Leaks & Your Home

Water leak and slow drip

If Your Bill is Unusually High, You Might Have a Leak

Over the years, experience has indicated that water meters are extremely reliable and rarely fail. So, if your utility bill is unusually high, the problem will generally lie with either water usage or leaks.

Here are some examples of the rate of water flow through various apertures, running through a 5/8" meter:

WATER HOSE: 3/4", 100 feet long

  • 13.1 gallons per minute
  • 786 gallons per hour (1.05 units)
  • 18,864 gallons per day (25 units)
  • 565,920 gallons per month (756.6 units*)
  • Total cost - $5,805.25 per month!

TOILET with chain under flapper

  • 1.6 gallons per minute
  • 96 gallons per hour (.13 units)
  • 2,304 gallons per day (3.08 units)
  • 69,120 gallons per month (92.4 units*)
  • Total cost - $688.21 per month!

TOILET with damaged or deteriorated flapper

  • 6.8 gallons per minute
  • 408 gallons per hour (.55 units)
  • 9,792 gallons per day (13.9 units)
  • 293,760 gallons per month (392.7 units*)
  • Total cost - $3,002.62 per month!

So be aware that extra garden watering, or leaky fixtures and faucets can really make a difference in your utility bill!

If there is a leak after the water runs through the meter, the cost will appear on the bill and is the homeowner's responsibility. Attention to possible leaks will not only conserve our water resources, it also will help keep your costs as a consumer to a minimum.

For more information, call Clearwater's Utility Customer Service Department at (727) 562-4600.

You may qualify for a sewer credit adjustment if you have had a leak or unusual usage of potable water at your location that has not entered the City’s sewer system. If you have received a bill with a high sewer charge, a sewer credit adjustment has the potential to adjust the sewer portion of your bill back to your location’s average sewer consumption.

Click here to request a potential sewer credit

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