General

• How will my suspended service be restored? 
• How do I start / stop service in my name?
• How do I contact the Customer Relations Group?
• When and where are WSSC's public hearings held?
• What is WSSC doing to safeguard the water supply?
• How do I check my toilets and plumbing for leaks?
• How much water does a household use on average?
• If I have no water in my home, what do I do?
• How do I get the meter tested?

Billing

• When will I receive my bill?
• What payment options do you offer?
• How does WSSC bill water and sewer charges?
• Why did I receive an estimated bill?
• Can I provide a meter reading without speaking to an agent?
• What is the Account Maintenance Fee?
• Why do you charge for water used outside?
• My billed charges are high: can WSSC help?
• What if I have billing issues?
• What  if I have issues with an unpaid bill?
• What if I have issues with a bill I've already paid?  
• Is there a fee for dishonored checks, unsatisfied electronic debits, and credit chargebacks?

Water

• Is the discolored water safe to drink?
• How do I get a water analysis?
• Can I turn off the water at my house? How?
• What are the round metal covers I see in the streets?
• Whom do I contact about a broken, loose or missing cover?
• I think there is an underground or service leak. What should I do?
• I have low pressure or high pressure in my home. What should I do?
• What is Cleaning and Lining? Why is it being done in my neighborhood?
• I see water surfacing in the street or shoulder of the road. Who should I call?
• What is a water lateral (service) and for what portion am I responsible?

Sewer

• My basement is backed up with sewage. Whom should I call and what should I do?
• What is a water lateral (service) and for what portion am I responsible?
• Who should I call about the sewer odor?
• What causes sewer clogs / backups?
• What can I do to help prevent sanitary sewer backups?
• What are manholes? Where are they located?
• What is a cleanout? Where is it located? 
• Who is responsible for potholes?
• Are storm drains connected to the sanitary sewer?
• Who is responsible for the storm drains?

Additional FAQs

• Grinder Pump FAQs 
• Meters FAQs
• Paving and Landscape Restoration FAQs

   

  

GENERAL

How do I start / stop service in my name?

BILLING & CLAIMS

When will I receive my bill?

Residential and some commercial customers using less than 5,000 gallons a day can expect to receive a bill from WSSC approximately every three months. Our commercial customers with an Average Daily Consumption (ADC) of 5,000 gallons or more per day receive a bill approximately every 30 days.

Depending on the date you moved into the property as well as our meter reading schedule, your first bill may contain charges for only a portion of the initial three-month period you occupied the premises. Then bills will be mailed quarterly.

Pipeline is an informational publication included with each bill that provides public hearing dates, conservation techniques, policies for adjusting accounts, and other topics of interest.

What payment options do you offer?

Please refer to the Pay Your Bills page.

How does WSSC bill water and sewer charges?

Your billed charges are based on the amount of water that passed through the meter since the last billing period.  Sewer; however, is not metered and charges are based solely on water consumption. 

Your overall consumption is then divided by the number of days in the billing period to come up with the “average daily consumption.”  The higher the ADC, the higher the cost per thousand gallons.  Our incremental rate structure is designed to encourage and reward water conservation. 

“Comparable” consumption is what was consumed during the same time period previous year.  If there has been a dramatic increase based on your comparable consumption, we will alert you in the important message section of the bill.
 

WSSC charges more for sewer service because wastewater treatment is more expensive and complicated than water filtration.  Each bill also includes an item labeled Account Maintenance Fee.

Why did I receive an estimated bill?

When circumstances such as inclement weather, an inaccessible or obstructed meter, or a locked gate (to name a few) prevent WSSC from obtaining an actual meter reading, our computerized billing system automatically generates an estimated bill.  We will also estimate usage when there are questionable changes in current consumption compared to historical usage.

A residential customer's usage is estimated based on the household’s comparable usage.  When there is a new owner/occupant at the property, the estimated bill is based on a preset Average Daily Consumption (ADC) of 245.

Commercial customers' bills are estimated based on the previous occupants' ADC. 

If we are unable to obtain an actual meter reading, the field service representative will leave a card at the property requesting that you supply us with an actual reading from the inside meter and visual remote reader (located on an outside wall of the property) as soon as possible.  Both the inside meter and visual remote readings contain 7-digits and should be read left to right, including any stationary zeros painted on the face of the registration unit. (Customers cannot read electronic remotes.)

To provide an actual reading during non business hours, please access our Interactive Voice Response System at 301-206-4001.  You can provide an agent with your actual meter reading Monday through Friday at 301-206-4001 or contact us online.

The actual reading in almost all cases cancels the estimated charges and re-bills actual usage.  We will credit your estimated bill payment when we reduce the current charges by the amount of the estimated bill payment. 

