Higher than usual water bill

Erika M. asks:
(updated on Tuesday, November 28th 2006)

I've lived in my home 5 years. We are billed quarterly for our water/sewer and I've never paid over $180. This month my bill was $540! I have no leaks (I'm aware of), no running toilets, no pool or sprinkler system. I actaully watered my flowers LESS then last year, since I was away quite a bit this summer. I changed nothing in my daily routine. I called the city who sent someone out to re-read the meter. The #'s seem back to normal, and was advised to pay the bill with no explanation as to how this happened-only "I don't know what goes on inside your house!" What do I do? How could this have happened and how do I avoid it again? Thanks!