FAQ

To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.

How could I have used this much water?

You may not have - the numbers on your meter may have been transposed or hard to read. You could possibly have a leaky toilet or faucet that's difficult to detect. Just call the office and we'll work with you to solve the problem.

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, call our office and report low pressure for your area.

Why is my water discolored?

A repair could have been completed recently allowing air to enter the line, causing the milky look.

What chemicals does our utility district add to the water?

Only chemicals that are approved by the National Safety Foundation for treatment of drinking water.  ABS Water Co-Operative does NOT add chemicals to the water.   ABS buys treated water.

My water tastes, looks, and smells funny. Is it safe to drink?

All public water systems are required to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 mg/L (tested at the end of each line) by state law. Systems that use chloramine as a disinfectant must maintain a level of 0.5 mg/L by state law. 

Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?

Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater. If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and or damaging the water heater.

Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all. Call our office and we will try to help you solve the problem.

What is the hardness of the water?

The hardness of the water that ABS buys is 21.5g of hardness.

What if I can't pay the water bill by the 15th of the month?

Even though payment is due by the 15th, if you are not able to pay by the 15th.... call in your reading to the office to avoid penalties.    You can call during business hours or leave a reading on the voicemail.... but make sure you clearly say your name,account number and reading.   If you call in your reading before meter read day, you will avoid the meter read charge BUT you will still need to make PAYMENT by Disconnect Day unless you have make other arrangements with the ABS office.

Will I be charged for a service call?

No, you will NOT be charged for a service call unless:   (1) You have damaged ABS equipment (meter/pit/remote/hydrant etc).   If you damage ABS equipment, you will be responsible for the service call cost AND the labor & material cost to repair damage to ABS equipment. (2) You are a meter read or disconnect because of non-payment.

 

Do I need to call in a JULIE for waterline locate?

Yes.   ABS Service Operators will NOT locate water main or service line from the meter pit to the ABS mainline UNLESS a JULIE has been called.  ABS does NOT locate a customer's private service line.    The JULIE number to call is 811 or 1-800-892-0123.

How long do I need to boil my water for consumption when I am on a boil order?

You need to boil your water you use for consumption until the ABS office notifies you that the water sample(s) have passed and the water is safe to drink.