What Can Cause a High Water Bill?

NUMBER OF DAYS IN THE BILLING CYCLE

Monthly water and wastewater charges are calculated on a daily basis and may vary slightly from month to month. Water meters are read Monday through Thursday, and if a scheduled meter read date falls on a weekend or a holiday, it is read on the next available work day. This causes billing cycles to vary slightly in the number of days and service, but you still receive 12 utility bills during the year. The service charges on your bill will reflect the daily rate based on the number of days in your billing cycle for that particular month.

LANDSCAPING TIMES

About 60% of most homes' water consumption is used outdoors, especially during the summer months. Verify your watering times, frequency, and schedule with your landscaper. Verify your assigned watering days here.

POOL

If you are filling up your pool several times a week, you may have a leak.

LEAK

If you receive a high bill and you have not changed any of your watering habits, you may have a leak. Here are some tips on how to find a leak .

If you do find a leak and your water bill was exceptionally high, you may qualify for our Leak Adjustment Program after the leak has been fixed.

Leak Adjustment Program Qualifications

Customers are responsible for all water that passes through the meter at their property, whether it was intentionally used or not. However, if you experience a significant leak, you may be eligible to apply for the Leak Adjustment Program (LAP) if you meet all the program qualifications.

Program Qualifications:

• Increased Consumption: Water consumption during the leak was more than double the same monthly service periods from the previous year (for up to three service periods).
• Repaired Leak: The leak causing the high consumption has been repaired.
• Proof of Repair: Proof of repair must be provided (e.g., receipts for labor, parts, equipment, photos, etc.).
• Returned to Normal Consumption: Water consumption has returned to normal for at least one subsequent service period.
• Service History: The location has had active water service for at least 13 months prior to the leak.
• Timely Request: The request for the Leak Adjustment Program must be submitted within 12 months of the leak.
• Adjustment Limits: Leak adjustments are limited to two (2) adjustments in five (5) years for qualified leak occurrences.
• Completion of Water Smarter Evaluation: Complete the Water Smarter Evaluation at Leak Adjustment Program Water Smarter Evaluation.

Consumption Calculation Example:

• Previous Year's Consumption: 9,000 gallons
• Consumption During Leak: 460,000 gallons
• Total Overage of Consumption: 460,000 - 9,000 = 451,000 gallons
• Consumption Amount Used for Adjustment Calculations: 451,000 gallons

Consumption charges for the 451,000 gallons are split 50/50 between the customer and the City of Henderson.

How is the Leak Adjustment Calculated?

Leak adjustments are calculated by taking the excess consumption from a major leak and calculating the cost of that consumption starting from the first tier. The cost will be shared equally between the customer and the City of Henderson. Upon receipt and verification of the required information, the leak adjustment will be applied to your account and will appear as a credit on your subsequent bill.

If you meet all the qualifications, you may submit a request for a leak adjustment. Visit Contact Henderson and search for the keyword "leak." Once all required information is received and verified, an adjustment amount will be credited to your account and will appear on your next bill.