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Water & Stormwater Bill

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1. What are the fees for laboratory testing services?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand $50.00, Ammonia $60.00, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) $60.00, Volatile Suspended Solids $60.00, Total Coliform Bacteria (TCB) $55.00, Fecal Coliform Bacteria $70.00, pH/Mineral $20.00.

2. What is the cost of a fire hydrant meter?

There is a $775.00 deposit, A monthly rental fee of $130.00, and a fee of $2.24 per k per gal water used.

3. Why are water conservation measures in place when Columbia County is not in a drought situation?

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) determined that the entire state would be required to adopt year-round water conservation measures. In 2004, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted an Outdoor Water Use Ordinance that specifies when water may be used outdoors during various drought and non-drought conditions to comply with the DNR rules. This ordinance was revised in 2010.

4. When am I allowed to water my yard?

According to the County's Outdoor Water Use Ordinance (PDF), during the current Level 1 drought conditions, residents may water between the hours of 4 pm and 10 am. No watering between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm.

5. How can I reach someone at the Water Utility after regular business hours to respond to an emergency?

You can call the Water Treatment Plant at 706-860-2587. The Water Utility has personnel on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

6. Who can I call to check the status of a submitted invoice?

You may call Water Utility's Accounts Payable Office at 706-868-3475.

7. To what address should a Water Utility vendor submit an invoice?

The invoice should be submitted to P.O. Box 960 Grovetown, GA 30813.

8. How may I obtain a sanitary sewer flow test?

Columbia County Water Utility personnel will record sanitary sewer flow for a cost of $350.00. To order a sanitary sewer flow test, please email our Engineering Department.

9. How may I obtain a 24-hour water flow test?

Columbia County Water Utility personnel will record flow on a 24-hour chart for a cost of $325. To order a flow test, please email our Engineering Department.

10. How may I obtain a copy of the Water Specification book?

The Water Specification book is available at Columbia County Water Utility, 2140 William Few Parkway, Grovetown, GA 30813 and costs $40.

11. Are there any future plans for water and/or sewer to be extended to my area?

The Columbia County Water Utility is constantly expanding. To determine how future plans might be affecting your area, contact our Engineering Department at 706-651-0433.

12. What are the septic tank dumping rates?

The current fee for a septic tank truck to dump is $100 per truckload up to 3,000 gallons. Each additional thousand gallons costs an additional $40.

13. Do I have a grease trap? Do I need a grease trap?

If the establishment is uncertain whether it has a grease interceptor, then the owner should look outside the building for one or two manholes labeled Grease with a cleanout close by. This should be located close to the building. A grease trap or grease interceptor will be required to receive the drainage from fixtures and equipment with grease-laden waste located in food preparation areas (e.g., such as in restaurants, hotel kitchens, hospitals, school kitchens, bars, factory cafeterias, or restaurants, and clubs).

14. How do I clean my grease trap?

Grease Interceptors should be completely pumped (i.e., dry-pumped removing the grease mat, liquids, sludge, and wash down material from the interior walls). Grease Traps should be completely pumped (i.e., dry-pumped removing the grease mat, liquids, and solids from walls, screens, baffles and air-relief chambers). Can you recommend a maintenance schedule? All grease interceptors should be cleaned at least every 3 months, but some establishments may find it necessary to clean their traps more often. If the establishment has to clean its trap too often, the owner should consider installing a larger trap or interceptor.

15. What is a grease interceptor?

An interceptor is a vault with a minimum capacity of 1000 gallons that is located on the exterior of the building. The vault includes a minimum of two compartments, and flow between each compartment is through a 90° fitting designed for grease retention. The capacity of the interceptor provides adequate residence time so that the wastewater has time to cool, allowing any remaining grease not collected by the traps time to congeal and rise to the surface where it accumulates until the interceptor is cleaned.

16. What is a grease trap and how does it work?

A trap is a small reservoir built into the wastewater piping a short distance from the grease producing area. Baffles in the reservoir retain the wastewater long enough for the grease to congeal and rise to the surface. The grease can then be removed and disposed of properly.

