Meter Reading

Detecting Water Leaks

If you think you have a water leak, follow these steps to find it:

• Check all faucets to make sure they don’t drip.
• Check outside pipes for leaks.
• Check toilets for leaks by dropping a dye tablet into the tank and waiting a few minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced. Sometimes toilets run; this is caused by a faulty flushing mechanism, which will need to be replaced.
• Check your sprinkler system for leaks.
• Check your swimming pool for leaks.
• Look for green spots in the yard.

Reading Your Meter

The water meter is usually located in a small box in the ground near the street, alley or in the easement. It is very important that you maintain the area around the meter box to ensure accurate readings. Most meters are read from left to right, just like reading the odometer on a car. Your meter is billed in thousands of gallons. Meter reading begins on or as close to the first of the month as possible and usually takes one day to complete all readings throughout the city.

Rereads

If you are disputing the consumption on your bill, you may request that the water meter be reread by calling 512-446-2511. You may also request that your meter be tested. If the meter tests show that the meter is accurate, you will be charged a fee; if the meter is inaccurate, the city will replace the meter and pay for the testing of the old meter.