Why Did My Utility Bill Go Up This Month?
Each November, we receive a number of calls from residents who wonder why their utility bill increased despite using the same amount of water as usual. This is an understandable question, and we want to shed some light on it. There are a couple of reasons why your billed amount may fluctuate over time even with steady usage.
Summer Sewer Break
People use water for different purposes in different seasons. In summer, many residents use water outdoors (watering gardens and lawns, washing cars, etc.). This is water that enters the ground rather than the sewer system. For this reason, we cap the sewer portion of your summer bills at your winter usage level. This is our way of trying to bill you only for the water that you send into the sewer rather than assuming all the water you consume is sent back into the sewer. As a result, your bills from August through October may be lower relative to your actual water usage. The November bill reflects a return to sewer billing based on actual water usage rather than the Summer Sewer Break. If you have seen a small increase in your bill from October to November despite steady usage, this is most likely the cause.
Method of Billing
Bills may also vary month to month throughout the year because we bill in 1,000-gallon increments. The amount listed in the “Current Usage” box on your bill represents how many thousands of gallons you are being billed for. Any gallons beyond the last full thousand carry over to the next month’s usage. For instance, let’s say you use 1,400 gallons each month. The information below shows how you would be billed each month. (Please note that, when we read the meter, we are only reading the number in bold.)
- Month 1 – 1,400 gallons – Meter reads 1,400: 1 – 0 = 1 (thousand gallons), so you are billed for 1,000 gallons (400 gallons unbilled)
- Month 2 – 1,400 gallons – Meter now reads 2,800: 2 – 1 = 1 (thousand gallons), so you are billed for 1,000 gallons (800 gallons unbilled)
- Month 3 – 1,400 gallons – Meter now reads 4,200: 4 – 2 = 2 (thousand gallons), so you are billed for 2,000 gallons (200 gallons still unbilled)
So even though you may use the same amount of water each month, you may be billed for a little less than you actually used one month and then a little more the next. This method always rounds your cumulative usage down to the nearest thousand gallons, so over time you never pay for more than you have used.
If you have any further questions about your utility bill, please feel free to call the Treasurer’s Office at (540) 908-3399.
Pay Your Way
At the Town Office, we are here to serve you and want to make things easier for you. While we know that paying the utility bill is not the highlight of anyone’s month, our Treasurer’s Office has developed a variety of billing and payment options to make it a little less burdensome to do so. Here’s a reminder of the options.
Billing Options
Utility bills are mailed every month. Bills should arrive during the first few days of the month and are due by the 15th. A late penalty of 10% will be levied on payments received after the 15th. Your bill includes water, sewer, refuse, recycling, and stormwater fees.
You can elect to receive bills by mail or e-mail. Unless you request otherwise, utility bills will be mailed. If you would like to receive your bill by e-mail, please e-mail utilities@bridgewater.town with your name, account number, preferred e-mail address and whether you would like to keep receiving a mailed bill. Once we have successfully processed your request, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
Payment Options
In person: The Treasurer’s Office, located on the first floor of the Town Office at 201 Green Street, is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm to receive payments by cash or check only. We do not accept credit or debit cards in the office.
Drop box: There is also a drop box conveniently located in the parking lot of the Town Office at 201 Green Street for after-hours payments by check. Please note that we recently moved the drop box to another location in the parking lot.
By mail: You can mail your payment to PO Box 72, Bridgewater, VA 22812.
Online: We also accept online bill payments. You will need your account number and PIN as they appear on your bill to access your account. Please note that a small convenience fee is added to your total when you use this service. All card and debit payments must be made online.
Automatic draft: A popular request in the Treasurer’s Office is to have utility payments directly withdrawn from a resident’s bank account. We are happy to offer this service for your convenience! If you would like to have an automatic draft of your utility bill, all you will need is this form (also available in person at the office) and a voided check. You can submit these to the Treasurer’s Office in person or email copies of the completed form and voided check to utilities@bridgewater.town.