According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household's leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, the equivalent of water used to wash 270 loads of laundry. An unexplainable increase in your water bill, particularly after freezing weather, may be a sign you have a leak. A good method to check for leaks is to examine your winter water usage. A family of four typically uses 1,600 cubic feet (12,000 gallons) of water per month. If your winter use is greater than that, you likely have a leak. In addition, the City's water meters have leak indicator dials that can help you check for leaks. For tips on checking your meter and detecting leaks, please see the Quick Guide to Common Leak Questions.