Understanding Your Water Bill: A Guide For Belize Residents

Water bills in Belize are calculated based on the tariff structure approved by the Public Utilities Commission. The Belize Water Services (BWS) provides water and sewerage services to the country's larger municipal areas, including Belmopan, Belize City, and San Pedro Town. BWS offers several options for customers to pay their bills, including online payments, payments at their offices or collection agents, and payments through various banks and ATMs. The rates depend on the location and the services provided, with sewerage services accessible in specific zones. Understanding your water bill in Belize involves considering factors such as previous balances, new charges for water consumption, and outstanding amounts. Additionally, customers can monitor their water usage and detect any leaks by keeping an eye on their bills for unusually high consumption.

Reading your own meter

Belize Water Services (BWS) offers its customers the option to read their own meter to calculate their water bill. This can be done in two ways: via SMS or by filling out an online form.

To read your own meter, first locate it. It is usually found near the front of your property. The meter box will have a metal or plastic lid labelled "Water" or "Water Meter". Use a long metal screwdriver to gently pry the lid open from the side of the box. Be careful when removing the lid as some can be heavy, and wear gloves for added protection from hot lids or wildlife.

Once you have located your meter, identify the type you have. There are two types: digital and analog. A digital meter will have a display that needs to be activated by shining a flashlight on it. The display will alternate between the meter read and the flow rate. The meter read equals the gallons (or cubic feet) used, while the flow rate equals the number of gallons (or cubic feet) per minute flowing through the water meter.

An analog meter will have a large, red sweep hand that measures water in gallons or cubic feet. When the large sweep hand moves from one number to the next (e.g. 0 to 1), then 1 gallon or 1 cubic foot of water has passed through your meter.

Your meter will either measure in gallons or cubic feet. 100 cubic feet of water is equal to 748 gallons. If your meter measures in gallons, you will see a number that represents the total gallons that have been used since the installation date. If your meter measures in cubic feet, you will need to multiply the number by 7.48 to get the total gallons used.

To calculate your water bill, you will need to perform a leak test. First, turn off all indoor and outdoor water appliances, including icemakers and irrigation spigots. Record the meter read on your odometer, which will be your first reading. Wait 20 minutes, then take another reading. If the flow rate is not 0, then you have a small leak.

To send your reading to BWS via SMS, text your meter number followed by a comma and the reading to 297.

Understanding the tariff structure

The water bill in Belize is calculated based on a tariff structure approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC-approved rates are dependent on your location and the services provided. Sewer zones, where sewer service is accessible, are located in Belize City, Belmopan, and San Pedro.

The tariff structure for water and sewerage services in Belize is based on consumption. The more water you consume, the higher your bill will be. The charges are calculated per 1000 US gallons of water consumed, and the tariff structure has different tiers or slabs with increasing rates as consumption increases. For example, in Belize City and Belmopan, the tariff for 0-1000 US gallons of water consumption is $10.47, while the tariff for 7001-8000 US gallons of consumption is $24.41. The minimum bill for consumption less than 1000 US gallons is also $10.47.

The tariff structure for water and sewerage services in San Pedro is different from that of Belize City and Belmopan. In San Pedro, the tariff for 0-1000 US gallons of water consumption is $25.57, while the tariff for 7001-8000 US gallons of consumption is $58.11. The minimum bill for consumption less than 1000 US gallons is also $25.57.

It's important to note that these tariff rates were approved for a specific period, from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2020. The rates may have been revised or updated since then, and it's always a good idea to check for the latest tariff structure on the official website or by contacting the Belize Water Services.

Additionally, there are other fees and charges associated with water services in Belize. For example, there is a water connection fee, which varies depending on the location and type of customer (residential, commercial, essential services, or government). In San Pedro, the water connection fee is higher than in other areas, with a residential customer paying $127.50 for the connection plus a $50.00 security deposit. There may also be additional fees for sewer connections and security deposits, especially in San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Using a consumption calculator

To calculate your water bill in Belize, you can use a consumption calculator. The Belize Water Services (BWS) website provides a tariff calculator to help you estimate your bill. Here is a step-by-step guide on using a consumption calculator to calculate your water bill:

• Visit the BWS website: Go to the official website of Belize Water Services, which is www.bws.bz.
• Locate the tariff calculator: Navigate through the website to find the page that hosts the tariff calculator. This tool will help you estimate your water bill based on your consumption.
• Understand the tariff structure: Before using the calculator, it is important to understand the tariff structure approved by the Public Utilities Commission. The tariff structure determines how your consumption is billed.
• Gather your consumption data: To use the consumption calculator, you will need to know your water consumption for the billing period. You can find this information on your water meter. Locate your meter, which is usually placed near the front of your property. Record all the digits on the meter, including the last digit that rotates consistently as water passes through.
• Enter data into the calculator: Input your consumption data into the tariff calculator. Make sure to select the correct billing period.
• Calculate your bill: Use the calculator to determine the total cost of your water consumption for the billing period. The calculator will apply the appropriate tariff rates and provide you with an estimated bill amount.
• Compare with your bill: Once you have calculated your estimated bill, you can compare it to the actual bill you received from BWS. This will help you understand your water usage and charges better.

Paying your bill

Belize Water Services (BWS) offers several options to pay your bill. You can pay online via the banks listed on their website, or in person at one of their 8 to 10 offices countrywide or at a collection agent.

BWS provides a customer service number for any queries: 0800 225 5297 or 222 4757.

You can also pay your bill via ATM at First Caribbean Int’l Bank or Scotia Bank.

BWS also offers the option to read your own meter and calculate your bill. You can send your meter reading by texting your meter number followed by a comma and the reading to 297, or you can fill in the online form.

If you are unable to pay your bill, notices of disconnection will be aired on the radio. Disconnection can occur within 1 or 2 days after the due date on your bill and for any past due balance (over 30 days).

Detecting leaks

Check Your Water Bill

Monitor your water bill for unusually high usage. If you're using substantially more water than expected and can't explain the increase, it could indicate a leak. For example, the EPA suggests that a family of four typically uses no more than 12,000 gallons (45,000 L) of water during the cold months.

Water Meter Inspections

Record the number on your water meter and shut off the water inside your house, including water running to washing machines, dishwashers, and faucets. After two to three hours, check the meter again. If the number has increased, there is likely a water leak.

Moisture Detection Devices

Moisture meters can be used to measure the amount of moisture behind a wall. The baseline for moisture is zero, and anything above one percent indicates the presence of moisture. Move the meter along the wall, and the highest percentage will usually indicate where the leak is coming from.

Signs of a Water Leak Behind Walls

Look for standing puddles of water near a wall, especially near major appliances that use water (washing machine, dishwasher) or in the bathroom near the sink, toilet, or shower.

Inspect walls for discolouration or changes in texture. Water-logged drywall may appear to sag or have small bubbles.

Note any musty smells or signs of mould or mildew. Mould often appears as a dense cluster of black or brown dots.

Listen for dripping sounds, especially in the first few seconds after turning off the shower, flushing a toilet, or turning off a sink.

Other Potential Leak Sources

If the leak isn't from indoor plumbing, check for clogged eaves and downspouts. Excess rainwater or snowmelt without a clear downspout will eventually seep through your roof and walls, resulting in leaks.

Foundation walls can also crack and leak when water soaks into them, eventually draining into your basement.

Frequently asked questions