Frequently Asked Questions

There are several reasons why your water bill may be higher. We first recommend that you check the number of days in the billing period. Standard billing periods are 25-35 days in length. We strive to keep these billing periods as consistent as possible, but some events, such as holidays or severe weather, can disrupt the meter reading and either shorten or lengthen the bill period.

It is also possible that you may have a leak in the plumbing system. Even a slow faucet drip can waste over 3 gallons per day, a total of 1,095 gallons a year! If you think you may have a leak, check your plumbing system thoroughly. We have listed several leak detection methods on our Leak Information Page. Another option could be a water using device, such as a dishwasher or sprinkler system that is not function correctly. To find out how much water you can be wasted even in a small leak, check out the leak calculator at Waterwiser.org.

It may also be helpful to keep a daily or weekly log of your water usage. By keeping track of your indoor and irrigation system usage, you become more informed about where your water and your money are going! For tips on how to conserve water around the house, visit our Conservation page

If you believe there is an error in your meter reading for the month, we are happy to send a service technician to reread your meter. However, please note that you will be charged a $50 fee for this service if the initial reading was correct.

Piedmont Water accepts payments online by credit card, by phone, or by mail.

Please mail payments to:

Visit the Billing page for more information.

Yes, we accept payments via the Customer Portal. Please note that a service fee is assessed on all credit card transactions. You may also make credit card payments by phone. For direct access to the Interactive Payment System, have a recent bill with you and dial 1-888-850-1954. Or, you can dial 1-800-248-7689 and press “1” when you hear the greeting message.

If you do not have any water, the most common reason is non-payment of your monthly bill. Please contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 248-7689 to arrange for payment, or if you suspect another reason for lack of water such as a water main break.

Effective May 1, 2015,Piedmont Water Company will only accept full payment of the Past Due Balance for any account that has been disconnected or is scheduled for disconnection.

Yes, Piedmont Water Company offers option of having your monthly water bill e-mailed to you. You may enroll in electronic billing by logging in your account in our Customer Portal. Or, you may contact our customer service department at (800) 248-7689 or by email.

Piedmont Water Company is responsible for all lines leading up to your meter and the meter itself (see diagram). All lines after the meter and water lines in the house are the responsibility of the customer. Customers are encouraged to install a shutoff valve of their own as frequent use of the company valve could cause leaks and expensive repairs.

There are two primary sources of drinking water: surface water and ground water. All Piedmont Water Company customers are supplied with ground water. Although three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, only 1-2 percent is drinkable fresh water. It is estimated that of that drinkable water, almost 90-percent is ground water.

The water cycle begins as rain or snow and then is absorbed into the ground. The water then travels into the earth to natural underground storage areas called aquifers. This water is accessed by drilling wells deep into the ground and then pumping to your faucet at home. 

Although Fluoride is naturally occurring in the environment and may be present in some of our systems, Piedmont Water does not add Fluoride to the water in any of our water systems.

Chlorine is added to all our water systems for disinfection. Chlorine has been in use since 1908 and inactivates or chemically kills microorganisms that may cause life-threatening waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery.

In some water systems, the source water (well water) is high in iron content and appears reddish-brown in color. The presence of iron in the water does not pose a health risk. For these wells, we use filtration systems to remove the iron and manganese to acceptable limits.

Water with higher concentrations of naturally occurring minerals like calcium is usually called “hard” water. Calcium is an essential mineral used in the body, and is necessary in the diet, so hard water is considered healthier than soft water. Water companies are limited in what minerals they can chemically remove from the water, and chemically “softening” water or removing the calcium may increase the water’s corrosivity and result in higher levels of sodium in the water. If you have hard water, you may want to consider purchasing an in-house water softener that can effectively remove these minerals from the water. 

Sediment can gather inside your water heater causing a loss in efficiency and, at times, discolored water. If you notice that your cold water is clear and the water from your hot water tap is discolored, you may need to flush your hot water. See How to Flush Your Water Heater Instructions.

Sometimes, an offensive odor can develop in the water stored in your hot water heater. You may describe it as “rotten eggs” and usually you will only notice it in your hot water, not the cold. This is usually the result of hydrogen sulphide gas that has been dissolved in the water. When heated in your hot water heater, the water can no longer hold the gas in suspension and it will be released through your tap. Chlorination of your water heater is the best place to start when correcting a hydrogen sulphide odor problem. See Controlling Odors in Your Hot Water Heater.

A PRV is designed to keep water pressure at a manageable level for your home plumbing system in order to prevent leaks and breaks caused by high pressure. In most cases, the original builder should have installed a PRV. If this is not the case in your home, it is the current owner’s responsibility to install a PRV. If your pressure exceeds 80 PSI and you currently have a PRV installed, the PRV may require adjustment, maintenance or replacement. Please see About Pressure Reducing Valves for more information.