utilities

What changes a household water bill

A water bill is easier to investigate when you separate what the meter says from the charges the water company applies. Start with two dated readings and the bill’s charging period.

Find usage from the meter

For a metered home:

current reading - previous reading = usage during the period

Divide by the number of days only when comparing periods of different length. Take readings at the same time of day and check that the meter serves the whole property. A sudden change is a reason to investigate; it is not proof of a leak.

Occupants, baths and showers, laundry, outdoor watering, and leaking toilets can all affect usage. Write down which factors an estimate includes.

Read the charging section

Check the bill for fixed charges, the usage period, wastewater, drainage, surface-water, and other local items. If the property is not metered, ask the water company how its charge is calculated before comparing it with a consumption-based bill.

Tenants should check the tenancy terms before assuming that a landlord or tenant pays a particular charge. Use the current bill and the water company’s tariff rather than copying a neighbour’s total.

Use two readings as a household baseline

Suppose the meter reads 12,450 on 1 April and 12,510 on 1 May:

12,510 - 12,450 = 60 units in 30 days

Keep the dates and units with the result. If the next reading changes sharply, check for a running toilet, outdoor tap, or other leak and contact the water company or a qualified professional when appropriate.

For a similar way to separate fixed and usage charges, see the energy-bill guide.