Why would my water bill higher than expected?
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 couldn’t be accessed, your usage may be estimated based on past data and if it has been estimated in the past there may be a shortfall in your bill to make up for the inaccuracies.
- 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.
How to check for leaks
If your water bill seems unusually high, another caused 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.
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:
- Review your meter reading history and compare previous usage
- Check for estimated reads that may have affected your bill
- 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.
Financial Support & 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.
Sign up for SMS Notifications
We're rolling out a new SMS notification service to make meter reading easier for everyone. If you have a dog, a locked gate, or if your meter's in a tricky spot, this service is for you!
We'll send you an SMS with an approximate date for your meter reading. This gives you time to:
Getting prepared helps us get an accurate reading every time, which means no more estimated bills for you.
DOWNLOAD A FACTSHEET ABOUT THIS HERE(PDF, 186KB)