Utility bills are an important part of monthly household expenses. The higher the utility bill, the greater the financial burden. Things can become overwhelming when a consumer unexpectedly receives a high bill. Concerning water bills, various reasons can directly or indirectly cause them to fluctuate. However, if the water usage in a household has not increased significantly, but the billing has, this should raise a concern.
Let’s explore some of the most common reasons for high water bills and ways to address them.
Most Common Reasons for High Water Bills
When there’s an unexpected surge in the water bill, look out for the following problems.
- When faucets in your home drip or leak, even small amounts of water can add up over time, significantly contributing to increased water usage and higher bills.
- A running toilet can waste 100 gallons of water per day. If the flapper or valve in the toilet tank is not functioning properly, water continues to flow, causing unnecessary consumption.
- Check your irrigation system for any potential leaks or damaged hoses. Such problems often remain undetected and cause significant wastage while watering the plants and working on other lawn maintenance tips.
- Seepage in walls and under the floors is also one of the most common causes of high water bills. It can be caused due to a damaged pipe in a concealed plumbing system.
- Older appliances that are not optimised for water usage can also result in higher than normal water bills. For instance, a traditional top-loading washing machine or running a dishwasher on a low load can use a significant amount of water per task.
- Children sometimes forget to turn off taps after use, which can lead to water wastage. Keep close track of their water usage to avoid high bills.
What to Do to Reduce Water Bills
Once you have identified the reasons for high water bills, you need to adopt water conservation practices.
- Get all the faulty faucets, taps and showers replaced to avoid water wastage.
- Notice if there is any discolouration of water in the toilet bowl without flushing. It could be a sign of a leaking flush tank. Have it fixed as soon as possible.
- Avoid taking long showers. This way you can save up to 150 gallons of water per day.
- Install water flow reducers on taps and showers throughout the house. This technique can help you save 50-70% of water.
- Replace older appliances with energy-efficient ones. Households using newer, water usage-optimised appliances can save up to 7,000 gallons per year. For more useful water conservation tips, read here.
Besides, if you can’t determine the reasons for high water bills and electricity tariffs, consult the concerned authority for a solution.
Ways for Disputing High Water Bill Reasons in the UAE
There are four major authorities managing the utility distribution in the Emirates. Every authority manages one or more than one city. Here are more details on region-wise consulting or lodging a complaint against high water billing in the UAE.
DEWA
Dubai residents can effectively monitor their consumption with DEWA’s Smart Living Initiative. They can then identify and cut down on reasons for high water bills. That said, if the bills still remain exorbitantly high, lodge a complaint with DEWA.
This can be done via their 24/7 helpline number: 04-601-9999 or by visiting the nearest customer care centre. You can visit DEWA’s website for more relevant contact information. Besides, check out this list of DEWA FAQs.
ADDC
Before disputing high water bill reasons in Abu Dhabi, refer to the ADDC website for necessary details. According to the type of property, tariff rates levied on water and electricity usage vary. Metre inspection is also conducted by ADDC upon receiving such complaints.
If you think you’ve been billed unreasonably high, reach out to ADDC through email at contactcentre@addc.ae. The toll-free number of the authority’s support team is 800 2332. Whether it’s about consulting for advice or lodging a complaint, these FAQs about ADDC might be resourceful.
SEWA
SEWA caters to utility consumers in Sharjah. It also has dedicated services to resolve high water bills and electricity tariffs for residents. The authority also allows consumers to calculate utility usage via the SEWA e-services portal available on the website and mobile app.
As a resident of Sharjah, you can inform SEWA of the potential causes of high water bills. For consulting or lodging a complaint, the authority’s emergency number is 991. Also, make sure to go through these FAQs about SEWA for more relevant information.
EWE
Residents of Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and other northern emirates can turn to EWE (former FEWA) for reporting and understanding high water bill reasons. The authority has multiple channels to receive and cater to consumer complaints.
Similar to other authorities, EWE has a dedicated section for complaints and suggestions on its website. However, only lodge a complaint once you’ve vetted the necessary checklist of things to check for high water bills. The toll-free EWE complaint helpline is 800-3392.
On a side note, take a look at these answers to EWE FAQs for other consumer-related details.
FAQs
Why is my water bill so high all of a sudden?
Water usage in a household can be affected by various factors. For instance, an increase in the number of members, visitors or using an appliance that is not water efficient. Moreover, check for plumbing issues to identify any reason for high water bills with no visible leak.
What causes high consumption of water?
Taking long showers, leaky faucets or faulty irrigation systems with damaged hoses or leaks. All these are some of the common reasons for high water bills. However, you can work on these tips to reduce your DEWA bills and ease up unnecessary financial liabilities.
What uses the most water in a house?
Toilet flush uses the most household water. Flushing the toilet accounts for nearly 30 percent of the average household water usage indoors. If there’s an older, inefficient toilet, its water usage can go as high as three to six gallons per flush.
How much water usage is normal per month?
Average water usage per person is around 80-100 gallons per day, translating to about 2400-3000 gallons per month. However, actual usage varies based on factors like location, household size, and water conservation practices.
These were some of the most common reasons for high water bills in UAE households. Factor in the aforementioned information to optimise your water consumption accordingly.
Whether buying or renting a property in the UAE, be aware of all the entailing maintenance and utility costs to make an informed decision.
For more tips on tackling very high water bill reasons, keep reading dubizzle’s property blog.