Can I provide a meter reading without speaking to an agent?

Please refer to our Interactive Voice Response System page.

What is the Account Maintenance Fee?

Please refer to our Account Maintenance Fee page

Why do you charge for water used outside?

If water is used outside (i.e., landscaping, filling pools, carwashes, power washes), be prepared for a higher Average Daily Consumption (ADC) resulting in higher billed water and sewer rates.  Installing a sub-meter or leasing a fire hydrant could be what you need.  Without a properly installed sub-meter or a fire hydrant rental, your billed charges will be based on your water consumption and the outside water usage never returns to the public sewer for treatment. 

Please refer to our Sub-Meter Information file. 

Please refer to our Fire Hydrant Meter Information file.  
 

My billed charges are high: can WSSC help?

If you have a high bill and you do not know where the water is going, you may wish to check the property for leaks, especially toilet leaks.  In fact, one leaking toilet can lose as many as three to five gallons each minute, often silently! The three most common toilet leaks are: flapper, siphon tube, and overflow leaks.

We also offer property inspections to assist with your leak investigation.  To schedule an inspection, please call 301-206-4001, 1-800-634-8400, or contact us online.  The inspection fee is minimal because our inspectors will not make repairs and toilet leaks are the leading cause of unexpectedly high bills.  In many cases a new toilet tank kit or new flapper from the hardware store will remedy a toilet leak.  Toilet flappers and toilet tanks should be checked at least once a year. 
 

Please refer to our Guide to Household Leak Information page. 
 

What if I have billing issues?

Call 301-206–4001, 1-800-634-8400 or contact us online.  We will thoroughly review the account to determine whether the charges qualify for adjustment according to WSSC’s policies and guidelines.  If you are unhappy with our decision, you may appeal the billed charges in one of two forums.  

What if I have issues with an unpaid bill?

Please refer to the Dispute Resolving Board page.

What if I have issues with a bill I've already paid?

Please refer to the Refund Hearings page.

Is there a fee for dishonored checks, unsatisfied electronic debits, and credit chargebacks?

 Yes, we will assess a fee if a check is not honored, your bank does not satisfy an electronic debit, or a credit card payment is not properly authorized.  Furthermore, a "cash only" status will be assigned to the account for six months.  During that period, payments must be made with certified or bank check, credit or debit card, Western Union Quick Collect, or money order. Written notification that a payment has not been satisfied and that the account has been placed in "cash only" status will be mailed to the service address. 

If you feel the payment was returned due to a bank error, please provide a letter from your bank that indicates the error was theirs and we are happy to reverse any adverse account action taken. 

 Miscellaneous Fees Table

WATER

Is discolored water safe to drink?

Discolored water contains an accumulation of iron and manganese sediment from rusting cast iron pipes and/or from a buildup of chemical deposits on the pipes.  Water steadily flowing at an even pace in one direction will not disturb these deposits.  However, if the water suddenly flows very fast or reverses direction, sediment and deposits are stirred up, resulting in discoloration.  So, while the water may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is safe to drink.

Causes of Discolored Water:

• Temporary increases in the water flow disturb the sediment.
• Closed WSSC valves may disturb the water flow of nearby mains causing a temporary increase or reversal of flow stirring up the sediment.
• Fully opening a fire hydrant for fire fighting purposes can cause a sudden increase in flow, which may temporarily cause discoloration.
• New water mains might cause a change in established flow patterns and cause temporary discoloration.

Health Concerns:

Discolored water due to sedimentation poses no health hazard.  It is free from harmful bacteria and safe for all household uses, such as showering, cooking, flushing of toilets.  You can drink the discolored water, but it may taste different.

WSSC does not recommend using discolored water to prepare baby formula or to do laundry.

If clothing gets stained, immediately wash the clothes again using a rust remover product.  This type of product is available in most supermarkets or you can contact WSSC at 301-206-4001, 1-800-634-8400, or contact us online and request a stain remover.  For better results, do not let the clothes dry.

Household uses for Discolored Water:

Discolored water can be used for showering, flushing toilets, cleaning floors, and the like.

Particles in Water:

Visible particles are generally an accumulation of iron.

How do I get a water analysis?

You may contact a private laboratory for an individual analysis of your water.  Laboratories are listed in the yellow pages. WSSC does not recommend specific laboratories and we do not do individual water analyses except to isolate or identify a system problem.  We routinely test the water at specific sites within the distribution system.  We do provide tap water analyses for the Potomac and Patuxent Filtration Plants and are happy to send you a copy upon request.  You may also view it online.  

If you have a water quality issue, please contact our Laboratory Services Group at 301-206-7575. 
 

