If you feel that your water bill is higher than usual here are a few suggestions to detect a possible leak Inside the home. Pick a time when you know that there will not be any water usage In the home (Afternoon, overnight or on a weekend when you will be away). Take a reading from the meter before you leave. This Is the meter Inside your home not the meter on the outside. Take another reading Immediately upon returning. If the meter has any usage(numbers have changed), you have a leak.

Your toilet Is the first to consider for the leak. In 24 hours a toilet can leak up to 2,500 gallons of water. There are times when you can hear your toilet ‘running’; however the worst leaks are when you cannot hear. Here are two ways to detect a leak.

To check for a leak caused by a ballcock that needs adjusting: Remove the tank top. Sprinkle powder on top of the water and look to see If the powder drifts to the overflow tube. If It does your ballcock needs to be adjusted.
To check for a leak caused by a faulty tank/bowl seal or a flapper seal: Pour a dark liquid (I.e., kool aid, iced tea, food coloring) Into the tank. Wait a few minutes. If you can see the water seeping Into the bowl this Indicates that your seal needs to be serviced. Seals can get sand or dirt under them, which can cause water loss through a faulty seal.

Check for dripping faucets and or tubs, Outside faucets, should be checked to make sure they are not running. Finally read your meter on a weekly basis to track your own water usage. If you need helping understanding the numbers on the meter call the city offices and we can help you.

The Water Utility Adjustment Policy will allow for billing adjustments under certain circumstances:

• Clerical billing or meter reading error on the part of the City
• Proven malfunction of the water meter
• Leak adjustment in accordance with the approved policy


If you believe that there is an error on your bill or that you have a water leak, review the  Utility Billing Adjustment Policy carefully and submit the appropriate Application for Billing Adjustment forms within thirty (30) days of the billing date.                                               

The City is implementing a city-wide water meter replacement program.

The City has already replaced 150 meters. The continuation of this program will include replacement of 2680 meters in total.  Property owners will begin to recieve postcards on or after 10/22/25 to schedule the appointment for replacement of their existing meter with a Metron Farnier unit. The City is contracting with Professional Meters Inc, PMI, to provide the installation services. 

Key benefits of having automated meter readings in St Clair:

• The first benefit is enhanced accuracy and ensuring precise meter readings.
• The second benefit is efficiency and convenience, eliminating manual readings and reducing operational costs.
• The third benefit is providing real-time information and access to real-time utility data, which in turn gives residents more chances to make informed decisions.
• The fourth benefit is sustainability by reduced resource usage.
• And the fifth benefit is a faster identification process offering quick issue resolutions.

Notices will appear in mailboxes on or after 10/21/25. Schedule an appointment that is most convenient to you. Evening and weekend hours included!

For questions, please contact the Water Treatment Plant 810-329-5276 or the Treasurer (Utility billing) office 810-329-7121.

We recognize this is something new for our community, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as the benefits take shape.

Letter to Residents

Why Stormwater Is Important (EPA)

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stormwater runoff (rain and snowmelt) flows off roofs, driveways, streets, and parking lots and can pick up fertilizer, oil, pesticides, dirt, bacteria, and other pollutants. That polluted runoff often travels through storm drains and ditches and is discharged untreated into streams, rivers, lakes, and other local waters. (US EPA)

The EPA also notes that stormwater runoff is increased by hard surfaces like pavement, and because the runoff can flow directly into a water body or storm drain, there may be little or no opportunity for soil, plants, or a treatment facility to filter out pollutants. (US EPA)

Because of these impacts, the EPA’s stormwater program (under the Clean Water Act/NPDES) is designed to help prevent stormwater from washing harmful pollutants into local surface waters, including through municipal stormwater permits and stormwater management programs. (US EPA)

Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)

Source Water Intake Protection Program

Friends of the St. Clair River got it’s start in 2007 and has since become Michigan’s Thumb Coast largest environmental organization. Our mission is to protect and restore the St. Clair River and its watersheds through community education, environmental monitoring, hands-on stewardship and advocacy. To learn more:  https://scriver.org/

Friends of the St. Clair River: How to report pollution problems