During the winter, especially on weekends and holidays, the District experiences a significant increase in water use as compared to a more modest increase in the amount of sanitary sewage collected during the same period. The difference between water used and sewage generated should be minimal this time of year (because there is no irrigation) and is an indicator of system leakage. In addition to wasting a natural resource, the leaks increase District pumping and treatment chemical costs. Based on information collected over the past year from a subset of homes with remote reading meters, the majority of the leaks are almost certainly due to stop&drain valves not be fully turned on and/or off. A valve that is not completely opened or closed will leak water out of the drain hole even though your home's plumbing system appears to operating correctly. If you put your ear near the operating handle and can hear running water, the valve is not fully open or closed. If you have any questions concerning the operation of the stop&drain valve please call the Office (530-426-7800) Monday through Friday and one of the Operators will come by to review its operation with you and check that the valve is fully on or off.