To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.
There is no way I used that much water, why is my bill so high?
This statement is usually made after recent rains. It is important to realize that by the time you get your bill more than a month has transpired since you used that water. Also, small leaks add up. A leaking flapper valve in the commode is the most common culprit for lost water in your home. Flappers can be responsible for many thousands of gallons of unexplained water usage in your home.
What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?
Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, call our office and report low pressure for your area.
Why is my water discolored and milky looking? Is it safe to drink?
The milky color is caused by entrapped air in the water. It can be caused by a leak or intense flushing that causes turbulence in the water. It is unsightly to look at, but yes, it is safe to consume.
What chemicals does our utility district add to the water?
Only chemicals that are approved by the National Safety Foundation for treatment of drinking water.
How much fluoride is in my water?
We don't add any flouride to the water. The level of fluoride runs from 0.2ppm to 0.3ppm depending on which well your water comes from. If you are concerned about infant tooth development, call our office for exact amounts and then consult with your family dentist or pediatrician. You can view the Consumer Confidence Reports to view the summary of our water quality.
My water tastes, looks, and smells funny. Is it safe to drink?
All public water systems are required to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 mg/L (tested at the end of each line) by state law. Systems that use chloramine as a disinfectant must maintain a level of 0.5 mg/L by state law. Our disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety.
Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?
Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater. If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and or damaging the water heater.
How did my meter get read this month, it is covered with dirt?
The meter reader reads nearly every meter every month. The three or four that may be missed are out of 2500 and are listed on a report that is checked at a later date by our staff. If it is rainy most meter boxes contain water. The meter is read by placing a glass tube over the dial on the meter. The meter is actually read through the water. The dirt or mud naturally settles back on the meter as the meter box dries out giving it the appearance of having not been read.
Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?
We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all. Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.
Can I Pay My Bill Online or Over the Phone?
Yes, you can now pay your bill online or over the phone. Please visit our Bill Pay option to pay your bill.
Can I use my bank's on-line bill payment service to pay my bill?
Yes, but please be aware this this is what happens: You access your account and the amount of our bill is immediately debited from your account. A notice is then sent to the bank's contractor - usually in another state - and they will manually cut a check to Walker County SUD, which is put in the mail. Its takes 5-10 days for the check to arrive at our office, where it is posted the day we receive it. Our customers are upset when those payments do not arrive by the due date and are charged a late fee. We do not have the capacity to have payment from electronic banking service transferred directly to our account. Intil that time occurs, we encourage you to use the free draft service we offer. You will continue to receive a bill, just as you do now, but at the bottom it will say "DO NOT PAY BANK DRAFTED", which is 15 days after it is mailed. You will have that length of time to enter the amount into your checkbook and prepare for payment.