Westminster power bills are up, so are water bills

The utility billing department at Westminster has taken note of high consumption among its residential water accounts, and the city is worried that this winter’s cold has compromised home plumbing systems. Chris Carter, city administrator, says it’s the stress the cold has placed on the pipes. Westminster customers are urged to check for leaks. The city has placed a video on its website and explains how homeowners can check for leaks using the city-installed meters. According to the city, “If the dial is moving, even if you are sure everything that could be using water is shut off in your home, then you probably have a leak in the plumbing system. Give it time when observing. The bigger the water loss the faster the dial will spin.” Carter also confirmed that some of the city’s electric power customers are facing higher than normal bills due to the cold last month. When the power strip alights on your gauge, up goes your bill, he said.