I worked for a Water Department for a couple of years in the Customer Service Department. All my calls were regarding peoples' bills and answering questions that people may have. During the time the Water Department was having a billing issue which was billing out high bills to almost everyone, so the phone calls became very high volume. Now the bills will be incorrect but my computer system in front of me had the correct amount due to the customer. There were times that the customer bill was correct and they may not have known they had a water leak. Here are some qualifying questions that I would ask them:

1. Did you have company over and may have used more water then usual?
2. Have you watered your grass? If so, did you water it longer then you usually do or may have forgotten to turn the water off?
3. Did you do extra cleaning in your home which uses more water?
4. Have you heard your toilet running?
5. Have you filled up a swimming pool?

Now if the customer answer the question with a "No" then I proceed with having them do a 1 Hour Leak test. Here are the steps:

• First turn off all water in your home and do not use it for 1 Hour.
• Go to your water meter (Usually located in your front yard at the sidewalk) and read your meter.
• Write down whatever the meter is reading and wait 1 Hour. (Remember to not use any water at all during this time.)
• After 1 Hour go back to your water meter and see what it is reading. If it is saying something different then what you have written down, then you have a water leak. If it is reading the same then you do not have a leak in your home and should start monitoring your water usage carefully.

Now sometimes it is hard to find the actually leak so you will need to hire a plumber. Your local Water Department does not pay for repairs. Make sure you get the leak fix quickly to avoid a higher bill and also creating the leak to become bigger. Once your leak is fix call your local Water Department and tell them about your leak and they may credit your bill and look at your usage from last year to compare how much they will credit you. Be prepare to give them your plumber receipt for proof of repairs.