Show All Answers

1. How do I set up new water service with the city?

To establish new service you go to the Utility Billing Department on the fourth floor of Opa-Locka City Hall, located at 780 Fisherman Street. City offices are closed on Saturday, Sunday, and all major holidays. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Office hours are extended to 6:00 pm only for a shut-off date.

If you purchased a residential property serviced by a 5/8” meter, you must bring the settlement statement (HUD-1) or warranty deed, photo identification (preferably driver’s license or state ID), Social Security card and a deposit of $170. Payment for deposit must be in the form of cash, money order, or cashier’s check.

If opening an account for a single-unit, residential rented property serviced by a 5/8” meter, the tenant must bring to our office an original signed lease, photo identification (preferably driver’s license or state ID), Social Security card, and a deposit of $170. Payment for deposit must be in the form of cash, money order, or cashier’s check.

For meters greater than 5/8”, the deposit amount varies based on the size of the meter; a multi-unit deposit is based on the number of units. Please contact Customer Service at (305) 953-2868 ext. 1308.

2. How do I disconnect my utility service?

An account can be closed only when a property is sold or rented. To request a disconnection, you can do it in person at the Opa-Locka Water Department, or by fax with a copy of your driver license and request letter at (305) 953-2900.

3. How can I temporarily disconnect my service if the property is going to be vacant for a while?

If your property is going to be vacant for more than 60 days, you can request to suspend service. The City will disconnect the water at the meter to assure that potential leaks won’t run up your bill or flood your home and that no one illegally uses your water from an outside tap. There is a $25 service fee for suspending service and a monthly service fee will be billed to your account, based on the meter size and zero consumption. To request suspend service you can do it in person at the City Hall, over the phone at (305) 953-2868 ext. 1308.

4. Why don’t I have running water in my home?

If you have no running water in your home, first check your main house shut-off valve to make sure it is open to full capacity. If your valve is open and you still do not have water, check with the utility billing department to verify that your account is up to date. If your valve is open, your account is ok, and you still have no water, please contact the Customer Care Division at (305) 953-3058.

5. Where do I report water leaks or main breaks?

Report water leaks or main breaks to the Customer Care Division. To report leaks or interruption in water service, please call (305) 953-3058 or (305) 953-2868 ext. 1308 for assistance.

6. Where do I report a sewer back-up?

If your sinks, tubs, or toilets are overflowing, you may be experiencing a sewer back-up in your home. The Customer Care Division can be reached at (305) 953-3058.

7. Why is my water bill higher than usual?

There are many reasons that may cause a resident’s bill to be higher than normal. Three of the more common reasons could be:

• The number of billing days between meter readings could be varied from month to month. Generally speaking meters are read around the same time of the month, but sometimes this is not possible.


• There could be a leak somewhere on the customer’s piping on the discharge side of the meter. If there is a leak between the meter and the main (generally located in the street) this water is lost before it gets to the meter and is not recorded. However, if there is a toilet that runs or a leak on any of the customer’s piping, the meter will record that flow and that could account for a high water bill.


• The meter may have been misread. Occasionally mistakes may occur that we are unable to catch before the account is billed. Once the error is identified, the Utility Billing Department will make all the necessary correction and a new water bill will be mailed out to you.

8. I have no water pressure in my home. What should I do?

No pressure usually indicates either of the following:

• The house valve is off


• There is a possible broken pipe


• The water meter may be off

The most common situation is the house valve has been turned off by mistake. To check your house valve: Please, ensure all faucets in your house are closed normally. Locate your house valve on the side or front of the house just below the garden hose connection. To open it, turn the valve counterclockwise.

If you notice standing water around the water meter box or in the roadway, this may indicate a leaking or broken pipe, and you should call (305) 953-3058. The water meter may also be off. Please call (305) 953-3058 to find out.