How to Find a Leak

All of LACSD’s water customers are metered using Advanced Metering Infrastructure technology (AMI). These meters record water usage every hour which enables District staff to identify active water leaks. This resource helps us save the community’s water and reduce our customers’ water bills. A toilet with a slow leak can waste 7 to 15 gallons per hour.

If you suspect you have a leak or LACSD has notified you about a leak at your property, follow these tips to identify its location. Do not shut off the District water meter. If you do not have a Customer Shut-Off Valve and need your water turned off, please call Customer Service at (909) 336-7100. An After Hours Fee may apply at night or on weekends or holidays for non-emergencies. For more information about Customer Shut-Off Valves and how to turn your water off, click here.

To confirm you have a leak, follow these steps:

  • Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances, indoor and out. Be sure all outdoor hose nozzles are completely turned off.
  • Check the water meter. It is located underground in a green rectangular box, typically near the street. Remove the lid slowly as there are wires connecting the lid to the meter. The water meter and everything inside this box is District property. Do not touch or tamper with anything inside this box.
  • Check the reading on your meter. There is a small dial, which moves clockwise. If the dial is moving, you have a leak. Click View your Usage to learn more about reading a water meter.
  • If the dial is not moving, write down the current reading on the meter, including the numbers and the dial. Without using any water, wait for approximately 30 minutes then recheck the meter. If the hand has moved or the number has changed, water is running somewhere on your property.

The most common cause of a small leak is a toilet. Free toilet tank leak detector tablets are available upon request. You may also place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait 30 minutes and check the toilet bowl. If any color appears, the toilet is leaking. Small leaks such as these can cause a serious increase in water consumption without the owner’s knowledge.

Irrigation systems and outdoor hoses can fail and run slowly without being detected. Many of these leaks may allow water to seep into the ground and not be discovered for several months.

Any water that passes through the water meter is the responsibility of the property owner. Water fees will be charged at the existing rates. If you install a Customer Shut-Off Valve, you may be eligible for a one-time 50% waiver of the water portion of your bill.

If you need assistance to locate your water meter, please contact Customer Service at (909) 336-7100.