01

Water is intensely local

Rates are usually set by municipal or regional utilities, not by states. Treatment source, infrastructure, drought policy, meter size and capital projects all affect the bill.

02

Translate the tariff

Write each charge in dollars per 1,000 gallons. For a per-CCF price, divide by 0.748 to approximate dollars per 1,000 gallons.

  • Preserve tier thresholds
  • Separate fixed fees
  • Check whether sewer uses the same volume
  • Note seasonal rates
03

Use estimates as a check

A calculator should help reconstruct a bill, not override the utility’s tariff. If the result is far off, review minimum charges, multipliers and taxes.

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 →