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.
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
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.
Worked example: preserve a two-tier tariff
Assume the first 4,000 gallons cost $4.00 per 1,000 gallons and the next 2,000 gallons cost $6.00 per 1,000 gallons. At 6,000 gallons, the variable water charge is 4 × $4.00 plus 2 × $6.00, or $28.00—not 6 × the second-tier price.
Then add the exact fixed charge and calculate sewer using its own stated basis. A winter average, minimum bill, meter-size charge or separate district fee must remain a separate line rather than being hidden in one blended rate.
Use the calculator only after translating the current local tariff into matching units; never substitute a state or national average for a bill dispute or purchase decision.
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 — Home maintenance ↗ — Provides household water-use and meter context; it is not a local tariff source.
- EPA WaterSense — Fix a Leak Week ↗ — Supports bill-history and meter checks while local utilities control charges.
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 →