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Whether you’re a new utility customer, or have been a customer for many years, we would like to provide you with answers to the questions customers most frequently ask about their accounts. How often will I be billed?Bills are sent out monthly. Once your account is established you will receive your bill at approximately the same time each month. Your meter will be read every other month. In months when we do not read your meter your consumption will be based on your average consumption. Please advise the Utility Accounting Division’s Customer Service Section, at phone number (813) 274-8811, promptly if you fail to receive your bill. What is the basis for my water and sewer charges?Water and sewer rates are based on the number of hundreds of cubic feet (CCF) of water used as registered by your water meter. One unit of usage (100 cubic feet, or 1 CCF) is approximately equal to 750 gallons. Our engineers tell us that the average resident of Tampa uses about 3 CCF of water per month. This means that a family of four could expect to use about 12 CCF (or about 9,000 gallons) a month. You can monitor your usage by referring to the meter reading and the number of units of usage shown on your bill. Take your own independent reading of your water meter (disregard the last two fractional digits of the reading), and compare it to the reading on your bill to confirm that it’s correct. Caution: Since we read meters only once every two months, the usage is averaged in months the meter is not read. In these months, an "A" (for "Average") will appear on your bill after the "100 Cu. Ft. Used" figure shown on your bill. When there is no "A" on your bill, you know that your meter was read. In these months, the number of units of usage shown on your bill is usage for the prior two-month period. You are, of course, only charged for the difference between the two-month usage and the prior month’s average usage. Why is my bill so high?Over the years we have found that the most frequent cause of a high bill is a leak, and that the most frequent type of leak can be traced to the toilet. In many cases a large quantity of water can be leaking through a toilet so quietly that a homeowner or occupant does not even hear it. You may be able to save a costly plumbing bill by using some sort of food coloring or bluing. Add the coloring to the water in the toilet tank and then observe the water in the bowl for several minutes. Any coloration of the bowl water means you have a leak and the fixture should be repaired promptly. If you suspect a leak, we suggest that you turn off all faucets and taps and locate your water meter. Your meter has a small triangular indicator on its face which, if rotating, means that your system has a leak. What rules or laws govern the operations of the City’s Utilities?The Utility Accounting Division is governed strictly by City Ordinances, which are passed by City Council and approved by the Mayor of the City of Tampa. These ordinances or laws state specifically the rates to be charged for all utility services. They also set forth the various service charges that you may be billed for service turn on, meter test fee, and miscellaneous collection fees. What should I do when I’m ready to move?As soon as you know when you want to discontinue service, call (813) 274-8811 and let us know so that we may arrange to take the account out of your name. Never depend on the next occupant to sign up for service and relieve you of your liability. If your wish, you may fill out the Stop Service E-mail Form, or Fax us your request at (813) 274-8430. What should I do if I cannot pay my utility bill?Your monthly utility bill is due when rendered, and delinquent after 30 days. If you fall behind in payment you will receive a warning message on your bill advising you that service will be discontinued if not paid by a certain date. Please do not ignore this warning as the City by law is forced to turn off service to customers with delinquent bill every day of the week. Like any other bill you receive, if you are going to have trouble making payment, contact our Credit Department at (813) 274-8780 to see what arrangements can be made to avoid discontinuance of service. Our Credit Department is located on the Ground Floor of 2105 N. Nebraska Avenue in Tampa, and can also be reached by Fax at (813) 274-7886. We hope these questions and answers will help you understand your utility billing system. If you have further questions regarding your account, one of our Customer Service Representatives will be happy to help you. Just Call (813) 274-8811.
CITY OF TAMPA
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