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High Consumption

If there is a significant increase in your water consumption, listed below are some of the reasons that high consumption will occur (some of which are seasonal).  If none of the following applies to your situation, or you aren’t certain of the cause, it is advised that you call a plumber.

  • Watering new sod
  • Watering established lawn, garden, or flowers
  • The exterior faucet not completely turned off (water leaking from the hose)
  • Filled a swimming pool
  • Children playing in a sprinkler or with water toys (Slip & Slide)
  • Faulty toilet (flapper valve not seating properly or fill water is higher than the overflow tube in the toilet tank)
  • Dripping interior faucet
  • Water softener cycles and stays on during the backwash cycle
  • Extra people in your home
  • A water leak within the interior plumbing

Please know that a malfunctioning meter does not increase your consumption.  The meter slows down and eventually stops.  You will hear a “ticking” sound.

LOOK OUT FOR LEAKS

Dripping faucets and whistling or hissing toilets wastewater, even when no one is using them. Toilets often have “silent” leaks too.

Here’s a handy way to tell:

  • Carefully take off the top of the toilet tank.
  • Put 5 drops of food coloring into the tank.
  • Wait 20 minutes. If any dye appears in the toilet bowl, water is leaking from the tank. If water is above the white PVC pipe, water is being wasted, turn down the water to your toilet.

The Average American Family of 4 uses 255 gallons of water a day inside the home.

Below are some other ways that families use water. The amount used depends on how long the water is turned on, and whether the family uses water-saving appliances, showerheads, toilet tanks, and faucets.

  • SHOWER: 5-10 gallons a minute
  • BATHROOM SINK: 5-10 gallons a minute
  • TOILET:    3-7 gallons a flush
  • DISHWASHER:    5-25 gallons a load
  • KITCHEN SINK: 4-5 gallons a minute
  • WASHING MACHINE:    35 gallons a load

*Only a tiny amount (less than 13 gallons) is used for cooking and drinking.

Follow this link to log into your personal account and review billing and consumption history.