Know the unit
One CCF is 100 cubic feet, or about 748 gallons. If the meter moved by 6 CCF, that is roughly 4,488 gallons before any multiplier shown on the bill.
Find the rate structure
Many utilities combine a fixed service charge with one or more usage tiers. Some calculate sewer from water consumption; others use a winter average or a separate meter.
- Meter size or base charge
- Water usage charge
- Sewer or wastewater charge
- Stormwater or district fee
Compare gallons per day
Normalize consumption by billing days and household occupancy. A sharp unexplained increase can justify a meter check and a leak test.
Worked example: convert CCF before applying a rate
A bill showing 6 CCF represents about 4,488 gallons because one CCF is 100 cubic feet and one cubic foot is about 7.48 gallons. Over a 30-day period, that is about 150 gallons per day.
If a tariff is quoted per 1,000 gallons, convert the volume first and preserve every tier threshold. Add the meter or base charge separately, and do not assume sewer uses the same billable volume.
When the unit, multiplier or sewer basis is unclear, stop the reconstruction and obtain the current tariff or an explanation from the local utility.
Primary sources and scope
These links support the units or diagnostic method used above. They do not replace your provider’s current tariff, bill or safety instructions.
- EPA WaterSense — Leak-check worksheet ↗ — Defines meter units and the 7.48-gallons-per-cubic-foot conversion used here.
- EPA WaterSense — Home maintenance ↗ — Provides official household meter and leak-check guidance.
This guide explains general billing math. Utility tariffs and local rules control your actual charges. Sources and update practices are documented in our methodology.
Read the methodology →