Is your water bill higher than normal?

If your water bill is higher than usual, there are several potential explanations. A range of everyday factors can influence your usage, and in some cases, the bill may reflect an estimate rather than an actual reading.  Some common reasons include:

  • Estimated readings - If your meter could not be accessed, your usage may have been estimated based on past data. If previous bills underestimated your actual usage, your current bill may be higher to reconcile the difference
  • Leaks - Even small, undetected leaks (like a dripping tap or leaking toilet) can add up over time.
  • Longer billing periods- Occasionally, the number of days in a billing cycle may vary slightly.
  • Higher usage - Hot weather, garden watering, visitors, or extra laundry can increase consumption.

What is an estimated meter read?

Sometimes we are unable to access your water meter, this can happen if there are locked gates, unrestrained dogs, or heavy vegetation blocking the area. In these cases, we may issue an estimated meter read, where your water usage is calculated based on your past consumption history. While this allows billing to continue, it may not accurately reflect your actual usage, which can result in an inaccurate bill. 

Estimated meter reads may occur when:

  • The meter is behind a locked gate
  • There are unrestrained dogs on the property
  • The meter is blocked by overgrown bushes or garden beds
  • The meter is damaged or unreadable

If your meter has been estimated in previous billing periods, there may be a significant difference between the estimated and actual usage once a proper read is completed, this can result in a higher-than-expected bill to account for the water actually used. 

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How to check for leaks

If your water bill seems unusually high, another cause can be a hidden leak on your property. There are some simple steps you can take to check for leaks yourself before calling a plumber.

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Found a leak?

If you’ve discovered a leak in your private water service, you may be able to submit a claim. To see the eligibility criteria and limits, please see our Water and Sewer Charges Refund Policy.

It will tell you what to do once a leak is discovered and the process for submitting a claim.

Understanding your water bill

Your water bill shows how many kilolitres (kL) of water your property has used during the billing period. The more water used, the higher the usage charge.
 
You can stay on top of your water use by:
• Checking your bill each time and comparing your kL usage to previous bills
• Regularly reading your water meter to track consumption between bills
• Looking for unexpected increases that may indicate a leak
• Being mindful of water use during dry weather
 
Think there may be a leak?
Even a small leak, such as a dripping tap or leaking toilet, can significantly increase water consumption over time.
 
Before contacting Council about a higher bill, we encourage residents to:
1️⃣ Review the kL usage shown on the bill
2️⃣ Compare it with previous billing periods
3️⃣ Check their meter and look for leaks around the property
4️⃣ Consider whether recent weather conditions or household activities may have increased water use.

Still not adding up? We can investigate

If your water bill seems unusually high and you’re still not sure why, we can help by conducting a thorough bill investigation.

Here’s what we’ll do:

  1. Review your meter reading history and compare previous usage
  2. Check for estimated reads that may have affected your bill
  3. Arrange a site inspection, where a staff member will attend your property to assess your meter and check for any signs of issues

Please note, as investigations can be extensive and require on site coordination and history checks, they can take some time to conduct. 

Download our FACTSHEET(PDF, 186KB).

Financial support and Hardship Policy

We understand that managing bills isn’t always easy, especially if a bill is higher than expected.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, we’re here to help. We offer:

  • Payment plans
  • Support under our Hardship Policy
  • Confidential assistance tailored to your circumstances

Contact our team on 02 6778 6300 to discuss your options or visit our website at www.uralla.nsw.gov.au for the policy and application form.

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