Use Water Wisely
Check your home for leaks
Even small leaks can waste a lot of water and raise your bill. Fixing leaks is one of the easiest ways to save money and protect our Lake Michigan water.
Toilets are the most common place for leaks. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day—often without you noticing.
Other common leaks include:
- Dripping faucets
- Garden hose connections
- Showerheads and water heaters
Many leaks are easy to fix with low-cost parts from a hardware store. If needed, a plumber can help
What We Have Learned
From past Milwaukee Water Works outreach:
- Toilets were the most common leak
- Many people found and fixed leaks in their homes
- Simple tools helped find hidden leaks.
Most common leaks:
- Toilets (most common)
- Faucets
- Garden hoses and connections
- Showerheads and water heaters
Leaks can increase your bill
You are charged for all water that passes through your meter – even if it is wasted.
A running toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day, which can add more than $200 per year to your bill.
How to tell if you may have a leak
Most people in Milwaukee use about 10 Ccf of water per person per quarter.
To estimate your household use:
- Multiply the number of people in your home by 10
- Example: 4 people x 10 = 40Ccf per quarter
If your usage is much higher, you may have a leak.
You may also notice:
- A sudden increase in your bill
- Water running when nothing is in use
Some increases are normal in warmer months if you:
- Water your lawn or garden
- Fill a pool
- Wash your car more often
Customer Service Center
For billing and related questions:
24-Hour Control Center
For water emergencies only:
414-286-5452 (Fax)
Zeidler Municipal Building, 841 N. Broadway, Room 406, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM