Understanding Your Water Bill

Show of hands, how many people fully understand their water bill?

Water bills can be confusing, but we’re here with a quick guide that will help you make sense of it all and teach you how to spot potential links and gain water (and money)-saving insights.

Breaking Down a Bill

There are four critical components of a water bill.

1. Account Information

This section is straightforward, containing information like:

• Your name and address
• The billing period
• Your account number
• Total due

Review this section every time you receive your bill, checking for incorrect information.

2. Water Usage

Your water bill will contain usage information that shows just how much water your household used during the billing period.

Most usage data is displayed with an HCF (hundred cubic feet), which is also called a CCF or centum cubic feet. Each HCF has a unit cost. For example, maybe during one billing period, you used 10 HCF of water, and you’re charged $5 per HCF. The base amount you owe is $50.

Fun fact: 1 HCF = approximately 748 gallons of water.

This section also contains helpful information about how much water you used in the previous billing period, helping you compare your usage. Many bills also include a full year of usage history, typically displayed in a chart. By reviewing the fluctuations in your water usage, you can more easily see how the seasons impact the amount of water your family uses or get an indication that there’s a leak.

3. Fees

Generally titled “Account Activity,” this section breaks down all the fees and costs that make up your total bill. You may see things like storm drainage fees, wastewater costs, and local taxes in addition to the amount you owe for the water usage.

4. Detachable Portion

If you pay your water bill through the mail, a detachable portion will be included with your check. Ensure the total amount aligns with what’s listed in the account activity section of your bill.

And there you have it: a water bill explained!

Identifying Leaks

If your bill is unusually high, you may have a leak! One of the quickest ways to check for a leak is to turn off all your water, locate your meter, and write down the numbers you see. Then, avoid using any water for the next few hours. Go back out and recheck the meter; if the reading has changed, you likely have a leak on your hands!

Common culprits of water leaks include:

• Faucets
• Showerheads
• A running toilet

So it’s a good idea to check those things first. You’ll also want to look for visible signs of a leak, like damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Do you have an extra-lush-looking patch of grass in your yard? There may be an underground leak to deal with.

Water- & Money-Saving Tips

Here are five quick ways to save on your water bill while conversing this precious resource:

• Fix leaks ASAP—even small drips can amount to big tabs.
• Install water-efficient features.
• Adopt habits like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and only running the dishwasher when full.
• Choose landscaping wisely, like opting for drought-resistant plants.
• Use your bills to monitor your usage and adapt your consumption accordingly.

Suspect a Leak? Turn to Stephens!

While we can’t help you pay your water bill, we can help you save on it. Contact our plumbing pros today if you’re concerned about unusually high usage. We offer comprehensive residential plumbing services, and 24/7 emergency assistance. We look forward to helping stop leaks in their tracks. Reach out today!