Why is My Water Bill Unusually High?

A sudden increase in your water bill can be a worry for any homeowner. There are unique issues affecting local water consumption, including local weather and our tiered water rate system. If you have questions about why your water bill in Colorado Springs has increased, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is a helpful list of the most common questions we hear at Spotted Dog Excavating Sewer and Water Repair in Colorado Springs, including Colorado Springs water rates, how to identify a plumbing issue in your home, and how to manage your household water usage.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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Water Bills and Local Rates

Your water usage is measured by the volume of water flowing through your water meter. Your water utility company will calculate water usage in increments of 1,000 gallons. If your water bill is increasing unexpectedly, it may be due to high water consumption in the home or an existing plumbing problem. A leak detection company can help determine if you have a water leak that is creating higher usage.

Resource: coloradosun.com

Do Seasonal Rates Apply?

Colorado Springs Utilities has a tiered water rate system. This means that you pay more per gallon as you use more water. Rates may also increase during the summer season, when water consumption is usually higher due to outdoor watering of grass and gardens. Your utility company can assess your plumbing system for efficiency, so that you may qualify for a lower rate.

Resource: cpr.org

Why Do Rates Change Seasonally?

Our water rates may change on a yearly or seasonal basis to account for higher demand on the water supply during the hot summer months. Understanding the seasonal schedule may help you better manage your home’s water usage.

Leaks and Plumbing Issues

Leaks in your pipes are the most common reason for unexpectedly high water bills. It is possible that you have a leak in your plumbing, irrigation, or underground water lines, which is allowing your property to lose thousands of gallons of water over time. At Spotted Dog Excavating Sewer and Water Repair, our experts specialize in locating and repairing leaks in underground pipes.

Resource: hammondwi.org

How Do I Check For Leaks?

Turn off all water in your home (including lawn irrigation and outdoor sprinkler systems), then check your water meter. If you do not see movement at your water meter, you do not have an existing leak. If there is activity, the meter is indicating a leak that needs to be addressed immediately. A leak detection company can help find hidden leaks in underground pipes.

Can Toilets or Faucets Cause Spikes?

If you have a running toilet or a continuously dripping faucet, you could be wasting hundreds of gallons of water every day. Oftentimes, simply having your toilets and faucets repaired is all that is needed to solve your water bill increase. However, if you suspect that your leaking toilets and faucets indicate larger plumbing problems, we are here to help.

Seasonal and Environmental Factors

The water rate is often higher during the summer months. Water rates are often higher when water consumption and evaporation are at their peak.

Does Outdoor Watering Affect My Bill?

Water used for outdoor consumption, such as lawn and garden watering, accounts for a large share of residential water bills during the summer. If you have inefficient landscaping, poor irrigation, or damaged sprinkler lines, you may be wasting hundreds of gallons of water every day.

How Do Drought Restrictions Affect Bills?

When Colorado Springs faces drought, city officials may impose water-use restrictions. Tiered rates apply, too, so if you’ve gone over your allowance, be prepared for higher bills or even penalties. You may need to fix leaks to prevent exceeding your monthly allotment during a drought.

Meter and Billing Questions

It is rare, but water meters can malfunction or produce a false reading. If you think you’ve received a false reading, call Colorado Springs Utilities or your local water utility to verify the meter reading. If Colorado Springs Utilities says the meter is fine, we can check your private water lines for a leak.

How Do I Verify My Water Bill?

You should look at your past water bill or compare it to water use in the same month last year. You should check your water meter to see if the numbers match what Colorado Springs Utilities reports. If your numbers differ significantly, we can inspect your property to see if there is any water loss.

What If I Think There Has Been a Billing Error?

Call Colorado Springs Utilities or your local water utility company’s customer service, and let them know that you’d like them to review the bill and check the most recent meter reading. If you get confirmation from your water company that there was no billing error, you should check your private system for any inefficiencies.

How Can I Check My Water Usage?

Colorado Springs Utilities allows homeowners to check their daily and monthly water usage online. You should also continue to check your water meter to see how much you typically use. If you are seeing large spikes in your daily usage, call us to check your underground water lines.

What Daily Habits Use the Most Water?

Watering your lawn regularly, taking long showers, or running a half-full dishwasher all use large amounts of water. Filling pools and washing cars or pressure washing can use a ton of water, too. There are many things you can change daily to lower costs.

How Can I Decrease My Monthly Bill?

Fixing leaks will quickly reduce your bill, and you may want to consider changing your sprinkler schedule to prevent water waste. Spotted Dog Excavating helps people with underground leaks that waste water from pipes into the ground.

Can I Get Any Rebates for Saving Water?

Colorado Springs Utilities often has rebates for water-efficient appliances and landscaping. They are programs to help offset the cost of the product and promote conservation. Call your local utility to see what is available for you.

What in Colorado Springs Could Impact Your Water Bill?

Living at high elevation in a semi-arid climate means evaporation occurs more quickly. So you’re using more water to keep your green lawn and plants alive than you would in other places. The ground can change over time as it settles, and because Colorado Springs is full of rock, underground structures can be easily damaged.

Why Does the Colorado Springs Climate Make Water Bills High?

Colorado Springs has a very dry climate, so maintaining outdoor spaces without watering is harder. The climate contributes to high monthly water bills, particularly in June, July, and August. To manage monthly costs, it is a good idea to check for leaks in your pipes.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve noticed that your water bill has gone up significantly, contact Spotted Dog Excavating Sewer and Water Repair and schedule an appointment. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. We can come check your water line, identify the issue, and get the repair done so your property is safe and you can start saving on your bills.