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Water Leaks: What To Do and How They May Affect Your Bill

Higher‑than‑normal water use may indicate a water leak. Identifying and repairing leaks quickly can help prevent property damage and unexpected user rates charges.

How Water Leaks Affect Billing

Water consumption recorded by the water meter is used to calculate water charges on your user rates statement.

If a leak occurs:

  • Water use may increase significantly
  • Charges may be higher than expected
  • Billing adjustments can only be considered after the leak has been repaired

➡️ See Understanding Your User Rates Statement to learn how water usage appears on your bill

Finding the Water Meter

Most water meters are located in the ground inside a meter box, typically near the property line or boulevard.

  • Look for a rectangular meter box with a removable lid (approximately 10 × 15 inches)
  • The approximate location of the water meter can be found using the City’s online map

➡️ Find your meter location: Nanaimo Map

For instructions on how to use the map, visit the Water Meter Access Page

How to Check for a Water Leak

The method for checking a leak depends on the type of water meter installed at the property.

Digital Water Meters

Many properties are equipped with digital meters.

To check for a leak:

  • Turn off all water‑using fixtures and appliances (taps, showers, toilets, washing machines, irrigation systems, etc.)
  • Wait 15–30 minutes
  • Check the meter display

If a plus sign (+) remains visible or the display continues to change, water may still be flowing, which can indicate a leak.

Some digital meters also display water flow in gallons per minute or litres per hour.

Analog Water Meters

Older meters use a sweep hand or small indicator wheel to show water flow.

To check for a leak:

  • Turn off all water fixtures
  • Watch the sweep hand or indicator

If it continues to move, water may still be flowing.

Quick Steps to Isolate a Leak

  1. Shut off all water‑using fixtures and appliances
  2. Carefully remove the meter box lid, if safe to do so
  3. Check the meter for movement or flow indicators
  4. Turn off the main water shut‑off valve inside the home (often in a basement, garage, or crawl space)
  5. Return to the meter and check for flow
  • If water is still flowing, the leak may be in the underground line between the meter and the house
  • If flow stops, the leak is likely inside the home

Important: Do not turn off the water at the meter. If water needs to be shut off for repairs, contact Public Works.

Public Works: 250‑755‑5222
(There is no cost for the City to shut off water for repairs.)

What to Do if a Leak is Found

  • Arrange for repairs as soon as possible
  • Keep documentation related to the repair (such as invoices and before and after photos of repair area)
  • Monitor water usage after repairs to confirm the leak has been resolved

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Water Leak Adjustments

In some cases, a water leak adjustment may be considered after repairs are completed.

  • Adjustments are not automatic
  • Adjust, if approved, decreases the cost of the water consumption charge
  • An application and supporting documentation is required
  • Eligibility criteria and limits apply
  • The City will not cover the cost of the repair

➡️ Apply for a Water Leak Adjustment

Need Help?

If there are questions about water leaks, meter readings, or billing impacts, contact the User Rates department.

Contact Us

User Rates
250-755-4525 ext. 2
user.rates@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: June 26, 2026

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