City of The Dalles, OR

Be a Leak Seeker

The City owns the lines up to the meter but after the meter is private property.  The City does not determine the location of a leak, fix a leak, or troubleshoot problems on private property.  We recommend if you suspect a problem you start investigating it right away.  If you would like the meter to be shut off please contact the Utility Billing Department at (541) 506-2031, if after hours, and it is an emergency please call (541) 980-7703 for the on-call service person. 

Identify the source of a leakbe-a-leak-seeker-image

  • Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
  • Look for dripping sink and bathtub faucets and showerheads. Worn-out washers typically cause faucet and showerhead leaks.
  • Check under and around sinks for wet spots, a musty smell or bowed cabinetry.
  • Be alert to wall or ceiling discoloration, bubbling paint or bulging wallpaper.
  • Look and listen for running or dripping water on refrigerators with ice/water dispensers, humidifiers, clothes washers, dishwashers, and water heaters.

All of the above are signs of a leak, but keep in mind that not all water leaks are plumbing leaks. The water could also be coming from a leak in the roof or around a window. Either way, leaks should be addressed promptly to reduce the risk of water damage.

Water meters in The Dalles are equipped with special meter reading equipment. Please do not open your water meter to look for leaks. To avoid damage to your meter, call a serviceperson if you need help with a meter test on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (541) 296-5401. A leak detection meter test will take about a half hour. An adult resident must be present during a meter test appointment.

Request for Leak Adjustment

The City does offer an adjustment to the bill for qualifying leaks.   The City will consider adjusting the customer’s highest bill for up to half of the excess usage for that month’s bill due to a water leak that occurs between the City water meter and the line to the customer’s home.   The general process is as follows:

  • Notify the City of any leak that has been discovered as soon as possible.
  • Repair the leak within 5 working days from the time of discovery. You may ask for an extension based on extenuating circumstances.
  • Submit the completed Leak Adjustment Form at Leak Adjustment Form, with proof of repair within 30 days.
  • A 2nd leak within a (12) twelve-month period will only be considered if it is unrelated to the first. The customer must provide the Utility Billing Department documentation noting the difference between the 1st and the 2nd
  • The Utility Billing Staff will contact the Customer once the review is completed.

Do you have questions about conserving water? Visit The Dalles Public Works Water Distribution webpage at www.thedalles.org/waterdistribution