According to the American Water Works Association, the daily average water consumption for a family of four people is 1 cubic metre (m3), 219.97 gallons or 1,000 litres.
A sudden rise in the amount of your bill may be due to a number of reasons:
Find out more information on how to check for leaks.
Higher-than-normal water consumption during the winter months can be due to several reasons including:
The above City initiated water services will appear as an adjusted billing item on the water portion of the utility bill.
Refer to other water-related help and advice.
If you have experienced a high water bill it may be a result of uncontrollable or unexplained consumption or other types of water leaks. Property owners are charged for the amount of water that flows through pipes and is recorded by the water meter.
If you suspect you have received a high water bill due to an uncontrollable or an unexplained water increase you may apply for an adjustment.
Adjustments may be available for unexplainable consumption increases provided that:
Water consumption must be three times greater compared to the historical daily average to qualify. An inspection by a licensed plumber may be required to inspect the property.
Adjustments may be available for uncontrollable water increases provided that:
Water consumption must be three times greater compared to the historical daily average and is not in the customer’s control, due to a leak, or another defect in the private plumbing system. The water meter must be tested and found to be free from defects and no other City activity could have reasonably caused the increase. Written confirmation from a licensed plumber is required.
Send supporting documents by mail or fax:
City of Toronto
Revenue Services
Utility Billing
5100 Yonge St.,
Toronto, ON M2N 5V7
Fax: 416-696-3605 “ATTN: Utility Billing” (refer to Tips on Faxing)
Reference:
Section 849-31, 849-26 Basis for Metered Billing, portions F, G, H, and I.
As a courtesy, a notification letter may be sent to the property owner to advise of an unusual increase in water consumption. Review causes your potential increases in water and check for leaks.
Call Water Investigation at 416-395-0177 with any questions regarding this letter.
If you have increased water consumption resulting from home dialysis treatments, you may qualify for the Home Dialysis Water Rebate Program.
If you are a low-income senior or a low-income person living with disabilities and consume less than 400 cubic metres (m³) of water each year, you may be eligible for a water rebate.
If you are a low-income senior or a low-income person living with disabilities and use a garbage bin or single-family residential bag-only customer; you may qualify to receive a rebate on the solid waste portion of your utility bill.
Learn more about qualifying to receive a solid waste rebate.
Learn more Water Leaks, Costs & How to Spot a Leak.
Connection or disconnection to the City’s water supply can be requested for:
Learn more about requesting a water/sewer service connection or disconnection.
Learn more about your water meter and pipes.