Water Meter Issue - 140% Increase

[Paul Garcia]

Hi All,

I'm having a water meter issue in Chicago. My water bill has typically showed ~22,000 gallons of usage for a two month period. This is a 4 unit property with 4 washing machines and 7 bathrooms. 

My most recent full bill showed water usage of 53,000 gallons over a two month period (a 140% increase). The tenants have not changed. I've asked the tenants if they have been using water unusually high and they responded no (I take that as it is). The water meter and shutoff are within the property, so no leaks underground. The reading on the bill and reading on the meter do seem be be aligned.

I had a plumber come out and we had everyone stop using water for 30 minutes and the meter did not move, so we determined there are no leaks. 

Due to a refinance we had a short bill period from 12/2 to 12/8 which showed 38,000 gallons of usage! I personally checked the meter on 12/19 and since 12/8 there was 12,000 gallons used. So there was huge water usage the first week of the month, and then it dropped significantly the second week (but still super high). My water bill is quadrupling. 

After doing some research I've learned that sometimes running toilets can stop and go so maybe we should have inspected every toilet, not just have no one use water for 30 minutes. Regardless, I don't believe a running toilet can waste that much water. 

Has anyone had an issue like this? The City has said they have suspended all meter inspections because of COVID. Based on my reading of the meter my next bill will be even higher. Has anyone had a meter that misreads that water usage (i.e. 1 gallon of water goes through but shows 2 gallons)? I hear that is rare. Again, what is showing up on the water bill is what I see on the actual meter.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!