Water bills often list usage in CCF, which most people have never encountered before. Without knowing what a CCF represents, it is difficult to understand how much water is being used or why charges change.
This page explains what a CCF is, why utilities use it, and how it relates to everyday water use.
What a CCF Is
CCF stands for hundred cubic feet.
It is a unit of volume commonly used by water utilities.
- 1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons
- 1 CCF = 748 gallons
Utilities use CCF because it is easier to manage large volumes of water than billing in individual gallons.
Why Utilities Use CCF
Water systems deliver thousands of gallons to each household every month. Billing in gallons would result in very large numbers, which are harder to track and compare.
Using CCF:
- Keeps bills readable
- Standardizes billing across regions
- Aligns with how water meters measure flow
Is CCF Under Your Control?
Yes.
CCF directly reflects how much water your household uses.
Higher water use → higher CCF → higher water and sewer charges.
Examples
Example 1: Typical Monthly Usage
- Water usage: 10 CCF
- Gallons used: 10 × 748 = 7,480 gallons
This is a common range for a small household.
Example 2: Increased Usage
- Previous month: 10 CCF
- Current month: 14 CCF
An increase of 4 CCF equals nearly 3,000 additional gallons, which can significantly raise both water and sewer charges.
To see how CCF appears alongside other charges and how it affects your total bill, return to the Water Bill Explained page.
Summary
A CCF is simply a way of measuring water volume.
What matters most:
- How many CCF you use each month
- Sudden increases from leaks or outdoor watering
- Sewer charges that are based on CCF usage
Understanding CCF makes water bills easier to interpret.
Related: Water Bill Explained → Water Usage → Sewer Charges