The Municipality of Casselman uses water meters to track usage and invoice residents based on their consumption. The wastewater volume is based on the drinking water consumption. The unit of measurement is the cubic meter, which equals 1,000 liters.
Reading of Water Meters
We read meters four times a year: in March, June, September and December. The difference between two readings gives the water usage.
If the attendant can’t read your meter due to inaccessibility or equipment failure, he will leave a door hanger asking you to book an appointment for a reading.
How to Read My Water Meter?
Read the six numbers on your meter from left to right, like a car odometer. Water meters are usually located in the basement of a house. Call us if you are unable to locate your meter; we may have the information on file.
Accuracy of Water Meters
While the cost of Water Meters is the responsibility of the water customer, the water meters remain the property of the Municipality of Casselman and will be serviced and/or replaced when necessary by the Municipality of Casselman at the Owner's expense.
Every Owner shall provide reasonable access to the Property and Building(s) served if necessary to test the functioning of a water meter and the accuracy of its readings.
Every Owner may, upon written request to the Municipality, have a Water Meter tested for accuracy and the cost of such test shall be at the cost of the Municipality if the water meter is found to be inaccurate in excess of 5% of actual flow and such test shall be at the water customers expense if the water meter is found to be accurate to less than 5% of actual flow.
If, for any reason, any water meter shall be found to be not working properly, then the amount of the consumption rate for the water service charge shall be based on the average charge for the previous six months.
Sudden Increase in Usage and Fees
Here is list of possible explanations for a sudden increase in your water bill.
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The installation of new appliances such as water-cooled air conditioner or dishwasher; new hot water tank, heating system, pool, lawn sprinkler system, etc.
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Leaks or plumbing problems:
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Your meter has a red or black trickle indicator that looks like a small propeller.
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To check for leaks, turn off all taps and appliances that use water.
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Then check to see if the indicator is moving, turning or shaking.
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If there is movement, it indicates that water is flowing through the system and that there is a leak somewhere.
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The homeowner is responsible for all interior plumbing maintenance and repairs.
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Running toilet
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To verify if a toilet is leaking, lift the water tank lid and pour brewed coffee, tea or food colouring into it. Do not flush. Wait 20 minutes.
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If colour appears in the toilet bowl, the rod-and-ball assembly or flapper needs adjustment or replacement.
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Catch-up bill
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If a meter reading was missed, the next reading will show the usage for two billing periods. Therefore, your invoice will be higher than usual, even though there was no increase in water consumption.
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Higher seasonal demand
- Lawn and garden watering in the summer months