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Hopkinton
Water Department F.A.Q.'S
Q:
Is the water safe to drink?
A: Yes, the water meets or exceeds all D.E.P. and
E.P.A. standards.
Q: Is fluoride added
to the water?
A: No, there is a small amount, which is naturally
in the water.
Q: How can I find out
my current water-sewer bill balance?
A: Contact the treasurer's office at
497-9715
Q: Why is the the
water discolored?
A: This could be one of several factors. It may be
due to a water main break, the use of fire
hydrants by the Fire dept. or routine water main
flushing by the water dept. When possible, the
water customers will be notified in advance,
unless it is an emergency. Customers should avoid
doing laundry, until the water returns to normal.
Q: Why does my water
have a yellow tinge and why does my sink, toilets
and dishwasher have and orange/brown stain?
A: There is iron in the water, (predominately in
the west side of town), which sometimes becomes
noticeable when introduced to the air. We have a
product that we give to our customers called
"Iron Out", which will remove the
stains. Although these discoloration’s are
unsightly, they pose no immediate health risks.
But as always, check with your doctor, about iron
levels.
Q: Why does my water
have a white, milky look?
A: This is due to air, which is either in your
plumbing or in the water mains after a break. Run
the water from each faucet in our home, to bleed
it out.
Q: I have just
received my water bill, why is it higher than
normal? My meter must be wrong.
A: If you have just hooked up to sewer, note that
you sewer rate is more than double the water rate!
Although you use the same amount of water, your
bill may double.
You may have had a new meter
installed to replace your stopped or slow
registering meter, the rate may have recently been
raised, you may have leaky faucets or toilets,
your underground sprinklers may be on longer than
you think or you may have a leak. You may have had
a lot of outside use on lawns, gardens, cars and
swimming pools. As meters age, the
internal parts begin to wear and the registering
rate actually slows down. Our most common
findings, are that there is a leaking fixture in
the house or the customer is unaware of how much
water they actually use, especially outdoors.
Q: I have recently
moved to town and have not received a water bill.
Will I get one?
A: Everyone is billed twice a year. Depending on
your location you are billed every six months,
either Jan-Jul, Feb-Aug, Mar-Sep, Apr-Oct,
May-Nov, Jun-Dec. If you have not received your
bill after 6 months, please call the Water Dept.
Q: I have low
pressure what can I do?
A: First check to see if it is one faucet or all
the faucets. If it is one, unscrew the aerator and
clean out the screen. If the problem exists
throughout the house, and you have a filter,
replace the cartridge, as they often become
plugged. If the problem persists, you may have a
plugged or leaking service line, especially if it
is iron pipe. You can call to receive an estimate
to have our pipe replaced. Click
here to see how Iron pipes become clogged.
If you live near one of the storage tanks, either
by the high school or on Bear Hill by West Main
and School St., you may need a booster pump to
increase your pressure.
Q: Is there lead in
the water?
A: The town water meets or exceeds all
requirements of the lead and copper rule. The pH
level has been increased to limit the amount of
lead, which could leach from your plumbing, if the
solder contained lead or your brass fixtures have
lead in them. If you would like to have your water
tested, you can contact Matrix Analytical on South
Street at 435-6824.
Q: I am going to be
moving, what do I need to do?
A: Please call to schedule an appointment at least
three days in advance, for a final meter reading.
If at all possible, we like to have access to the
meter inside the house. Once the meter is read,
you can pay the bill at the Treasurer’s office.
Whenever possible, Please provide us with the name
of the new owners.
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