Definition

Noun: A charge or fee, typically calculated per quarter (a three-month period), for water supplied from a public utility or municipal source. It is the price set for consuming a public water supply.

Usage

This term is used to specify the billing rate for water services. It is often found in contexts related to utilities, municipal services, billing, and household expenses. * The city council voted to increase the water-rate to fund infrastructure repairs. * Before moving in, we inquired about the average quarterly water-rate for the neighborhood. * Your bill is calculated by applying the water-rate to the volume of water you used this quarter.

Advanced Usage

• The term is historically associated with rates (a British term for a local tax) charged for water services. In modern contexts, especially in American English, terms like "water bill," "water charge," or "utility rate" are more common, though "water-rate" remains understood.
• It can be part of discussions on public policy, affordability, and resource management.
  • Debates on the new water-rate structure focused on conservation incentives.

Variants and Related Words

• Water charge: A more general term for a fee for water.
• Utility rate: A broader term covering rates for water, gas, electricity, etc.
• Water bill: The invoice or statement detailing the charge for water used.

Synonyms

• Water charge
• Water tariff
• Utility fee (for water)

Related Phrases

• To pay the water-rate: To settle the charge for the water supply.
  • Remember to pay the water-rate by the end of the month.
• A hike in the water-rate: An increase in the charge for water.
  • Residents protested the proposed hike in the water-rate.

Noun

1. rate per quarter for water from a public supply