$170 for a monthly water bill in Phoenix. Does this seem normal for a house with only two people in it?

Question

I realize that it's summer, and I realize that it's Arizona...but $170 seems exceedingly unusual. Especially considering that there's only two people in the house, and both of those two people spent an entire week away from the house within the last month.

I talked to a guy the other day who also lives in Phoenix, and has a swimming pool, and his bill was only $40.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel as though there's something wrong here.

Answer 1

Make sure they are not guesstimating your bill.  I would give them a very irate phone call and demand to know what date and time they come and read the meter.  And be there so you can read it too!  LOL Did you take 200 showers a day or what?

Answer 2

Check for leaks in the lawn watering system.  These can be huge drains and go unnoticed.

See if the utility company provides free inspections to help you identify the problem - some will.

Answer 3

Check all of the things that use water in the house. Toilets are the biggest problem area. If you have a leaking valve or gasket, you could be going through a lot of water and not even know it. Dripping sink faucets are another place to check. Ask your local  plumber how to check these things. You would be surprised.

Answer 4

I dont think this is normal. You should really check with the companyt hat provides you water, and also check in what way did you use water. But 170 of water is really really weird for a house that doesn't seem to use much water.

Answer 5

Wow!  Not normal!   You've either got a bad leak somewhere or your neighbors are helping themselves to your outside faucets!

Answer 6

maybe your neighbor uses your water to water grass while you where gone?if is grass is super green there you go

Answer 7

Check your water softener. Ours was not working properly and it cost us over $800 in water because it was constantly running water through it.

Answer 8

My friend had a $150+ water bill out here in California and she thought that was normal. It's way not. It turned out that she had a water leak under her home and it was affecting her foundation. I don't remember the details of who repaired & paid the bill (her or the water company). But I would call the water company and have them trouble shoot as to why your bill is so high. I'm thinking your bill on a high note should be around $50 a month (with watering a yard, a washing machine & car washing now & than). Good luck!