Water Service – Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call if I have a water emergency?
How do I know if I have a water leak?
How do I report a water leak?
What can I do to conserve water in and around my home?
Where can I find information on the drinking water quality?
Where does my water come from?
Why is my water bill so high?
Can I have the water meter tested?
If problems occur with my water service line, who is responsible?
Why does RMU add chlorine to the water supply before distribution?
Why does RMU add fluoride to the water supply?
What is a backflow prevention device?
When do I need a backflow preventer?
Do I need to test my backflow preventer?
Who do I call if I have a water emergency?
If life or property is in danger, or if someone needs medical attention, call 911; otherwise call RMU at 573.364.1572. For more information please click here
How do I know if I have a water leak?
Indications of a leak on the water service line may be a soft, wet spot in the yard, or a spike in water usage if the leak is between the house and the water meter. You might just hear water running. Please call RMU at 573.364.1572 to determine where the leak is located and what needs to be done.
Running or leaking toilets can use a lot of water in a short period of time. A single “running” toilet can quietly waste up to 6,000 gallons of water in a single day. That could be over 200,000 gallons in a single month. If you think you have a toilet that is running or leaking, come by the RMU Business Office and ask for some free Leak Detecting Tablets. They are simple to use and a great tool for detecting leaks. Fortunately, repairing toilet leaks is usually easy and inexpensive.
Please click here for further information on water leaks.
To report a water leak, please call 573.364.1572. Please click here to view information on water leaks.
What can I do to conserve water in and around my home?
RMU recommends that citizens do their part to conserve our natural resources. This may be accomplished by forming conservative habits, such as turning off water while brushing your teeth or shaving. To view more information about water conservation, please click here
Where can I find information on the drinking water quality?
Each year, a report on the water quality in Rolla is published. To view the current consumer confidence report, click here
Where does my water come from?
Water in Rolla is supplied from 19 deep wells. For more information about water in Rolla, click here
Your bill is based on the number of gallons used, as registered at your water meter. If you suspect that the bill is too high, it could be due to leaks in your water system. Toilet leaks are the most common type of leak. A single “running” toilet can quietly waste up to 6,000 gallons of water in a single day. That could be over 200,000 gallons in a single month. Fortunately, repairing toilet leaks is usually easy and inexpensive. To learn how to check for a leak click here
In many cases, high bills are a result of increased water use. Changes in outdoor water use, such as watering a lawn or using a sprinkler system, are generally responsible for large increases. Reading your water meter before and after watering can help you identify how much water you are using.
Historically, water meters tend to slow over time as a result of mineral and other deposits accumulating in the body of the water meter.
Can I have the water meter tested?
RMU requires a Meter Test Fee prior to the test being performed. Should the test find the meter to be greater than the acceptable industry standard accuracy range, the Meter Test Fee will be returned and an adjustment to the bill will be made for a maximum of six months of usage for the overage amount. If the meter is found to be outside the acceptable industry standard accuracy range, the meter will be adjusted or replaced at no expense to the customer at RMU’s discretion. Please contact the RMU Business Office for more details.
If problems occur with my water service line, who is responsible?
Water service lines are connections between RMU’s water facilities, and the customer’s structure.
RMU is responsible for maintaining the portion of the water service line located on City property, or in the public right-of-way. This includes the water main, main taps service lines, fittings and valves between the main and the edge of the right-of-way. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the water service line outside of the right-of-way. The entire water service line, with exception of the water meter, is the property of the property owner. Therefore, the property owner is responsible for any upgrade or replacement of service lines located within the public right-of-way. Click here for a diagram of various facilities.
Freezing/thawing, age and corrosion are the most detrimental factors in relation to water service lines. Most of the breaks and ruptures that are encountered are within the public right-of-way which is the responsibility of RMU to maintain.
Any leak on a water service line must be exposed and repaired to avoid further damage to the owner’s property and to avoid high water bills. If a leak on a water service line is located on private property, it is the owner’s responsibility to make the repairs. The location of the water meters does not necessarily determine the responsibility to make repairs. It is also possible, in some instances, that the water service line may cross a neighboring property, in which case the owner of the service line will be responsible for these repairs as well.
Water main replacement is typically performed on mains that have been in place for 20 years or more, and/or have a history of leaks. When a water main is replaced by RMU, the service line to the meter may be replaced as well.
RMU does not have a policy to cost-share on water service line upgrades. However, in some cases, a meter pit, lid and ring will be provided to replace an older style pit.
Why does RMU add chlorine to the water supply before distribution?
Because RMU operates a very large distribution system, chlorine is added to the well water at the supply to ensure the quality and integrity of the water in as it travels through the distribution system.
Why does RMU add fluoride to the water supply?
Adding fluoride to our community water supply is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay and is encouraged by the American Dental Association. Fluoridation is also required by City Ordinance #2886. (Rolla City Code Sec. 35-180)
What is a backflow prevention device?
A backflow prevention device is used to protect public water supplies from contamination through cross-connections located in the customers facilities. Backflow prevention devices are installed between the customer and the public water system.
When do I need a backflow preventer?
Missouri’s backflow prevention regulations apply to all community water systems. Backflow prevention devices shall be provided by the owner in accordance with (10 CSR 60-11) of the Missouri Safe Drinking Water Regulations
Backflow prevention is required anywhere a cross-connection is identified or a potential for contamination of the water system. Common situations that require a backflow preventer are fire sprinkler and irrigation systems. Contact RMU or the City of Rolla Codes Department to confirm whether backflow prevention is needed at your home or business.
Do I need to test my backflow preventer?
Backflow devices must be tested annually by a state certified tester to ensure that they are functioning properly. Annual testing is required by State Law. Because RMU is also required by State Law to monitor the local compliance of the backflow prevention program, the annual test results must be submitted to RMU after the test has been completed.
To view a list of state certified testers click Here.