Water Leaks on Private Property

Why Is My Water Bill Higher Than Usual?

If your water bill is unexpectedly high, you may have a leak in your home or building’s plumbing system. Below, learn how to report a possible leak and how the City of Elkins’ Water Department and Utility Billing can assist you. 

How the City Can Help Detect Water Leaks

Elkins’ Water Department, working with Finance and Utility Billing, offers support to customers who receive unusually high water bills. 

What to Do if You Suspect a Leak

When customers receive a water bill far higher than expected, or become aware of a suspected leak, the first step is to contact Utility Billing at (304) 636-1414, option 3, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. More information about that process can be found here. 

• If there is an emergency, immediately call the Water Department: (681) 298-5200; after business hours, call 911 or (304) 636-2000. 

The Leak Investigation Process 

Utility Billing will then initiate the process of having the Water Department conduct a leak check on the customer’s meter. Generally, that means a Water Department employee will run a data extract on the meter to determine the exact timeframe of when the water usage in question occurred. 

After the investigation is complete, the customer is given the option to have their meter tested for a fee of $45. If the meter is working correctly, the Water Department retains the fee, and the leak remains the property owner’s responsibility. 

If the meter is faulty, the Water Department will reimburse the customer the $45 fee and adjust the bill according to the billing rate set forth by the City’s tariff and the rules established by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC). If the Water Department determines that the customer has a leak, they can then apply for a leak adjustment from Utility Billing. 

Customers must apply for leak adjustments through the City’s Utility billing department. The Water Department’s Chief Operator & Manager then reviews all leak adjustments, taking steps to approve them according to the specific requirements by the PSC that customers must meet to qualify for such an adjustment.