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Higher bill than usual?
A high water bill can catch you by surprise, and you'll no doubt be wondering what could have caused the spike. Here are some of the common causes for a higher-than-usual bill and what you can do to rule in and out possible causes.
Steps for troubleshooting a high bill
It’s common to assume that a high bill means a possible leak on your property, but before you investigate that, start by asking these questions.
Step 1: Is the meter-read accurate?Although we take every precaution, we may have read your meter incorrectly. To check if this has happened, you’ll need to read your meter yourself.
Water meters are usually located near or just outside the property boundary. They’re in a box made of wood, plastic, concrete or metal. Here’s how to find and read your meter in our residential section.
Check that the number on the meter dial is either equal to or slightly higher than the amount on the back of your most recent bill. On a mechanical meter, we bill off the black numbers. On a smart meter, we bill off the numbers before the decimal point.
It's normal to have fluctuations of up to 5kls on your meter read, which will be corrected on the next billing cycle. If you have a variation of more than 5kls, contact us using our online enquiry or call as at (09) 442 2222, press 2.
Although we take every precaution, we may have read your meter incorrectly. To check if this has happened, you’ll need to read your meter yourself.
Water meters are usually located near or just outside the property boundary. They’re in a box made of wood, plastic, concrete or metal. Here’s how to find and read your meter in our residential section.
Check that the number on the meter dial is either equal to or slightly higher than the amount on the back of your most recent bill. On a mechanical meter, we bill off the black numbers. On a smart meter, we bill off the numbers before the decimal point.
It's normal to have fluctuations of up to 5kls on your meter read, which will be corrected on the next billing cycle. If you have a variation of more than 5kls, contact us using our online enquiry or call as at (09) 442 2222, press 2.
Step 2: Is this a catch-up bill?We aim to have a meter reader take an actual reading of your meter every two months. In between we use your previous two actual readings to calculate an estimated usage.
If you’ve had several estimated bills in a row due to obstacles like access issues and this is your first actual meter read in some time, that could explain why your bill is higher than usual. On your bill, estimated meter reads are shown on the 'billed usage history' graph with an E – actual reads are indicated with an A.
If the property has a smart meter, your monthly bills reflect the property’s actual water use. You can view the household data in half-hourly, daily and monthly bites via our free app, available at the App Store or on Google Play. If you see water is being used continuously, you are likely to have a leak.
We aim to have a meter reader take an actual reading of your meter every two months. In between we use your previous two actual readings to calculate an estimated usage.
If you’ve had several estimated bills in a row due to obstacles like access issues and this is your first actual meter read in some time, that could explain why your bill is higher than usual. On your bill, estimated meter reads are shown on the 'billed usage history' graph with an E – actual reads are indicated with an A.
If the property has a smart meter, your monthly bills reflect the property’s actual water use. You can view the household data in half-hourly, daily and monthly bites via our free app, available at the App Store or on Google Play. If you see water is being used continuously, you are likely to have a leak.
Step 3: Has the water usage changed? Your bill may be higher if there has been extra people staying or living in the property. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Has there been a long period of time where extra people have been living or staying at the property?
- Have new appliances been installed that use more water?
- Have your tenants used the washing machine or dishwasher more often? More people or greater use of appliances will often lead to a higher bill.
It’s also normal to use more water in summer than in winter months. The following activities can lead to a higher water bill:
- Watering the garden more often
- Leaving outside hoses or sprinklers on by mistake
- Using a water blaster
- Filling a swimming pool
- Showering more often
- Landscaping or renovating.
Your bill may be higher if there has been extra people staying or living in the property. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Has there been a long period of time where extra people have been living or staying at the property?
- Have new appliances been installed that use more water?
- Have your tenants used the washing machine or dishwasher more often? More people or greater use of appliances will often lead to a higher bill.
It’s also normal to use more water in summer than in winter months. The following activities can lead to a higher water bill:
- Watering the garden more often
- Leaving outside hoses or sprinklers on by mistake
- Using a water blaster
- Filling a swimming pool
- Showering more often
- Landscaping or renovating.
Step 4: Check for a leakIf you've ruled out the above, there may be a water leak on the property. But it’s important to do a leak test before calling in a plumber. Follow the link below for how to check for and manage leaks.
Private leaks are your responsibility to fix, whereas leaks on the public network are our responsibility. Here’s a diagram of your responsibilities and our responsibilities when it comes to pipes. If you find a leak on your property, you’ll need to contact a registered plumber to fix it.
If you've ruled out the above, there may be a water leak on the property. But it’s important to do a leak test before calling in a plumber. Follow the link below for how to check for and manage leaks.
Private leaks are your responsibility to fix, whereas leaks on the public network are our responsibility. Here’s a diagram of your responsibilities and our responsibilities when it comes to pipes. If you find a leak on your property, you’ll need to contact a registered plumber to fix it.
