Investigating reasons for a high water/sewer bill

[Aref Shehadeh]

Recently purchased a 4 unit multifamily investment property and the water/sewer bill has been quite high. The water and sewer company agree that it is high in comparison to comparable properties. The cost in my area is $3.9 per HCF.

Gross building area: 4,847 sq/ft

Living area: 3,132 sq/ft 

Couple things to keep in mind: 

• Laundry is not coinop (yet)
• Many animals in the property (15-20 cats)

Trying to look at potential reasons why the water/sewer bill is so high. I have yet to do a water inspection myself (checking water meter, toilets, faucets, etc.). I am more reacting to seeing the water usage increase almost exponentially since 09/2013. 

I guess I'm looking to understand the first things to check for. I've been in touch with my property manage about it and we are going to talk to the tenants to educate them about water usage.

Thoughts?