High Bill Check List

  • Verify the reading on your water meter by reading it left to right and ensuring it is correct.  It will be slightly higher than the “Present Read” reading on your water or sewer bill bill.
     
  • Do a 30 minute leak test by reading all the numbers on your water meter from left to right.  Make sure you do not run water for at least 30 minutes and take another reading.  If the reading has changed at all, you have a leak somewhere and should contact a licensed plumber.

Another option for a leak test is to take a reading before you go to bed and again when you wake up.  If the reading has changed (and you did not get up for a drink of water or to use the bathroom during the night), you have a leak somewhere and should contact a licensed plumber.

  • The biggest culprit of a high water/sewer bill is a leaky toilet.  Drop some food coloring in the tank of your toilet and wait 20 minutes (without flushing).  If the dye seeped into the bowl at all, your toilet is leaking and should be repaired immediately as any leaks can become quite costly.  We recommend that the flapper of your toilet be replaced annually.

Click here to see a video on how to replace your flapper.

  • If you have a sprinkler system you should be aware of exactly how much water you are using. Take a reading before and after the sprinkling cycle.  Subtract the start read from the end read to get the consumption of your daily usage.  Multiply that times the number of times you water weekly.  Now multiply your weekly consumption by 12 for your total sprinkling usage per quarter.  See how quickly that added up?

The Boothbay Harbor Sewer District offers our customers the ability to receive a discount on their sewer bill if they use a large amount of water outside.  If you are interested in learning more, please contact our office Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm by calling 207-633-4663.

  • Have you had visitors or additional people living with you?  Did you know it is estimated that an individual uses over 100 gallons of water daily?
     
  • Have you filled your swimming pool or washed your car?

Please contact our office to learn about the outside water meter program.