Water Service Information
Please be aware of these issues.
Following are answers to questions that are frequently asked of our staff, and problems that are commonly encountered by our customers.
Winter Freeze
When Winter has arrived that means possibly having frozen pipes. It has been suggested that a faucet be left dripping to help keep pipes from freezing. Yes, it works, however, you have a higher water bill, but which is worse -- a higher water bill or calling a plumber to replace water pipes?
If you decide to leave water dripping on those really cold days and nights, perhaps placing a bucket under the faucet to catch the water to "recycle" by using to water animals or plants might make you feel like the water wasn't wasted. Placing a towel or wash cloth over the container helps with the noise of the "drip-Drip-DRIP.
If you are not planning on staying at your house because of a power outage, please contact the district office and make arrangements to have your water shut off at the meter so that in the event of a water pipe freezing and busting, your house won't be flooded and froze too. There is no charge for this service, just make sure that you let us know it is for weather purposes. You will still receive a minimum monthly bill, but again, it's still cheaper than a plumber.
If you have a "shut off valve" at your home, you can shut the water off there, however, you will still have the possibility of the line freezing/busting from the meter to the house. If you decide to shut off at the meter yourself, do not force shut off at meter. Please give us a call to turn off for you. There is no charge for doing this.
Meter Leak Detector
On the face of the meter on the lower right side, there is a small dial that is red. This is called a leak detector. If you are sure that the water is off in the house and that little red dial is moving, there is water going through the meter somewhere. If a toilet is sticking, a faucet is dripping, a water hose is not shut off good, the dial will move. If it is just a small "drip" leak, it might not move very fast.
Meter Lid 'Locked'?
The plastic lids are not as heavy as the metal ones were even with the "radio" attached. The lids have a "lip" which helps secure them to the meter pit. See the item below for "locking" and "unlocking" your meter lid.
We have started using locking lids, so if you are not able to remove, please contact the District.
Meter Lids -vs- Lawnmowers
The new meter lids are made of heavy plastic and lawn mowers just seem to love to eat them. Please do not run over the lids. We strongly suggest that you make sure that your meter lid is securely tightened before you mow.
Water Usage - Spring & Summer
Along with spring and summer comes vegetable and flower gardens, watering the lawn and filling swimming pools. For most of us, it's hard to judge how much water, in terms of gallons, comes out of the water hose when watering.
Before you water or fill the pool for the first time this year, jot down the reading on your meter, then fill the pool or do your watering. When you are finished, read the meter again. This will give you an idea of how much extra water is being used.
Be sure to secure the meter lid down after each time you read the meter.
Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
Every year water district's are required by the State of Missouri, Dept. of Natural Resources, Public Drinking Water Branch to provide customers with a "water quality report".
The Water District will be mailing this report to all customers with the next billing following the report release.
You can also view the latest report using Adobe Acrobat or a browser by going to our Blog, which always has the most recent report.