The water supply line to the residence from the city supply line had a leak and I had to replace a 3/4 inch supply to my residence under the street. My question is, could the leak in the pipe (which did allow dirt to enter the water supply and it was evident at the faucets in the house) cause the meter to read incorrectly? The last four or five months the usage kept increasing each month from a dollar amount of $49.18 to $117.38 from August to January. Could the leak in the supply line cause this?

If the leak is after the meter, YES, it would show as water used and you would be charged for it.

Shut water off all faucets in house and see if meter is still moving. This would indicate a leak somewhere in house, possibly a toilet.

Have utility company check meter to see if it has been effected.

Chuck

Any leak between the meter and the house will cause increased usage. You are lucky, I've seen $500-600 bills. Go to your supplier and see if they will at least adjust the sewer rate if it is charged in the bill.

Yes, it appears to be a small leak. Check your new pipe installation. You may have leak in one of the new joints. Back to you. Milo