consumption. Request a statement from the water provider to estimate your sewer bill using the current rate schedule in the Township code framework.
• Order a sewer certification early. This letter confirms connection status, paid-to-date balance, and any liens. Fees and timelines vary; contact the Township.
• Check for liens. Because sewer bills can attach to the property, confirm there are no outstanding sewer liens before closing. The process is outlined in the sewer ordinance.
• Ask about private lateral requirements. Verify if any inspection or repair rules apply to the property’s private sewer lateral.
• Estimate the annual cost. Use last year’s gallons and the current rate schedule to estimate the volume charge, then add any minimums or fixed fees.
• In new service areas, ask about financing. If a tap‑in fee applies, ask about payment plans or deferment options referenced in public discussions.
• Know who to call. For current rates, certifications, and liens, contact Newtown Township via the county’s municipal directory.

Quick math to estimate your cost

Here is a simple way to ballpark your annual sewer charge:

1. Get the property’s last 12 months of water usage in gallons.
2. Find the current rate per 1,000 gallons from the Township or billing authority.
3. Calculate: (Annual gallons ÷ 1,000) × (rate per 1,000 gallons) = volume charge.
4. Add the minimum charge and any fixed fees listed on the current rate schedule.

This method follows the structure in the Township ordinance. Always confirm current rates with the Township before relying on an estimate.

When to contact the Township

Reach out to the Township office if you:

• Are unsure which authority bills your address.
• Need the most recent rate schedule or minimum charge.
• Need a sewer certification for a sale.
• Are connecting for the first time and want current tap‑in fees or financing options.

Start with the Township’s Public Sewer Project page or the county’s municipal directory for contact details.

Buying or selling in Newtown Square is easier when you understand the sewer piece. If you want a clear plan for your timeline, budget, and negotiations, let’s talk about your goals and next steps with Ainlay Dixon.

FAQs

How is a Newtown Township sewer bill calculated?

• Sewer charges are based on your prior 12 months of metered water use, with a minimum charge and special billing rules for properties on private wells, as outlined in the Township code.

Who do I call about my Newtown Square sewer bill?

• Start with Newtown Township’s office for rates, certifications, and liens; contact details are listed in the county’s municipal directory.

What happens if I do not pay my Newtown Township sewer bill?

• Unpaid sewer charges can become a lien against the property and may incur penalties and interest, which can affect a future sale.

Are sewer rates the same across Newtown Square?

• Not always; charges can differ by sewer district and by which authority conveys and treats wastewater.

How do sewer charges affect a home sale in Newtown Square?

• Buyers and sellers should order a sewer certification, confirm any unpaid balances or liens, and verify any private lateral requirements before closing.

Could my Newtown Township sewer bill change next year?

• Possibly; capital projects, Act 537 expansions, and regional treatment costs can affect user rates, so follow Township updates for the latest decisions.

Is sewer included on my water bill in Newtown Township?

• No; sewer is a separate municipal or authority bill that uses water usage as a basis but is billed independently under Township ordinance.