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Home » Departments » Utilities and Environmental Services » Wastewater » Surcharge and Grease Program

The City of Round Rock Environmental Services Division implements the City’s Surcharge and Grease Programs in accordance with Chapter 44, Article VI, Section 44-149 of the City Code of Ordinances. This ordinance applies to all nondomestic dischargers to the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System.

The purpose of the City’s surcharge program is to reduce excess amounts of solids and oxygen demanding substances from entering the wastewater system.  Solids and fats, oils and grease (FOGs) can clog the sewer lines, cause sanitary sewer overflows and put a heavy operational load on the wastewater treatment plant.  Sewer clogs, overflows and heavy operational loads at the wastewater plant increase maintenance and operating costs in the system and at the plant.

The City’s Ordinance requires that all industries and businesses that discharge high-strength wastewater (higher than normal residential waste) pay an additional fee to recover the additional costs for treating those wastes.  This additional fee is called a “surcharge.”

Once per year, City sampling personnel will collect a composite sample of wastewater discharged from your facility.  The sample will be analyzed for total suspended solids (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or chemical oxygen demand (COD).  The analysis is performed in accordance with the American Public Health Association’s (APHA’s) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

The calculation of the surcharge occurs by using four items:

Please refer to Chapter 44, Article VI, Section 44-149 of the City Code of Ordinances for program details.

Once a surcharge is calculated, a notification will be sent to the water meter owner.  The recipient then has fourteen (14) days to inquire about or contest the charges.  Once the surcharge appears on the actual water bill, the fee must be paid.  The surcharge will appear monthly on the water bill for a period of twelve (12) months.  After that time, another sample will be collected and the process will be repeated.

Divert as much of these wastes to the grease box and solid waste receptacles as possible.

A grease trap is a device that is typically installed directly to a sink inside the facility.  A grease interceptor is usually outside in the ground.  Both of these devices are designed to capture excess solids and grease so they are not discharged.  Only food-related wastewater and mop sinks are routed to these devices.  Sanitary waste from restrooms should never be plumbed to these devices.

Routine maintenance and cleaning are required to ensure these devices perform properly.

When devices are serviced the Texas Administrative Code Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 312, Subchapter G, Paragraph 312.143 requires that the liquid waste hauler pump out the entire content of the device.  The liquid waste hauler must ensure the device is completely evacuated.  Keep a copy of the service ticket on-site for City review.

In accordance with City Ordinance Chapter 44, Article VI, Sec. 44-149(d)(8), the user must contest charges within fourteen (14) days of issuance of the surcharge notification.  After the fourteen (14) days have passed, re-sampling or adjustment of any charges on the water bill may not be possible.  If the surcharge amount is listed on the water bill, it must be paid.

Yes, you may request another sampling event using the Re-Sample Request.  However, the following re-sampling fees and guidelines will apply per City Ordinance, Chapter 44, Article VI, Sec. 44-151:

Sampling Fee $100.00 BOD Analysis $20.00 TSS Analysis $20.00 Total Re-sampling Fees $140.00

In accordance with the City Code of Ordinances, all non-domestic dischargers shall provide, and the City shall designate, a sampling point.  The location and design of the control point shall be approved by the City.  This sampling point shall be free of impediments and easily accessible by City personnel.

When possible, the sampling point incorporates all flow from the facility.  However, due to the plumbing design of some facilities, a sampling point may be designated directly after the grease trap and after waste treatment has occurred.  This is an acceptable sampling point.

If at any time in the future the facility chooses to install a combined flow sampling point, the facility shall notify the City and the sampling point can be re-designated.  A combined flow sampling point is a sampling point that incorporates normal sanitary restroom waste and treated waste from the grease trap.

The City maintains Sampling Site Data Sheets, including a diagram of the sampling point, for each facility and provides a copy to the facility at the time of site designation.  A copy of the current Sampling Site Data Sheet will be made available upon request.

Phone: 512-218-5561 Email: surcharge@roundrocktexas.gov

3400 Sunrise Road Round Rock, Texas 78665 Phone: 512-218-5555 Fax: 512-255-6911

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City of Round Rock 221 East Main Street Round Rock, TX 78664 512-218-5400