I just had a property management question from someone who recently asked: “I’ve had my 2-unit building for a year and a half. I’ve been paying $240 per month for water.
One unit has been vacant for 5 months. Should I install a meter or keep paying the flat rate?”

At first glance, $240 might not seem unreasonable — but when you look at Chicago’s water rates, the story changes.

How Chicago Charges for Water
Metered water: $4.89 per 1,000 gallons
Sewer: 100% of the water charge
Combined: ~$9.78 per 1,000 gallons

Source: City of Chicago Water and Sewer Rates (February 2026)

Most 2-unit buildings use 6,000–12,000 gallons per month. That translates to a monthly bill of roughly $60–$120 (+ Tax and minor fees) — well below a $240 flat rate.

Even at unusually high usage, you’d have to use over 25,000 gallons per month for the meter to cost more than the flat rate. For most small residential buildings, that’s highly unlikely.

Installation and Benefits:
The City provides the meter and installs it at no cost.
You gain transparency: know exactly how much water each unit uses.
Leaks are easy to detect.
If tenants pay utilities, billing becomes accurate and fair.
Over time, a metered building can be more attractive to buyers.

Bottom Line
If you’re paying a high flat rate — especially with a vacancy — installing a water meter is usually a smart move that could potentially cut your monthly bill by 40–60% while gaining control and clarity over your building’s water usage.

Overall, it’s not just about saving money — it’s about having data, control, and confidence in your property management.

If you own property in Chicago and are looking for professional support — whether full-service or custom property management — or need help analyzing your income and expenses, optimizing occupancy, and improving cash flow, please feel free to reach out.