The biggest source of wasted water is leaks, with millions of litres of pure drinking water being lost across Christchurch each year.
We often do not know our pipes are leaking and if undetected can result in a huge loss of water and damage to property. A leak of one litre a minute would fill 1440 one litre pump bottles in a day.
Businesses and non-rateable properties like schools and churches are charged for the water they use so a leak could potentially cost them thousands of dollars a year.
How to check for leaks
The best way to find a leak is to use your eyes and ears. There are a number of simple checks you can do:
- Check for damp patches in the garden or driveway during dry weather.
- Look for single patches of the lawn that are always green no matter how dry the weather has been.
- Listen for water running down a drain when no water is being used in your property.
- Listen for water hissing or the sound of running water (rather like when your tank or cistern in the toilet is filling) when there is no water being used in the house.
If you have found any of the above situations, we suggest that you check your water meter. This is the most accurate way to know whether you have a leak.
How to check your water meter
Water meter with a plastic cover.
Water meter with a metal cover
Water meters are usually located in a box in the ground on or near your front boundary. They are normally in a straight line between the road and your outside hose tap. The meter boxes come in many different shapes and sizes, both metal and plastic.
Turn off all taps (including garden taps) and see if the meter dial is turning. With all taps off, the dial on the meter shouldn't turn. If the dial is turning, this usually indicates a leak. Look indoors and outdoors for dripping taps, dripping toilet cisterns or leaking pipes. You may need a plumber to find or fix any leaks found on your property. Leaks within the property boundary are the responsibility of the owner. Leaks discovered outside of your property should be reported to the Council. Reading your water meter
You can check the amount of water being lost by reading your meter a couple of times.
A very effective method is to read the meter at night and then again the next morning (prior to any water use). This will tell you how much has leaked overnight.
Litre meters
Most water meters record water flow in litres.
(Note: 1 cubic metre = 1000 litres)
This particular water meter would read 36,721,539.8L.
Gallon meters
There are some areas which still have old water meters that record in imperial gallons.
(Note: 1 gallon = 4.545 litres)
A meter reading with no leaks.
Now check your water meter readings. If the dials stay the same then there is no leak.
A meter reading with leaks.
If there is a difference then there is a leak somewhere on your property.
