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How and
where do I get water service
For parcels served by existing meter:
If there is
already a meter and there has previously been service call
Utility Billing at 360-379-4409 to set up a billing
account in your name; provided that the meter has not been
removed.
For parcels with
no existing service:
Inside the City
Go to Development
Services Department (also known as the City Permit Center) at
City Hall located at 250 Madison Street #3 for a Street and
Utility Development Permit Application (SDP) or a Minor
Improvement Permit (MIP).
For temporary
construction water service from a hydrant call Richard Kiesel at
379-4434.
Outside
the City Limits
(Glen Cove and
areas adjacent to the City)
(The application must be approved and System
Development Charges paid before the County will approve the
building permit)
If no water lines
are adjacent to a particular property, call Francesca Franklin,
at
379-5093
to discuss a water
line extension.
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I want to get a County Building Permit and need to prove I have
potable water on my property? OR Can you tell me if I can get
water to my property?
Any property outside the City limit that is
within our service area must have a valid and current Water
Reservation in order to assure water service. Please call
Francesca Franklin at 379-5093 for the current charges
and conditions for a water reservation.
The most we can tell you
without going through the Water Reservation process is if the
property is in the current service area and the location of the
closest mainline. This DOES NOT guarantee water
availability nor does it map out any charges or conditions of
getting a tap.
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How can I
tell if I have a water leak?
Turn off all
sources of running water and check the meter. Look for a small
white triangle in the center of the meter. If the triangle is
still rotating there may be a leak on your side of the meter.
Other signs of leaks are sounds of running water and very green
spots on the lawn. For information on the location of your
meter please call Utility Billing at 379-4409.
If you discover a leak and certain criteria are
met, you may be eligible for a partial credit on your water and
wastewater bill. For additional information read this section of
the Municipal Code.
13.05.170 Customer leak repair and bill adjustment. The
Municipal Code may be viewed by following
this link.
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Can I
turn off the water at the meter myself?
Yes the Port
Townsend Municipal Code now allows the customer to turn service
on or off at the meter although most homes are equipped with a
shut off valve just outside the house, usually near a faucet.
The Municipal Code reads as follows:
13.15.050 Customer ability to
turn-on/ shut-off water at the meter – Responsibility for
damage.
A. Customer Ability to
Turn-On/Shut-Off Water at the Meter. Except for new service, a
current customer may turn-on/shut-off water at any time for an
emergency or for other reasons (for example, during remodeling,
periods of freezing weather, etc.); provided, however, that if
the customer is in arrears on his or her bill, turn-on/shut-off
by the customer is prohibited.
B. Responsibility for Damage.
Any damage to the water meter or other components of the service
connection associated with a turn-on or shut-off by the customer
is his or her responsibility, and all costs to repair any such
damaged meter or other components are reimbursable to the city.
C. If any customer turns on
water at the meter after the water has been shut-off by the city
for a delinquent account, the city will shut-off the water and
remove the meter until such account is paid in full with all
other applicable fees and charges.
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Can you tell me what it will cost to install a water line?
If you live outside the City
limits and request a water reservation, or live inside the City
and need a building permit, there may be a requirement to extend
a water mainline. The hook up location may also be specified.
You must call a contractor to get estimates for the construction
costs. We can only tell you the fees charged by the City.(see
Table 3.36.020 Fees and
Charges Summary http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/porttownsend.html)
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Can you locate my
water/sewer line?
If you are going
to dig and want to locate the main lines in the right of way you
must call the Utilities Underground Location Center at (800)-424-5555. This service is free of charge, but you
must call at least two business days before you dig. If you want
to know where the water/sewer lines closest to your property are
located you may look at and/or purchase a map of City
water/sewer lines. You may buy or view maps at the City Permit
Center located at City Hall 250 Madison St #3. If you need more
specific answers, you may apply for a Public Works Technical
Conference. This will outline the requirements for development
at a specific site and the requirements will apply for one
year. The cost is $250.00 and may be credited towards the
Street & Utility Development Permit for up to one year.
We do not locate
lines that run from the water meter or side sewer to the house
on private property.
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What are the fees and charges for a meter, Street and Utility
Development Permit, System Development Charges?
These charges are subject to
change by ordinance. They usually change once a year and copies
of the ordinance and brochures reflecting these changes are
available. A specific hand out is available that explains
System Development Charges.
(Table
3.36.020 Fees and Charges Summary
http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/porttownsend.html)
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Is Port Townsend
water safe to drink?
Our extensive
testing and monitoring program ensures the safety and quality of
the drinking water meets and most cases exceeds all the state
and federal drinking water regulations. Specific water quality
questions related to drinking water should be forwarded to Bob
LaCroix at 379-5001. The drinking water Consumer
Confidence Report is available on the City’s website. (Link to
Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report )
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Is there
fluoride in our drinking water?
We do not add any
fluoride to our water and the natural levels are at or below
0.02 parts per million.
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Does our water contain
lead?
The City’s water
naturally contains approximately 0.0004 parts per million lead
and 0.077 parts per million of copper. Lead and copper levels
vary at homes with lead-based solder and copper pipes, however,
the City’s testing at a sampling of these homes shows the lead
and copper levels to be well below the standard established by
the Environmental Protection Agency. (EPA)
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Should I buy a home
water filter?
Home water systems
may improve the taste and clarity of our water but are
unnecessary except for people with compromised immune systems.
Specific questions should be forwarded to Bob La Croix at
379-5001.
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Why is my water brown?
If the main lines
were recently flushed it could be the residue in the pipes. The
water is generally safe to drink and if you run the tap for
about five minutes the brown color should disappear. If the
water does not clear up please call Water Quality at 379-5001.
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What is the phone number for the Jefferson County PUD #1?
360-385-5800
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