Monroe South County

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1. How do I activate water service?

   To access information on how to activate water service in the City of North Richland Hills, please review the instructions and application found in the following link: Establishing New Service

2. Do you estimate my bill? I can tell nobody has raised the lid on my meter box.

   The City reads meters monthly and only estimates if the meter box is inaccessible due to vehicles blocking access, locked gates, or debris coverage. Lifting the meter lid isn't necessary as readings are collected electronically via a "Transponder" on top of the meter that transmits data to computers in meter reading trucks. Manual readings occur only when electronic systems generate error messages.

3. Why is my bill so high?

   Bills increase for various reasons including:
   - Leaks in toilets, faucets, slabs, or pipes
   - Sprinkler system issues like leaks, incorrect settings, or broken heads
   - Power outages affecting sprinkler timers with dead backup batteries
   - Outdoor water hoses left running
   - Frequent swimming pool refilling due to evaporation and splashing
   - Increased household occupancy during summer breaks or holidays
   - Seasonal behavior changes like more showers during hot weather
   - Potential water theft

   Contact the Water Department at 817-427-6200 for meter verification.

4. How much water does my sprinkler system use?

   Water usage depends on sprinkler head types and run times. To measure precisely:
   1) Open your meter box and photograph the dial before starting irrigation
   2) Run your irrigation system for your normal duration
   3) Take another dial photo after completion
   4) Subtract the first reading from the second to calculate cubic feet used
   5) Multiply by 7.48 to convert to gallons
   6) Multiply by your monthly watering frequency to determine monthly usage

5. How do I know if my sprinklers are wasting water?

   While indoor leaks are typically noticed quickly, outdoor irrigation issues can be harder to detect. Regular inspection helps conserve water and save money. We recommend monthly visual checks and annual professional evaluations. Look for:
   - Irrigation controller programming errors from power outages
   - Flooded valve boxes indicating worn parts or leaks
   - Water geysers from broken sprinkler heads
   - Water spurts between heads suggesting broken pipes
   - Flooded areas that might indicate underground leaks
   - Misaligned spray heads shooting water onto pavement

   Visit http://www.savetarrantwater.com/ for DIY repair videos.

6. How do I check for a water leak?

   Follow these steps:
   1) Conduct a 30-minute test with no water usage on the property
   2) Locate your water meter (usually near the street in a protected box)
   3) Record the meter reading
   4) Check again after 30 minutes
   5) If numbers haven't changed, you don't have a leak
   6) If numbers changed, shut off all toilet valves and repeat the test
   7) If numbers stop changing, you likely have a running toilet
   8) If numbers still change, contact a plumber to locate and fix the leak

7. Will the City credit my bill if I have a leak?

   The City allows adjustments for underground pipe bursts or hidden leaks but not for toilets, faucets, or sprinkler system issues. Submit proof of repair (like a plumber's invoice showing the date and location) for consideration. Adjustments apply to 50% of excess usage above normal levels and are calculated at current volume rates plus pass-through charges.

8. Can I get a discount when I fill my swimming pool?

   The City doesn't offer bill discounts, but pool filling between December and March may be considered when calculating sewer averages. Send written notification by mail, fax, or email to the Water Department before April 1, including the fill date and requesting sewer average review.

9. How do I calculate the cost to fill my swimming pool?

   Convert gallons to cubic feet (divide by 7.48), then divide by 100 to get billing units (ccf). Multiply by current volume and pass-through rates. This provides a basic estimate excluding base fees.

10. Why is the billing date different each month?

    The City divides service areas into eight billing cycles, with billing occurring on a rotating schedule:
    - Cycle 11: First Tuesday
    - Cycle 12: First Friday
    - Cycle 13: Second Tuesday
    - Cycle 14: Second Friday
    - Cycle 15: Third Tuesday
    - Cycle 16: Third Friday
    - Cycle 17: Fourth Tuesday
    - Cycle 18: Fourth Friday

    Your billing date varies based on when these scheduled days fall each month.

11. Where can I pay my bill?

    The City offers multiple payment options for your convenience, whether you prefer in-person, mail, online, or phone payments. See the "Payment Options" link for details.