Why is the service charge on my bill higher than the amount of water I used?

The service charge on your bill covers the costs of reading meters, preparing and mailing bills and notices, repair and maintenance to the water system, as well as other fixed costs of providing service. If you used a minimal amount of water during a billing period you are still required to pay these fixed monthly costs. If you own a vacation home and wish to avoid the service charge during periods when the home is vacant, contact your utility and ask if they have a vacation rate. Or, you may also consider discontinuing service during long vacancies.