Why is my bill high?


When the weather’s warm, water plays a key part in helping us to hydrate, have fun and stay cool. Combined with dry weather, it means that you may have used more water than usual, resulting in a higher than expected bill. When comparing your bill to a previous one, it’s best to compare it to the same time last year.
 

Water meter readings

If we were unable to access your water meter, your reading may have been estimated based on the amount of water you’ve used in the past. This may be more (or less) than the amount you actually used in the estimated period. If we can’t access your meter we’ll leave a card in your letterbox asking you to read your water meter and tell us the results using the listed contacts.

If your meter has been read, but you think it’s incorrect, please read your water meter and submit your reading to us. To do this visit the ‘enquiries’ page at mySouthEastWater and select ‘Submit a meter read’ from the left hand menu.

Water use checklist

Could these activities have contributed to your higher than normal bill? Over the past three months have you:

  • entertained more people than usual in your home?
  • used or installation evaporative coolers or solar water systems?
  • used more water outdoors on the garden, lawn and car washing?
  • topped up your swimming pool?
  • used more drinking water (instead of tank) if the weather has been dry?
  • changed appliances or made changes to existing ones?

See further information on using water wisely.

Check for leaks

Faulty or leaking fittings and appliances can be a source of high water use. Fixing one leaking tap can save up to 20,000 litres per year. Here’s how to check for leaks.

Target 155

The Target 155 water efficiency program encourages households across Melbourne to keep water use to 155 litres per person per day. You can help reach this target in a number of ways, including taking shorter showers and watering the garden less.

Payment options

Explore our range of payment options. If your bill is higher than usual and you need help paying, please be in touch as soon as you can so we can help to find the best solution for you.

Parks Charge included in your July–September bill

Your bill received in July to September may be higher than your previous bill as it includes the annual Parks Charge. We collect this charge once a year on behalf of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
 
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