Utility Billing - Water and Solid Waste

News Release - December 16, 2025: City of Toronto proposes 2026 interim rates and fees for Toronto Water and Solid Waste Management Services

Description of Service / Summary

The City of Toronto Utility Bill includes charges for water and sewer services and solid waste management fees. Customers can manage their accounts online, submit water meter readings, and enroll in pre-authorized payments. This guide explains how billing is calculated, how to submit readings, and details about related programs and fees.

Utility Bill Components

• The utility bill includes two main charges:
  • Water and sewer charges – based on the volume of water consumed.
  • Solid waste management fees – based on bin size and billing period.
  • Learn more about your utility bill on the City of Toronto Utility Billing webpage.

Water and Sewer Charges 

• Charges are calculated by multiplying water consumption by the applicable water rate for the billing period.
• Block one rate: Applies to most residential properties (domestic use).
• Block two rate: Applies to industrial process water consumption where eligibility criteria are met.
• The sewer component of the water rate covers wastewater treatment, infrastructure, and sewer system maintenance.
• Approximately 57% of the total water rate reflects sewer-related costs.

Solid Waste

• Calculated by multiplying the solid waste rate (based on bin size) by the number of days in the billing period.
• The Oversized and Metal Items fee is applied to all utility bills at a daily rate.
  • The annual fee appears on every bill, whether or not oversized items are collected.
  • Fees are pro-rated based on the billing period length.

Estimated Water Meter Readings

• Occasionally, estimated water charges are issued if an actual reading is unavailable.
• Once an actual meter reading is obtained, billing adjustments are made on future bills.

Submit a Water Meter Reading 

Submit Water Meter Readings Online 

• Customers whose Meter Transmission Unit has stopped sending readings can submit a meter reading online via the Utility Account Lookup.
• Follow the steps below:
  • Locate your water meter and record the number on the dial.
  • Sign in to the Utility Account Lookup and select Submit a Meter Reading.
  • Follow on-screen prompts to enter the reading.
  • Save or print the submission confirmation or have it emailed.
    • The online feature remains open until the deadline stated in your notification letter or email.

Submit Water Meter Readings by Telephone 

• Leave a detailed voice message using the phone number provided in your notification letter.
• Recorded instructions will request:
  • Name, phone number, property address
  • Utility account number
  • Current water meter reading

Speak Directly with a Customer Service Representative

• Call 311 and select “Option 1 – Estimated Water Bill.”
• A representative will collect your contact details, account information, and water meter reading.

Submit Water Meter Reading In-Person

• Visit an Inquiry & Payment Counter with your meter reading written down or photographed.
• A representative will record your contact information and meter details.

Verification​

• Submitted water meter readings may be verified by staff to ensure accuracy.

Missed or Inaccessible Meter Readings 

No response received:

• If you miss the deadline, access to the online submission feature will be disabled.
• The system will display a message indicating that no meter reading is currently required

Unable to access meter:

• Call 311 and select “Option 1 – Estimated Water Bill.”
• A representative will review the issue and, if necessary, refer it to Toronto Water for assistance.

Pre-Authorized Utility Payment Program

• Enroll in Pre-Authorized Utility Payments to have your bill amounts automatically withdrawn from your bank account.
• Learn more on the Pre-Authorized Utility Payment Program page.

Industrial Water Rebate Program

• The City offers a relief program for high-volume industrial water consumers.
• Learn more on the Industrial Water Rebate Program page.

High Water Consumption

• If your bill shows a sudden increase in water usage, check for:
  • Leaking toilets, faucets, or irrigation systems
  • Continuous water softener cycling
  • Hidden plumbing leaks
  • Visit High Water Bill & Leaks for more information.

Monthly Utility Billing

• Eligible customers can switch to monthly billing by meeting the following requirements:
  • Own a residential property
  • Be enrolled in the Pre-Authorized Payment Program
  • Be subscribed to eBilling (electronic billing)
  • Have an Automatic Meter Reader (AMR) installed

Changing from Flat Rate to Water Meter Service

• Contact Toronto Water Meter Services to schedule an appointment for meter installation.
• All properties must transition from flat rate billing to metered service under the City’s Water Meter Program.
• Customers who do not install a meter will incur a Flat Rate Legacy Fee.