Minimum Billing Stinks

[Disneefun]

So, we got real serious a few months ago about cutting our water bill. The first month we saw a huge reduction. The next month, even more. Then for three months in a row, our bill was exactly the same amount. To the penny. I checked the readings at the meter and discovered that the bills said we had used 3000 gallons when in actuality we'd used closer to 2000. I called the county and they told me that they bill for a minimum of 3,000 gallons. If you use less than that, they still bill you for 3,000. That stinks. So no matter how much I conserve, my bill will never go any lower. I was seriously considering getting a rain barrel this summer, but now I wonder what's the point. (Other than just conserving to conserve).

Minimum billing stinks and seems unfair somehow. I try to save money and I'm thwarted by some stupid rule. Grrrr.

 

[pyrxtc]

that doesn't sound right at all since you aren't using that much. I would ask them for my money back that they over-billed me. If they refused I would take it to the papers and talk to a lawyer and find out if it's even legal to bill over what you are using.

 

[surfergirl602]

I don't see how that is even legal! If I used a thousand gallons less than they billed me for, I would want my money back!! I would be talking to someone a bit higher up and have them show me documentation on how that is even legal.

 

[secretpantssam]

yeah that doesn't seem right at all. Why should you pay for something you're not using??

 

[Kathi OD]

Any water utility that we've had has a minimum. And, yep, it doesn't seem fair, but it's been going on for years, and is perfectly legal.

 

[msmayor]

Folks...its absolutely legal. There is a minimum billed amount and most likely is stated on the bill itself in the details of "How the Bill is Computed". Its standard for practically every single water company to bill this way.

My own water bill has a 7,500 gallon minimum, a level we ALWAYS go over. $21 for the first 7500 gallons, and then $2.52 for every 1,000 gallons over through the second 15,000 gallons. The 3rd 15,000 gallons is billed at $2.80 per 1,000.

To the OP...most likely the water is the cheapest part of your bill. If you are billed like many others are, a big chunk of the bill is the mandatory sewer fees. Mine is $105 per quarter.

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

We pay $54/month minimum payment just for sewage in a house that's had the water turned off for over a year (empty rental house).

Tell me that's not wrong!

 

[QueenRocks]

We pay $40 a month to the sanitation disctrict for property that doesn't even have a building on it.

 

[hopemax]

You could look at your water bill like a cell phone bill. They have one "plan"...3000 gallons. If you go over you pay more, just like if you go over your minutes. If you go under you don't get a break, just like a cell phone.

 

[ohlas]

I think it is great that you are trying to control the water,,, but having running water and sewer is a very nice luxury im not will to give up at almost any price...

 

[puffkin]

The minimum is to ensure that the sewage plants can stay in operation.....their operating costs are much more fixed so they need to know how much money they will be getting each year to do their budget.

I grew up in a fairly water conservative house (we had a well) so those habits still stick with me. Even when I water my flower beds through the summer we don't come close to the minimum. I do like knowing exactly what my water/sewage bill is each quarter though...makes budgeting much easier!

 

[camlace]

We also have a minimum bill amount here (and in every other town I have lived in). As previous posters have mentioned, the utility needs a minimum amount of money to at least keep the plants up and running. I still conserve, but I make sure my budget always includes the minimum amount.