Understand Your Water Bill
A water bill usually combines usage charges and fixed fees. Sewer and other charges may appear on the same bill.
Start with the billing period
Check the start and end dates. A quarterly bill covers more time than a monthly bill. Use charges and consumption from the same period when calculating an estimate.
Read the consumption unit
Your bill may list US gallons, cubic feet, or CCF. One CCF equals 100 cubic feet, or approximately 748.052 US gallons. Select the matching unit in the calculator.
Match the rate unit
A rate per 1,000 gallons is different from a rate per CCF. Select the unit used in your rate schedule. The calculator converts your consumption to that billing unit.
Check rate tiers
Progressive tiers charge each portion of consumption at its own rate. The higher rate applies only to the portion above the tier boundary. Our calculator supports two progressive tiers; schedules with more tiers need a separate calculation.
Add fixed fees and sewer charges
Fixed service fees can apply even when you use no water. Sewer charges may use current water consumption, a winter average, or a capped amount. Only use the calculator’s sewer rate fields when sewer is based on the same consumption and billing unit as water.
Compare the result with your bill
Review stormwater fees, taxes, minimum charges, and credits if the totals differ. For billing questions, contact the utility using the details printed on your bill.