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Emergency

Water bill too high: check consumption, meter and pipe burst

A suddenly high water bill often has a cause: an unnoticed leak, a defective meter or a reading error. For a proven pipe burst, many utilities grant a waiver of the wastewater share, because the water did not reach the sewer. A careful review is worthwhile.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Water and wastewater charges are based on measured consumption and the municipal fee statute. If the statement is faulty (reading error, defective meter), you can dispute it and have it corrected.
For a proven water pipe burst where the water did not reach the sewer, many statutes provide for a waiver or reduction of the wastewater share. You should submit the application with evidence.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Sanity-check consumption

    Compare the billed consumption with the previous year and look for anomalies.

  2. 2

    2. Check leak/meter

    Check for unnoticed leaks and, if in doubt, have the meter re-examined.

  3. 3

    3. Apply for a waiver

    For a proven pipe burst, apply for a waiver of the wastewater share under the fee statute.

  4. 4

    4. Dispute

    For errors, dispute the statement in writing; against a fee notice an objection may be possible.

How to spot the scam

  • Consumption has jumped without an apparent reason (possible leak).
  • A pipe burst was not taken into account for the wastewater share.
  • The statement is based on an estimated or misread meter reading.

Frequently asked questions

What to do about a water bill that is too high?

Sanity-check the consumption (comparison with the previous year), look for unnoticed leaks and, if in doubt, have the meter re-examined. If the bill is based on a reading or meter error, you can dispute it and have it corrected.

Do I get money back for a pipe burst?

Often at least for the wastewater share: if water demonstrably escaped through a pipe burst and did not reach the sewer, many municipal statutes provide for a waiver or reduction of the wastewater charge. Submit an application with evidence.

How do I fight the fee notice?

Dispute errors in writing with the utility or the municipality. If it is a public-law fee notice, you can file an objection within the deadline. Attach evidence (meter readings, leak/pipe-burst records).

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.