Why is my water bill so high?

1. Compare like-for-like bills

Put the new bill beside the previous one. Note the opening and closing dates, whether readings are actual or estimated, and any balance brought forward. A direct debit is a payment towards your account, not necessarily the charge for the water used that month.

Compare consumption per day as well as total cubic metres. One cubic metre is 1,000 litres. If a six-month bill is being compared with a three-month bill, a larger total does not by itself show higher daily use.

2. Rebuild the charge from your own tariff

A metered bill commonly combines water and wastewater volume charges with fixed charges. The water and sewerage companies can differ. Use the rates on your bill, including the supplier’s wastewater-volume adjustment where applicable; do not assume every supplier bills the same percentage.

For example, 40 m³ at an illustrative combined variable rate of £4/m³ costs £160. Add £80 in fixed charges for the same period and the total is £240. At unchanged usage, a £4.50/m³ rate makes that £260. These are teaching figures, not a current supplier quote.

If the bill crosses a tariff change, check how the supplier apportioned the period. Unmetered charges are not calculated from measured consumption; ask the supplier to explain the charging basis.

3. Check whether the reading belongs to your home

Compare the meter serial number with the bill where you can safely access the meter. Check the units, dates and digits used in the reading. Shared supplies, a move or an incorrectly matched meter need the supplier’s investigation, rather than an assumed correction.

If earlier bills were estimated, an actual reading can catch up several periods of underpayment. Ask for a breakdown of the consumption charge and account balance so you can see which part increased.

4. Look for unexplained continuous use

Think about changes in occupancy, watering, appliances and habits first. Toilets that keep refilling can use water without an obvious puddle. With all intended water use stopped, note the meter and check it again after a period without using water. Unexpected movement is a reason to investigate, not proof of the location of a leak.

Do not interfere with sealed equipment or enter an unsafe chamber. Tell the supplier what you observed and ask who is responsible for the affected pipe. Repair help and leakage allowances depend on the company and circumstances; keep readings, dates and repair evidence.

• Check taps, toilet cisterns and visible indoor pipework.
• Record the meter reading and time before contacting the supplier.
• Ask whether a water and/or wastewater leakage allowance may apply.
• Confirm the claim conditions and deadlines with your own supplier.

5. Choose the next action

For a tariff or reading mismatch, ask the supplier to explain or correct the bill. For higher consumption, use the water bill calculator with your actual tariff and test what changing consumption would do. A meter-switch comparison answers a different question: whether measured charges might suit a currently unmetered household.

If paying is difficult, ask about payment arrangements and available support rather than waiting for the next bill. Eligibility and supplier support schemes vary. Keep a copy of your complaint and request a reference if the explanation remains unclear.