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.