17. Is grease a problem in our sewer system?

In the sewage collection and treatment business, the answer is an absolute yes! Grease is singled out for special attention because of its poor solubility in water and its tendency to separate from the liquid solution. Large amounts of oil and grease in the wastewater cause trouble in the collection system pipes. It decreases pipe capacity and, therefore, requires that piping systems be cleaned more often and/or some piping to be replaced sooner than otherwise expected. Oil and grease also hamper effective treatment at the wastewater treatment plant. Grease in a warm liquid may not appear harmful. But, as the liquid cools, the grease or fat congeals and causes mats on the surface of settling tanks, digesters, and the interior of pipes and other surfaces which may cause a shutdown of wastewater treatment units. Problems caused by wastes from restaurants and other grease-producing establishments have served as the basis for ordinances and regulations governing the discharge of grease materials to the sanitary sewer system. This type of waste has forced the requirement of the installation of preliminary treatment facilities, commonly known as grease traps or interceptors.

18. What chemicals do you add to the water?

Chlorine (Hypochlorite) for disinfection, Sodium hydroxide (Caustic) for pH adjustment, Aluminum sulfate (Alum) as a coagulant aid, Fluoride for healthy teeth, Phosphate for corrosion control, Potassium permanganate for iron and manganese control, and Lime as a coagulant aid and for pH adjustment.

19. Is our water hard or soft?

Columbia County's water is very soft. The hardness is less than 25 milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Water is usually considered hard if the calcium carbonate levels are greater than 60 milligrams per liter.

20. Why is chlorine added to my drinking water, and how much is added?

Chlorine is added as a disinfecting agent to kill disease-causing microorganisms that can be present in raw water sources. Columbia County maintains a 0.2-2.0 mg/L chlorine residual in its finished water.

21. Why does my water sometimes smell like chlorine?

When your drinking water has a smell of chlorine or Clorox, it is usually because the chlorine level is too low. Some people can smell the chlorine in their water if the level goes below 0.3 milligrams per liter. Please call the Water Utility if you smell chlorine in your water.

22. What can cause discoloration in the water?

The waters from the Savannah River and Clarks Hill Reservoir have concentrations of manganese and iron salts. Trace amounts of these minerals pass through the filter systems at our treatment facilities. When the water pressures in the pipes go up or down, the mineral deposits are pulled off the walls of the pipes, causing the water to have a brown or rusty orange color. A mineral deposit the size of a dime can cause a whole house's water supply to be discolored. This does not cause health problems. If your water is discolored you can call the Water Office at 706-863-6928, and the water mains in your area will be flushed.

23. How often is our drinking water tested?

The chemical and microbiological quality of the water is constantly being monitored. Water plant operators analyze the water over 400 times a day. Central Laboratory personnel run at least 100 bacteriological tests, 100 chlorine tests, and over 25 additional quality control tests per month. In general, the drinking water is tested over 100,000 times a year.

24. What is the source of our drinking water?

Columbia County's drinking water is withdrawn from either the Savannah River or the Thurmond Lake Reservoir at Clarks Hill. Up to 46 million gallons per day is withdrawn from the Savannah River and is treated at the Jim Blanchard Water Treatment Facility on Point Comfort Road. The Clarks Hill Water Treatment Plant is capable of treating a daily maximum of 8 MGD.

25. How much fluoride does our water have?

The normal range for fluoride in Columbia County's drinking water is 0.7 - 1.2 milligrams per liter. Fluoride is added to our drinking water to promote healthy teeth. Trace amounts of fluoride are naturally present in most water sources. The range is 0.0 to 0.2 milligrams per liter in the CSRA.

26. Is our water safe to drink?

Yes! Laboratory personnel collect over 200 bacteria and other quality control samples a month throughout the water system to make sure Columbia County's water is safe for human consumption. The water treatment operators and the laboratory analysts work as a team to insure that the drinking water meets or exceeds all EPA and Georgia EPD water quality standards.

27. Why are there lines painted in my yard?

When you see these markings, it means that someone has requested the locating of utilities in anticipation of performing work in the area. Lines may be painted on the road or in a yard to designate the different utilities that are buried. Each utility's lines are marked with a different color. The colors are: blue for water; green for sewer; orange for phone or cable; red for power; and yellow for gas. The locating of utilities can be requested by contacting the Utilities Protection Center at 800-282-7411.

28. Where is the County right-of-way?

The County's right-of-way is typically the first 10 feet beyond the curb. This area is reserved by the County for the placement of public utilities such as water lines. Repairs and upgrades are necessary from time to time, and this area has to be excavated.

