The most common causes for high water consumption include a leaking pipe, an illegal extension of the internal plumbing or a defective meter. Underground or concealed leakage in the internal plumbing if not promptly rectified, will not only waste water but will also quickly deteriorate leading to much higher water and sewage charges in subsequent periods. Please note that a registered consumer is responsible for maintenance of the internal plumbing of their premises and for payment of all charges for water supplied through the water meter serving the premises.
If you wish to check whether there is any leakage in your internal plumbing, you may try to turn off all water taps in your premises and then observe the water meter for about 30 minutes to see if the last digit still rotates. If it does rotate, it strongly suggests leakage in the internal plumbing, because a water meter should normally stop rotating when all the water taps are turned off. If a leak is found, you should immediately turn off the stopcock next to the meter to stop further water wastage and employ a licensed plumber for the necessary repair works. In addition, water using appliances (include water heater) may exist hidden leakage or overflow resulting in high water consumption, you may appoint a competent person to check.
If you cannot find out any reason for high consumption, you are also advised to employ a licensed plumber for assistance. Please note that the plumber's receipt should be produced when you apply for reduction of water and sewage charges caused by leakage which is not due to your negligence.
If you find that the meter reading is smaller than that appears on the water bill, it may suggest that the meter is defective or is mis-read. Please inform us of the correct reading for our investigation.
If there appears to be no obvious reason for the considerable increase in water consumption and you doubt about the accuracy of the water meter, you may apply for a meter test. If the meter is found to be accurate, the water and sewage charges will not be adjusted and you are required to pay the meter test fee. The amount of the meter test fee depends on the size of the meter to be tested, but for most meters, the fee is $810. If the meter is found to be defective, the water and sewage charges will be adjusted.