Utility Billing FAQ

Water Bill

Why is my water bill high?
There are various reasons for high water bills. Often it can be outdoor watering. You can read your water meter before and after using the sprinkler system to get an accurate usage for lawn watering. Water leaks are another reason for high usage. A 1/32″ in diameter can use 180 gallons in 24 hours, 5,400 per month.

Water Leaks

How can I check for a slow leak?
Choose a time when water will not be used for at least 6 to 8 hours (over night or if no one will be home during the day). Take a meter reading before and after the allotted time, if there is a difference in the readings there is possibly a leak.

What do I do if I have a leak?
If a leak occurs during the business or after hours, please call Public Works for a service technician to turn off your water so repairs can be made. Call the Utility Billing Division once your repairs are made and your water is back on. It is okay for your plumber to turn back on your water. If the leak causes your bill to go up higher than normal, contact the Utility Billing Division to learn available billing options.

How is my sewer bill figured?
Sewer rates are based on water consumption for commercial accounts. We offer average billing for residential accounts. Accounts are averaged for the months of December, January and February, which are typically the lowest usage months.

Meter Reading

How often is my meter read and how is it read?
Meters are read manually monthly on the 15th of the month.

Where is my water meter located?
Most often the meter is located in the front of the house, with a black rectangular lid.

How does ensuring the meter reader clear access to the meter help keep costs down?
With hundreds of water meters to read, the meter reading staff must be able to quickly access your water meter in order to collect meter readings, which will result in correct charges to your utility billing account. To avoid any delays in obtaining a reading, the meter reader requires clear access to the meter. If a meter reader can quickly collect a reading from the meter on the first visit to your property, it helps keep utility costs down, which benefits all customers in helping to keep rates stable.

Here are some helpful tips for making sure that your water meter is accessible:

• Trim bushes, trees and grass that block the way to or cover the water meter. It is amazing how quickly these plants cover a water meter box during the growing season. In an effort to avoid any accidental damage to your prized plantings, please avoid planting landscape items in the area which your meter readers must travel.
• Please make sure that no objects are placed so that they cover or block access to the meter box. A few items found blocking water meters include cars, trailers, garbage cans, construction equipment or supplies, and landscape bark or gravel.
• If your meter is located behind a gate that is normally kept locked, please contact Public Works to arrange access. We often obtain keys as long as the lock is accessible from the outside of the gate, from our customers who wish to secure their property.
• Please remember your meter is located in the City’s right of way and if repairs are needed the City is not held responsible for replacing or repairing any private property located in the right of way.
• Please ensure your house address is clearly displayed on your residence. This will not only assist the meter reader but emergency personnel as well.