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Water

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1. How do I set up a water account?

Please call the Finance Department at 540-338-7093 and indicate that you would like to set up an account.

2. Why are the water and sewer rates higher in many smaller jurisdictions than in larger jurisdictions?

Rates are a function of the number of users in the system. Large localities such as Fairfax County have lower rates spread over a large user base whereas Purcellville has a much smaller user base to cover the cost of the services provided. This is generally referred to as "the economy of scale.” It is also important to note that the level of water and wastewater treatment is dictated by the EPA and the State and the Town must meet those standards irrespective of the costs. The State is requiring several new treatment requirements that are expected to further affect costs. In addition, operations and materials costs continue to increase which further stretch our current resources.

The Town of Purcellville water and sewer rates are based on the volume of water consumed. The amount a resident pays for sewer is directly related to the amount of water used regardless if the use is indoors and sewer-related or outdoors and not sewer related. Water bills are issued for a two month period. Average household use is between 200 and 300 gallons per day without outside water uses such as lawn watering, car washing and pool filling. A lawn sprinkler can use 450 gallons per hour (a cost of about $4.80 per hour). Outside uses can easily double and triple average household usage. We have also found that residents in new homes may experience higher water use than at their previous home. This could be caused by the high pressure in the Town system. If you do not already have a pressure reducer, installing one may help..

Link to Finance Dept - Taxes & Fees - Water and Sewer info

3. Does the Town use water meters?

The Town owns the water meters installed on your property and for safety reasons we ask residents not to open the meter crocks or handle the meters. Occasionally during inclement weather, water usage is estimated and these estimates are based on the average usage for the past 12 months.

4. How can I reduce my water bill?

Conservation is the best means to reduce your water bill. Installing low flow fixtures and appliances are just one possible means. You can also reduce water use by limiting watering and following other conservation methods as described in our water conservation brochure. Water pipes or toilets leaking can increase water use significantly. Toilet leaks in particular can be very hard to locate. The Town office has dye toilets available which you can use to check for leaks. If a leak is discovered in your house or on your property, contact a plumber immediately to identify and repair the leak. If this procedure is followed, you may be able to obtain a water leak adjustment to your bill under certain circumstances. If the leak is such that you require the water to be turned off in order to fix it then call the Town Hall at the numbers below. Any damage caused to the meter may be charged to you. Problems detected with Town water and sewer lines should be reported during business hours (M-F, 8:00 AM -5:00 PM) to the Town Office 540-338-7421 or after hours to the Town emergency number 540-338-7700.

5. When are water bills mailed?

The Town of Purcellville mails water and sewer bills bimonthly at the first of February, April, June, August, October, and December. The bills are due the first business day of the following month. If you have questions or do not receive a bill, please contact the Finance Department at 540-338-7093. Please note that from time to time bills to the Town are lost or held up in the mail. The Town will consider these bills late. As an alternative the Town has a drop box on the west side of the building that many residents use for correspondence.

6. Does the Town have fluoride treated water?

Yes.

7. What are Storm Ponds?

Storm ponds are built in most new developments to catch soil running off graded areas during construction to help maintain water quality in streams. During this time water is retained in the pond in order to allow the sediments to settle. The ponds are usually converted into permanent storm water retention structures after completion of the development. After completion of the development, water may remain in the pond for long periods of time. Be sure to inform your children that these areas are dangerous and should be avoided at all times. As a permanent retention structure, the pond is designed to hold water for 1-2 days in order to provide treatment for the water entering the pond and to reduce flood peaks to limit erosion to downstream creeks. Most storm ponds are owned and maintained by the Homeowners Association once it is converted to a permanent structure. Without regular maintenance, the storm pond may not function properly. Contact your HOA if you feel that a pond is not being maintained properly.

8. What Causes Discolored Water?

The elements present in the water that causes yellow, orange or brown discolored water is iron and magnesium. These are considered secondary contaminants by the Virginia Department of Health. The elements are not considered detrimental to human health at these levels but are required to be removed for aesthetic reasons. If you experience discolored water, please contact Town Hall. Often discolored water is generated by a disturbance to the water system such as a fire or water theft. The Town can provide flushing to clean up the discolored water and can also provide sample bottles which you can use to collect a sample when you notice discolored water. The information that you provide with this sample is helpful for us to determine the cause of the discolored water.

9. Is the Water Safe to Drink?

The Town of Purcellville strives to provide the best quality water possible to every user. The Town water typically exceeds all state drinking water standards and has even won a second place award from the Virginia Rural Water Association for the best tasting water in the State. An annual Water Quality Report is provided to each user which identifies the quality of the water.