Frequently asked questions

FAQ and answers

How does the corona virus affect Turun Vesihuolto?

We have limited some of our functions due to corona virus.

 

How much does water cost?

The cost of domestic water and wastewater can be found here. The prices include value-added tax of 24%. Please refer to our Service price list for further details on the prices of our services.

 

How much tax money is spent on the operations of the water management company?

Not a cent. All of the operations of the water management company are covered through water fees, even the repair and new construction of the networks.

 

My latest water invoice was larger than usual. Can my water meter be broken?

The first thing you can do is check whether the meter also runs when water is not used. Continuous running is a sign of a water leak. The water meters we use are type-approved and accurate. They are subject to the same regulations as the scales in stores or the fuel meters at service stations. The water management company inspects and replaces the water meters regularly at its own expense. Almost every time, the water meter error is within the allowed +/-5%. The water management company can also inspect a water meter on written request by the customer. If no error is found on the meter, the inspection costs will be charged from the customer. Customers should monitor their use of water and any changes to it. Even minor leaks to plumbing fixtures may cause unpleasant surprises.

 

The consumption meters on the water meter seem to move back and forth even though no water is running. Does this affect my water meter reading?

The pressure in the water pipe network always varies to some extent due to spikes in regional consumption or leaks or work carried out on the water pipe network. The water meter measures the consumption in ‘both directions’ and will not create any excess consumption. The non-return valve evens out the pressure variation by preventing water from flowing from the property to the network. If the property does not have a non-return valve, an HPAC company can install one on the pipe after the main water meter.

 

The water tank in our toilet leaks a little. How much water do we lose per year? How much water does one dripping tap use?

A dripping tap may increase water consumption by up to approximately 30 m³ per year, causing an invoice increase of approximately €70. With several dripping taps, the additional costs may add up to thousands of euros. Water leaks can often be fixed with relatively low costs, by replacing the sealings in the taps or the toilet flushing tank, for example.

On an annual level, the sums created from small leaks surprise many payers of water invoices. Below are calculations for the amounts of water in some leak examples, with the assumed network pressure of 5 kp/cm2 (500 kPa).

  • Frequent dripping, the leak hole is as thick as thin sewing thread. The leaked amount is 30 m3 per year (approximately €110).
  • Thin flow of water, the leak hole is as thick as a darning needle. The leaked amount is 300 m3 per year (approximately €1,100).
  • Continuous leak in the toilet, the leak hole is as thick as a match. The leaked amount is 3,000 m3 per year (approximately €11,000).
  • An old model of mixer tap, the leak hole is as thick as a pencil. The leaked amount is 30,000 m3 per year (approximately €110,000).

 

Does anyone study the effects of wastewater in the water systems?

The operation and wastewater of the Kakolanmäki wastewater treatment plant and their effects on the water system are regularly examined according to the requirements of the environmental permit.

 

Can I pour leftover food down the drain?
Absolutely not. The drains are only intended for conveying wastewater, and no fixed waste should be poured there because it may block the sewers. Fats contained by foods can also present a problem. Toilet paper is fine, because it is made to fall apart in the sewer.

 

Can I install a kitchen grinder?

Installing and using kitchen grinders is forbidden in Turku, as they increase the load on the sewer network and decrease the results of the cleaning process.

 

Can I flush flush-down toilet paper rolls?

We don’t recommend flushing even flush-down toilet paper rolls, because any excess matter in the sewer network increases the load on the treatment plant and may decrease the results of the cleaning process. The environmentally best solution is to recycle toilet paper rolls as cardboard waste.

 

When is summer water opened and closed?

According to the agreements, summer water is available from 1 May to 30 September. The period may be longer if possible. Sub-zero temperatures in night time or frozen shores will prevent summer water usage, for example. There are many summer water points, and the connections are carried out as efficiently and orderly as possible to enable the delivery of water to all our customers according to the agreements.