‘Study your water bills’
TAKING a closer look at your water bill will help you better understand how much water you’re using.
Taking the time to study your water bill may even help you identify opportunities to save water and at the same time save money.
Billing information
The top section of your water bill typically contains information about the bill itself such as:
1. Billing date
2. The current billing period
3. Payment due date
4. The amount due
5. And your account number with the water supplier.
It normally also includes your name and the service address where the water is delivered.
You should check this information to make sure that you’re paying the correct bill.
Many utilities provide a breakdown of charges and a section with an itemised list of charges.
Water meter data
Your water bill must contain your meter number and water usage data based on the meter reading.
At a minimum, it must include the current and last meter readings and the dates the readings were taken.
Typically, the bill shows the number of days in the billing period.
It also includes the number of gallons or cubic meters used.
This number can be calculated by deducting the current meter reading from the previous reading.
To ensure that your bill is correct, read your water meter regularly and compare your readings to the utility’s readings provided on the bill.
Types of accounts
There are two types of accounts that consumers must be aware of.
These are commercial and residential accounts.
Both accounts are charged different rates depending on its nature.
Residential accounts are usually charged a lesser rate compared with that of commercial accounts.
If you are however running a business from your home, you need to apply for a commercial account.
Case study
The council was in receipt of a complaint from a Savusavu resident who claimed that his bill was unjustly increased by the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF).
However, after the council liaised with WAF, it was discovered that the complainant had been running a business from his home for several years.
He was therefore charged with a commercial rate and was advised that he would need to apply for a separate meter and account for his commercial business.
Water usage
The water usage section informs you about how much water you have used in the billing period.
Check for spikes or sudden increases in your water cost and usage.
If your usage remains high after a sudden increase you may have a leak in your system.
If your household size or monthly usage has not increased, but you still experience a slow but steady increase in your bill, this could mean that there is a water leak.
Consumer advice
1. Understanding how to read your water bill can help you save water, energy, and money. The easiest way to save money on your water bill is to conserve water.
2. If your usage indicates a possible leak, try to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid wasting water and money.
3. Learn how to read your water bill and meter. This is the easiest way to ensure that you are being charged correctly for your water usage.
For assistance, consumers are urged to contact the council on toll free helpline 155 or email complaints@ consumersfiji.org
This is a regular contribution from the Consumer Council of Fiji. Email: mediaofficer@consumersfiji.org for feedback