Why Is My Water Bill Higher Than Normal?
We understand that a higher-than-usual water bill can be concerning - especially out here where many of us rely on well-managed water systems. At Picosa Water Supply Corporation, we want to help you get to the bottom of it. Here are some common reasons and easy ways to check:
Extra Water Use Around the Home or Property
Hot weather, watering gardens or livestock, filling a pool, or having guests over can all increase water use more than you might expect.
Leaky Toilets or Faucets
Even a small, silent toilet leak can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Try this simple test: Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. Wait 15-30 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, there's likely a leak.
Outdoor or Underground Leaks
In rural systems, outdoor lines or irrigation setups can leak without obvious signs. Turn off all water indoors and outdoors, then check your meter. If it's still moving, you may have a hidden leak somwhere on the property.
Billing Period or Rate Change
Check the billing dates and see if the cycle was longer than usual or if any rate adjustments were made. Click here for Rates
To Track Usage:
Wake the display and Record the Number(it will say something like 00054321 GALLONS). A day or week later, shine the flashlight and record the New Number. Subtract the two to find how many gallons you used. We do not use the numbers after the decimal.
The image above shows another simple, but effective way to check for leaks inside and out of your home.
To wake the display; Shine a flashlight directly at the display for 10-15 seconds. The screen should activate and display your usage number. Wake the display and record the number. These meters often require a flashlight to "wake them up."
Example: Day 1: 54321 Gallons Day 7: 55600 Gallons Weekly Usage: 55600 - 54321 = 1279 Gallons
Need a Hand? We're Here for You
If you've looked things over and still have questions, we're just a phone call or email away.
