HIGH USAGE & CONSERVATION CHARGES
Q: What are some possible causes for higher water usage?
When water consumption is higher than normal, we find that the water has been used on the property, but in a way that was not expected. The following is a list of possible, though not definitive, causes for high water usage:
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Poorly adjusted sprinkler systems that result in unnecessary irrigation. Often this is caused by power outages or sprinkler controllers that are not adjusted for changing conditions
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Over irrigation on slopes or outlying landscaping due to missing sprinkler heads or broken pipes
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Hose left on in yard by mistake
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Leaking toilet
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Leaks from faucets or shower heads
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Malfunctioning water softeners
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Cleaning or construction crews adding to normal water consumption
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Extra House guests - kids home from college or extra family staying over
Q: Why does my bill suddenly have a conservation charge on it?
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The conservation charge is imposed if a customer's water use exceeds their annual allotment. The yield of the water rights provided to ELCO at the time of construction is the basis for a customer's annual allotment. The water rights required for single family customers are based on their lot size. Once a customer goes over their annual allotment, a conservation charge is applied per 1,000 gallon until the allotment is set back to zero after the January bill which reflects the December usage. The year-to-date water use and annual allotment for each customer is shown just below the graph at the bottom of the monthly water bill.
Q: What can I do to reduce my water bill?
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Since outside irrigation typically accounts for half of a household's water use, the greatest savings can be realized by improving lawn watering practices and reducing irrigated areas. Toilets, baths and showers account for almost 2/3 of the water used indoors. For that reason, interior water conservation should be focused on bathroom fixtures.Call the ELCO office if you need more information about water conservation.
