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Most
people do not realize how much water is actually
used by sprinkler systems, garden hoses, pool
filling and in the house, leaking toilets.
We encourage everyone to take readings on
their meter often to make sure they know how much
water is being used, especially during the summer
months when usage is at its highest. Many people
are truly amazed when they take a meter reading
before and after the sprinkler system has run
through a cycle and they see how many gallons of
water are used.
You are billed only twice per year, so it
is important to check your meter often to ensure
that there are no leaks in between billings.
We
would also like to remind you that as of July 2007
the rates have
also increased, so even if you used the same
amount of water as last time or even a little
less, the bill may still be higher. When you do
receive your bill you will see the previous and
current meter readings listed. You can check those
readings against the meter in your basement to
ensure that the reading is correct and to see how
much you have used since the last reading.
Please be aware that the readings are in
cubic feet. One
cubic foot of water is equal to 7.48 gallons.
All
of the newer style meters come with either a black
or red triangle or circle that is used to tell if
you have a leak somewhere in your system.
When you know that you have everything
turned off and you see the dial moving, that
indicates that water is being used. However in the
case of leaking toilets you may not always be
there to see it, as they can cycle off and on with
the internal float.
Any
leak or drip should be fixed immediately. 99%
of our calls for high water bills, turn out to be
internal toilet leaks or outside use. If
you suspect you have a leaky toilet,
add a couple of drops of food coloring to the tank
and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then check the bowl
to see if the water has changed color. If it has
you know you have a leak. You should perform this
test periodically to ensure the toilet seat valve
is closing properly. It is possible that your
toilet is leaking sometimes
but not all the time.
As the flapper valve wears, it begins to
leak by if it does not properly seat. If you have
one of the new brass
Neptune
or Sensus meters,
you can easily check for a leak yourself using
dial on the meter head. This is a low flow
indicator. Check to make sure that no water that
you know of is running, then watch the dial. If it
is moving then you know that there is a leak. Shut
off your toilets supply lines one at a time to
determine which one is leaking. You can also take
a reading before you go to bed and then check it
immediately when you wake to see if it has
changed. Additional
information can be found on our website.
Water-Sewer Billing Dispute Policy
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Customer
is responsible for maintaining all plumbing,
accessories and appurtenances connected to their
service line to assure that no leaks or excessive
use occurs.
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If
you believe that your water-sewer usage and bill
is not correct, please read the information above
on how to check your readings and how to check for
leaks. Please check your meter reading against the
current reading on your bill.
If the numbers do not make sense
sequentially, we will schedule a time to re-read
your meter. You can find additional information on
our web site listed above.
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If
after you have checked everything and you still
feel that there is a problem, it is your option to
have your meter tested to ensure that it is within
operating standards.
If the test indicates that there is a
problem with your meter, we will replace it and
your bill will be adjusted accordingly. If the
test indicates the meter is reading correctly
there will be a $50 charge for the test and your
meter will be re-installed. To date we have not
had a meter tested that has not been within proper
standards.
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