How does tiered or stepped block water billing work?

Tiered or block tariffs charge different unit rates based on consumption volume. For example, the first 6 cubic meters (m³) may be charged at a lifeline rate, while consumption between 7 and 20 m³ is charged at a standard tier rate, encouraging conservation.

How do landlords calculate water submetering for apartments?

Landlords read individual unit submeters monthly, calculate consumption by subtracting the previous reading from the current reading, multiply by the agreed tariff tier rate, and add applicable standing charges or sewerage levies.

Calculate Tiered Water Tariffs & Submeter Bills

Instant stepped block consumption calculation, standing charges, sewerage levies, and tenant submeter bill splitting. Free for landlords, estate managers, and water providers.

Currency

Previous Reading (m³)

Current Reading (m³)

Or Total Consumption (m³)

Stepped Block Tariff Rates (per m³) KES

Tier 1 (0 – 6 m³) Lifeline rate

Tier 2 (7 – 20 m³) Standard

Tier 3 (21 – 50 m³) Moderate

Tier 4 (> 50 m³) Commercial / High

Standing Meter Rent

Sewerage Surcharge (%)

Calculation Summary

Total Consumption 22.0 m³

Subtotal Consumption KES 1,510.00

Standing Meter Fee KES 50.00

Sewerage Levy KES 755.00

Total Due KES 2,315.00

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How Tiered Water Billing & Submetering Works

What is a Stepped (Block) Tariff?

Water utilities and private schemes across East Africa structure consumption into volume tiers. The first bracket (typically 0–6 m³) represents the "lifeline" volume for essential human needs and carries the lowest rate. As consumption rises into higher brackets, unit rates increase to discourage water wastage.

How to Avoid Submetering Disputes

In residential estates with a master bulk meter, disputes arise when individual submeter sums do not equal the master bill due to pipe leaks or unmetered common areas. Allocating proportional bills based on individual submeter percentages guarantees fair cost recovery.

What TallyDue Automates

✓ Offline Meter Walk: Field staff capture dials and photos even with zero cell service.
✓ Automated Tier Calculations: Pre-set your tiered tariffs once; bills generate instantly.
✓ Instant Mobile Money Reconciliation: Tenants pay via M-Pesa or Airtel Money; accounts update in real-time.
✓ Dispute Proof: Photo evidence of dials attached to every digital bill.