The part of a water bill based on how much water the meter recorded during the billing period. Learn where it appears on a water bill, whether it is controllable, and what to check first.
Water bill
$114
All-in rate
$15.83 per 1k gal
Best next check
Leak and irrigation
The part of a water bill based on how much water the meter recorded during the billing period.
On a real statement, this may appear as Water usage, Consumption charge, Commodity charge. Labels vary by city, water district, sewer provider, and billing software.
What to check: Compare gallons or CCF first. If usage jumped, check toilets, irrigation, softeners, humidifiers, and meter readings.
Separate water usage, base charges, sewer, stormwater, and service fees.
Open pageBrowse the full glossary for water, sewer, stormwater, and meter terms.
Open pageA minimum monthly water or sewer amount charged even when measured use is very low.
Open pageA separate charge or meter line for outdoor watering, sprinklers, or landscape irrigation.
Open pageA utility credit or bill review process that may reduce part of a high bill after a documented leak repair.
Open pageA fixed service fee that helps cover account, meter, and utility system costs even when usage is low.
Open pageA wastewater charge that may be based on water use, a winter average, fixture count, or a fixed monthly amount.
Open pageA local charge for drainage and stormwater infrastructure, often unrelated to monthly indoor water use.
Open pageShort answers for search visitors and bill-checking moments.
The part of a water bill based on how much water the meter recorded during the billing period.
Water usage charge is mostly controllable. Compare gallons or CCF first. If usage jumped, check toilets, irrigation, softeners, humidifiers, and meter readings.
Compare gallons or CCF, billing days, sewer charges, fixed charges, and meter readings before deciding what caused the increase.