Frequently Asked Questions

Water and sewer charges are based on water consumption, as measured by the water meter. The rates for water and sewer are applied uniformly to all water consumers. The difference between water and sewer charges is due to the difference in cost – it is more expensive to treat wastewater than to deliver fresh water. 

Sewer charges are based solely on the quantity of water used, regardless of the purpose for which the water is used.

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 assist you with what is required in order for a final bill to be generated.

The regular water bills are prepared quarterly. The exact billing period will depend upon the area where the property is located. Each quarterly bill is mailed approximately three weeks after the meter is read and is due 24 days later.

Requests to update or change a billing address can be emailed to Water Billing. Or, 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. 

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 3 - 4 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, then look at your meter again and 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. The meter can only register usage when water passes through it. If water is passing through the meter, it 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 by coloring the water in the tank (back) of the toilet. To color the water, use dye tabs (available from the Treasurer's Office at City Hall) or food coloring. After adding the color, 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.

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Generally the answer is no. Bills are sent to "Water Customer" not to a specifically named person, and 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.

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

One unit is indicated by the 4th digit on your water meter.

You may email the Water Billing Department or call us at 248-246-3160 with any questions. Please have your current meter reading when calling.

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.

The city recognizes Service Line Warranties of America as a preferred company for water and sewer line insurance. Insurance for the water line and the sewer line can be purchased through them. For any questions related to this insurance, please contact Service Line Warranties of America directly at 1-866-425-6223. 

You may be able to purchase service line insurance coverage through your existing homeowner's insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider for more information.

If you experience discolored water, it is usually due to sediment being stirred up when there is a large draw of water, either from a water main break or a fire hydrant being used. After work is completed, the sediment will settle down.  To speed the process, we ask that you DO NOT use the water (this keeps the sediment stirred up).  To check the condition of your water, use the cold water faucet closest to the water meter (usually in the basement) and let it run for 15-20 seconds. If the water is still discolored, wait 30 - 45 minutes and try again.  Do not use hot water, although there is no harm to the hot water tank it does take longer to empty out. Once the cold water is clear, you may return to normal use.

The Water Residential Assistance Program provides funding to eligible, low income households. Funding is provided by the Great Lakes Water Authority and is administered in partnership with local community action agencies.

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is the program administrator for Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) in Oakland County.  All residents seeking WRAP services in an Oakland County community should apply through United Way.  For more information, call WRAP 248-983-5656 or apply online.