If your bill suddenly spikes by 30% or more, don’t panic—investigate. Check for a running toilet, an outdoor spigot left on, or a dishwasher that’s running a pre-rinse cycle where it doesn’t need to. Most utility companies offer hassle-free assistance to help you hunt down the culprit. On the flip side, if your bill is consistently lower than $30 for a household of two, you might be doing something amazing—or you might have a faulty meter. Either way, it’s worth a look.
And for renters: remember that landlords are typically responsible for fixing leaks. Don’t let a dripping faucet become your problem—send a polite email. Channel your inner Jane Austen, and be firm but charming. The water bill is your frontier, not theirs.
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