Understand your utility bills

tax questions

If you are having trouble understanding your utility bill, the City provides images of each utility bill and an explanation of the various sections online. Find information like your due date, the amount you owe and more for all types of utility bills.

Rates and surcharges

During the rainy season, when the city’s water supply is at its peak (November through May), residents and commercial businesses will enjoy a low off-peak rate.

During the drier months, when demand on the water system is high, rates will increase by about 25%, to reflect the added cost of supplying water to the city.

This summer surcharge will help us meet our Greenest City 2020 goal of reducing water consumption by 33%, which has two benefits for all Vancouver residents:

  • Reduce the strain on our existing water system, eliminating the need for costly system upgrades that could lead to higher utility rates
  • Help us live within our water means, ensuring that all residents have access to abundant safe, clean water, no matter how much the city grows

Types of utility bills

Flat rate utilities on Property Tax notice

If you live in a single family home or a strata duplex, you are billed for utilities on your July Property Tax notice. Find an explanation of your Property Tax notice that shows where your utility charges are.

Water and sewer bill

Having trouble understanding your bill? Find an explanation of your utility meter bill.

Transfer and landfill bill

Find a graphical explanation of your transfer and landfill bill that shows your due date, amount payable and other useful elements of your bill.

Annual utility bill

Find an explanation of your annual utility bill online. See where your due date, amount payable and other useful information is on your bill.

Paying your utility bill

The City offers you four ways to pay your utility bill:

  • Online
  • By mail
  • City Hall's mail slot
  • In person

Learn more about the ways to pay your utility bill.

Learn more

Understand utilities

Find this year's flat and metered utility rates, and information about water meters.