Understanding Your Water Bill

Start here to understand how your bill is calculated, where to find details on your billing statement, and common reasons why your monthly bill amount may change. 

How your bill is calculated

The amount you are billed is calculated by both your actual water usage and various fees that help keep our water system working. These charges include:  

  • Water used during the service period
  • Infrastructure fee, which is reinvested in the water system to benefit all customers
  • Stormwater fee, which is based on your property’s impervious surface (sidewalks, driveways, parking lots)
  • Bay restoration fee to support clean waterways 
  • Account management fee to support customer support services

View the Understand Your Baltimore City Water Bill graphic to see a sample bill with descriptions about each part of your bill. 

Service period

The service period is the time from your last meter read to the current meter read. This information is found under the Meter Reading Details on your bill. 

The bill amount may be impacted if this period is longer or shorter than the standard billing cycle (30 days for City customers; 90 days for County customers).

Water and sewer usage

Your water and sewer charges are based on the amount of water you used during the service period. Usage is measured in CCF units (1 CCF is 100 cubic feet of water, or about 748 gallons). On average, one person uses about 3 CCFs a month. 

On your bill, fInd your usage under Meter Reading Details as total CCF units and total gallons. You can also view historical usage at your property on the Historical Usage graph. 

Estimated meter readings  

If we are unable to receive an actual read of your meter, we will estimate your water usage based on your daily average usage. On your bill, this amount will appear with the read type “estimated” under Meter Reading Details. Your billed amount will be adjusted when we receive an actual meter reading.

Infrastructure fee and meter size

The monthly water charge, also known as the infrastructure fee, is a fixed fee based on the size of your meter. This is the minimum amount you’ll be charged each month. The average residential customer is billed for a 5/8" meter. View all water rates and fees. 

  • On your bill, find your meter size under Meter Reading Details. 
  • The meter size is determined by the home builder. Request a smaller meter size.

Change in billing amount

Is your bill higher than you expected? We understand that higher bills can burden your household budget. Learn reasons why your bill may be higher, and the steps you can take to identify an issue or request an adjustment.

Get more help 

Still have concerns about your account or bill? We can help! Contact our Customer Service & Support team.

Customer Support & Services contact information