Marietta residents are feeling the impact of water and wastewater rates that can turn minor leaks into major expenses.
Understanding the city’s water and wastewater rates can help homeowners address plumbing concerns and minimize expenses.
By investing in leak detection and repairs, Marietta residents can save hundreds of dollars per year.
The following report analyzes data from the city of Marietta and outlines it in the context of leak detection and repair.
How Small Leaks Create Large Bills in Marietta
Marietta now operates on a tiered pricing system with a base charge of $14.85 for residential customers, but the commodity charges escalate quickly based on usage levels.
The city’s conservation-focused rate structure is designed to encourage water efficiency, but it also means that undetected leaks can push households into significantly higher billing tiers.
According to the original rate structure referenced:
- 0–2,000 gallons: $4.59 per 1,000 gallons
- 3,000–7,000 gallons: $5.66 per 1,000 gallons
- 8,000–12,000 gallons: $6.94 per 1,000 gallons
- 13,000+ gallons: $11.03 per 1,000 gallons
Note: These specific tier breakdowns should be verified with Marietta Power and Water, as rate structures can vary and change throughout the year.
This tiered system means an undetected leak pushing your household into a higher usage tier can inflate your monthly bill by 50–140% in just one billing cycle.
For a family that typically uses 3,000 gallons per month, a leak that adds an additional 5,000 gallons could move them from the second tier into the fourth tier, dramatically increasing their per-gallon costs.
Hidden Costs of Plumbing Problems
Many homeowners underestimate how much water a small leak actually wastes. Here’s what common household leaks cost under Marietta’s current rate structure:
Single Dripping Faucet (1 drip per second):
- Wastes approximately 2,600 gallons per month
- Estimated additional monthly cost: $25-35 (depending on your baseline usage)
- Annual waste: 31,200 gallons
- Annual additional cost: $300-420
Running Toilet (continuous):
- Can waste 6,000+ gallons per month
- Monthly additional cost: $60-100+
- Annual waste: 72,000+ gallons
- Annual additional cost: $720-1,200+
Underground Pipe Leak (moderate):
- Can waste 15,000+ gallons per month
- Monthly additional cost: $150-250+
- May also cause property damage requiring costly repairs
The Double Impact of Wastewater Charges
Marietta’s wastewater billing structure includes a base charge and commodity charges that are calculated based on your total water consumption.
This means every gallon of water that leaks inside your home is essentially charged twice, once for the water itself and again for wastewater treatment.
The wastewater impact includes:
- Base charge considerations
- Commodity charges that mirror water usage
- No differentiation between water used and water wasted
For indoor leaks (like toilet valves or under-sink drips), this effectively doubles the financial impact of the leak.
Outdoor leaks, while still costly for water charges, may not always trigger wastewater fees depending on the leak location and local billing practices.
Early Detection = Financial Defense
Professional leak detection services pay for themselves quickly under Marietta’s rate structure. Here are some of the professional services you should look for when addressing water leaks:
Advanced Detection Technology:
- Acoustic listening devices that pinpoint hidden leaks without excavation
- Electronic leak detection for slab and underground pipes
- Thermal imaging for behind-wall leaks
- Water meter analysis to quantify real-time losses
Comprehensive Services:
- Toilet and tank components
- Under-sink and appliance connections
- Outdoor irrigation systems
- Underground service lines
- Slab foundation pipes
- Hot water heater connections
Same-Day Resolution: Most residential leaks can be repaired the same day they’re detected, immediately stopping the financial bleeding and preventing additional property damage.
When to Call for Professional Help
Don’t wait for obvious signs. Contact a professional leak detection service if you notice:
Billing Red Flags:
- Sudden increase in water usage (20%+ month-over-month)
- Bills that jump to higher rate tiers unexpectedly
- Usage that seems high relative to household activity
Physical Indicators:
- Water meter running when no water is being used
- Damp spots or unexplained moisture
- Reduced water pressure
- Sounds of running water when fixtures are off
- Musty odors or visible mold growth
Seasonal Considerations:
- Post-freeze pipe damage (common in Georgia winters)
- Irrigation system leaks (prevalent in spring/summer)
- Aging pipe failures (more common in homes 15+ years old)
TL;DR
Under Marietta’s 2025 rate structure, the cost of ignoring leaks has never been higher. A small investment in professional leak detection and repair can:
- Keep your household in the lowest billing tiers
- Prevent thousands in excess water and wastewater charges
- Avoid property damage that leads to expensive remediation
- Maintain eligibility for leak credits if future issues arise
- Provide peace of mind about your home’s plumbing integrity
Take Action Today
If you’ve noticed any increase in your Marietta water bill or suspect a hidden leak, don’t wait for the next billing cycle.
Our experienced team can quickly identify, locate, and repair leaks before they push you into Marietta’s highest rate tiers.
Contact Plumbers 4 Real today for fast, professional leak detection and repair services.
We’ll help you avoid costly rate escalations and protect your home from water damage, because in 2025, every drop really does count.
For the most current Marietta water and wastewater rates, contact Marietta Power and Water directly at (770) 794-5650 or visit mariettaga.gov.
