Emergency Water Cut Off

How Do I cut Off My Water In An Emergency Situation?

LCWSD does not condone tampering with water meters but we do understand their may be times when you have to open or close your meter in an emergency situation. A turf valve box (described later in this article) is the preferred way of opening and closing of water service.

If damages do occur when opening or closing valve that customer will be responsible for damages (see General Terms and Conditions for more information).

To easily turn your water service on and off there is a device called a “curb key” that can be purchased at most home supply stores as shown to the right.  If you do not have a curb key you can improvise by using a wrench that will fit snugly over the bronze cut off (where the arrow is located. Then placing a screwdriver of the appropriate size in the other end of the wrench. 

If you have to turn your water off in an emergency situation the pictures below shows the correct position of the cut off valve for open and closed.

This picture represents a water meter in the open or on position. Please note the direction of the arrow on the bronze cut off valve. If it is pointing toward the residence then the water is on or open and supplying water to residence.

This picture represents a water meter that is in the closed or off position. Please note the direction of the arrow on the bronze cut off valve. If it is pointing away from the residence then the water is off or closed and not supplying water to residence.

You may also have a small green round turf valve box on the residence side of meter. This type of valve is installed by home owner or builder when building is constructed. Not all residences have a turf valve box, but most new construction does.  Inside this box will be a valve that you can open and close without having to disturb the water meter box.