What's on your water and sewerage bill
Your water and sewerage bill shows three main charges: the amount of water you used (measured in gallons or cubic feet), the cost to treat and deliver that water, and the cost to collect and treat your wastewater. Most Louisiana utilities also charge a base or fixed fee that covers meter reading and system maintenance, whether you use water or not.
The bill lists your meter reading from the current month and the previous month. The difference between those two numbers is your usage. Some bills show this as gallons; others show it as hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF), where one HCF equals about 748 gallons. Check your bill's header or the back page to see which unit your utility uses.
You will also see any taxes, stormwater fees, or other local charges. These vary by city and parish. Some utilities add a separate line for sewer service; others combine water and sewer into one charge. Read the line labels carefully so you know what each amount covers.
Key Takeaways
- Your bill shows your current meter reading minus your previous reading, which tells you how much water you used during the billing period.
- Most bills include a fixed base fee, a usage charge, and taxes or local fees — check the line labels to understand what each covers.
- You can pay by mail, online, phone, or in person, depending on your utility; check your bill's back page or the utility's website for payment methods and due dates.
- If your bill is higher than usual, check for leaks inside your home (running toilets, dripping faucets) or outside (wet spots in the yard) before calling the utility.
- Most Louisiana utilities offer budget billing or payment plans if you ask, so you do not have to pay a large bill all at once.
How to find your due date and payment methods
The due date appears near the top of your bill, usually in a box labeled "Amount Due" or "Due Date." Most utilities give you 20 to 30 days from the bill date to pay. If you do not see a due date, check the back of the bill or call the utility's customer service number (printed on the front).
Payment methods depend on your utility. Most Louisiana water utilities accept payment by mail (send a check to the address on the bill), online through their website, by phone using a credit or debit card, or in person at a payment office. Some utilities also allow automatic bank transfers or recurring payments set up through their website. Check your bill or the utility's website to see which options are available.
If you pay online or by phone, the utility may charge a convenience fee (usually $1 to $3). Paying by mail or in person is typically free. Ask the utility whether the fee applies before you choose your payment method.
What to do if your bill is much higher than usual
A sudden jump in your water bill usually means either you used more water than normal or there is a leak. Start by checking inside your home: turn off all faucets and toilets, then look at your meter. If the meter is still moving or the numbers are changing, water is leaking somewhere in your pipes.
Common indoor leaks are a running toilet (listen for a hissing sound after flushing), a dripping faucet, or a leaking water heater. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per month. Check outside for wet spots in your yard, soft ground, or unusually green patches of grass — these often point to an underground leak.
If you find a leak inside your home, fix it or have a plumber fix it. If you suspect a leak between your meter and your home, or under your yard, contact your utility. Some utilities will investigate for free or reduce your bill if they confirm a leak on their side of the meter. Ask whether your utility offers leak adjustment or a one-time bill reduction for confirmed leaks.
How to set up a payment plan or budget billing
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact your utility before the bill becomes overdue. Most Louisiana utilities offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over two to four months. You will usually need to pay a portion of the bill upfront and the rest in equal installments.
Some utilities also offer budget billing, which averages your usage over 12 months and charges you the same amount each month. This smooths out seasonal spikes (summer cooling or winter heating can increase water use). Budget billing does not reduce your total cost, but it makes your bill more predictable. Ask your utility whether this option is available and how to enroll.
To set up a plan or budget billing, call the customer service number on your bill or visit the utility's website. Have your account number ready. The utility may ask about your income or hardship to determine whether you may have access to for a plan with no extra fees.
How to read your meter and spot billing errors
Your meter is usually located outside your home near the street, in a box or pit in the ground, or on an exterior wall. It displays a series of numbers that show total gallons (or cubic feet) used since installation. Your bill shows the meter reading from the current month and the previous month; the difference is your usage.
To check for a billing error, read your meter yourself and compare it to the reading on your bill. If your meter shows a lower number than the bill claims, contact the utility immediately with your reading and the date you took it. The utility will investigate and correct the bill if an error is found.
Meter errors are uncommon, but misread numbers happen. If the utility's reading seems wrong, ask whether they can send someone to verify the meter in person. Some utilities allow you to submit your own meter reading online or by phone, which can catch errors before you are billed.
What happens if you miss a payment
If you do not pay by the due date, the utility will send a late notice. Most utilities charge a late fee (typically $10 to $25) and may add interest on the unpaid balance. The notice will show a new due date, usually 10 to 15 days later.
If you still do not pay after the second notice, the utility may shut off your water service. Water shutoff can happen within days of the final notice, so do not ignore bills. If your water is shut off, you will need to pay the full overdue amount plus a reconnection fee (usually $50 to $150) to restore service.
If you are struggling to pay, call the utility before you miss a payment. Explain your situation and ask about a payment plan, budget billing, or hardship programs. Many utilities have programs for low-income households or people facing temporary hardship. Acting early gives you more options than waiting until service is shut off.
How to dispute a charge on your bill
If you believe a charge is wrong, contact the utility's customer service department in writing or by phone. Have your account number and bill handy. Explain which charge you dispute and why — for example, "My meter shows 1,250 gallons used, but the bill charges for 2,500 gallons."
The utility will investigate and respond within 30 days (the exact timeline varies by utility). If they find an error, they will issue a credit or corrected bill. If they find no error, they will explain how the charge was calculated. You can ask for a meter test if you believe the meter is faulty, though the utility may charge a fee if the meter is working correctly.
Keep copies of all correspondence with the utility. If you disagree with their response, you can file a complaint with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC), which oversees utility rates and service. The LPSC has a complaint process for customers who believe they have been treated unfairly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?
Most Louisiana utilities accept credit or debit cards for online or phone payments, but they may charge a convenience fee of $1 to $3. Paying by mail with a check or in person at the utility office is usually free. Check your bill or the utility's website to see which payment methods are available and whether fees apply.
What should I do if my water is shut off?
Contact the utility immediately and pay the full overdue amount plus any late fees and reconnection charges. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask about a payment plan before service is shut off — it is easier to negotiate before disconnection than after.
Why is my bill higher in summer?
Summer bills are often higher because of outdoor water use: watering lawns, filling pools, or washing cars. Some households also use more water for showers and laundry during hot months. If your summer bill is much higher than expected, check for leaks or unusual usage before assuming it is normal.
How do I know if my meter is broken?
If your bill is consistently high and you cannot find any leaks or explain the usage, ask the utility to test your meter. Most utilities will send someone to verify the meter reading. If the meter is faulty, the utility will replace it and may adjust your bill. If the meter is working correctly, you may be charged a testing fee.
Can I get a discount on my water bill?
Most utilities do not offer discounts, but some have low-income assistance programs or hardship plans that reduce your bill or let you pay over time. Call the utility and ask whether you are may be able to access for any programs based on your household income or situation. Some parishes also have community action agencies that help with utility costs.