Water Department Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I reach the Water Department?

A: The phone number listed in the telephone book just rings and rings. The 348-4632 listed as Water Works is no longer a working number. Please call the administration number, 215-345- 4140.

Q: Why is my bill so high?

A: Either you used more water than usual or human error, i.e. misread meter or misread/mismarked meter card, A good place to start an investigation is by reading your meter prior to contacting us. An increase in water usage can be due to - family members moving in with you or you may have had company. New plantings/landscaping usually means more watering. You may also have a leak. Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks. A way to check if the seal between the tank and bowl of your toilet needs replacing is to add blueing to the tank. Then prevent users from flushing the toilet for several hours. Check the bowl. If you see dyed water in the bowl, it is time to replace the seal. Also make sure that the flapper is seating properly after flushing.

Q: How do you calculate Water/Sewer bills?

A: Everybody is charged $13.20 for 6,000 gal. of water and $32.50 for 6,000 gal of sewer for a total of $45.70. You pay this in advance. If during the quarter you used more than 6,000 gal. of water you are charged an additional $1.98 for each 1000 gal of water and $7.02 for each additional 1000 gal of sewer.

Example:

12,000 - 6,000 = 6,000 gallons used over the minimum

6 x 1.98 = 11.88 + 13.20 (minimum in advance) = $25.08 water charges

6 x 7.02 = 42.12 + 32.50 (minimum in advance) = $74.62 sewer charges

$99.70 Total charges

Q: What can I do to conserve water?

A: Replace shower heads with 1.5 gallon flow heads. Fix leaking faucets. Install water savers on them. Replace your toilet with a 1.5 gal flush. Remember, two flushes totalling 3 gal is still less that two flushes of a 3 gal tank.

Q: I am moving, what do I need to do for the Water Department?

A: Contact the Water Department at 215-345-4140 and arrange to have your water meter read. Final bills are always prepared using the reading taken from the primary water meter located inside the property. Some people have outside meters. These are never used to prepare a final water/sewer bill.

Q: Water Quality

A: A Water Quality Report(PDF format)* is available for those interested.

Q: How to check for leaks?

A: See the answer pertaining to the question of "Why is my bill so high?" above. * To view PDF files, you must have the Adode Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you do not already have the Acrobat Reader installed, you may acquire the Reader via a free download by clicking on the following graphic:

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