High Water Bill?

How to Check for Leaks

Use your home’s water meter to check for hidden leaks. Small leaks can account for up to 15% of household water use.

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  1. Locate your meter box. Usually located near the street with a brown metal lid.
  2. Read the number. The number in the white boxes minus the number on your latest bill equals your most recent usage in thousands of gallons. (e.g., 406-401=5,000 gallons)
  3. Is the dial moving? With everything off, the dial should be still. If you have a pool, you may need to temporarily turn off your auto-fill valve to check this.
  4. Measure the amount. If you see unscheduled movement, measure how long it takes for a gallon to pass through.
  5. Isolate the leak. Start turning off valves or fixtures outdoors first, then indoors, until the meter stops. This will help isolate the issue.
  6. Schedule your next check. Set a reminder to check for leaks using this method every 2-4 weeks. This will help catch large and small hidden leaks early.

Download the Check for Leaks infographic.

Visit the Indoor Water Use page for water conservation tips to reduce your use.

Do you have an unusually high water bill?

A high water bill indicates high water usage on your property. The most common area of water waste is outdoor irrigation, but indoor leaks and pool issues can also create invisible water consumption problems. (Leaks on the city side do not affect billing as water does not run through the meter.) 

The following checklist can help you troubleshoot possible causes and/or identify potential leaks on your property:

(Click on each section below for more information.)

Could my high water bill be due to a meter malfunction?
1. Check your online bill.
2. Check for outdoor issues.
3. Check for indoor issues.
4. Still need assistance?
5. Complete a Water Use Estimate