Water Information for New Residents

We hope that the following information will better assist you in understanding the City's Water, Sewer and Refuse System:

• Bills are mailed monthly
• Meters are read from the outside on a monthly basis.
• Refuse, recycling and yard waste items are picked up weekly on your scheduled day and must be out by 6:00am or the night before.
• Your curbside unlimited pick-up includes everything except car parts, toxic materials (paints, oils, etc.), construction materials.
• Recycled items include newspapers and magazines, plastic, clear and colored glass and metal cans.
• Recycling bins are furnished by Waste Management.  Please call 1-800-796-9696 if you need one.
• Basic refuse service is weekly curbside unlimited pick-up.  Backyard limited pick-up is available at an additional cost.
• Discounts are available for Senior and disabled citizens.
• Refuse customers whose property is vacant for 30 days or more may have their charges reduced.  Waivers are available in the Billing Office or click here to print one.
• Bills may be paid by mail, at City Hall or through our convenient Auto Bill Payment.  You may also pay at any Comerica Bank if you have the bill and are paying it in full.

Detecting Leaks 

Water Meter

1. Make sure no water is being used in the house.  Turn off all faucets, shower, washer, etc.
2. Check to see if the small water meter dial is moving by watching the meter for 3 - 5 minutes.  If it does not move, chances are you have no leaks.
3. Check for slow leaks by reading the meter at night and again in the morning when you have not used water overnight.  If the meter shows usage, you have a leak.  If you have a water softener, check on a night when you are not recharging.

Toilet

1. Look at the toilet bowl after the tank has stopped filling.  If water is still running into the bowl or if you can hear it running, your toilet is leaking.  Most toilet leaks happen at the overflow pipe or the plunger ball inside the tank.
2. Overflow pipe - take off the tank lid and flush.  The water level should be 1/2 inch or so below the pipe.  If it flows over the edge, you are losing water and need to adjust your float level.
3. Plunger Ball or Flapper Valve - your toilet could also have a silent leak.  To check, drop food coloring in the tank.  Do not flush and wait for about ten minutes.  If the food coloring appears in the bowl, you have a silent leak and it can probably be repaired with parts from your hardware store.
4. If your toilet is leaking and you cannot get it repaired right away, shut it off at the valve when you are not using it.

Outdoors and Elsewhere

1. Check all faucets, shower heads and outside spigots for drips.  A slow drip loses 15 - 20 gallons per day.
2. Check for standing water on your basement floor, especially around the water heater, washer, water softener or water meter.

If You Need Help

If your meter shows you have a leak but you cannot locate it, call us, we can help 966-3366.

Utility Billing Department
10 N Division St, Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: (269) 966-3366