Disaster Averted - Maybe

Discovered a leak in the sprinkling system at the shut-off valve this morning.  I had been meaning to get to those weeds for a long time and finally today was the day.  I was shocked at the saturated ground and the sight of water running out of the pipe to the turn-off valve.  Alberto came right out when I called.  We did a series of turning things on and off inside and out, and determined the bigger leak was caused because the valve had been only partially opened.  It had probably been that way a long time.  But there did seem to be a small leak at the stop and waste valve.  At least it is no longer just pouring out of the pipe.  It's a tiny leak now, and will be repaired on Monday.

My big worry is how long has it been leaking and what sort of water bill am I going to have?   This month's water bill was a good 50% higher than normal.  I thought I had been watering way too much.  Probably it was this leak.  And since the city's water bills run a month later, I can expect another one like that, or worse.  Erg!  I feel a little sick to my stomach.  I'll call the city on Monday and see if they'll come out and read the meter to let me know where it stands.

Thanks goodness I have Alberto to call on.  While he was here, he showed me how to turn off the water at the curb where it enters the property.  This is something good to know when you live alone.  Emergencies happen.