My utility bill is much higher than normal. What should I do?
(1) Check for Leaks: You can check for leaks by observing your water meter. When no water is being used anywhere outside or inside your home, go outside to your water meter and watch the small red or white triangle (leak indicator) on the face of the meter. If the triangle moves, you probably have a water leak. The water meter is in a concrete box set into the ground, normally in the front of your house near a property line.

If you have difficulties checking your meter, we can assist you by performing a “pressure check” for a charge of $10.00. We do not actually check the pressure of your meter; we simply watch the leak indicator (the small triangle) to see if it is moving. Normal pressure is between forty-five (45) and ninety (90) pounds.

(2) Check your toilets: Toilets can use a lot of water over time if they have even a very small leak allowing water to seep from the tank to the toilet bowl between flushes. This kind of small leak may not be detectable by checking your meter. The flapper that seals off the water in the toilet tank can deteriorate over time and allow water to slowly seep into the toilet bowl. An easy way to test for this is to place a few drops of food coloring in the tank of your toilet. The tank is the rectangular part of the toilet against the wall. Wait about 20 minutes. If you see that any of the colored water has leaked into the toilet bowl then you need to replace your flapper. Replacing your flapper is inexpensive and easy to do yourself. Turn off the water supply below the toilet, then flush to empty the tank. Remove the flapper unit and take it to your local hardware store to match it with a replacement part. Usually no tools are required to install the replacement flapper.

The City also has dye strips that you can place in your toilet tank to check for leaks in your toilet. Stop by City Hall to pick up some dye strips for free.

(3) Check the Meter Reading: If you have determined that you do not have a water leak or if you think your water meter may have been read incorrectly, we can check the meter reading for a charge of $10.00. If the meter reading on your utility bill is incorrect, we will not charge you for this service and we will correct your bill.

Show All Answers

1. What is the contact information for the Utilities Billing Division?
2. What are the garbage pickup requirements?
3. Does the City offer bulk garbage pickup?
4. What items cannot be included for bulk pickup?
5. How do I dispose of hazardous waste material?
6. How does the recycling program work?
7. What is the stormwater utility charge on my utility bill used for?
8. How much is a water deposit?
9. When will my deposit be returned?
10. My utility bill is much higher than normal. What should I do?
11. Can I get a credit for high water use?
12. I have no water service - help!
13. I have discontinued my water service with the city. Why am I still receiving a monthly bill?