Can I turn off the water at my house? How?

The “main valve” turns the water inside a property off.  If you have an inside meter, check the valve near the meter.  If you have an outside meter, the main valve is usually located near the hot water heater or where the service enters the property. 

To operate the main valve, turn clockwise to the right (until it stops) to close, and counterclockwise to the left (until it stops) to open.

If you need the water turned off from the outside, contact a plumber or WSSC.  WSSC charges a disconnection fee to turn the water off and a fee to turn the water on.  A registered plumber can also make the disconnection and reconnection request for you.  
 

What are the round metal covers I see in the streets?

Covers can be located in the street, shoulders of the road and in a customers’ yard.  These covers are over water, sewer, storm drain, telephone, and gas structures. Most covers have some type of identification.

WSSC covers are located:
 

• Over water valves in the street, on the shoulders of the road, and in right-of-way areas;
• Over manholes in the street, on the shoulders of the road, and in right-of-way areas; and
• At the property line covering meters and curb boxes (the water turn on/off valve) and sewer clean outs.

Whom do I contact about a broken, loose or missing cover?

If you have identified the cover as water or sewer, please contact WSSC's Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002 or send an email to emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com.  Please provide the cover’s exact location and, if possible, the approximate size of the cover/opening.
 

I think I have an underground or service leak. What should I do?

Please contact WSSC's emergency line at 301-206-4002.  We will investigate to determine the location of the leak (on or off property).  The homeowner is responsible for the water service (lateral) from the house to the property line and all the pipes within the house.  If the leak repair is the owner's responsibility, WSSC will confirm this in writing.  If the leak is in the WSSC portion of the service or on the main, we will notify the occupant/caller. We will make repairs and restore the affected area to its original condition. 

Please refer to our Underground Service Leaks brochure.

I have low pressure or high pressure in my home. What should I do?

Pressure is the force of water within the system.  Other terms used in conjunction with pressure are static (not changing - pressure at the hydrant before flow) and residual (pressure left in a pipe system when high water flow rates are occurring).  Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).

Low Pressure/Flow is generally described as not enough water in the system. If the problem is low flow, you should check with a plumber.  The problem may be a restriction within the pipes or a problem with just one plumbing fixture.  If the "low flow" problem is found throughout the property, please call WSSC and we will check the pressure at the closest fire hydrant and your property.  An adult 18 or older must be available for us to access the property.  Understandably, our crews will have to address system-wide emergencies and other critical events prior to investigating low pressure concerns.

What Causes Low Pressure/Flow:  

• Pipes that are restricted and do not allow a proper flow of water.  The system pressure can be satisfactory regardless of the restricted flow.
• A partially closed main valve or individual fixture valve.
• A malfunctioning Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV).
• Screens on individual fixtures (filters or aerators) may be clogged.  The screens can be easily removed, rinsed and replaced.

High Pressure is stronger than normal water flow from the spigots. If pressure is too high, you can experience banging pipes, a tripped hot water relief valve or washers that quickly wear out. 

A malfunctioning PRV can cause both high and low pressure problems and maintenance is the homeowner's responsibility.  You may wish to contact a plumber for an inspection.

What is Cleaning and Lining? Why is it being done in my neighborhood?

Cleaning and Lining is a process of applying cement-mortar lining to the water main’s wall.  This process rehabilitates mains that have scale, corrosion and iron and manganese build up.  The build up can cause discolored water and pressure/flow problems. 
 

Neighborhoods are selected for Cleaning and Lining based on:
 

1. Fire flow tests.
2. Discolored water complaints and issues.
3. Street resurfacing projects - if the main is more than 30 years old.

1. Installing bypass lines (above ground) to provide temporary water service to customers during the rehabilitation process.
2. Accessing the pipeline through small excavations. An approximate 6' section of pipe is removed to provide access to the interior of the pipeline. (A new piece of lined pipe is installed when the main is put back in service.)
3. Removing the buildup of iron and manganese from the pipe by steel scraper blades drawn through the pipe.
4. Clearing the line of water and debris with a squeegee.
5. Mixing and pumping cement-mortar through a hose to the interior wall of the pipe.
6. Smoothing the surface of the finish running a trowel assembly after the equipment that sprayed the lining material.
7. Cutting out or blowing out the service connections before the liner dries.
8. Chlorinating the main.
9. Testing the water prior to placing the main back in service.
10.  

I see water surfacing in the street or shoulder of the road. Who should I call?

Please contact WSSC's Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002 and provide as much specific information as possible (e.g., water is streaming, gushing, the intersecting streets).  An inspector will be dispatched to investigate your concerns. 

What is a water lateral (service) and for what portion am I responsible?

