Home » Plumbing » A Homeowner’s Guide to the Average Water Bill
A Homeowner’s Guide to the Average Water Bill
Reading Time: 5minutes
Understanding an Average Water Bill in Dekalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and Beyond
If you’ve ever stared at your water bill and wondered, “Is this normal?”—you’re not alone. A recent conversation on Nextdoor revealed that many homeowners in Metro Atlanta don’t understand their water bills. And even fewer realize that if they’ve had a water leak, they might be eligible for a water bill credit from their city or county.
In this guide, we’ll break down the components of the average water bill, explain how leak credits work, and walk you through what to look for on your bill if you live in Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, or surrounding areas.
Understanding the Average Water Bill
So what is the average water bill in the greater Atlanta area?
For most single-family homes, a typical water bill ranges from $60 to $120 per month, depending on usage, household size, and whether you’re billed for sewer service. Outdoor watering, seasonal fluctuations, and leaks can all cause your bill to spike.
But no matter where you live, understanding your own average usage is key to catching problems early and avoiding overpaying.
What’s Actually On Your Water Bill?
Most average water bills include the following charges:
Water usage (measured in gallons or CCF)
Sewer service (if applicable)
Stormwater or base fees
Service charges or taxes
If you’re on septic, you should not see sewer charges on your bill. It’s worth checking—especially if your property was recently switched from septic to sewer, or if your billing account was set up incorrectly.
How Your Water Bill Is Calculated
Your water bill is based on how much water your household uses, measured by a device called a water meter. This meter tracks the volume of water flowing into your home and is typically located near the street or property line, often inside a covered box underground.
Some water meters are digital, transmitting usage data directly to your water provider. Others are mechanical, requiring a meter reader to visit your property periodically to take readings by hand. The method used depends on your county or city.
If you receive sewer service, your sewer charge is usually tied directly to your water usage. In most cases, the more water you use, the higher your sewer bill. This is because your provider assumes that nearly all the water entering your home eventually exits into the sewer system. Even if you’re using a large amount of water outdoors—like for watering grass or washing cars—that usage may still impact your sewer charge unless your provider offers separate irrigation meters.
In addition to water and sewer charges, many municipalities add local fees, stormwater management charges, or sales tax to your bill. These extra charges vary widely by location and may reflect infrastructure investments, environmental programs, or even administrative costs. You’ll find them listed on your bill, often with abbreviations or line items that aren’t always self-explanatory.
If you’re ever unsure how your bill was calculated, check your provider’s website or call the billing office directly—they can walk you through your current charges and even help you estimate future bills based on expected usage.
When Your Water Bill Spikes: What to Check
A sudden increase in your average water bill usually points to one of three things:
A plumbing leak, with common sources including toilets, water line leaks, or slab leaks.
Seasonal outdoor use, such as watering the lawn or filling a pool.
Metering errors or billing issues.
Start by comparing your usage to previous months. If it’s unusually high, check for leaks or call a licensed plumber. And don’t forget to ask your water provider for a meter re-read if something seems off.
The Hidden Secret: You Might Qualify for a Leak Credit
Here’s what most homeowners don’t know: if you’ve had a leak repaired, you may be able to request an adjustment to your water bill.
Most counties offer some form of credit, but each has its own rules. Some only allow one credit per lifetime, others allow one per year. Some base credits on average usage, while others refund the full overage. All require documentation from a licensed plumber.
This isn’t something your county advertises—but it can save you hundreds of dollars. All you need is your repair invoice and a quick call or online submission to your provider.
Septic vs. Sewer: What’s the Difference?
If you’re on septic, you should not be billed for sewer charges.
Here’s a quick guide:
Well water with a septic tank means you likely don’t receive a water bill at all.
Municipal water with septic means you’ll see water usage, but no sewer charges.
Municipal water with sewer means both charges appear on your bill.
If you think you’re being billed incorrectly, contact your water department to correct it. You can also have your plumbing setup confirmed by a professional.
Water Bills at a Local Level
The counties in and outside of Atlanta take different approaches to water billing, with varying systems for tracking usage, managing sewer charges, and offering leak credits. Gwinnett County offers a comprehensive website that allows residents to pay their bills and view current water and sewer rates. It is currently in the process of updating its water meters to digital meters through its Smart Meter project. Forsyth County is especially proactive, providing residents access to real-time water usage alerts and online tools through their user portal to prevent surprises on their bill. DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta have faced persistent challenges with billing accuracy, and while leak adjustments are available, they may require extra persistence. Fulton County is more fragmented, with services provided by different municipalities, each with its own rules and contact points. Wherever you live, it’s a good idea to understand your local system—especially if you’ve experienced a water line leak or are trying to avoid unnecessary sewer charges.
Pro Tips for Homeowners
Keep every plumbing related invoice, especially if related to leaks.
Monitor your monthly water usage and look for sudden changes.
Consider installing a smart water monitor to catch leaks early.
Double-check your sewer charges if you’re on septic.
Use your county or city’s online portal to compare historical usage.
Final Takeaway: Know Your Average Water Bill
Your average water bill shouldn’t be a mystery. By understanding what’s normal for your household and what warning signs to look for, you can avoid costly surprises and even request money back if a leak has caused high usage.
Whether you live in Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, or beyond, take a few minutes to check your bill and review your past usage. And if you’ve had a water line leak recently, don’t forget to ask for that credit—you just might be due a refund.
