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How to read your meter:
Step 1: Find your meter box, which is typically located in the front of the property near the street. Carefully remove the lid by using a tool such as a large screwdriver. Insert the tool into one of the holes and pry the lid off.
Step 2: Once you open the meter box lid, you will see the meter. On the face of the meter there is a row of digital numbers. Read the large numbers displayed from left to right. Do not include the two smaller digits.
If you have a billing discrepancy, the first thing you should do is read your water meter. Any customer that feels the meter is to blame for the high usage can have the meter removed and tested at the customer's expense. The new digital meter has the word LEAK that becomes bold if the register detects constant water flow for 48 hours.
Check for household leaks:
- Check all water line connections, toilets and faucets regularly. Leaking toilets and faucets can be the biggest water waste in your home.
- Know where your master shutoff valve is located. It'll save time and money if pipes burst.
Check for underground leaks:
- Step 1. Turn off all water inside and outside of your home so that no water is being used.
- Step 2. Take the lid off the meter box to reveal the meter.
Watch the meter. Take a reading and record the number, wait about 15 minutes, then take another reading. Make sure you do not to use any water during that time. If the reading continues to increase water is passing through the meter and you have a private leak.
(The new meter has the word LEAK above the reading digits that becomes bold if water continuously passes through the meter for a period of 48 hours.)
Private leaks are the customers responsiblity!
All customers need to have a private cut off valve for their main line from the water meter.
In emergencies, the meter shut off valve (anglehead), pictured below, can be used to shut off the main water supply.
To turn water off, the valve should be turned clockwise 1/4 turn, lining up the circle wings.
MWSC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
More Frequently-Asked Questions:
How could I have used this much water?
You could possibly have a leaky toilet or faucet that's difficult to detect. Check your meter to see if the leak indicator is displayed.
What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?
Turn on an outside faucet in the front of your home. If the pressure is adequate, check your water softener by putting it in bypass. If pressure improved, contact your water softener maintenance company.
Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, call our office and report low pressure for your area.
Why is my water discolored?
A repair could have been completed recently allowing air to enter the line, causing the milky look.
What chemicals does our water company add to the water?
Only chemicals that are approved by the National Safety Foundation for treatment of drinking water.
My water tastes, looks, and smells funny. Is it safe to drink?
All public water systems are required to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 mg/L (tested at the end of each line) by state law. Systems that use chloramine as a disinfectant must maintain a level of 0.5 mg/L by state law. Our disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety.
Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?
Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater. If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and or damaging the water heater.
Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?
We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all. Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.
What do I do for a Water Main Break?
Water flooding the street is an EMERGENCY. Please call (512) 856-2488 or Toll-Free (888) 856-2488. Non-emergencies will be handled during business hours and include small leaks that are causing no immediate damage or leaks at the water meter.
What do I do for a leak?
If there is no property damage, crews will respond during regular business hours.
What if I have noisy pipes?
Call a plumber.
How much water am I using?
(these are averages, actual numbers could vary)
1 drop per second leak = 2,400 gallons per year
Bathtub = 30 gallons per filling
Shower = 2 gallons per minute
Commode = 5 gallons per flush
Sprinkler = 2 gallons per minute
