Arvada CO · City of Arvada Meter Test · Free Tool

Find a Hidden Water Leak in Your Arvada Home (Water Meter Test)

Q: Why does the City of Arvada bill every 2 months?

The City of Arvada bills for utility services every two months. Each invoice reflects the prior billing cycle of roughly 8 weeks. A leak that begins early in the cycle can run unnoticed until the statement arrives, by which time the cost may look double the normal amount.

The water meter is the most reliable way to confirm a hidden leak in an Arvada home. The City bills bimonthly, so a leak that runs for weeks may not show up until you receive a statement covering 8 weeks of use. Arvada's water infrastructure was largely built in the 1960s and 1980s, and many homes still have original copper plumbing under the slab or in the walls.

How the Meter Test Works

Follow these four steps before entering your readings below.

Turn off every water fixture and appliance in the home, including the irrigation system.
Locate your City of Arvada water meter at the curb and read the current number in gallons or cubic feet.
Wait at least 2 hours without using any water.
Read the meter again and enter both numbers below.

A meter that keeps ticking with every fixture closed confirms water loss somewhere in the home. This tool calculates how fast and what it will cost on your bimonthly Arvada statement. For background, see our blog on reading your Arvada water meter and what a doubled Arvada water bill usually means.

Enter Your Meter Readings

First Reading

Second Reading

Hours

Minutes

0 gallons/hr

Per day: 0 gallons

Per month: 0 gallons

Per year: 0 gallons

About $0 per month added to your City of Arvada water and wastewater bill.

Breakdown: $0 water + $0 wastewater

On your bimonthly Arvada statement this would appear as approximately $0 for the 2-month billing period.

Arvada bills every 2 months. A leak running for several weeks may not appear clearly until the full 2-month statement arrives. Rates shown are 2026 City of Arvada estimates. Slab leak detection uses non-invasive acoustic and thermal methods. Verify current rates at arvadaco.gov or call 720-898-7070.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read my Arvada water meter?

Locate the meter box at the curb. Open the lid and read the numbers from left to right. The sweep hand or low-flow indicator shows movement even from small leaks. Arvada uses meters that display in gallons or, on older meters, cubic feet.

Why does the City of Arvada bill every 2 months?

Arvada uses a bimonthly billing cycle. Each statement covers 8 weeks of water use. This means a leak that starts early in the billing period may not appear on a bill for up to two months, by which time the damage may already be visible.

Does a slab leak cause a high water bill in Arvada?

Yes. A slab leak runs water continuously under the foundation. Because Arvada bills bimonthly, even a slow slab leak can add significant cost before the homeowner notices the spike on their statement.

Can I get a leak adjustment from City of Arvada Utilities?

Yes. Arvada Utilities offers leak adjustments for verified repairs. Contact Utility Billing at 720-898-7070 with documentation of the leak and repair. Adjustments are typically applied once per account.

Meter Moving With Everything Off?

That is a confirmed hidden leak. Describe what you are seeing and we will send the right tools.

☎ Call (303) 552-3896