29. Why is my water muddy?

During water line construction, the water may become discolored. This happens when deposits in a water line become dislodged when flows are increased or there is a change of direction.

30. Why is my water milky?

A milky appearance is typically due to excess air in the water. This does not affect the quality of the water.

31. How can I reduce my water pressure?

To reduce water pressure coming into a house, a customer can purchase and install a pressure reducing valve (PRV) on the water line between the meter and the house. Because the PRV is installed between the meter and the house, its maintenance and repair are the customer's responsibility.

32. What should my water pressure be?

Federal regulations require a minimum water pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) in our water lines at all times. Columbia County typically maintains pressures of 50-90 psi throughout the system, so water pressure does vary considerably in different areas of the County. Low water pressure may be caused by a leak or a restriction in the line. If you believe you are having a problem, contact our office at 706-863-6928.

33. How are water and sewer rates established?

Water and sewer rates are established by resolution of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

34. How are the sewer charges calculated?

The three lowest water usages from the months of December, January, February, and March are averaged together. Your sewer charge for the next 12 months is that average times the applicable sewer rate. Customers with no history are charged a flat rate of $29.39/month as established by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

35. Why does my first bill have a $40 previous balance?

If same day service was requested when the account was set up, a $40 fee is added to the initial bill and shows up as a previous balance.

36. In extenuating circumstances, can I make alternate arrangements for paying my account?

Before the bill's due date, you may call our office at 706-863-6928 to work out an alternate payment arrangement in extenuating circumstances.

37. When are payments that are placed in the drop box credited to my account?

Payments are collected from the drop box Monday through Friday and are credited to the account the same day they are collected.

38. How can I make payments for my water bill after office hours?

A drop box is available in the drive-through lane at 2140 William Few Parkway, Building A, Grovetown, GA 30813. We also have a drop box located at 4325 Evans-to-Locks Road, Evans, GA 30809 by the flagpole.

39. What is the due date for my water bill?

Cycle 1 payments are due by the 15th of each month. A 10% late fee is added to balances not paid by the 15th of the month for cycle 1 bills. Cycle 2 bills are due by the 1st of each month. A 10% late fee is added to balances not paid by the 1st of the month.

40. When will I receive my water bill?

All Cycle 1 water and sewerage bills are mailed on the last working day of each month. Cycle 2 water and sewerage bills are mailed no later than the 15th of each month.

41. Where can I pay my bill online?

Visit our online portal to pay your Water Bill Online.

42. Can I setup an automatic draft for my water service?

Yes. You will need to complete the Bank Draft Application Form (PDF). Automatic draft can only be drafted from a Checking or Savings Account.

Directions for starting a bank draft:

• Print the Bank Draft Application Form.
• Complete the following information:
  • Customer Name (printed)
  • Customer Address
  • Customer Signature
  • Date
  • Name of Financial Institution
  • Address of Financial Institution
  • Checking/Savings Account Number
  • Financial Institution Routing Number
• Water/Sewer Account Number
• Attach a voided check to the completed Bank Draft Form.

Mail the completed Bank Draft Form with the voided check attached to:

Columbia County Water Utility
P.O. Box 960
Grovetown, GA 30813

If you have additional questions concerning bank drafts, please contact our office at 706-863-6928.

43. If I had a leak, can my bill be adjusted?

There are procedures in place for a one-time adjustment to one high water bill resulting from a leak. Please call our office at 706-863-6928 for details.

44. What are the pretreatment surcharge fees?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) above permitted monthly average is surcharged at $0.40 per pound. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) above monthly permitted average is surcharged at $0.35 per pound. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) above monthly permitted average is surcharged at $0.90 per pound.

45. What are the permit fees for water trucks and tank inspections?

Potable water trucks $100/truck. Non-potable water trucks $100 per truck. Mobile tanks $100 per tank.

46. What are the penalties for violating the FOG and Backflow Ordinance?

First offense: Written Warning. Second Offense: $100 Fine. Third Offense: $200 Fine.

