Meter and Leak Information
Walnut Valley Water District is here to help you maintain a water-efficient lifestyle. That includes resources and tools to empower you. Fixing a leak in and around your home can result in water savings and money saved on your monthly water bill.
If you notice irregularities on your monthly water bill, such as high usage in the fall and winter months even though you have implemented conservation measures – you may have a leak.
Speak with a Customer Service Representative to learn more about your water usage by calling (909) 595-7554.
How To Check for Leaks
To check if you have a leak, turn off all faucets in your home, check the water meter located outside, wait 15 minutes, and check the meter again. If the sweep hand has moved, or the reading has changed, you may have a leak.
At Home Leak Detection Walkthrough
Use our “Water Walk-Through” to perform a leak detection assessment at home. This quick checklist will help you identify potential leaks and inform you of potential water savings.
Repairing Leaks
Leaks in and around your home are a common cause of water waste and increase your monthly water bill. Leaks should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent damage to your home and avoid costly water bills. Walnut Valley Water District does not fix leaks inside your home or leaks associated with your landscape/outdoor irrigation. The District’s purview extends from the water meter out, anything associated past the water meter (your home) is the customer’s responsibility.
Before any scheduled repairs you may have for leaks in and around your home, please refer to the meter connection diagrams for your home. It is important that you or your repair person properly connects to the water meter according to the District’s standard to avoid customer liability of any damage or alteration. If you are unsure of where to make the water meter connection, please call us at (909) 595-7554
Shutoff Valve
Turn off Procedure
Locate your valve (located near the hose bib) where the water line enters the house. A hose bib is an exterior water faucet with a threaded end to connect a lawn or garden hose. Turn the valve clockwise to turn it off.
District Shutoff valve
If your house valve does not turn off your water, then locate the meter valve on the street side and turn it off. Please call the District immediately at (909) 595-7554 for further assistance.
Turn Off Assistance
If you are unable to locate the valve or turn off your water, contact the Customer Service Department at (909) 595-7554 for assistance.
Please note, that any damages to District property will be billed for the cost to repair or replace.
District Access Requirement
The District must have access to water meters and fire hydrants at all times. Plant material, fencing, and concrete work (driveways or block walls) should be planted or installed so District staff can continue to have free and safe access to read, service, and/or repair water meters, meter boxes, fire hydrants, and other facilities serving your property. So, please maintain an appropriate access path to your water meter when planning new landscaping or modifying your existing landscaping.
Guidelines
Please note that if it becomes necessary for any District equipment to be relocated due to installed landscaping or other improvements, it will be done by the District at the homeowner’s expense. If in doubt or for further information, please call the District before you begin at (909) 595-7554.
The diagram below provides more detailed guidelines for landscaping around our meter box.
Landscape-Meter
Please keep all ground cover (ice plant, ivy, etc.) at least 6 inches from edge of meter box. Trees and shrubbery should be planted at least 3 feet from center of meter box.
Hardscape-Meter
Retaining wall should be built so as to leave a minimum of 6 inches of clearance around the meter box.
Meter Location
Your meter is located in a small concrete meter box near the street. View the District’s video on how to access your water meter.
How To Read Your Meter
Every District customer has a water meter that measures their water use. Meters track water usage, as measured in hundred cubic feet (CCF). This is the portion of the water meter that the District reads for billing purposes. (Note: 1 CCF = 748 gallons.)
The District utilizes four different types of meters:
The information and pictures below describe how to use your meter to track how much water you use.
Classic Meter
This meter shows water usage with the red needle spinning clockwise as water passes through the meter. One full circle represents 1 cubic foot of water used or 7.48 gallons. This blue dial is a leak detection indicator that moves when small amounts of water pass through the meter. If all appliances, fixtures, and irrigation equipment are turned off and the dial is moving, chances are you have a leak on your property.
LCD Meter
The LCD Screen Meter shows water usage, flow, and has several status indicators.
High Resolution Meter
The High Resolution Meter shows water usage using white and black number wheels corresponding to cubic feet. This blue dial is a leak detection indicator that moves when small amounts of water pass through the meter. If all appliances, fixtures, and irrigation equipment are turned off and the dial is moving, chances are you have a leak on your property.
Recycled Water Meter
The Recycled Water Meter features an easy-to-read, high-resolution LCD display screen and has purple to indicate that it is a recycled water meter.