How to Reduce Your Bill

Apply for a new sewer "Discharge Factor"

Your sewer bill has tow parts: a fixed bi-monthly service charge, and a flow charge based on the amount of water used times a "discharge factor". The discharge factor is the estimated amount of water discharged to the sewer system. For example, single family homes have a discharge factor of 51%, which means that approximately 51% of the water is used indoors. This is an average for our customers, but your water use may differ from this. Please call us at (310) 458-8224 for information on how this may reduce your bill.

Apply for the Low-Income Assistance Program

You are eligible for reductions in your bill if you qualify for the City's Utility Users Tax Exemption Program through the Senior Services Center, or Southern California Gas or Southern California Edison's low-income assistance program.

Use Less Water

Click here to view tips on how to lower your water and sewer charges.

Monitor Bill

Monitor your water bill for unexplained changes in consumption.

Use Food Coloring

Check toilets for leaks and listen for running (a hissing sound) five minutes after flushing. If you suspect a leak, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the bowl fills with coloring, a leak exists.

Periodically Check For Leaks

Periodically check sinks, shower/bathtub, pipes, hose bibs and joints for leaks. Repair leaks immediately.

Use Meter to Check For Leaks

Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances around the home (be sure to check dishwasher. washing machine, lawn sprinklers, etc.) Check the meter. Wait one hour and check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you have a leak. Your water meter can be the best detective in your home. If you can't read your meter, contact the Utilities Division for assistance at (310) 458-8224.