FAQ

Many times customers are surprised by the amount of water they use each month.  We suggest you check for a couple of simple causes:

1. Running toilet.  Often times this is the culprit.  Check inside your toilet tank to ensure the float valve is set correctly.  If it's set too high, it could be allowing water to overflow into the drain tube.
2. Check for any outdoor faucets with hoses connected.  Make sure the water to the faucet is off to prevent water leakage through your hose.
3. If you suspect you may have a leak the easiest way to validate that is to first ensure all water is turned off to your house (no washing machines or dishwashers running, all faucets turned off, no toilets running).  Then locate your meter box.  The lid can usually be lifted by hand or by using a screw driver through the key hole to lift the lid.  Once inside the meter box, lift the protective cap on the meter.  On the face of the meter is a circular gauge that has what looks like a red arrow in its center.  If this arrow is spinning, you most likely have a leak.
4. Call the office if you suspect you have a leak and we'll work with you to solve the problem.

From time to time we receive reports from our customers regarding low or inconsisent water pressure.  The following is a guide on some things you can check prior to calling the office:

1. Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks.  When checking your meter take note of the dial on the face of the meter.  If it is actively spinning and you know you have turned off all water sources in your home, then you may have a leak. If you are unable to identify the source of the leak, please contact a plumber.
2. Check your faucets for a flow reducer or a flow restrictor disk.  Sediment will build up behind these over time resulting in low water pressure.  Simply clean the disks and replace or just completely remove the disks from your faucets.
3. Check your valve box for a pressure reducer.  These units need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure you have adequate water flow to your home.  If you don't know how to adjust the unit, please contact a plumber.
4. If you have tried all of the above and still have water pressure issues, please call our office at (479)877-9364.

If you are experiencing discolored water please check the following before calling the office:

1. Does the discoloration only happen when you use hot water?  If so, it may be your hot water tank.  
2. Does the discoloration happen when you use cold water from an inside faucet?
3. Is the water discolored or does it appear milky?  A milky appearance generally occurs when there is air in the line.  This may happen if a repair was recently made to a nearby water line.  Usually flushing the water from an outside faucet for about 5 minutes will clear the air from your line.
4. If you are unsure of the source or have concerns about the discoloration, please contact our office at (479)877-9364.

One possible source of "funny" smelling or tasting water is a result of the lake turning over.  This phenomenon typically occurs once or twice during the year.  Since most customers in our area receive water from Beaver Lake, they may detect a "musty" smell or taste to their water during this time.

What is lake turnover?

Simply put, lake turnover is the seasonal mixing of the entire water column. For many lakes deeper than about 20 feet, distinct, thermally stratified layers of water form during the summer. These layers prevent the lake from mixing and aerating.

Warmer and less dense water floats on the top of cooler, denser water at the bottom. Temperature layering begins to weaken when outside temperatures cool. This allows the lake to mix when temperatures equalize throughout the water column. Meaning, water from the bottom of the lake rises to the top, and water from the top of the lake sinks to the bottom. The process allows for oxygen to be replenished and nutrients to be distributed throughout the lake.

When this occurs, customer generally notice a very distinctive "musty" smell or taste in their drinking water.   While it's still safe to drink, many prefer to use filtered or bottled water until the smell and taste dissipates.  

But rest assure 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. Our disinfectant levels are tested regularly to ensure safety.

If you still have concerns about your water quality, please don't hesitate to call our office at (479)877-9364.

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.

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