[This Gwinnett County Water Bill Guide is not a replacement for information directly from Gwinnett County or other relevant authorities. Always defer to the information provided by the appropriate officials.]
Water Bills in Gwinnett County
If you live in Gwinnett County, you’re in one of the most organized counties when it comes to water billing. Monthly bills from Gwinnett County typically include water usage, sewer service (if applicable), and stormwater fees. Your charges are clearly itemized, and the county offers one of the most user-friendly online billing systems in Metro Atlanta.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, understanding how your water bill is structured—and how to spot issues—can help you avoid unnecessary charges and even recover money after a water line leak.
How to Read Your Gwinnett Water Bill
Gwinnett County provides a detailed breakdown on your monthly bill to help you understand exactly what you’re paying for. Here are the main sections to know:
Account Information: Located at the top, this includes your service address and account number—helpful when calling customer service.
Billing Summary: This shows any past due balances, your current total due, and your payment due date.
Usage Details: A breakdown of how much water you used during the billing period, along with your charges. Gwinnett uses tiered rates, meaning the more you use, the more you pay per gallon. Your sewer charge is a base sewer fee plus a charge per gallon of water usage.
Meter Readings: Shows your current and previous meter readings and calculates your usage for the billing cycle.
Usage History Graph: A small bar graph displays your water usage over the past 12–13 months to help you track trends or notice spikes.
Important Messages: The bottom of the bill may include alerts about your account, such as final bill notices or water conservation reminders.
Gwinnett County offers a robust online billing system that allows residents to:
View and pay bills
Compare usage month to month
Set up automatic payments
Submit leak adjustment requests
Get notified of unusual spikes in usage
The county also has a mobile app that integrates with its billing system, giving residents convenient access to their account information and helpful alerts.
Leak Adjustments and Water Bill Credits
If your water usage suddenly increases and a plumbing inspection reveals a leak—such as a water line break or constant toilet run—you may qualify for a leak adjustment.
Here’s what to do:
Have a licensed plumber diagnose and repair the issue.
Get an invoice that clearly describes the repair.
Submit a leak adjustment request via Gwinnett’s online portal or mobile app. Or complete and submit this form.
Credits are generally based on your historical average usage. The county will review the request and notify you once a decision has been made.
Additional Resources Regarding Your Gwinnett Water Bill
In 2017, Gwinnett County began transitioning from traditional water meters to smart meters through a Smart Meter Pilot Project. This initiative allowed the county to test advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in select areas and evaluate the benefits of digital tracking.
Since then, Gwinnett has steadily expanded its smart meter rollout. As of 2023, approximately 115,000 AMI-capable meters have been installed across the county. These digital meters provide real-time data on water usage, allowing for more accurate billing and quicker detection of potential leaks.
For homeowners, the benefits of smart meters include:
Better leak detection through continuous monitoring
More accurate billing that reflects real-time usage
Greater control over water consumption with digital tracking
Gwinnett’s billing portal and mobile app integrate with smart meters, making it easier for residents to spot trends, catch problems, and monitor overall usage.
How Well and Septic Systems Affect Your Water Bill
Well Water Users
Some properties in rural or older parts of Gwinnett still rely on private wells. If you’re on a well, you won’t receive a county water bill for usage. However, you might still receive bills for other services, such as stormwater or solid waste.
Septic Tank Owners
Many Gwinnett homes are on septic systems, especially in more rural or previously undeveloped areas. If you have county water but use a septic tank for wastewater, you should not be charged for sewer service.
Many Gwinnett residents who call us aren’t sure if they’re on septic or sewer. If you don’t see sewer charges on your bill, there’s a good chance you’re on septic. Still, it’s best to confirm.
You can verify your sewer/septic setup by contacting the county or your local city. If your property has a septic system, there should be a septic plat on file—this is a map that shows where your septic tank and drain field are located.
If you believe you’re being billed for sewer while on septic, contact the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources to have your account reviewed.
Water Source and Infrastructure
Gwinnett County sources its drinking water from Lake Lanier and processes it through one of the largest and most advanced treatment systems in Georgia. This reliable infrastructure supports high-quality drinking water and a smooth billing process across the county.
Tips for Homeowners in Gwinnett
Check your bill monthly and monitor usage trends.
Be mindful of irrigation use during warmer months—outdoor watering is one of the most common causes of seasonal spikes.
Watch for signs of water leaks like running toilets, unexplained soggy areas, or sharp usage increases.
If you’re on septic, confirm your billing reflects that—no sewer charges should apply.
Save plumbing repair invoices in case you need to submit a credit request.
