At Suffolk County Water Authority, we are committed to fair and transparent billing. If your water meter shows no usage for consecutive billing cycles, we will investigate the issue and may estimate your usage until an actual reading is obtained.
Why Zero Consumption Readings Happen
Zero consumption readings can occur for several reasons, including:
- A vacant or seasonal property with no water use
- A malfunctioning or stopped meter
- Meter tampering or damage
- Transmission or reading errors on a working meter
Regardless of the cause, customers are responsible for the cost of water used during this time. Once an accurate reading is obtained, any unbilled usage will be included in a catch-up bill.
What This Means for You
- Notification: If we detect a zero-consumption reading, we will notify you within 30 days.
- Catch-Up Billing: Your bill will be adjusted once an actual meter reading is obtained, which may result in a higher-than-usual bill.
- Back Billing Limits:
- If the issue is due to an SCWA error, charges will not exceed 18 months.
- If caused or extended by lack of access or other customer actions, adjusted usage charges may go back 36 months.
- If intentional tampering is found, adjusted charges may go back up to 6 years.
- Payment Plans: Customers automatically qualify for installment plans if they receive a catch-up bill.
For more details or to discuss your bill, contact SCWA Customer Service at (631) 698-9500.