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.
Editorial standard
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 →