Why is my consumption so high?
Consumption may be high for a number of reasons.
- If a bill is estimated too low for a length of time, an actual meter reading may result in a large increase to make up the difference
- More people may be living in the household (guests visiting, college students home for the summer, etc.)
- During the summer, water consumption may be higher if you are watering your lawn or garden (make sure spickets aren't left on accidentally!)
- A leak somewhere in the residence may also lead to high consumption
How do I determine if I have a toilet leak?
Toilet leaks happen when water from the tank seeps into the toilet bowl. From there, the water goes into the sewer system. If you can hear your toilet running or need to jiggle the handle to get it to stop running after you flush, you have a toilet leak. Sometimes you cannot hear the leak, however. To determine if you have a leak, place a dye tablet or food coloring into the tank and do not flush the toilet for about an half an hour. If the dye coloring has seeped into the stool from the tank, the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced. Local hardware stores carry new flappers for about $5.00, complete with installation instructions.
Can my water meter tell me if I have a leak?
Yes! To check for leaks, look at the register on your meter dial. If no one is using water; it should not be moving! If it is moving, you'll want to check every plumbing fixture on your property (sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, washer, dishwasher, sprinkler system, water softener.) Turn off the valves that supply each fixture, one at a time, and check the register after each shutoff. When closing the water supply, a valve stops the register from moving, or slows it down, then you have found the location of a leak. There could be more than one leak! Once you have repaired the leak, check the register again and make sure it isn't moving.
How can I improve my water pressure?
If a loss of water pressure occurs at all the faucets in your home, make sure that the meter valves next to the water meter are fully opened. The most common cause for a loss of water pressure is the water softener malfunctioning. To check your water softener, shut off the bi-pass valve to the water softener and see if your pressure resumes. If your pressure comes back, you should have your water softener serviced.
A few other common causes of water pressure is:
- Meter valves and/or other valves are not fully opened
- Old or corroded piping or corroded connections in the home
- Clogged screens on faucets
Can I receive a billing adjustment for leaks?
If you have a leak in your home, the leak is using water that the City has processed through it's water plants and has been treated, that water is then sent through our sewer system. Therefore, normally, that usage will need to be paid by the resident. You are welcome to dispute any charges by attending a City Council meeting.
The previous owner of my home left an unpaid utility bill, am I responsible for the outstanding balance?
Ultimately, yes. If the city utility bills remain unpaid, state law allows the city to assess the charges, penalties, and interest against the real property served by the utility. This is consistent with the concept that is the property that receives the benefit of the utility service, not simply the user, per Minn. Stat. 444.075, s. 3(e) and Minn. Stat. 116A.22.
How can I dispute my bill amount?
City staff are unable to wave any charges on your utility account. You may question the basis of any charges on your account via the City Council.
What do I do if I haven't received my monthly bill?
Please contact City Hall at 507-732-7318 or
email our office to request another copy of your bill. If you are set up to receive e-mail bills but did not, please check your junk e-mail folder or your deleted items to make sure that it didn't copy into those locations.
