All City water meters measure your use in cubic meters.
As a rule of thumb: One cubic meter equals 1000 litres or approximately 220 imperial gallons (219.969 to be exact).
Water consumption charges will alternate between an estimate and an actual read.
In an estimate cycle, we use an historical average consumption for your property to calculate your invoice. In an actual read cycle, a city employee will read your meter.
You can phone in your meter reading on specific dates during an estimate cycle. You will find these dates on the bottom of your utility bill under “important notes”.
Reasons for higher than normal readings
Some of the most common reasons for a sudden rise in your water bill are:
- Plumbing leaks in toilets and taps
- An increase in the number of people living in your home
- Watering of yards and gardens during the summer months
- An increase in the number of days in the billing period
- Your invoice in May is an estimate based on lower water consumption in the late winter months. In June and July water consumption is generally higher. The actual read in July will then catch up the two higher consumption months.
Leaks
Water leaks can occur in multiple areas of your home. You should always check your water connections and taps for small leaks and repair them as soon as possible. For more information on water leaks in your home, please view our Water Leaks section.