What to do if you get a high water bill
Many South Africans have raised concerns surrounding their water bills. Here’s what to do if you get a higher-than-normal bill.
High water bills are causing financial strain for many South Africans, particularly in the face of water scarcity and rising costs.
The Highway Mail spoke with local plumber Sipho Phungula, who says factors like leaks, inaccurate meter readings, and rising water tariffs are contributing to the high bill problem.
3 main causes of high water bills
1. Hidden leaks
Undetected leaks in pipes, taps, or toilets can waste large amounts of
water over time, often without obvious signs, leading to unexpectedly high
water bills.
2. Inaccurate meter readings
Faulty meters or human error during meter reading can result in
incorrect usage records, which may result in you being overcharged.
3. Higher water consumption
A rise in water consumption, whether from a growing household, additional
appliances, or garden irrigation, can naturally lead to higher monthly
costs.
Tips to reduce high water bills
To relieve your stress, Phungula shares the following tips that can help reduce your water bills:
Fix water leaks as soon as possible to avoid wasting water.
Report leaks outside your property to the municipality for prompt repair.
Check your meter regularly to detect any errors.
Use water-efficient appliances and fixtures.
Monitor your water consumption habits.
The eThekwini Municipality recommends a simple four-step process to check for leaks and meter errors:
Check your meter reading.
Turn off all taps and do not flush the toilet.
Wait 10 minutes.
Check your meter reading again. If the reading has changed, water has passed through your meter, indicating a leak.
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