What to do in case of abnormal increase in your water bill?

Verified 09 October 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

You can dispute an abnormally high water bill under certain conditions. We present you the information to know.

Water consumption is considered as abnormally high when it exceeds at least double the average volume consumed in the last 3 years before the invoice is sent.

If you have been in your home for less than 3 years, your water service is based on a reference consumption. This reference consumption takes into account the average volume consumed in your geographical area and for dwellings similar to yours (size, number of people living in the dwelling...).)

FYI  

The increase in your water bill can come from a leak on your water installation (for example, piping). It is therefore recommended to check your facilities and water meter.

When an abnormal increase occurs, your water or sanitation department has the obligation to inform you. You are notified, in general, by mail and at the latest when sending your water bill.

If you have not received any information due to a failure of your water or sanitation service, you don't have to pay for the share of water consumption that exceeds twice your average consumption. The m3 consumed above this threshold are therefore not charged.

It all depends on whether or not you have detected a water leak:

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Leak Detected

You have to do fix the leak of water in the most short lead times by the professional of your choice.

In order not to pay for water consumption exceeding twice your average consumption, you must send the following documents to your water or sanitation department:

These documents must be sent to your water service by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt within 1 month from the notification informing you of the increase in your consumption.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Request a cap on your water bill following a water leak

No water leaks detected

You can ask your water or sanitation service for check the operation of your water meter.

Your request must be sent to your water or sanitation service by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt within 1 month from the notification informing you of the increase in your consumption.

Your water or sanitation department checks your meter to determine the cause of this increase. He must provide you with his response within 1 month of this verification.

The consequences differ depending on whether or not the check reveals a malfunction of your meter:

Existence of a malfunction

You don't have to pay the share of consumption exceeding twice your average consumption. The m3 consumed above this threshold are therefore not charged.

Absence of malfunction

You have to pay your entire bill, including the part exceeding twice your average consumption.

You must also pay the costs of checking the operation of your meter, the amount of which varies according to the municipalities.

In case of dispute with your water or sanitation service, you can refer the matter to the water ombudsman to try to find an amicable solution.

Depending on your municipality of residence, it is possible receive aid to pay your water bills.

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