Guide · 4 steps · ~2 min read
Sewer & tiered rates.
Why the next unit can cost more than the average unit on your bill.
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Step 1
Find your tier table
EPA: increasing block rates charge higher unit prices for successive blocks. Your bill or utility page shows the thresholds.
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Step 2
Value the marginal gallon
If you are one unit from the next tier, gallons that keep you under the threshold are the highest-value savings — sometimes more important than raw volume.
Stay under the next tier -
Step 3
Layer sewer rules on top
Volumetric sewer, winter averages, and caps change estimated $ impact. Never assume national averages.
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Step 4
Let the analyzer map your bill
Upload the PDF for usage, tier signals, and ranked moves — educational estimates only.
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Instant plain-English answers about tiered water rates and sewer — powered by AI.
Educational estimates, not professional advice. Sources linked below.
Related diagnosis guides
Keep one primary page per question. These siblings cover the rest of the high-intent set.
Why is my water bill so high?
National diagnosis: usage vs rates vs sewer vs silent leaks.
Silent toilet leak cost
Dye-test, size the waste, fix the flapper before upgrading.
Sprinkler / irrigation timer spike
Stuck schedules and broken heads before indoor gadgets.
Compare bills month over month
Units per day — not dollars — when the total lies.