Water

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Water FAQ

How can I tell if I have any water leaks?

Undetected leaks can be costly. If you think you may have a water leak, your water meter is your best method of checking:

  • Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances, such as dishwashers and clothes washers.
  • Locate your water meter and lift the cover for the meter read display. Note the total use amount on digital displays or mark the location of the red dial.
  • Wait 20-30 minutes and check the water meter again. If the digital number display has increased or the dial position has changed, you probably have a leak somewhere in your system.
How can I check my residence for leaks?
  • Your toilet may have a silent leak. Drop a little food coloring into the tank. Wait about 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
  • Check for moist spots around and under the house plumbing 
  • Replace worn washers in faucets and shower heads.  
  • Drips -  Even a small drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water each day, or 5,000 gallons per month.
Where is my water meter?
  • Your water meter should be located in front of your house, inside a concrete or plastic meter box that is set flush to the ground near the sidewalk and the street. If you are on a corner lot, it could be either on the front or side street. Note: Be careful when removing the meter box lid.
  • Water meters need to be clear of landscaping, cars, basketball hoops decorative rocks, or any other obstructing item. 
  • Newberg Municipal Code, Section 13.15.100(D) states, “It shall be unlawful for any person in any way to damage, injure or obstruct any water line or any part of the municipal water system, including the water meter of the City.” 
  • If you need help finding a water meter, contact us.
How do I read my water meter?
The City of Newberg implements digital and mechanical remote-read water meters. Under the plastic meter hood, the water use should be displayed on a digital display or odometer. If you have questions about how to read your meter and check for leaks, contact us.

Note: billing measures in 100 Cubic Feet, or 1 CCF. 1 CCF = 748 gallons.
How can I shut off my water?
It is best practice to know where your water shut-off is located before you have an emergency.

There should be a valve near the house. Look in the following places:
  • In the crawl space or basement, where the water line enters the home.
  • In the garage where the water line enters the wall or ceiling, near the water heater or laundry hookup.
  • Outside near the foundation, often protected by a concrete ring or clay pipe
  • On the property-owners side of the water meter. (Do not use a shut-off valve on the City's side of the water meter)
You might want to have a shutoff valve installed if you can’t locate one.

If you have an emergency and need help shutting off your water at the meter or locating your water meter, please contact us.
Questions about Billing?
Billing for City services such as water, sewer, streets, stormwater, etc. falls under the Utility Billing Department
How do I connect or disconnect my water service?
Contact Utility Billing