City of Toronto’s online tool allows residents to track water usage

The City of Toronto offers an online tool for residents to track their water usage. Residents can access the tool at MyWaterToronto by entering their utility account information, and can view their water use by day, week, month or year. Users can also check a box to add details, such as temperature and precipitation to gain an even greater understanding of personal water use.

“Water use typically increases between 15 and 20 per cent during the warmer summer months,” said Lou Di Gironimo, general manager, Toronto Water. “By using MyWaterToronto, customers can better understand their water use, and start to consider ways to save water and money.”

In addition to tracking water usage, customers can check to see if they have a leak by looking for abnormal water use. “If you see prolonged periods of high water use that you cannot explain, especially when no one is home, then you may wish to contact a plumber,” said Di Gironimo.

Other reasons for a rise in water use

A sudden rise in water bills may be due to a number of reasons including:
Plumbing leaks in faucets, toilets and/or fixtures.
Estimated readings followed by an accurate reading. (If your water usage was under estimated and your consumption for previous billing periods was higher, you may see an increase in your current water bill.);
An increase in the number of people living or working in the house resulting in greater water usage;
Renovations, such as adding new fixtures;
Filling swimming pools;
Excessive lawn watering;
A dry hot summer, resulting in higher consumption and;
An increase in the number of days in the billing period.