Water FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about water service that Owensboro Municipal Utilities receives from our customers.

What Are My Water Rates?

Customers are charged a monthly fee based on the size of their meter and usage (measured in cubic feet). These rates are approved locally by the Owensboro Utility Commission and Owensboro City Commission. Find out how water rates are calculated.

Will OMU Work On The Plumbing In My Home?

No, OMU provides a water service line to your property and the water meter. All lines running from the meter to the home and all water pipes inside the home are the customer’s responsibility.

Will OMU Repair A Leak In An Underground Water Line On My Property?

All lines beyond the water meter are the homeowner’s and should be repaired by a plumber.

There’s Been Water In The Street From A Leak For Several Days. Am I Paying For This Water?

No, water leaking in the street is likely coming from an OMU distribution line and is not being charged to a customer’s bill. Please contact us to report the leak.

There’s Been Water Leaking In The Street For Several Days. It has been reported to OMU but not yet repaired. Why Not?

OMU maintains a list of water leaks needing repair. Leak repairs are prioritized based on their severity. No customers are being billed for leaks in the street.

Why Is My Sewer Bill Higher Than My Water Bill?

Sewer service is provided by the Regional Water Resource Agency, but is collected by OMU because it is based on your OMU water usage. RWRA has announced a significant rate structure change to be implemented over the next few years. Learn about RWRA rates.

My Water Bill Increased Substantially This Month. What’s Wrong?

Your water usage should be fairly constant all year. However, it might increase in the summer if you fill a swimming pool, water your lawn and/or wash cars frequently at your home. A sudden unexplained increase in water usage could be the result of a leak. Toilet leaks in particular are common and hard to notice until you have already had a high water bill(s).

How Do I Detect A Leak In My Toilet Tank?

Toilet leaks are normally caused by a problem with a bad flapper valve, the flapper valve seat, the ballcock valve, the float arm, the overflow tube, or a combination of these parts. The best way to determine if your tank is leaking is to use a dye test. OMU has dye tablets available to customers. Simply place a dye tablet or three drops of food coloring in your tank. If the color appears in your toilet bowl within a few minutes, you have a leak and should consult a licensed plumber.

How Do I Protect My Water Lines From Freezing?

A few precautions can save you from the mess of a frozen pipe and the expense of repairs:

  • If you have a history of freezing pipes or if your pipes run along or in outside walls, allow water to run in a small steady stream from both the hot and cold faucets.
  • Disconnect outdoor garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets.
  • Locate your main shut-off valve inside your house and label it.
  • Wrap exposed pipes typically found under sinks, especially if pipes are located on outside walls.
  • If your house has a crawl space, close all vents and access doors.
  • Open cupboard or cabinet doors to allow indoor heat to warm pipes.
  • If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time during cold spells, shut off your water service and open faucets to drain pipes.
  • If you have an irrigation system, be sure it has been properly winterized.