Edmond Water Leaks Double, How Citizen's Water Bills Are Affected

An uptick in water leaks across Edmond is causing residents to be worried about their water bills. 

Edmond city leaders say they've responded to over 900 leaks just on the public side of the water meter this year, more than double the normal amount. 

City Councilman Tom Robins says a problem for citizens is that when they report a leak, there is not a clear process that is followed up. 

"The challenge is citizens don't quite have a full picture on what they’re investing in and what exactly makes up their water bill," Robins said.

Bill Begley, with the City of Edmond, said the rate increase doesn't have anything to do with leaks.

“If there's a water leak that falls on the public side of the water meter, like in our infrastructure, the water lost is not charged to the resident," Begley said.

He says the leaks signal the need for a rate increase. 

"As Edmond continues to grow, the need for infrastructure continues to grow," Begley said.   

The rate increases are funding a nearly half-billion-dollar project to bring in some upgrades. 

"Increase our intake volume from Arcadia Lake, improve our delivery infrastructure all across the city, improve the water towers that provide water to all the residents throughout the city," Begley said. 

Robins was the only council member to vote no on the most recent increase. 

"I think there are questions that still need to be answered," Robins said. "We need a whole new communication and education plan because I really feel like they don't understand what's being done as far as the water infrastructure."