We perceive that being hit with a big water invoice after a meter improve, as a substitute of your typical $70 month-to-month invoice, might be annoying. However don’t panic—generally, the sudden spike in your invoice means the transmitter in your previous meter wasn’t working because it ought to. When this occurs, your payments are primarily based on estimated readings which may elevate your future invoice by a whole lot of {dollars} as soon as the difficulty along with your meter is fastened. We’re sharing extra particulars beneath.
It’s not the meter itself, however the transmitter
Your water meter tells the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) the precise quantity of water you used throughout a billing cycle. You’re then billed primarily based on that data. However water meters with older transmitters (which have stopped working) might not report your utilization because it ought to, leading to you getting estimated payments primarily based in your common utilization when you could have used way more water.
So, whereas it’s doable that you could have by no means missed a cost, it’s additionally doable that for these previous a number of months, you’ve been getting payments for service and stormwater prices solely—not for the water you had been truly utilizing. When your transmitter is lastly fastened or upgraded, you possibly can count on a bill that includes back charges for all the water you used however weren’t charged for.
Perceive your invoice
Your PWD water invoice comprises a chart that tells you the kind of meter studying carried out throughout a given billing interval. This chart reveals two varieties of readings: an “Precise Studying,” which implies you’re all good, and an “Estimated Studying,” which is a crimson flag—an indication that you could be be getting a giant invoice sooner or later that features your beforehand unbilled utilization. Water payments with “Estimated Readings” could also be decrease than these primarily based in your precise utilization or “Precise Studying,” particularly if you happen to had a leak like a operating bathroom through the time of estimated readings. That’s why it’s important to contact the Water Department at (215) 685-6300 as quickly as you discover an “estimated” studying or zero utilization in your water invoice.
Test your invoice usually
A good way to keep away from estimated payments is by paying shut consideration to your water invoice—it comprises your utilization historical past, which can assist you detect a doable transmitter downside. Even if you happen to get paperless payments, you must nonetheless test your invoice usually—right here’s how:
- As soon as logged into your MyPhillyWaterBill account,
- Choose the rectangular-shaped blue backside that claims “View invoice” in your dashboard to entry your precise invoice.
Commonly checking your invoice is one of the simplest ways to keep away from getting a big water invoice after a transmitter downside is fastened.
Along with Estimated Studying, you must also test your invoice for Zero utilization. In the event you see this and know you’ve been utilizing water, don’t ignore it. It’s an indication that both your meter isn’t reporting your water use or the transmitter wants changing. A invoice with zero utilization will solely present a stormwater price and repair prices, leaving out the actual quantity of water you used.
What you must do
In each instances, you must instantly contact the Water Division at (215) 685-6300. Take a look at this blog post by the Philadelphia Water Department; it particulars the steps to comply with whenever you get a invoice that claims “zero utilization” or “estimated studying.” In the event you get a invoice for prior water use after a transmitter improve and may’t pay the quantity in full, please name (215) 685-6300 and ask about our water payment agreement or customer assistance choices.
