Who should I call if there is a water emergency?
Please contact the Town of Renfrew and give the details of the emergency. Town staff will direct your call to the appropriate department.
How do I read my water meter?
Taking a meter reading is as easy as reading your car odometer. Your meter will display a six to nine-digit number depending on the model of the meter installed in your home. If your meter is digital, you will need to shine a light on the solar cell for the number to display. Hold the light on the solar cell for a minute until the numbers appear on the screen. The numbers will cycle between total consumption and flow rate. Water consumption is recorded in cubic meters (m³). If you are unable to find your meter, please contact the Town at 613-432-4848.
Water meters track household water usage and ensure customers are billed accurately. Every household, business and facility located within municipal boundaries and connected to the water distribution system is equipped with a water meter. Water meters are the property of the Town of Renfrew and are maintained by the Town of Renfrew.
Water meters are typically located in the basement where the water service enters your home or building. All the water that enters the building is measured. The water that passes through the water meter spins a built-in device. Each full spin of the machine measures a specific amount of water, and that amount is instantly shown on the display on top of the water meter in cubic meters (m³). The only way for water to be measured is for it to flow through the water meter, physically spinning the device.
Why is my water bill suddenly very high?
There are several possible explanations. It could be due to higher water usage because of:
- A change in the household (such as new tenants, new owners, more people, visitors).
- New appliances (such as a water-cooled air conditioner, humidifier, dishwasher, hot water tank, heating system, lawn sprinkler system).
- More time spent at home.
- It could be a catch-up bill, which can occur when an actual meter reading is missed, an outside remote is not working, or after a change in occupancy.
- Higher seasonal demands.
- If your water utility bill is significantly higher than usual, without a change in household occupancy, appliances, habits or activities, there could be a leak. The best indicator in determining if you have a leak is to consult your water meter readings and do a leak test (see question below). Lesk tests can be picked up at the Town Hall if you do not have food colouring. If your water meter is recording consumption at every hour, overnight or when water usage is typically low or non-existent, it is extremely likely there is a leak.
I have determined that there is a leak, what should I do?
The most likely place for a leak is the toilet. To check for leaks in your toilet, add a few drops of food colouring, cold cup of black coffee or brewed tea to the water in the tank. Wait a few minutes. If without flushing the toilet, the colour appears in the bowl your toilet has a leak that should be repaired immediately. A toilet that continues to run after flushing, if the leak is large enough, can waste up to 200,000 litres of water in a single year! One cubic metre (m³) is equal to 1,000 litres.
Other common places for leaks are faucets and showerheads. Make sure the sink or tub is dry, insert the plug into the drain, wait, check the sink or tub from time to time. You have a leak if water starts to pool in the sink or tub. Do not forget to check all bathrooms, the kitchen and outside taps. Outdoor hoses and faucets are another common source of leaks due to our freeze/thaw weather patterns and being placed out of sight.
The property owner is responsible for all plumbing repairs and maintenance, and the Town is not responsible for internal plumbing leaks.
