Print
Share page with AddThis

Water Usage FAQS - Is your new Utility invoice higher than normal?

Is you water bill substantially higher than normal? You could have a water leak on your property!
Posted on: October 5, 2016 - 2:37pm
water meter
Your Water Meter_Inside your House

The meter doesn't run unless water runs through it.  If a meter is starting to fail, it will slow down, not speed up.  A failing meter will not increase your usage.  See our "Water Loss FAQ Sheet"

Water issues flowing through your meter are your responsibility.  Please contact your plumber to give you house a check up

Outside sprinkler systems can have sprinkler heads that crack during winter months and can cause excessive water usage, and remember - that green lawn during this summer's drought will cause a great increase in your invoice.

Do you have a bathroom or toilet you don't use as much?  You could have developed a leak.  Less frequently used toilets can develop leaks in the tank and cause the toilet to run/refill when not in use.  You will have to replace the kit inside the tank. 

COVID - People have been working from home and will naturally be using more water.  Did you get a pool over the summer when you couldn’t go on a vacation?  Did you have a sprinkler running that you normally would not have done?  COVID created extra laundry to be done and sanitized, extra house cleaning to keep everyone safe.  Many things can, and would, have contributed to additional water usage at this time.

Visit the MWRA Conservation page for more tips and for water saver/testing products they are available free of charge at:  http://www.mwra.com/comsupport/waterconservationmain.htm

Check for water flow through your meter - Stop running all faucets and appliances that use water, and then go to your basement, locate your meter, flip the top cover and watch the small white triangle in the middle.  If water is not being used, the triangle will not move.  If it is moving, the water is being called for somewhere in your residence.  You will need to call your plumber to help you locate the leak.

Check your current usage, by reading the meter in your basement (flip top of meter up and record all of the digits shown), then call 781.231.4137 with the reading.  The Water Billing Department can counsel you, on how much you have used since the last reading done in February or August. **MUST HAVE CURRENT READING IN ORDER FOR US TO ASSIST YOU - PLEASE OBTAIN BEFORE YOU CALL**  or you can email reading to MeterTech@saugus-ma.gov