WATER LEAKS

We understand that water leaks can be frustrating and urgent. Here's how to check for a leak, find it, and take the next step.

HOW TO CHECK FOR A LEAK

If you suspect a leak, start by checking your water meter. Make sure that no water is being used on your property, then look at the meter.

• Most meters have a small triangle-shaped indicator. If it is moving, you likely have a leak.
• If there is no indicator, watch the meter needle or record the reading and check again in five minutes. If it has changed, you likely have a leak.
• Electronic meters may display a flashing leak indicator. This typically signals continuous water use or flow over a set amount for at least 30 minutes.

HOW TO FIND A LEAK

The most common cause of a household leak is a running toilet. You can check for a  toilet leak by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank and waiting 10-15 minutes. If  color appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking.

If it's not your toilet, check behind the washing machine, under sinks, and around the water heater.

If those areas show no signs of moisture, check the plumbing under the house, the ground around your property for standing or running water, soft spots in the soil, and grass that is greener than surrounding areas.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A LEAK

• Turn off water at the house shutoff valve, if one is available.
• For all large or uncontrolled leaks, call our emergency line: (503) 686-1541. 
• For smaller leaks, contact the office at (503) 842-4333 or email office@fairviewwater.com

WHEN TO CALL IMMEDIATELY

Call our emergency line if you notice:

• Water flowing across a road or driveway.
• Sudden loss of water pressure.
• water surfacing where it normally does not.
• A suspected main line break.

IF THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO LIFE OR PROPERTY, CALL 911.

SIGNS OF A POSSIBLE HIDDEN LEAK

If you can't find a visible leak, but have an unusually high water bill, hear water running when fixtures are off, have warm or soft spots in your floor, smell mold or mildew, or have lush green grass patches during the dry season, you may have a hidden water leak.

WHO REPAIRS THE LEAK?

Fairview Water District maintains and repairs leaks within the public water system. 

Leaks on the private side of the system are the responsibility of the property owner. This includes all water lines beyond the meter that serves your property.

REPAIR PRIORITIZATION

All reported leaks are evaluated and prioritized based on risk to public safety, system reliability, and available resources. Some repairs may require engineering or contracted work and can take time to complete.

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Please report leaks directly using the contact methods mentioned above. Reports made through social media may not be seen in time.