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1. I can't be using the amount of water that my bill indicates - what can I do?

Check your water meter when there is no usage. Most meters have a small triangular mechanism on the meter face that should be perfectly still. If it is gently rocking or turning it is an indication that there may be a small leak in the house. Check your water meter reading before going to bed and read it when you wake up, to make sure no water is leaking that you’re not aware of.

If you do find the meter reading has changed, check for leaks in your home. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. Check the bowl-if the dye has seeped into the bowl you have a leak, and need to replace the parts in the tank. Read your meter again the following morning.

The difference between the 2 morning readings is the amount of water used in a day, but it is measured in cubic feet. Take the amount of water used and multiply it by 7.5 and you will know how many gallons your household used. Water use habits vary, but the recommended amount of water per person per day is 62 gallons or less.

2. What is the customer service charge?

The purpose for the customer service charge is that there are various costs to the Water Division, which include expenses to maintain meters, read meter, billing, collection and administrative expenses of the staff. Each customer on the system is responsible for paying the customer service charge in addition to the charge for the water they use.

3. What should I do if there is a leak?

Turn off your inside shut-off valve. If you can't turn it off, call us to have the water shut off at the curb. You will also need to call back to have service restored.

If the Water Department's portion of the service line is involved, call us to inspect the situation and to arrange for repairs or to identify the problem. If your portion of the service line is involved, you may want to call a plumber or utility contractor for repairs.

4. Where is the shut-off valve?

Your main water shut-off valve controls the water coming into your house. It is important that everyone in your home be aware of its location and knows how to turn it off. In case of an emergency such as a burst pipe, fast action could prevent costly damage from flooding. Normally, the shut-off valve is near the water meter.

5. Who is responsible for the service line?

The Cohasset Water Department is responsible for the pipes connecting the water main to your property, up to the curb or property line. Care and custody of the pipe from the curb up to and inside your property (excluding any inside meter) are your responsibility.

6. Why do you have to gain access to my house in order to change my meter - isn't the meter on the outside of my house?

The box on the outside of the house is a remote reader. The actual meter is inside your home. We are presently upgrading all meters to radio read and will eliminate the need for a remote reader.