If you’ve noticed an unusual change in your water bill, you may want to ask yourself these three questions: 

• Did you use more water than usual?
• Do you have a leak on your property?
• Was there an error in reading your meter?

 Did you use more water than usual?

 An increase in water use may cause a high water bill. Did you:

• Turn on the lawn sprinklers during the summer heat?
• Change your work or school schedule to spend more time at home?
• Have guests or family members visit?
• Recently refill your swimming pool?

 Household leaks can be big water wasters. It's your responsibility to find and fix leaks on your property promptly.

• Check your toilet. Toilet leaks are the most common cause of high bills. Listen for the tank filling with water. Water should not constantly or intermittently run. To test your toilet, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank on the back of your toilet. Let it sit for 10 minutes. If color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak that can probably be fixed by replacing a worn toilet flapper.
• Check faucets, showerheads and under sinks. Look for pooling water or drips. Always be on the lookout for signs of moisture, which could indicate a hidden leak that may require assistance from a plumber.
• Check your pool. Look around the pump and the autofill valve. Call a professional if you suspect a leak.
• Don’t forget your sprinkler system. Turn on each zone and check for broken sprinklers, water spraying the street, or excessive runtimes on the controller. Look for leaks at your valve boxes, backflow device, and outdoor fixtures. Use the Sprinkler Checkup Guide Link to find any issues.

Meter misreads do happen. If you or a professional cannot find any issues and suspect your meter was misread, call Utilities Customer Service at 405-297-2833. The Oklahoma City Utilities Department maintains residential water meters and replaces them on a regularly scheduled basis. The meters test 99.5% accurate and, in most cases, are likely to under-report the amount of water being used than over-report.

Save money on your water bill by turning your sprinklers off during the winter months. Your sewer charge is based on the average amount of water billed in December, January and February. This average caps the monthly sewer charge for the billing year, beginning in April, and can significantly reduce your bill. Your lawn needs a lot less water in the fall and winter – only water when needed to avoid high water bills and keep your landscape healthy.