Drought or no drought, Central Water District community members know that our water resources are too precious to waste.  You can help conserve water by fixing leaks inside and outside your home or business.  Fixing a leak as small as one drip per second, can save more that 3,000 gallons per year.  Leaks can run, but they can't hide!

Do I have a leak?

• Make sure there is no water being used on your property.
• Locate your water meter.  It should be near the street under a metal, plastic, or concrete lid.
• Lift the meter box lid and look at the meter as shown below.  Are the number dials moving?  Is the blue leak detector wheel spinning after looking at it for a few minutes?  You can also write down the numbers on the dial and then return later (knowing no water was used) to see if the meter shows water usage.  If so, you may have a leak.

Finding Water Leaks

• Check all indoor fixtures (e.g., toilets, faucets, shower heads, etc.) for leaks.  You can pick up free leak detector toilet tabs at the District Office!
• Check all outdoor fixtures (e.g., hosebibs, irrigation lines including all abandoned lines, etc.) for leaks.  Some irrigation lines may only leak when in use.
• Check all water lines on your property for leaks by walking around the property and looking for wet, soggy areas or unusual patches of well-watered, green vegetation.
• You may be able to use the shut-off valve on your side of the meter (between the meter and the house) or other shut-off valves you installed on your property to find the leak.  For example, sometimes a water shut-off valve can be found where your water line enters the house.  If the meter stops moving when this valve is shut off, the leak is most likely inside the house.  Do not attempt to shut off water flow to your property by turning the Central Water District's shutoff valve, located from the road to your meter.  Contact the District Office at (831)688-2767 for assistance.    

Other High Water Usage Culprits

• Check that all automatic timers are functioning properly.  Power outages can sometimes reset device programs, resulting in excess water usage.
• Check pool or pond autofill devices to ensure they are functioning properly. 
• Check all indoor and outdoor fixtures to make sure they have not accidentally been left running.  This type of usage does not qualify for a leak adjustment.

If you still can't find the leak or the reason for your high water usage you may need to contact a plumber or leak detection specialist.