top of page

Toronto Water Billing: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

  • Writer: Energy Canada HC BILLING
    Energy Canada HC BILLING
  • Jun 17
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 6

Yesterday, a shocking story made headlines across Toronto. A local senior received a water bill for nearly $2,400, despite no major changes in usage.


The cause? A failure in the City of Toronto’s water billing equipment. A device meant to transmit usage data had quietly stopped working. Like thousands of others across the city, her bills were being estimated for months without her knowledge. Then came a sudden catch-up charge.


While the full story is being covered by news outlets, here’s what matters most to local businesses: municipal water billing systems can fail, and when they do, it’s the property owner who’s left footing the bill.


Understanding the Issue


According to recent city reports, over 50% of Toronto’s water meter transmitters have already failed, with thousands more breaking down every month.


This alarming statistic means that Toronto businesses—especially those with high water usage—are at risk of being billed based on incorrect estimates. Often, you won’t find out until it’s too late.


The Impact on Businesses


Imagine running a business and suddenly receiving a bill that’s much higher than expected. It can throw your budget into chaos. This situation is not just an inconvenience; it can impact your bottom line.


What can you do to protect yourself?


Stay vigilant. Regularly review your water bills. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s essential to investigate.


Our Message to Toronto Business Owners


If you're reviewing your latest water bill and something doesn’t feel right, if there’s been no increase in operations, yet costs are rising, you’re not overthinking it.


You’re doing what every responsible Toronto business owner should: questioning costs that don’t line up.


We’re not saying every bill is wrong. But as this latest incident shows, you can’t always assume the city system is working as expected.


What to Do If You Suspect a Problem


Think your bill’s too high? If you’ve had a spike in charges without a clear reason, let’s talk. We review water bills for Canadian businesses every week; not to assign blame, but to bring clarity.


Here’s how you can reach us:


Taking Action: Steps to Ensure Fair Billing


  1. Keep Records: Maintain a log of your water usage. This will help you identify any discrepancies in your bills.

  2. Contact Your Water Provider: If you notice a sudden increase, reach out to your water provider for clarification.


  3. Consider Professional Help: If you’re overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional to review your bills. They can provide insights and help you navigate the complexities of water billing.


  4. Stay Informed: Keep up with local news regarding water billing issues. Knowledge is power.


Conclusion


Water billing issues can be frustrating, especially when they impact your business. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect yourself from unexpected charges.


Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many businesses face similar challenges.


If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that you’re not paying more than you should.



Reference: CBC News originally reported on this case on June 16, 2025.

bottom of page