WATER USAGE FAQs - Is Your Water Bill Higher than Normal?

Is Your Water Bill Higher than Normal? You could have a leak!
  • The meter doesn't run unless water runs through it
  • If a meter is starting to fail, it will slow down, not speed up
  • 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.
    • 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.
    • visit the MWRA Conservation page for more tips:  http://www.mwra.com/comsupport/waterconservationmain.htm
  • Do you have a bathroom or toilet you don't use as much?  You could have developed a leak.
    • Water Saver/testing products are available free of charge at the Treasurer's Office.
  • 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 781.231.4139 with the reading.  The Water Billing Department can counsel you, on how much you have used since the last reading done in August.