Lessons from a Water Bill

Management pervades every aspect of our lives, even our utility bills.

In May my water bill went up from an average of 3200 gallons per month to 23.6K gallons or an increase of 700%. During this month I had a visit from one of BWS supervisors who in a very professional manner carried out an inspection and reported his findings to the Customer Support Department (CSD). CSD then very professionally wrote to the effect that there was a leak on my premises and that it is my responsibility to ensure that it is repaired to avoid further high usage.

As a result and considering that my water bill had increased from an average of $45.00 per month to $434 or almost 10 times the amount I approached BWS for their consideration.

I had excellent interaction with the Customer Services Representative (CSR) and in the end the matter of consideration was dropped. However there were some valuable lessons learnt or validated as a result of the issues at hand.

Lessons Learnt.

1. I am paying for water unnecessarily during the rainy season. Poor fiscal management.
2. I already have a 500 gal water tank as a back up for the water supply, why not use it during the rainy season.  Poor optimization of resources.
3. I had considered the use of the tank before, but felt my bill was reasonable and never bothered to change it.  Poor decision making.
4. I could save a minimum of $35.00 per month during the rainy season. Fiscally responsible thinking.
5. I could pay my huge bill monthly over the next few months for almost the same that I would pay normally. Fiscal intelligence kicking in. 
6. By the mains being off during the rainy season, there’s no chance for my water bill being higher than the minimal charge. Risk mitigation.
7. From a customer service point, I wish to express the highest degree of satisfaction with all the persons I came in contact with. Great Customer Service BWS
8. Front Line employees are not empowered to provide any consideration for any reduction as this can only come from the top. Customer Service is not only a front line responsibility.
9. We must never forget that from the meter to our home  is our responsibility.  Accountability, key competence.
10. Periodically check your water lines to reduce the likelihood of any leakages. Follow – up

Action points.

1. Turn off valve at the meter immediately. Check? Done.
2. Allow a week or more to pass till the present tank is almost empty.
3. Clean tank.
4. Build a raised platform to feed the residence through gravity feeds.
5. Connect gutters and drain pipes to tank.
6. Connect pipes from tank to house.
7. Feed through water pump only on weekends on laundry day.

Objectives/Results

1. Save money to cover the high bill over the next 6 months.
2. Save annually approximately $400.00 of the average $600.00 annual water bill.
3. Save $2,000 – $4.000 over the next 5-10 years.
4. Reduce electricity bill as well.

Lessons learnt. Hell Yeah.