Saluda water/sewer commissioner George Sweet reported during Saluda’s Dec. 9 meeting that there were seven leaks on the customer side of the meter during the month of November totaling 142,000 gallons of water loss.

Sweet explained that when the leak occurs on the customer side of the meter, the customer has the opportunity to repair the leak and report the repair to the city so the city can make an adjustment to the bill.

The adjustment when there is a leak on the customer side includes that the city doesn’t charge for the sewer on the lost water and charges the lost water at cost.

City administrator Erny Williams said customers with any problems with water or sewer should always call the city before contacting a plumber. He said loss of pressure is a good indication either the city or the customer has a problem with a leak.

Williams also said Saluda has been fortunate this year so far in that temperatures haven’t dropped really low.

He said when it gets down to 10 or 15 degrees and a customer sees a problem with water, they should contact city hall first because a plumber will charge for coming out and the city does not.

There is always someone on duty for public works even if a customer doesn’t get an answer at city hall. Customers are urged to leave a message.