How your water bill is calculated
- Water usage: gallons (or CCF) × your water price — across tiers if your utility uses them.
- Sewer usage: usually the same volume × the sewer price.
- Fixed charges: monthly service or meter charges for water and sewer.
Bill = Water usage + Sewer usage + Fixed charges
Water bill vs. hot water cost
Hot water shows up on two bills. The water itself — and the sewer charge for it — is on your water bill. The energy to heat it is on your electric or gas bill. Hot water mode calculates only the heating energy, adjusted for your water heater's efficiency, so nothing is counted twice.
Ways to lower your water bill
- Fix running toilets and dripping faucets — leaks are billed like any other water.
- Install WaterSense shower heads and faucet aerators to cut both water and heating costs.
- Water the lawn early in the morning, and only when it needs it.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
Frequently asked questions
How is a water bill calculated?
Most bills have three parts: a charge for the water you use, a sewer charge usually based on the same volume, and fixed monthly service charges. With example rates of $6.00 water and $8.00 sewer per 1,000 gallons, plus $27.00 in fixed charges, 6,000 gallons costs about $111.00.
How many gallons are in a CCF?
One CCF (100 cubic feet) is 748 gallons. Many utilities bill in CCF or HCF, which mean the same thing.
What are tiered water rates?
With tiered (increasing block) rates, the first gallons each month are the cheapest and the price steps up as you use more. Cutting outdoor watering or fixing leaks saves the most expensive gallons first.
How much does a hot shower cost?
An 8-minute shower at 2 gallons per minute uses about 16 gallons, roughly 60% of it hot. Heating that water by 65°F with an electric tank heater costs about $0.29 at 17.5¢/kWh. That cost is on your electric or gas bill — the water itself is on your water bill.
Why is sewer more expensive than water?
Treating wastewater is often more costly than delivering clean water, so many cities charge more per gallon for sewer. If you're on a septic system, you won't have a sewer charge at all.
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