While seasonal water use often increases during the summer months, if your bill seems unusually high it could be the first sign of a hidden leak.
The City of Pierre Water Department encourages residential water customers to check for common causes of increased water usage before blaming the issue on their water meter.
One of the easiest ways to check for a leak is by performing a shutdown test. Turn off all faucets, appliances and anything in your home that uses water. Then, check your water meter. If the meter continues to move, you may have a hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Some of the common culprits for causing increased water use include:
- Toilets – A running toilet is one of the biggest culprits of wasted water and can go unnoticed for weeks. Adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank can help determine if water is leaking into the bowl.
- Faucets and Pipes – Check under sinks, around fixtures, and in crawl spaces for slow drips, moisture, or signs of water damage.
- Water Heaters and Appliances – Inspect areas around water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers for puddles or leaks.
- Water Treatment Systems – Water softeners and treatment units can occasionally become stuck in regeneration cycles or develop leaks that waste hundreds of gallons of water.
- Irrigation Systems – Broken sprinkler heads, incorrect timer settings, or saturated spots in your yard may indicate an underground irrigation leak.
If you’ve completed these checks and still have questions about your water usage or meter reading, Pierre residents can call the Water Department for assistance, 605-773-7407.
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