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All questions are good questions. Here are Valley Water District's responses to those most commonly asked.
"How do I read my water meter?"
By learning to read your water meter, you can verify the accuracy of the reading on your bill, determine if you have a leak, and monitor the amount of water your household uses.
Water meters are found in the ground, surrounded by a plastic meter box. They are normally located at the roadside or near your property line. If you are not sure where your meter is located, call the office for help.
District water meters measure in cubic foot units. The readings are taken from a strip of numbers resembling the odometer on a vehicle. The District rounds meter readings to the nearest 100 cubic foot unit.
Your water meter has a low flow indicator on it. It may look like a black triangle, a thin needle, or a small gear. If any amount of water is passing through the meter, the indicator will move to detect the flow.
Use your water meter to check for leaks in your home. Start by turning off all faucets and water-using appliances and make sure no one uses water during the testing period. Take a reading on your water meter, wait for about 30 minutes, then take a second reading. If the dial has moved, you have a leak.
Leaks can waste more than 10% of your total usage. To save costs to you and the environment, check for leaks regularly and repair them promptly. Call the office to discuss the policy for a credit adjustment for repaired water leaks.
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"How many gallons are in a cubic foot?"
There are approximately 7.5 gallons in a cubic foot. The 800 cubic feet per billing cycle, that is included in the Base Rate, translates to about 3,000 gallons a month or nearly 100 gallons a day.
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"Is my water fluoridated?"
No. None of the six Valley Water District systems is currently treated with fluoride. (Except in the event that water is temporarily provided via a City of Tacoma Intertie).
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"What is 'Plant Acquisition' and how long am I going to be paying for it?"
When Valley Water District purchased the original water systems in 1994, money was borrowed for acquisition costs and funds were obtained via Public Works Trust Fund Loans to finance immediate needs to remedy the water systems. In 1998, the District closed on the sale of a 20-year bond and paid off loans and bank notes associated with the start-up of the District. Bond and Public Works Loan payments are made with monies collected from the Base Rate. Every property with a connection to a District water system is billed equally for the cost of the acquisition and ongoing improvements. Customers of water systems that joined the District after the initial start-up are billed similarly for costs related to the acquisition of their water system.
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"When is my payment due?"
Payment is due on the 10th day of the billing month. Your payment must be received in the office by the 25th of the month to avoid a late charge. Balances after the 25th are delinquent and will incur a 10% penalty. Go to Billing Procedures to read the full billing policy or call the office at 253-841-9698 if you have any questions about your billing cycle or current balance.
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"Who do I call to find buried utility lines?"
Valley Water District maintains all water infrastructure up to the meter and does not have any information on the location of water lines on private property. Before you dig, you are required by law to call the local \"One Call Center\". Call 1-800-424-5555 or visit http://www.callbeforeyoudig.com at least two (2) days before you intend to dig.
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