The water bill is often smaller than the energy bill, but it belongs in a complete budget. Your annual statement and meter reading show your true average water cost per month.
Water is one of the fixed monthly expenses that come back every month.
What does Water cover?
The drinking-water bill normally combines a fixed connection charge with a variable amount per cubic metre. Taxes may also appear on it. Water-board and sewer charges are usually billed separately; record those under municipal and local taxes to avoid double counting. Energy used for hot water belongs under energy costs.
Average monthly cost
Use your own statement because occupancy and habits matter more than a broad average.
Formula: total drinking-water statement / number of months covered = monthly water cost.
A €300 statement covering twelve months equals €25 per month. Compare the advance with this amount and use opening and closing readings to monitor consumption per resident. If every tap is closed but the meter still moves, check for a leak.
How to save on Water
- Take shorter showers and install an efficient shower head.
- Repair dripping taps and running toilets promptly.
- Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
- Collect rainwater for the garden where practical.
- Record the meter monthly to spot unusual use.
- Compare consumption per person, not only per household.
Saving hot water reduces both the water and energy bill, making it a particularly effective place to start.
Comparing and switching
In the Netherlands you normally cannot choose your drinking-water supplier; the service area determines it. Instead, compare current use with previous years and similar households.
After moving, submit correct meter readings and adjust the advance for the number of residents. Keep water as a separate line in your fixed-expense overview so savings remain visible.