Show All Answers

1. How much is my water bill?

It can vary, please call the City at 513-539-7374.

2. When is the next water meter reading?

Meter reading dates for the subsequent month are listed on your current month's utility bill.

3. Can you read my water meter before I move?

The Utility Billing & Collections specialist will access the meter reading software and record the usage as of your move out date. If unable to access the meter read, a work order will be generated for public works to obtain the reading.

4. I am a landlord and want my tenants water turned off to evict them. Can you turn off the water?

No. This is a landlord-tenant dispute that must be settled through civil court. Please refer to the city ordinances for additional information reference tenants rights to obtain water service.

5. A plumber told me to have my water turned off. Can you send someone out now? Is there a charge?

There is a trip charge of $35 each direction during the Water Department working hours. The City does not take requests to shut the water off outside of the Water Department's working hours of 7 am to 3 pm. If you have an emergency please contact dispatch at 513-539-9234.

6. What do I need to do when filling my pool?

Record the start time, start meter reading, stop time, stop meter reading, total gallons used and submit the information to the Utility Billing department. This information can also be submitted on the Request for Bill Adjustment form located in the Form Center.

7. What do I do when I have water running in my basement by the meter?

If the water is coming from the meter, the Water Department will come out and replace it at no additional charge to the resident (this is included in the Water Meter Replacement fee). If the water is leaking from the pipes on either side of the meter, it is the responsibility of the property owner and you will need to contact a plumber. The City cannot recommend a plumber.

8. How can I lower my water bill and save water at home?

Ways to save water.

9. I have a high water bill. Can I get an adjustment?

If you had a leak, and the water didn't enter the sanitary sewer, then we can make an adjustment to the sanitary sewer portion of the bill only. 

Examples of this situation would be a broken pipe under the slab or a leak in a basement with a dirt floor. Proof of repair must be provided for a credit to be issued. A request for adjustment can be submitted on the Request for Bill Adjustment form located in the Form Center.

10. I have a water leak in my yard. Who will repair it?

The City will only repair from the water main to the property line. After the service crosses the property line, maintenance becomes the responsibility of the property owner.

11. How do I know if my toilet is leaking?

Sometimes you can hear the toilet running. There are also leaks that are considered silent toilet leaks. Here are two visual tests that you can do to help you check your toilet for a leak.

1.  Dye Test – Flush the toilet and wait 5 minutes for it to refill. Put a few drops of food coloring in the back of the toilet tank. Wait about an hour and do not flush. If the food coloring is now in the bowl of the toilet you will need to check, and in most cases, replace the plunger and seam in the toilet tank. 

2.  Stand tube test – Flush the toilet and wait 5 minutes for it to refill. Remove the back of the toilet tank cover. Sprinkle some powder on the top of the water. If the water level is too high, you will see the powder on top of the water drain down into the stand tube. This is a silent type leak in your toilet. You will need to adjust the water level to ½ inch below the stand tube.

12. What kind of leaks will affect my bill?

All leaks will affect your bill. 

A faucet with a slow drip can waste almost 3 gallons of water a day. 

Toilet leaks are the hardest to visualize as the water is lost directly to the sewer and can increase your bill substantially. 

Refer to High Water Usage Checks for ways to troubleshoot high water usage.

13. Is my water meter read every month?

Your water meter is scheduled to be read for each billing cycle.  If for some reason the meter cannot be read your bill will be estimated based on previous usage history.

14. How do I start / stop utility services?

To start water and sewer service at an existing property, you will need to complete an application for water service. This form can be located in our form center or you can access a pdf version here. If you are renting, lease-purchasing, or buying on land contract, we will need additional approval from the landowner, a copy of the lease agreement, and a deposit will be required. 

To stop service, please complete the Move Out Form located in our form center. You may also call the City at 513-539-7374.