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I am really disgusted with how high my water bills are running . . . and I am not consuming that much water.
Looks like the storm and sewer fees are what are running it up, but my water consumption also looks too high, so I am looking for any leaks around the house (running toilet, for example).
Before I freaked out, though, I thought I would see how my bill stacks up to other people's. Only hubby and I are in the house, so consider that as normal useage. However, both of us are not here fulltime, due to travel.
Our water consumption went up a LOT this past billing period and we are very perplexed about that, as we have done nothing to cause this increase, i.e., powerwashing, water plants, washing a car, etc. So that is quite puzzling.
Here is the breakdown of our bill:
Water Use: 31.60 (which is 1/3 higher than our typical use in the preceding months of this year)
Sewer: 53.52
Water fees 5.09
Sewer fees: 7.25
Storm water fee: 10.01
How does this compare to other people's bills/use, if you don't mind sharing?
Getting a bill for over $100 in a month where both of us have not even been here 24/7 and when we have done nothing to run extra water is the pits.
Anifani - here is my last water bill - it was for 30 days of service.
Two people in the house (One goes to the YMCA pretty regularly and takes a shower there).
This was probably my lowest bill this year.
water usage 2.40
sewer usage 8.92 ($4.46 per ccf of water usage)
water fees 4.93
sewer fees 7.02
storm water fee 10.65
Your water usage (and sewer - based on water use) seems really high to me.
Any chance you have a broken pipe or something? Years ago I had to replace the water line from the street to my house. All of the houses on my street were built in the early 60's and it seems like everyone had to replace this pipe over about a 2 year period. I think that is the only time I ever had a $100+ water bill.
Anifani - here is my last water bill - it was for 30 days of service.
Two people in the house (One goes to the YMCA pretty regularly and takes a shower there).
This was probably my lowest bill this year.
water usage 2.40
sewer usage 8.92 ($4.46 per ccf of water usage)
water fees 4.93
sewer fees 7.02
storm water fee 10.65
Your water usage (and sewer - based on water use) seems really high to me.
Any chance you have a broken pipe or something? Years ago I had to replace the water line from the street to my house. All of the houses on my street were built in the early 60's and it seems like everyone had to replace this pipe over about a 2 year period. I think that is the only time I ever had a $100+ water bill.
Wow. I am stunned.
Charlotteborn, how do I go about having the pipe from the road checked - to see if there is a leak? As it happens, my next door neighbor had a rupture in a pipe to his house several years ago, and our houses were built about the same time.
My mouth is still dropping open hearing how much less water your family uses. Our bill has always been too high and I called CharMeck about it several years ago and they said my use was about normal so I thought - oh well.
I think I need to check for a leak but don't know how to go about that.
I'm surprised frankly since you seem to be living at your mountain home most of the year.
Yes, I have been at the mtn. house a lot while doing renovations on that property, but hubby has been here in Charlotte most of the time when I am not. He has just recently retired so now he will be doing renovations at this house . . . not letting him get too comfy on that sofa, lololol.
Charlotteborn, how do I go about having the pipe from the road checked - to see if there is a leak? As it happens, my next door neighbor had a rupture in a pipe to his house several years ago, and our houses were built about the same time.
My mouth is still dropping open hearing how much less water your family uses. Our bill has always been too high and I called CharMeck about it several years ago and they said my use was about normal so I thought - oh well.
I think I need to check for a leak but don't know how to go about that.
The way I found out was the front yard (above water pipe) was sopping wet! Almost like a marsh. Do you know where your water line comes into the house? I would walk every foot of your yard and see if you find any wet ground.
When I had my pipe replaced the plumber said that it is not unusual for neighbors pipes to follow. Apparently when you fix one pipe that leads to higher water pressure for the nearby pipes.
I seem to remember that CMUD gave me a slight credit for the month that my bill was excessive.
The way I found out was the front yard (above water pipe) was sopping wet! Almost like a marsh. Do you know where your water line comes into the house? I would walk every foot of your yard and see if you find any wet ground.
When I had my pipe replaced the plumber said that it is not unusual for neighbors pipes to follow. Apparently when you fix one pipe that leads to higher water pressure for the nearby pipes.
I seem to remember that CMUD gave me a slight credit for the month that my bill was excessive.
There is one area on the side that is shady and seems to stay more moist but overall, it is a very dry yard. However, the upper yard is not a lawn - it is "naturalized" -- it is on a hill and there is mulch and various types of foundation plants, azaleas, etc. So it would be about impossible to tell (if the pipe runs down from that hill).
If I call the CMUD, will they come and mark where the water pipe is? I would think a plumber would need to know where the pipe is b/f he/she could be of any help . . . but I am rather clueless about all this (obviously).
About a year and a half ago I started paying close attention to how much water I use, and I cut back. If I have not had an active day, it's enough to just wash up at the sink. I rarely use the dishwasher, just rinse my own plates. A single person can cut back to 1 CCF a month with effort. (I'll admit my bills usually alternated between 1 and 2 CCF a month).
But then you have those fixed sewer fees, which are unavoidable.
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