Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, read more about how to get a second meter and the rules and regulations involved on the second meter page.

Find your water meter, all water meters have leak indicators. The red indicator (diamond or triangle shape) is on the left side of the water meter register. If that indicator is moving and water is not being used, that indicates that there is a water leak. Only water makes the indicator move. If the indicator is moving, do the following:

• Turn off the water supply to every water-using item inside and outside your home or building, including:
  • Clothes washers
  • Dishwashers
  • Faucets
  • Showers
  • Sprinklers
  • Toilets
• Take a reading of your water meter
• Be sure not to use any water in your home or building for at least an hour
• Take a second reading of your water meter
• If your second reading is higher than your first, you probably have a leak
• If you suspect a certain fixture, such as a toilet, take blue food coloring and put 12 drops in the tank, stir the water, then wait 20 minutes, if the color appears into the bowl, the toilet is leaking
• Most toilet leaks are silent and water does not appear on the floor

The current owner/real estate agent/lawyer has to call the Department of Public Works during normal business hours at 781-438-0760 or 781-438-2583 to set up a final water meter reading, at least 72 hours in advance of the closing. The final will happen during the final reading:

• Please have the buyer/new owner’s name available as we will need it before we can set up an appointment
• Appointments are scheduled 2 days prior to passing (excluding weekends), Monday through Friday at a specific time
• Someone will have to be at the property that is being sold to allow the meter reader to enter the house to read and inspect the water meter for the closing
• The reading will then be brought to the Water Department at the Public Works where a confirmation of meter reading will be processed
• The confirmation of meter reading can be picked up at the Public Works Office, the following normal business day after 9 a.m.
• There is a $50 fee for a missed scheduled appointment

Please call the Department of Public Works at 781-438-0760 to schedule an appointment during normal business hours. Fee's will apply.

Dripping, trickling or oozing faucets can waste several hundred gallons of water a week, depending on the size of the drip. Worn out washers are the main cause of these leaks. Washers are typically located under the faucet handle. They are very inexpensive to replace.

For further information on water conservation please visit Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's website.

Any questions regarding the water/sewer/trash bill should be directed to the Department of Public Works Water Department by calling 781-438-2583 during normal business hours.