FAQs • Lakeville, MN • CivicEngage

How much water do I waste in my home if there is a leak?: Download the water leak ruler (PDF) to help you determine how much water is wasted by a leak.

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Utilities

1. What is the hardness of the water in Lakeville?: The hardness of water in the City of Lakeville is 18 grains per gallon.

2. Who is responsible for plumbing repairs inside the home?: Homeowners are responsible for repairing all leaks in plumbing unless the leak is directly related to the water meter.

3. How do I check for a suspected leak?: Monitor utility bills for an unexplained increase, which may indicate an undetected leak. Read your meter between non-usage times (late evening to early morning) to see if the dial moves. Newer meters are light-activated to help read the dial. A flashlight works well.

4. When are residential water meters read?: Residential water meters are read and billed quarterly. Sewer bills are calculated using your winter quarter water usage only to determine your sewer bill.

5. How often does the city flush fire hydrants?: The City flushes fire hydrants in the spring and summer as needed. Fire Hydrant Use and Maintenance Policy (PDF)

6. What causes my water to have low pressure, be discolored, or have a funny taste or odor?: If you experience any of the above, your water softener may have malfunctioned. If you suspect a problem, push the button on your softener's control that says, "Push to bypass." Leave the control in this position until your softener has been serviced. Use a good quality salt, one that is labeled 99% or more pure.

7. How much water do I waste in my home if there is a leak?: Download the water leak ruler (PDF) to help you determine how much water is wasted by a leak.

8. What is a water hammer?: Your water pressure is determined by the elevation of water towers compared to the elevation of your home. The lower the elevation of your home compared to the tower elevation, the higher your water pressure will be. Some areas of Lakeville have relatively high water pressure. Homes with high pressure have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) in place to control pressure levels. If you notice banging pipes, called a water hammer, it is possible your PRV has malfunctioned. For assistance or replacement at no cost to you, contact the Utility Division at 952-985-2700.

9. What is a pressure reducing valve (PRV)?: Your water pressure is determined by the elevation of water towers compared to the elevation of your home. The lower the elevation of your home compared to the tower elevation, the higher your water pressure will be. Some areas of Lakeville have relatively high water pressure. Homes with high pressure have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) in place to control pressure levels. If you notice banging pipes, called a water hammer, it is possible your PRV has malfunctioned. For assistance or replacement at no cost to you, contact the Utility Division at 952-985-2700.

10. Why are there colored flags or paint lines in my yard?: These items indicate where underground utilities may be buried and were placed in your yard by Gopher State One Call prior to any excavation.

11. What is the cost of water and services?: To see the current utility rates for Lakeville, download the current City fee schedule (PDF).