Council members adopted a new water and wastewater rate structure at their Nov. 15 meeting.

The new rates went into effect Dec. 1, which means residents will see the rate change reflected in bills they receive in January.

The water rate structure includes a flat volumetric rate of $4.17 per 1,000 gallons and a varied base rate depending on the size of the water meter. According to city officials, most residences have a 1-inch meter or smaller, which has a $14.01 base rate.

The fixed-base charge covers the city’s cost of utility operations and maintenance. The variable portion of the rate is the charge set by the Trinity River Authority per 1,000 gallons of water. The structure is designed so that customers can see the city’s distribution costs and the TRA’s costs separately.