Chesapeake In The Know

Customers often contact us this time of year wondering why their water bills are higher than usual. Most of the time it’s a simple answer – you’ve used more water!  Consider your water consumption during the warmer months. As a City, our average day’s water consumption is 15.5 million gallons. On a hot summer day, that number goes up to over 20 million gallons - a 23% increase in just one day’s use. Remember that your water bill is on a 2 month cycle so your bill is for water used as much as 2 months ago.

Water bills this year are also very likely to be more simply because many of us are home more. If COVID-19 has brought your office or your child’s classroom into the house, remember that you’re now using your own water instead of work or school water. That extra usage adds up.

If you ever notice a significant increase in your water bill, though, your first step is to check for leaks. Toilets are often the leak culprit. (Has your toilet ever sounded like it’s filling for just a couple seconds then stops? That’s a leak!) It could also be something completely unseen under your house.

If you ever have questions or concerns about your City utility service, call the Public Utilities customer service line during normal operating hours at 382-6352. If you’re having trouble paying your utility bills due to lost or reduced employment related to COVID-19, there is a grant program offered by the City that may be able to help. Call the Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202 to see if you qualify.