47. What are the fees for backflow prevention devices?

Domestic or irrigation double check valve assembly or reduced pressure zone assembly $25/assembly. Commercial double check valve assembly or reduced pressure zone assembly $25 per assembly. Fire service backflow inspection fee $50 per assembly. Grease trap/interceptor outside $100 per trap per interceptor. Grease trap per interceptor inside $100 per trap per interceptor. Grease trap/interceptor retrofit per repair $25 per trap/interceptor. Re-inspection fee $50 per establishment. Grease traps/interceptors; oil and water separators $50 per establishment.

48. What is the inspection fee for a Fats, Oil, and Grease pumper truck?

The annual fee for inspection of Fats, Oil, and Grease pumper trucks is $250 for the first truck and $100 for each additional truck.

49. What is the cost of an Engineering Department Specifications book?

An Engineering Specifications book costs $40.

50. What is the cost of a temporary water service?

A temporary service is one that is set up for a duration of two weeks or less. Temporary service set-up fee is $30 with a daily fee of $2 and $2.24 cost per kilometer per gal of the water used.

51. What is the same-day water service set-up fee?

The total cost to set up a same-day water service account is $90; $50 for the set-up fee and $40 for same-day service.

52. What is the water service set-up fee?

The cost to set up a water service account is $50.

53. What is Water Utility's mailing address/Where do I mail my payment?

The mailing address for Water Utility is P.O. Box 960, Grovetown Georgia 30813.

54. Where is Columbia County Water Utility located?

Columbia County Water Utility is located at 2140 William Few Parkway, Building A, Grovetown, GA 30813.

55. How long does it take for a submitted invoice to be paid?

The Water Utility typically has a turnaround time of less than 30 days from the date an invoice is submitted to the Accounting Specialist.

56. What is the $50 set-up fee for water?

The $50 set-up fee is a one-time charge added to an initial bill to pay for the cost of setting up a new service.

57. What can I do to help improve stormwater quality?

There are many things that we can all do on a daily basis to reduce water pollution and otherwise improve stormwater quality. We have a series of pamphlets on various topics that we can mail to you. Some of the most important things people can do are very simple, likewise lawn fertilizing and pest treatment practices. Please visit our Pollution Prevention page for more information on how YOU can be a part of the pollution prevention solution.

58. Doesn't Stormwater Runoff Go Into the Sanitary Sewer?

No. Only wastewater is collected and transported to the treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater flows through the storm sewer systems, ditches, and channels. It empties, untreated, into our streams, ponds, and lakes. It would be much too expensive to size the sanitary sewers and treatment plant to convey and treat stormwater in the same manner as sanitary sewage. The volume of wastewater generated by our homes and businesses each day is insignificant compared to the volume of stormwater runoff generated during a rainstorm. The better solution is to prevent the entry of pollutants into the stormwater system in the first place.

59. What is Stormwater Pollution Prevention?

Stormwater runoff is water that flows over our yards, streets, buildings, parking lots, and other surfaces when it rains. It flows into gutters, drainage ditches, storm sewers, and other drains that empty into our streams, ponds, and lakes, which eventually enters the Savannah River. Water pollution is less visible than flooding, erosion, and sedimentation, but it is no less important. A variety of pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, motor oil, gasoline, and other industrial chemicals, accumulate on roofs, streets, parking lots, lawns, and other surfaces in urbanized areas and are picked up by stormwater runoff. Sometimes, people even dump paint, antifreeze, or crankcase oil from gasoline and diesel engines into storm drains. Failing septic tank drain fields allow wastewater containing pathogens and coliform bacteria to discharge onto the ground and into ditches, where it may be swept into streams during and following rainstorms. Even something as common as animal droppings can cause harmful water pollution if they are picked up in stormwater runoff. These pollutants are eventually carried into our local stream, creeks, and lakes. The best way to stop pollutants from entering our valuable water resources is to prevent them from entering the system.

60. What are your regular business hours?

The county's regular business hours are 8 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday.

61. What does Water Utility accept for payment?

Currently, payments may be made with cash, a check, VISA, Mastercard, or a money order. Payments may also be automatically drafted from your bank account.

62. Can I start or disconnect my water service over the phone?

Yes. In most cases we can set up or disconnect a service over the phone with a one-day notice. Between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, please contact Water Utility at 706-863-6928.

63. How can I tell the difference between a sewer and a storm drain?

A sewer (top) is usually located in the middle of the road and has no type of drainage from the road whereas a storm drain is usually located at the curb and water is able to drain into it. A storm drain can also be located at the back of property.