Your water bill is based on actual consumption. If it is noticeably higher and you are unaware of a reason for higher usage (such as watering lawns, filling pools, or more people living in the residence) you probably have a leak.

Over ninety-five percent of leaks occur at the toilet. These leaks can be very expensive if left unfixed. Many toilet leaks are silent. Very often you do not hear the water dripping or running. Even a pinhead size drip can account for over 17,000 gallons in a quarter (over $25.00 in water alone). If you have food coloring put several drops into the toilet tank. Do not flush. Wait ten to twenty minutes. If the color appears in the bowl - you have a leak.

You can also read the meter in your basement before you retire for the night (or sometime when you know no water will be used for several hours). Reread the meter first thing in the morning before any water has been used. If the numbers on the meter have changed that means water has moved through the meter. Our service employees can not repair leaks but they would be glad to come by and help locate it.

The meter in your basement should be replaced or tested every eight to ten years. This meter accuracy test is a requirement of the Wisconsin Administrative Code section PSC 185.65. After ten years the accuracy of the meter at your residence cannot be guaranteed until the test is performed.

In order for us to comply with this state law and to best serve your needs, we simply remove your old meter and replace it with a new one. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is done at no charge to you.

As an added service, we also check for any leaks you may have in your home that you may not be aware of, but may be costing you money.

The Department of Natural Resources requires that all wells be properly abandoned if they are not operational. If the well is being used, the homeowner must have a permit. Ground water preservation is a major concern. One improperly abandoned or unsafe well can compromise ground water quality over a significant area. When a well is abandoned, a form must be submitted to the state and village verifying proper abandonment. If you are using your well a permit must be issued. There is no charge for the permit. And it is good for five years.

The water in Lake Michigan is very cold. At certain times of the year water comes into the mains and service lines at a cold temperature but warms up as it travels through the distribution system. Cold water captures extra oxygen. As the water warms, the extra oxygen is released. However, while the water is in a pipe there is no place for this oxygen to go. When you fill your glass from the tap and it appears milky or cloudy this is the extra oxygen in the water escaping.