Things to Consider:
- Number of days in the consumption period. The usual amount is 60 days, however this period can range between 45-75 days.
- Possible leak (sprinklers, toilet, dripping faucets and fridge water lines)
- Home renovations - ie. cleaning painting equipment
- Social patterns - being at home results in more dishes, cleaning, laundry, toilet flushing.
- The weather, warmer days can cause more lawn and garden watering as well as topping up pools and hot tubs.
- New sod requires a large amount of water to grow.
Common Causes of Leaks
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Toilets - The main reason for high water consumption is a toilet leak which can be difficult to find. They are normally caused by a bad flapper valve seal, a bad ballcock valve, and improperly positioned float arm, or defective overflow tube. It is important to fix this issue as soon as possible, as it can waste between 110 to 230 cubic meters over a billing cycle.
Check your Toilet by using the Dye Test: Place food colouring or dye test tablets in the tank at the back of your toilet. Do not flush. Wait and observe for 45 minutes to 1 hour. If colour seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
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Outside faucet, garden or sprinkler system leaking
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Faucet in kitchen or bathroom leaking
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Ice maker leaking
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Soaker hose in use
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Washing machine leaking
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Dishwasher leaking
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Hot water heater leaking
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Water-cooled air conditioner or heat pump
- Water back up sump pump
Higher Water Usage can be related to:
- Filling a swimming pool
- Watering yard and plants frequently
- Continuous pet feeder
- Frequent showers
- Radiator Heating
- Power washing
- Washing Vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
| How do I read my Radio-Frequency water meter? |
| The Neptune Radio-Frequency water meter has an LCD screen which is activated when a strong flashlight shines on it. You will see a 9 digit read. Subtract the current read and the last recorded read on your water bill to determine usage between billings. |
| How can I tell if there is a leak by looking at my water meter? |
| Ensure that no water is being used when you are going to check the meter. No dishes, laundry, sprinkler, shower, etc.
If you have a water meter with dials on it, you will see a small red arrowhead. When the arrowhead is spinning, there is water flowing through the meter. If there is a leak, the arrowhead will not stop spinning. If you have a radio-frequency meter, shine a strong flashlight on it to activate the LCD. You will see the 9 digit read. If there is a continuous flow after the meter, you will see a faucet symbol showing that water is still passing through the meter and there is a potential leak. There is also a second display screen which shows the rate of flow. If there are no leaks the rate of flow will be zero. |
Tips for Conserving Water
Rebates for High Consumption
The Municipality of Lakeshore offers a rebate for major plumbing issues that have caused an extremely high water bill. You will qualify for a rebate if:
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The meter reading for any two (2) month period exceeds ten (10) times the average usage for the twelve (12) months prior.
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Owners are required to repair the plumbing problem and provide the Municipality with written information indicating the problem has been repaired.
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Once the repair is complete the Municipality will take two (2) meter readings, two (2) weeks apart to be sure consumption has returned to normal.
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A rebate is only available to residential properties once (1) per calendar year.
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See By-Law 66-2005 for further information or contact us to see if you qualify.
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