The following are common reasons for higher than usual bills:

• Your bill was estimated.
  • Your bill may be based off of an estimate generated by our system because the Meter Readers were unable to obtain a reading or they were not in the area. If you call Customer Service at 1-306-694-4410 we can adjust your billing to your actual reading you provide.
• Summer water consumption
  • In the summer it is common to expect a noticeable increase to your water bill due to summer usage. Limiting the amount of water used on your lawn and the time of watering can reduce this increase. Please read our Water Conservation Tips page for more suggestions on reducing your consumption.
• There may be a leak
  • If your bill is higher than usual it is possible your home may have a leak. The easiest way to detect a leak is to read your meter at night before you go to sleep and then first thing in the morning. Throughout the night there should be little to no usage, so if the numbers have changed between the night and morning you may have a leak. You will want to contact a plumber to assist in fixing the leak.
• High usage appliances
  • Older refrigerators, freezers, toilets and water softeners may be using excessive amounts of water. You may want to consider monitoring or changing some of your appliances if they are increasing your consumption. Low flow toilets, air cooled refrigerators/freezers and water softener maintenance can help conserve your consumption and save money.
• Meter reading error
  • There may be a chance that the meter reading that we received was incorrect. You can confirm that the reading is correct by reading your meter and comparing it to the current reading on your bill. If the reading was correct the reading that you got from your meter should be slightly higher than the reading that was on the bill. If you need assistance in confirming the reading or are concerned that there may still be an error please call 306-694-4410.

If you want to ensure that your water bill is as accurate as possible, be sure to submit your meter reading every three months. For billing that your meter is not read, we must estimate your water use by using a computer generated estimate based on your past usage.

• This will keep your bill as accurate as possible.
• Minimize the difference between estimates and actual readings.
• Provide information to understand and reduce your water consumption.

The most ideal time to read and submit your water meter reading is one week before your billing date or within one week of receiving a meter reading request slip. Submit your meter reading by telephone at 306-694-4506, at City Hall, or online using the Online Water Meter Reading Form. This helps to ensure that your bill is as current and accurate as possible.

We are working on a meter change program to replace all the old meters in the City to new meters with exterior electronic remotes; but at this time we are only able to guarantee a meter reader in your area every second billing or every six months. We will not estimate your billing two times in a row except if we are unable to access your meter or there are other extenuating circumstances.

If your bill has been estimated you can always call us with a meter reading at 306-694-4410 and we can adjust your bill to keep it accurate. Please refer to How to Read Your Water Meter for instructions.

Sometimes our meter readers cannot gain access to your meter. If the meter reader cannot reach your meter because of a dog or any of the below reasons they will leave a slip in your mailbox for you to submit your reading.

• Clear obstructions around meters, such as snow build-up, bikes, ladders and tools.
• Ensure gates are working and accessible for the meter readers.
• Use sand or ice melt on icy sidewalks, and remove icicles hanging over meters outside.
• Clear ice and snow away from gates, stairs and doors.

Sometimes tools like shovels or rakes get buried in the snow. Invisible items like this are potentially dangerous, especially when they cross the pathway to the meter. Make sure your yard is clear before the snow falls.

Indoor meters also need to be free of clutter. Basement stairwells and pathways to the meter should also be clear of debris and clutter.

Leash or detain your dog

No matter how friendly your dog might seem, it needs to be leashed or detained when a City of Moose Jaw employee is on your premises. Even a friendly dog can still behave protectively or predatory if it feels threatened. If you see our meter readers in your area we recommend you do the following:

• Bring your dog inside or leash it away from the meter if the meter reader will be in the yard.
• Put your dog behind closed doors if the meter reader is coming inside the house.

If you have a dog that you keep in your back yard near your remote meter, consider reading your own meter. It’s easy and only takes minutes.