First distinguish increased consumption from the final amount and check the covered dates, occupants, and actual changes in use. The previous bill's dollar figure alone is not a sufficient comparison. WSD identifies possible leakage, internal-plumbing issues, and meter problems, but the cause needs evidence. An expensive statement does not prove which explanation applies, and waiting through another billing period can allow an undetected problem to continue.
What to have ready
Before you start
WSD explains the registered consumer's responsibilities for internal plumbing and water supplied through the meter. Where safely accessible, compare your meter reading with the bill and follow its tap-off observation guidance for possible leakage. Use management and a licensed plumber where access is unsafe or equipment is shared; do not dismantle the meter or interfere with another unit's plumbing. A repair record also matters when enquiring about an eligible reduction for an undetected leak.
What to do, step by step
- Compare consumption across similar periods and confirm the account, address, and readings rather than comparing only the total charge.
- Photograph your own safely accessible meter with the date and submit a disputed reading to WSD; seek help if it cannot be read reliably.
- Arrange management or a licensed plumber promptly for a suspected leak, keeping discovery and repair dates, receipts, and photographs.
- Check conditions and deadlines for disputes, meter testing, or leakage reductions, ask about payment while awaiting review, and retain WSD's response.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Meter testing can attract a fee and an accurate meter need not lead to adjusted charges. Leakage reductions are conditional; a completed repair does not guarantee approval.
For a landlord's shared charge, distinguish the original bill from allocation, preserve payment and reading evidence, and investigate the applicable arrangement separately.
A practical example
Consumption rises despite an unchanged household routine. Record the meter reading, then have a licensed plumber investigate toilets or concealed leakage. Keep the repair receipt, dates, and original statement and ask WSD about any applicable reduction and required evidence. Do not unilaterally deduct an assumed reduction from the bill before receiving the actual handling instructions.
Investigate consumption and readings, then use the formal leak or dispute process with dated evidence.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.