Why is my water bill so high?

A bigger bill means more water went through your meter. How to tell normal use from a leak, the checks to try tonight, and who pays for what.

A plumber answers 24/7.

Key takeaways

Compare the usage on your bills, not the dollar total. If water use has jumped and nothing at home has changed, suspect a leak.
Sydney Water's meter test is the simplest leak check: turn everything off, note the reading, use no water for at least an hour, and check it again.
Check the toilets first. Sydney Water says a constantly running toilet can waste thousands of litres a day.
Your water pipes are the owner's responsibility. If a licensed Wilco plumber finds and repairs a leak you could not see or hear, you may be able to apply for Sydney Water's hidden leak allowance.