GRU has implemented a Water Leak Detection and Notification program to help customers identify water leaks that increase wastewater flows and utility bills. GRU regularly reviews water meter data to look for unusual water use patterns that could indicate a leak. These patterns are usually continuous water use or a sudden, significant increase in water use. When a leak is suspected, GRU will contact the customer with an automated phone call.
Common leaks include a running toilet, a leaking toilet flapper valve, a dripping faucet, a water softener malfunction, or an irrigation system malfunction or damage.
Leaks range in severity, but even a small leak can add up quickly. If you discover a leak in your home, the table below can help estimate the significance and impact to your monthly bill.
Pro Tip: If you notice a leak from a faucet, place a measuring cup under the spout and use the table below to determine the overall impact of your leak.
Tips For Detecting a Leak
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Visually inspect toilets, faucets, irrigation systems, pools, water softeners, water heaters, refrigerators and outdoor hose bibs for dripping or running water. Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense website to watch an insightful video.
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Use the dye test to check for a toilet leak:
- Remove the toilet tank lid.
- Put a few drops of food coloring or dye in the tank.
- Do not flush.
- Wait about 30 minutes.
- Check the toilet bowl. If you see dye, you have a leak.
Pro Tip: Wait several minutes after flushing to ensure the toilet has fully completed its refill cycle before adding dye to the tank. Adding dye too soon may allow color to enter the bowl during normal refilling, resulting in a false indication of a leak.
- Verify water use at the meter by following these steps:
- Turn off all water inside and outside the home
- Ensure irrigation systems aren’t operating
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes
- Check the leak indicator on the meter.
- If the leak indicator continues to move, you have a leak on your property.
- If you live in an apartment complex and don’t have access to a meter, visually inspect toilets and faucets inside your apartment. If you have additional concerns, contact your property manager.
Next Steps
- If you have a leak and can’t fix it, we recommend you call a licensed plumber. Even small leaks can significantly increase water bills over time. GRU does not fix leaks in your home. We maintain utility-owned lines and equipment up to your meter.
- You may hear from us again. Our smart meters review water usage weekly to help customers resolve issues as quickly as possible and avoid higher bills. If we continue to detect a possible leak, we will call again to inform you.
- If you need further assistance, please schedule a free home survey by calling 352-393-1460 or emailing our customer service department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did GRU detect a possible leak?
Our digital smart meters allow us to identify unusual usage patterns. We noticed your meter recorded continuous water usage over an extended period when water use would normally stop.
Does this mean I definitely have a leak?
No. Continuous water usage only indicates you may have a leak.
Will I be billed for water lost due to the leak?
Water passing through the meter is billable regardless of whether it was used intentionally or lost through a leak. We contacted you to help limit unintended usage and a higher-than-normal water bill. You can request a leak adjustment by filling out this form.
Can GRU tell me exactly where the leak is?
No. The notification identifies unusual water-use patterns but does not determine the exact location of a leak.
Could irrigation cause this alert?
Yes. Irrigation system leaks and stuck valves are among the most common causes of high-water use.
Why didn't I receive a notification sooner?
We periodically review water-use patterns and generate notifications after detecting sustained abnormal use.
Can I view my water use online?
Yes. Customers can view detailed water-use information through the GRU customer portal. We encourage all customers to create an online account for access to usage information. If you need assistance, please call 352-334-3434.
Are all customers receiving these notifications?
At this time, GRU is only contacting residential customers for suspected leaks. As our program grows, we will expand to include other customers.
Additional Resources