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Frequently Asked Questions1. How much do water meters cost? 2. What is the difference between a touch read meter and a manual meter? 3. Why can't I fence in my meter? It's on my property. 4. Why didn't the previous owner have to install the required shut-off valve? 5. Why can't I use the shut-off valve on the meter if I have the correct tool? 6. Why is my water pressure so low? 7. Do you treat the water with any chemicals? 8. How many wells does DPW have? 9. How deep is the water table? 10. What are your office hours? 11. If I have a check valve, why do I need an RP too? 12. What’s that white build-up around by plumbing fixtures?
1. How much do water meters cost? For a residential meter, the cost is $2,115.02. The cost of a water meter is broken down as follows:
The cost of a meter increases with size or for non-residential service.
2. What is the difference between a touch read meter and a manual meter? A touch read meter is one that can transmit the reading through a wand held by the meter reader when it touches a pad on top of the meter box. The read is then stored in a hand held device until downloaded into the computer system for billing. A manual meter is one that the meter reader has to manually read and input the read into the hand held device. DPW is in the process of installing all touch read meters for new services. This will speed up and ease the meter reading process allowing our field technicians to focus more on maintenance of the distribution system.
3. Why can't I fence in my meter? It's on my property. DPW requires unobstructed access to all meters at all times. This is an Arizona Corporation Commission regulation as well as a DPW policy. Even though the water meter does provide water service and is paid for by the water user, it remains the property of DPW. The main reason for this policy with DPW is the safety of the meter readers. Many homes in our area have animals loose in their yards that pose a potential threat to the meter readers. The meter reading process is slowed down too much if the meter reader has to walk around fences and into yards. In some cases, fences have been built on top of touch read meters and the meter reader can't even get the wand on the top of the meter box to get the read, or get the top off the box to manually read it.
4. Why didn't the previous owner have to install the required shut-off valve? DPW requires a shut-off valve on all service connections. The shut-off valve needs to be located within 18 inches of the water meter and is an Arizona Corporation Commission regulation. The shut-off valve allows water users to turn off the water without operating the meter itself, which is a felony offense (tampering with a utility). With a shut-off valve, water users are able to repair leaks, turn off water for vacations, etc. without calling DPW and paying the $25.00 service charge. DPW has required shut-off valves on new meters since approximately 1990. It is when an account transfer takes place, DPW can require the installation of the shut-off valve. This requirement came into effect around 1996, so not all existing services have been required to install valves at this time unless there was an account transfer after 1996.
The meter box and the meter are the property of DPW and can not be operated for several reasons. Even with the correct tool, the valve on the meter can be damaged if not operated correctly, or turned too much. This can cause a leak at the meter that the water user will want DPW to be responsible for. Since DPW is a member owned cooperative, all water users are ultimately financially responsible. With the new touch read meters, there are wires located inside the meter box that can be easily damaged. These wires also have to be replaced exactly the same way or the touch read process may not work.
6. Why is my water pressure so low? DPW is required by the Arizona Corporation Commission to maintain a minimum pressure of 20 psi at the meter. The pressure is substantially higher in most areas. The installation or repair of a Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) could alleviate pressure problems. Feel free to call our office if you are having water pressure problems.
7. Do you treat the water with any chemicals? DPW does not add any chemicals to the water for treatment. The system is chlorinated when a potential for bacterial contamination is present such as a line break when the water is exposed to outside elements. Chlorination of the system ensures no contamination can take place.
8. How many wells does DPW have? There are seven wells located in the DPW service area. Currently, DPW only needs to use six of the wells at different times of the year. The two biggest producers are the Koch Field Well and the Marijka Well.
The water is at about 1,500 feet, and the wells are drilled to an average of 1,800 feet.
10. What are your office hours? DPW is open for business on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The office remains open through the lunch hour. If an appointment is needed after regular office hours, please call the office to schedule a time.
11. If I have a check valve, why do I need an RP too? Check valves are recommended by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Check valves prevent back siphonage from the service to the distribution system. For example, if DPW experienced a drop in pressure in the distribution system, a check valve would prevent the water in the service line from draining back into the main lines. This could cause a potential contamination depending on the water use of the occupant. Check valves are NOT approved backflow prevention devices because they are not testable. If a water user is targeted as a potential hazard (due to livestock or hazardous chemicals on their property, etc.) then an approved backflow prevention device could be required in addition to the check valve.
12. What’s that white build-up around by plumbing fixtures? The white build-up you see around faucet heads and inside toilet bowls is Calcium Carbonate and Manganese. These elements are healthy and are necessary for proper bodily function. Although the build-up may be annoying, it will not harm you. To dissolve the build-up, you can use a number of commercial solvents (such as CLR) as well as good old-fashioned elbow grease. If you don’t want to bother with cleaning it, you can soften your water by purchasing an in-home water softener. |
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