The contractor installing the water main generally installs the water service from the main to the property line.  WSSC is responsible for maintaining the individual water service (lateral) from the main to the property line.  Service lines (laterals) are generally ¾" to 1 ½" for private homes and up to 12" for larger commercial buildings.  WSSC uses copper and cast iron for the service.

In the past, some galvanized pipe was used.  Copper pipe; however, is replacing galvanized pipe.  The lateral from the property line to the house and all water pipes within the house/building are the homeowner’s responsibility.  On-property water service can be copper, galvanized or plastic.
 

SEWER

My basement is backed up with sewage. Whom should I call and what should I do?

Call WSSC's Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002.  A Customer Care Agent will review the property’s history and instruct you based on our records.

Several questions you might consider when trying to determine the possible cause of a sewer problem/stoppage are:

1. Is the problem with an individual fixture such as the kitchen sink?  If so, you may attempt to clear the blockage yourself or contact a plumber/sewer drain cleaner.
2. Is the problem with a commode located above the lowest level (floor) of the building?  If yes, you may attempt to clear the blockage yourself or contact a registered plumber/sewer drain cleaner.
3. Is the problem with the lowest facility (toilet, shower, or laundry tub) in the house/building? If yes, contact WSSC to investigate.
4. Is the service constantly backing up even when the occupants on the premises are not using the facilities?  If yes, contact WSSC to investigate.

When a service is backing up only when the occupants are using their facilities, or the problem is not in the lowest level plumbing fixtures, we suggest contacting a registered plumber or a sewer drain cleaner for assistance.  If you are unsure, please contact WSSC for assistance.

What is a water lateral (service) and for what portion am I responsible?

Generally, the contractor installing the sewer main installs the sewer service from the main to the property line.  WSSC is responsible for maintaining the individual sewer service (lateral) from the main to the property line.  Service lines (laterals) are generally 4" for private homes.  The service line from the property line to the house and sewer pipes within the house is the homeowner’s responsibility.

Who should I call about the sewer odor?

An obstruction in the main (in the street) or service line can cause sewer odor where gases are trapped but a backup is not occurring.  The gases can escape through manholes or the drains in customers' homes or buildings.  Unless the odor is isolated to one fixture or in an upper bathroom only, WSSC will investigate. Contact WSSC's Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002.
 

Also, add approximately 2 cups of water to your floor drain.  If the floor drain is dry, the sewer gas from the main or service can get into the house and cause an odor problem.

 What causes sewer clogs / backups?

There are several causes of clogged sewers.  In our area, one of the main causes is tree roots that may enter at the joints of pipes or cracks in older pipe.  (Roots seek water and they often force their way through the cracked pipe.)  Also, broken pipe may allow soil to enter and cause a problem.  Grease is also a main cause of clogged sewers.  Introduced into the sewer lines, grease can harden or collect resulting in stoppages and backups.

What can I do to help prevent sanitary sewer backups?

Be careful what you put down the drain.  Several items that should not be put into your sewer system are paper towels, diapers, grease, paints/solvents, chemicals, antifreeze, non-food oils, and any non-dissolvable item.  Please deposit grease and food scraps into a can or the trash for disposal.  Our Can the Grease fact sheet, contains more grease disposal information. 

What are manholes? Where are they located?

WSSC and other utilities use manholes to access our underground infrastructure.  Our crews also use manholes to clear stoppages.  Manholes are located in the street or in a WSSC right-of-way area.

What is a cleanout? Where is it located?

A clean out is an entry point into the sewer service that is used to clear obstructions in the line.  A clean out can be located inside or outside.  An inside clean out it is often referred to as a "stack plug."  WSSC maintains clean outs located in the public area (not on private property).  However, the maintenance of an inside cleanout or on the owner's property is the owner's responsibility.

Who is responsible for potholes?
 

Potholes are generally the responsibility of the county, municipality or jurisdiction where located.

• Montgomery County – 240-777-2159
• Prince George’s County – 301-735-4653
• or local jurisdictions.

WSSC will restore any areas impacted during WSSC construction or WSSC maintenance work.  Please call 301-206-4002 to notify us of your concerns. 
 

Are storm drains connected to the sanitary sewer?

Storm drains are above ground open drainage ditches or below ground systems of pipes that collect and carry off rainwater.  The storm drain system is not connected to the closed sanitary sewer pipe system.

Who is responsible for the storm drains?

The locality in which the storm drain is located handles the installation, cleaning and general maintenance of storm drains.  Contact the Storm Drain Division for the appropriate county or jurisdiction:  

• Montgomery County – 240-777-2159
• Prince George’s County – 301-735-4653
• or local jurisdictions.