SEATTLE — My water bill was high, way too high. It was three times higher than it was the same time the year before, costing $50 more.
I got a crash course in how to check your bill and how to get your money back if need be.
The statistics: Seattle Public Utilities checks 100,000 meters a month and 300 bills get adjusted. So while rare, mistakes happen.
The bill: Go right to the bar graph. If you see the amount is a lot higher than the same time last year, call. Customer service will walk you through checking your meter.
The meter: If you think there is a problem, ask to have a supervisor come out and look. The supervisor can show you where the meter is (usually under a plate in front of the home), and what to look for.
SPU encourages people to check their bills, call with questions and know where your meter is located.
In my case, my reading was swapped with that of a neighbor, making my bill way too high. Many mistakes like this are caught on the next cycle by the computer system because the numbers do not look right.
Read your meter: http://www.seattle.gov/util/MyServices/Water/YourWaterMeter/LocateReadTestforAccuracy/index.htm
Read your bill: http://www.seattle.gov/util/MyServices/MyAccount/MyBillSeemsTooHigh/index.htm
Low income discount program: http://www.seattle.gov/humanservices/benefits/udp.htm
KIRO
