You found a small paper headed 水道・下水道使用水量等のお知らせ in your mailbox. Is it a bill, a receipt, or just a record of your meter reading? It can show several kinds of information on one sheet. First find the 使用水量 (water used), 今回料金 (charge for this reading), and the field for your actual payment method. The format depends on your water provider.
Japanese words on a meter-reading slip
| Japanese | Reading | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 検針票 / 使用水量等のお知らせ | kenshin-hyō / shiyō suiryō-tō no oshirase | Meter-reading notice; its exact title varies |
| お客さま番号 | okyakusama bangō | Customer number to give when contacting the provider |
| 前回指針・今回指針 | zenkai shishin・konkai shishin | Previous and current meter readings |
| 今回使用水量 | konkai shiyō suiryō | Water used during the reading period, usually shown in m³ |
| 水道料金・下水道料金 | suidō ryōkin・gesuidō ryōkin | Water and sewerage charges, if both apply |
| 今回料金 | konkai ryōkin | Charge for the current reading |
| 口座振替予定額・予定日 | kōza furikae yoteigaku・yoteibi | Amount and date scheduled for bank withdrawal |
| 口座振替済 | kōza furikae-zumi | Bank withdrawal already completed, often for a previous reading |
| 次回検針予定日 | jikai kenshin yoteibi | Expected date of the next meter reading |
| 後日お知らせ | gojitsu oshirase | Details will be provided later |
Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s annotated guide to its current meter-reading notice identifies the customer number, current charge, scheduled withdrawal, next reading, and a separate “withdrawal completed” area. Use its diagram to locate a field, then read the labels on your own provider’s paper.
Three checks before you pay anything
- Identify the provider and address. Some apartment buildings handle water charges through their management company. Check the sender and your lease if the paper is not from a water bureau.
- Compare usage, not just yen. Look for 今回使用水量 and the reading period. On a standard meter, current reading minus previous reading gives the volume used; Yokohama City’s meter guide explains the calculation. A changed meter or adjustment can make the printed calculation more complicated.
- Confirm the payment channel. A meter-reading notice showing 今回料金 does not by itself prove that a separate payment is due right now. If you use bank withdrawal, check 口座振替予定額 and 予定日. The 口座振替済 area can describe the previous reading, not payment for this one. If you pay by invoice, follow the actual bill and deadline. Tokyo’s payment guide lists its methods; your provider may differ.
If the amount seems unusually high
Compare the m³ figure with an earlier slip for a similar period. Guests, more time at home, a longer reading period, or a leak can change it. If usage rose sharply without an obvious reason, check that taps and appliances are off, then follow your water provider’s guidance for checking the meter and contacting the right service. Yokohama City explains how its meter can help identify suspected leakage. In a rental home, also notify the management company or landlord promptly; see our apartment repair reporting guide.
If the amount or usage field says 後日お知らせ, do not guess a figure. Tokyo Waterworks says it may send details later when usage changes substantially. Contact the provider using its official site or the number on a verified notice if you need an explanation.
Short questions you can use
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| これは請求書ですか、検針のお知らせですか。 | Kore wa seikyūsho desu ka, kenshin no oshirase desu ka? | Is this a bill or a meter-reading notice? |
| 今回の使用水量を確認したいです。 | Konkai no shiyō suiryō o kakunin shitai desu. | I would like to check this period’s usage. |
| 口座振替の予定日はいつですか。 | Kōza furikae no yoteibi wa itsu desu ka? | When is the bank withdrawal scheduled? |
| 使用水量が急に増えました。漏水の確認方法を教えてください。 | Shiyō suiryō ga kyū ni fuemashita. Rōsui no kakunin hōhō o oshiete kudasai. | My usage suddenly increased. How can I check for a leak? |
Keep the slip until the payment or withdrawal has been confirmed. If you have just moved, our utility setup guide covers starting and stopping service. Yokohama City also provides an English water service guide describing the meter-reading notice.
Provider examples checked in September 2026. Labels, billing cycles, rates and payment methods vary by location and contract. Read your provider’s current notice for your own account.
