Water Leaks

Checking for possible water leaks in and around your home helps conserve water. It can also save you money!

In one year, a faucet that drips once every second will send about 10,000 litres (10 cubic meters) of water down the drain. This adds another $25 to $30 onto your water bill.

You are responsible to pay for all water passing through the meter. It is important to ensure that there are no leaks in your property's water system. A leaking toilet or faucet can cost you hundreds of dollars.

What are common causes of water leaks?

Here are some suggestions of where to check for possible water leaks.

Water meter

To see if you have a water leak:

  1. Turn off all taps and automatic water softeners, humidifiers, sprinkler systems, etc.
  2. Ask everyone to avoid using water for 15 to 30 minutes
  3. Find your water meter. It is usually located in the basement and may be near an outside wall
  4. Note the meter reading
  5. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and read your meter. If there are new numbers displayed, you have a leak
  6. It is the responsibility of the property owner to repair the leak

If the leak is coming directly from the meter or where the pipe joins the meter, please report it to us. Complete the Report a water meter leak Form or call us directly at 306-786-1760.

Bathroom

Toilets

Do you think you have a leaking toilet? Follow these steps to test for a leak.

  1. Take the lid off the tank;
  2. Squirt a drop of dark food colouring into the water;
  3. Do not flush the toilet for 15 to 30 minutes; and
  4. Check the toilet bowl for coloured water; if present, your toilet is leaking.

Taps

  • Check to see if taps are dripping; if so, replace the washer in the faucet
  • Check for damp areas around your faucet or water lines to see if a leak is present

Kitchen
  • Check to see if taps are dripping; if so, replace the washer in the faucet.
  • Check for damp areas around your faucet or water lines to your dishwasher or fridge to see if a leak is present

Laundry room
  • Check to see if the taps leading to your washing machine are dripping. If so, replace the washer in the faucet.
  • Ensure your water softener has enough salt in it. The softener may keep trying to ‘regenerate' the brine when there is no salt, resulting in wasted water.

Outdoors
  • Fix any leaks in your garden hose.
  • Replace worn out washers in garden nozzles and sprinklers.
  • Check for moist spots in your lawn on days you have not watered. Consistent damp grass may mean you have a leak in your underground sprinkler.

Who is responsible for the leak?

You are responsible for your water consumption; either intentional or unintentional (as in the case of a leak). If you detect a plumbing leakage problem, notify the City immediately.

It is important to have the leak fixed as soon as possible and bring us copies of the repair receipts.

Report a water concern

What happens if I get a large bill?

City personnel shall perform a consumption test to ascertain if the problem is fixed. If an adjustment is warranted, only the most recent bill will be adjusted.

We will only adjust an account one time as an incentive for water conservation. In the event the adjustment is disputed, we will conduct a review and make a final decision. One-time adjustments are available for all accounts.