Understanding your bill
If you’re not sure about something on your bill we're here to help you understand it.
On this page
- Understanding your bill
- Why is my bill higher than expected?
- Frequently asked questions
- Related information
Understanding your bill
Not sure about something on your bill? We're here to help you understand it better. We get that there’s quite a lot of information on your bill. See the interactive bill below to learn more.
Why is my bill higher than expected?
If your bill is higher than expected, there could be a few reasons why. Here are some suggestions to help you work out the cause of a high bill.
- Check your water meter read
- Have you been using more water than usual?
- Do a quick check for leaks
- It might be the Parks charge, which is now charged quarterly
If we couldn't access your water meter we may have estimated your reading based on how much water you've used in the past. This might be more or less than you actually used. If we can’t access your meter, we’ll leave a card in your letterbox asking you to read your water meter and tell us the results. You can also do this if your meter has been read but you think we got it wrong.
It could be anything from watering thirsty plants or using your evaporative cooling during a spell of hot weather, to having more people than usual in your home and using the toilets, sinks and showers more often. Here are some simple ways to use less water, which may also help you save on your bill.
Fixing just one leaky tap, toilet or hot water system could save bucket loads. As much as 20,000 litres a year in fact.
Here are some handy tips on how to check for leaks.
If you’re bill is higher than expected, it may be due to the Parks charge, instead of annually it's now charged quarterly bill. Find out more at Parks Victoria.
If you're a renter, in most cases you’ll only be responsible for paying the water usage charge. This charge now includes what was previously called the sewage disposal charge.
If you're a landlord, you’re usually responsible for paying the fixed water and sewerage service charges, as well as the Waterways and Drainage and the Parks charges. If your rental property shares a meter (for example a block of units), you will also be responsible for a paying for the water usage, you can’t pass these charges on to your renter.
If you're an owner-occupier, you're responsible for both usage and fixed service charges.
Your bill is sent out quarterly, via email or post.
If you've just moved, you might receive your first few bills within a few months of each other. This is because you may move into your property in between billing cycles. Don't worry, you won't be charged for the same period twice.
When you move house, we receive your details from your rental provider or property manager (if renting) or your solicitor or conveyancer (if buying). You don't have to do anything - we'll set up an account for you.
If your email address is provided to us during the moving process, usually we'll email your first bill. If you haven't received it please check your email spam folder. We recommend adding billing@sew.com.au to your safe sender list.
Once you have a copy of your bill (as you'll need your account number), to change your billing method you can do this easily at mySouthEastWater.
You could save up to $354.10 each year if you have a valid health care, pensioner or DVA card. You can add or manage your concession details online through mySouthEastWater.
Melburnians use millions of litres of water every day. As our population grows and our environment changes, it's important we make every drop count.
We have a range of payment support options available, including more time to pay.
Direct debit is the easiest way to pay your bill. You'll still get your bill every three months, but the amount due will be automatically deducted from your nominated bank account or credit card. You don't have to do a thing!
Direct debit can be easily set up via mySouthEastWater, log in or register now.
It’s our job to look after a precious natural resource, so naturally we’re big fans of eBills. It saves trees (and space on the fridge).
If we couldn't access your water meter we may have estimated your reading. This might be more or less than you actually used.
If we couldn't access your meter, a card would have been left your letterbox asking you to read your water meter and tell us the results. If you didn't get the card, you can let us know the meter read online at mySouthEastWater
You can also do this if your meter has been read but you think we got the reading wrong.
Related information
If this isn’t what you were looking for, see the following links for more information: