I have explored creating a non-profit to assist with tax abatements and consumption of grants but found that I would have to convene a board of directors composed of 3 members and not stand to gain personal profits.

Because these are ever changing due to consumption, they can be tricky to figure out.

Last month the consumption was 29K+ gallons and this month we are already at 10K gallons and looking at another $400 bill I am sure.

I assume the treated water in the past was simply wasted into the ocean rather than treated for consumption as the powers that be in CA are now considering.

If you are able to, I would try to reduce your personal consumption rate so that you can save as much money as you can.

They were never designed to handle today's water consumption (dishwashers/washing machines and 10 minute showers).

Obviously different sized units and units with more or less tenants will have different consumption amounts.Hope that helps!

We do not rent units with utilities included {students are not always careful with their energy consumption habits}, but we do provide a single payee option where the student tenants prepay their utilities through us each month along with their rent.  

The same is true for smaller multi-family (5+ units) and even larger properties.Depending upon regulation in your area and the manner in which the property has been plumbed, you have the option of sub-metering water and billing each tenant for their actual consumption.  

Tax consumption, not income.