Princeton Water Bill and Winter Sewer Charges
Princeton water bill explainer on how winter water use shapes wastewater charges, plus leak checks and the 5,000-gallon new-customer basis.
For eligible Princeton residential customers, December, January and February water use is averaged. The City uses that figure to set wastewater usage charges until the next winter average is calculated. That makes winter leaks and unusually high use worth checking before they affect later bills.
Winter months
December, January and February
Current method
Effective with April 2026 bills
New customers
Temporary monthly wastewater average
City services
Water and wastewater are both required
On this page
Why winter water use matters
Princeton City Council reinstated Winter Quarter Averaging in January 2026, with the method taking effect beginning with April 2026 water bills. It applies to residential customers inside Princeton’s incorporated limits who receive both City water and wastewater service.
Wastewater systems are not individually metered. The City therefore averages December, January and February water use, when outdoor use is lower, and uses that figure to determine wastewater charges for the remainder of the year until the next winter average is calculated.
Summer lawn watering and pool filling do not enter that winter calculation.
Winter water use establishes the wastewater billing basis. It is not a direct measurement of wastewater leaving the home.
The leak that is easy to overlook
A running toilet, dripping fixture or hidden leak can add water use without being obvious. If it happens during December through February, that extra use can influence the winter average.
The City advises residents to repair leaks promptly. If usage looks unusual, the hidden water leak guide can help narrow a household problem before assuming the bill itself is wrong.
New Princeton customers may see something different
Inside-city customers without a December, January and February winter average are currently billed using a city-wide monthly wastewater average of 5,000 gallons until their own winter average is established.
What to check before winter
The aim is not to avoid normal household water use. It is to catch waste early. Princeton also encourages residents to use MyWaterAdvisor2.0 to monitor usage and identify leaks.
Listen for continuous running or refilling.
Check fixtures, pipes and outdoor taps.
Look for a change in the normal pattern.
Check for unexpected use when fixtures are off.
For account-specific questions, confirm details with Princeton Utility Billing.
Questions Princeton homeowners ask
Which months are used for Princeton winter averaging
December, January and February.
Can summer lawn watering raise the winter average
No. Summer irrigation does not enter the December through February calculation.
What happens if a new customer has no winter history
The City currently uses a 5,000-gallon city-wide monthly wastewater average until the customer establishes a winter average.
Where can I pay or manage a Princeton water bill
Use the City of Princeton Utility Billing page for official payment options and account help.
Official Princeton references
City of Princeton Winter Quarter Averaging