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1. Do I need to have my water service turned on or transferred into my name?

Generally the answer is no. Bills are sent to "Water Customer" not to a specifically named person and residential water service is not turned off unless specifically requested. However, if you find that you do not have water service after occupying the home, please contact the Water Billing Department to schedule an appointment to have the water service turned on.

2. Has the prior owner requested a final bill?

It is a good idea to check with the Water Billing Department to verify that the previous owner has requested a final water bill. We can tell you the amount billed to the prior owner for water use as well as whether this amount has been paid. If a final bill has not been requested, we can tell you what is required in order for a final bill to be generated.

3. How can I sign up for my water payments to come directly out of my checking account?

Please fill out the Water Payment Enrollment form and mail with a voided check to:
City of Royal Oak
Water Billing Department
P.O. Box 64
Royal Oak, MI 48068-0064

or e-mail a scan of both the form and a voided check to Water Billing. Water Payment Enrollment Form (PDF).

4. How do I have my water bill sent to an address other than the service address?

Simply fill out Address Change Request Form and mail it to:
City of Royal Oak
Water Billing Department
P.O. Box 64
Royal Oak, MI 48068-0064

or e-mail us at Water Billing.
Address Change Request Form (PDF).

5. My bill is higher than it usually is – what are my first steps?

The first step is to make sure that it was read properly. Compare the current read on your bill to the first four numbers on your meter. If the read on the meter is higher than the read on the bill – your meter was read correctly.

Your next step is to check for leaks. First rule out any obvious suspects. Do you have a faucet that has been dripping continuously for months or did you fix a running toilet a couple weeks ago? Any kind of water leak will increase your water usage and therefore your bill. Your meter can help you identify if you have a leak. Some of the newer meters have a leak detector that will clearly indicate if you have a leak.

With any type of meter you can do a three hour water test. At the beginning of a three-four hour stretch write down all of the numbers on your meter even the ones after the decimal point. For the next 3 - 4 hours refrain from using any water at the property. After three hours look at your meter again – compare the numbers. If any of the numbers have changed there is a leak somewhere on the property.

Water is a closed system. If everything is off the way it should be nothing can move in the pipes and the meter can only register usage when water passes through it. If water is passing through the meter is has to be going somewhere. Toilets are our biggest suspects.

If you’ve heard anything suspicious from a toilet – even if you think it’s nothing, there is a good chance that toilet is leaking. You can test your toilets during your three hour meter test – or any time by coloring the water in the tank (back) of the toilet. Leave that toilet alone for at least three hours. If after that time any of the color from the tank has leached into the bowl – that toilet is leaking.

If you have performed these tests and still can’t identify the problem give us a call at 248-246-3160.

6. What is a unit of water?

Water is billed by the unit. Each unit is 100 cubic feet. 100 cubic feet is approximately 750 gallons.

7. What is this letter I received from the city about a sewer line warranty?

The city recognizes Service Line Warranties of America as a preferred company for water and sewer line insurance. Homeowners are responsible for any issues related to the sewer up to the connection to the city main line and water line running from their house to the curb stop (typically located between the sidewalk and street). Repairs on these lines can be costly.

Insurance for the water line and the sewer line can be purchased through Service Line Warranties of America and other companies. For any questions related to this insurance please contact Service Line Warranties of America directly at 1-866-425-6223 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit their website.

8. What should I do if I have a question about the amount I was billed?

You may contact the Water Billing Department 248-246-3160 with any questions. Please have your current meter reading when calling. To obtain the current reading simply read the six digits on the face of the meter, from left to right. Or if the meter is an older style dial meter, begin with the largest numbered dial, reading each subsequent dial. If the dial is between two numbers, always read the lowest number.

9. When should I expect my first water bill?

Residential water bills are prepared quarterly. The exact billing period will depend on the area the resident lives in. Each quarterly bill is mailed approximately three weeks after the meter is read and is due 24 days later.

10. Who do I call if I have an after hours water issue?

If a resident should have a water problem after normal working hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or on a weekend or holiday, they should call the Police Department's non-emergency line at 248-246-3500.