​

Para español​

Changes in habits, consumption can affect your water bill

Our current situation involving coronavirus (COVID-19) is unprecedented. If you noticed a higher than average bill in the last month, check the list below to determine if your increased water bill could be related to one of these reasons.

Longer billing period

Our bill cycles can range from 28-32 days. If your bill is a little higher this month, compare the number of billing days in your billing cycle last month vs. this month. If your billing cycle consisted of 28 days last month and 32 this month, the four extra days of consumption can result in a higher than expected bill. You can view billing history by logging into your online payment account​.

Track your usage

Toho Water Authority strives to provide you with some of the lowest rates​ in Central Florida. The inside and outside water consumption at your home is measured in gallons and billed per thousand gallons used on a monthly basis. Knowing how much you use on a daily basis is the first step to determining where changes can be made. Review your usage chart provided on your water bill to track your monthly consumption.

Extra hours at home

When you have a child home from school or even an extra house guest, your daily water consumption increases. By adding one extra person for any period of time, you will be adding more showers, loads of laundry, dishes and other water usages. All of these things can add up. Increased usage leads to higher bills.

Previous balance added to current billing period

When you notice your bill is higher than usual, check for a previous balance. If you did not pay your last bill in full, the remaining balance will be added to your current amount due making it higher than normal. Get more tips about how to read your bill​.  If you have questions about a specific charge on your bill please contact our Customer Service Call Center at 407-944-5000

Irrigation system

Irrigation leaks are commonly found around the sprinkler heads. Sometimes soft, wet spots around the in-ground sprinklers indicate a leak is being absorbed into the ground.

Irrigation leaks can significantly impact the water portion of your utility bill depending upon size and severity of the leak, so finding and repairing these leaks as soon as possible are key.

We can also do a usage evaluation to determine whether your irrigation system can run more efficiently. Call our Water Conservation Team at 407-944-5121 or send an email to waterconservation@tohowater.com.

Leaks

Water leaks are also a common cause of unusually high water usage.

• Toilet leaks are one of the most common causes for an unexplained increase in water usage. The average leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day. If you believe you have a leaky toilet, you should turn the water off to that toilet immediately. You can test the toilet for leaks yourself or hire a licensed plumber to diagnose and fix the leak for you.

•  Pools being ​one of the greatest water users outdoors can lead to water waste and a high water bill. It's important to make sure they are being operated as efficiently as possible. Most leaks associated with the pool are found in the pool equipment. Periodically turn the pool equipment on and look for visible leaks. Filling or topping off a swimming pool will also increase water usage. Using a pool cover reduces water evaporation. 
  

We understand paying your monthly bill in full could be a challenge right now. To help, we may be able to set up a payment extension for you. Request a payment extension before your bill goes past due. Use our Payment Extension Application or call us at 407-944-5000.

Apply for assistance

Customers who need water utility payment assistance can apply for the Toho Assistance Program (TAP), administered by the Osceola Council on Aging (COA), to which Toho increased the annual funding by $50,000 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAP provides assistance for existing water bills for households with elderly or disabled individuals or families with children under 12 years of age. To apply for the program, customers can call the COA at 407-933-9540 or apply online.

We know these are challenging times and we're here to help. We have set up a COVID-19​ page to keep you informed about our services as we go through this pandemic.