Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Common House Water Usage

[Katie Henry (katie-henry]

In the two cohousing communities I'm familiar with, there's a single water 
meter for the whole project that covers all residences and common spaces. The 
water bill is divided among households based on the number of units, the size 
of the units, and/or the number of occupants. The exact formula is something to 
discuss prior to moving in. 

Total usage for the year is estimated for the annual budget. Each household's 
share is included in their monthly HOA dues.

This is pretty standard practice in regular condos and apartment complexes as 
well. They may not have cohousing amenities, but they often have a pool with 
dressing rooms and showers, and extensive sprinkler systems, so lots of water 
usage. The cost is divided among the occupants. It is rarely cost-effective or 
worth the trouble to submeter water and track specific uses (unlike 
electricity).

Katie Henry
Heartwood Commons - Tulsa