Homeowners in Ontario Stunned by Water Bills of $20,000

Two homeowners in Ontario were taken aback when they received water bills amounting to $8,129 and $11,314, and were informed that they needed to pay them.

If you have a swimming pool, a sprinkler system, or use a lot of water, you might expect higher bills. However, sometimes unexpected high charges can arise from plumbing problems you didn’t know about.

Two homeowners in Ontario were taken aback when they received water bills amounting to $8,129 and $11,314, and were informed that they needed to pay them.

“I had to read it several times and thought are my eyes imagining things,” Inas Hamid from Pickering, Ont., shared with Toronto.

‘I do not have a water leak’

Hamid contacted after receiving a hefty water bill of $11,314. Following this bill’s arrival, she had someone come over to check for leaks but was told there weren’t any.

“I found out I did not have a water leak; everything is intact; everything is in place,” said Hamid. She received the expensive bill in 2023 and has been contesting it with Durham Region’s water department for the past year and a half.

When reached out to Durham Region, a spokesperson provided this statement:

“The Region of Durham is aware of ongoing concerns related to a resident’s water billing history. Generally speaking, various factors may lead to an unusually high-water bill. Common reasons include undetected plumbing issues like continuously running toilets as well as seasonal activities such as lawn watering or pool usage.”

They also mentioned that homeowners should submit their water meter readings three times each year using a tele-read card.

“When readings aren’t submitted on time, bills are estimated. Over time this may result in larger ‘catch-up’ bills once actual usage data comes through. The region offers an appeal process that can lead to rebates according to local regulations,” they explained.

In Hamid’s case, her bill was lowered from $11,314 down to $7,242. She paid it but still seeks a refund.

“I would like that money back because I am a student and single mom and it’s wrong,” she stated.

‘I cannot pay the bill’

Scarborough resident Shahana Parvin was equally shocked upon receiving her own bill totaling $8,129. With five bathrooms in her home, she was informed by the City of Toronto that there must be some sort of issue with her water supply.

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack. My husband isn’t working right now and both my parents have cancer; then suddenly I get this bill,” she told .

Parvin mentioned that she reached out to the city after getting the bill because she believed there must’ve been something wrong with the meter since her usage hadn’t changed at all.

She told that she hired two plumbers who couldn’t find any leaks either.

“So I called another plumber who also said there’s no leak; nothing,” Parvin said.

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Upon contacting the City of Toronto for comment, they provided this statement:

“We are aware of situations involving homeowners who received high-water bills due to increased consumption between March and July 2025. We take these issues seriously and aim to work with property owners towards fair resolutions.”

The municipality noted that they “promptly sent out high consumption notification letters in April after noticing spikes in usage.”

“City staff confirmed that the water meter continues providing accurate readings; previously reported increases resulted from actual usage which returned back down as of July 31st,” stated the City of Toronto.”

“Based on details shared by the resident along with daily consumption data corrective measures were implemented by July 31st; we suspect there may have been an unnoticed leak,” added their statement.”

“We’re open for further discussions regarding flexible payment plans without interest or late fees.”

Parvin also needs to settle her bill but firmly believes there wasn’t any leak at her residence either.”

“I cannot pay the bill. I cannot afford (it),” she lamented.”

Food dye can be used for checking toilet leaks.

Most utility departments offer an appeals process if you receive an unexpectedly large charge. A utility might also propose reducing your amount owed or setting up payment plans. However , if unpaid , charges will appear on your property taxes along with interest accrued.

It’s wise too , listen closely for running toilets in seldom used bathrooms or utilize food dye tests for spotting toilet leaks.

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