11th June 2026 – (Hong Kong) A Hong Kong woman has sparked lively debate after posting her friend’s water bill on social media — a barely believable HK$16 for the entire period. “How is this possible? Please teach me,” she asked, sharing a photo of the statement that left followers incredulous.
The post quickly drew replies from committed water‑savers who said ultra‑low bills are achievable in one‑ or two‑person households that rarely cook and limit water use mainly to showers and the washing machine. Some boasted of even leaner statements, including HK$11 this cycle, while others recalled past quarters at effectively HK$0. More modest savers said they typically pay around HK$30–40 even with occasional home cooking.
Not everyone could relate. Heavier users admitted they were amazed at such thrift, with one solo dweller citing HK$371 for the latest bill and a four‑person family reporting an average of about HK$800 per cycle. Several commenters noted the gulf often comes down to habits: long showers with taps fully open, frequent cooking, household cleaning routines, and the type of washing machine can all push usage higher.
According to the Water Supplies Department, residential bills are issued about every four months and are calculated on a progressive tariff. The first 12 cubic metres are free; the next 31 cubic metres are charged at HK$4.16 per cubic metre; the following 19 cubic metres at HK$6.45; and any consumption above a total of 62 cubic metres at HK$9.05 per cubic metre. The stepped structure is designed to encourage conservation.
Frugal posters shared their no‑cost tactics: keep shower flow gentle and brief, avoid running taps at full blast, consolidate laundry loads, and cook less frequently at home — all aimed at staying within or close to the free 12‑cubic‑metre allowance each billing period.