Local Breweries Raise a Glass to City's Wastewater Billing Approach

GREELEY, Colo. — The City of Greeley is updating its wastewater billing process for local breweries. The new approach recognizes that not all water used by a brewery goes into the sewer system.

Some of the water used by breweries becomes beer that is packaged and sold. That water leaves the brewery in cans, bottles or kegs instead of going down the drain.

Starting in 2027, eligible breweries can set a monthly limit on the amount of water used to calculate their wastewater bill. The limit will be based on the brewery’s total water use, minus the water used in the beer it produces and ships.

The change could lower eligible breweries’ wastewater bills by about 10 - 15%. Some businesses may save as much as $600 per month.

“Greeley Utilities is committed to listening to our customers and finding practical solutions when a concern is raised,” said Dennis Margheim, Key Accounts Coordinator for Greeley Water Utilities. “Brewery owners helped us see a way to make wastewater billing more accurate and fair without requiring businesses to install costly new equipment.”

The update began after WeldWerks Brewing Co. owner Neil Fisher spoke with City staff about his wastewater charges. Like many businesses, breweries are usually billed for wastewater based on all the water that passes through their water meter. But not all of that water goes into the sewer system.

Under the new process, breweries will report how much beer they produce and ship each year. Breweries already track this information as part of their normal business operations. Greeley Utilities will use the information to set a wastewater billing limit for the next year.

The new process also saves breweries from having to install extra wastewater meters. One additional sewer meter can cost about $11,000.

“The City’s Water and Sewer team took the time to understand how our business operates and worked alongside us to develop a solution that’s fair and practical,” Fisher said. “Not only does this help us operate more efficiently, but it’s also a model for what’s possible when local businesses and city leaders work together to solve challenges creatively.”

Greeley Utilities is working to offer the billing adjustment to all eligible breweries in its service area. This includes WeldWerks Brewing Co., Crabtree Brewing Co., Yetters Brewing Company and Wiley Roots Brewing Co.

The effort shows the City’s commitment to helpful and responsive service for local businesses. Greeley has a diverse water portfolio and a team of utility professionals who work to meet the needs of many types of customers, including residents, large employers and small businesses.

“This is a strong example of City departments working together to support local businesses,” said Lauren Smith, economic development coordinator for the City of Greeley. “Economic development and utility staff share the goal of making Greeley a great place to start, grow and operate a business.”