If you’ve received a notice about possible continuous water use, you may be wondering what it means and what to do next. These alerts are designed to help you catch potential leaks early, save water, and avoid unexpected damage or high bills.
“NBU water meter (XXXXXX) for 300 WATER AVE has reported continuous water usage of 0.2 gallons per hour since 10/29/2025. This may indicate a leak. Visit the NBU website to learn more.”
Not all leaks look the same. Here’s a general guide to what different levels of continuous use might mean:
• 2–5 gallons per hour: Possible toilet flapper leak
• 8–30 gallons per hour: A hose may be left running
• 20–100 gallons per hour: Potential underground pipe leak
Some everyday activities can look like a leak to your meter because they involve steady water use. These may include:
• Filling a pool or hot tub (8–30 gallons per hour)
• Running an irrigation system (about 1,500 gallons per zone, usually early morning or late evening)
• Water softener regeneration cycles (8–30 gallons per hour, typically lasting 1–2 hours)
If one of these activities was happening at the time of the alert, it may explain the usage.
There are a few easy steps you can take to check for common household leaks before calling a professional:
• Check toilets for running water or faulty flappers
• Look under sinks and around appliances for moisture or dripping
• Inspect outdoor spigots and hoses
• Listen for running water when no fixtures are in use
• Check your water meter to see if it’s still moving when everything is turned off
What If You Don’t Find the Leak?
If you’re unable to locate the source of the water use, you may need to contact a licensed plumber or leak detection specialist for further inspection.
NBU does not provide plumbing services or leak repairs. The information on this page is meant to help you identify common issues, but a professional should be consulted for diagnosis and repair.
