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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.

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_What do I do if I am experiencing low/high pressure?

Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks, if you have low pressure. A regulator not working properly can result in low/high pressure.  As of 1/1/13 we no longer install or maintain regulators.  

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_Why is my water discolored?

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

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_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. Our disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety.

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

Customers sometimes report white particles that clog plumbing fixtures. These white particles may be calcium carbonate scale coming from your water heater. The scaling may be worsened because the water heater thermostat is set too high. Many manufacturers recommend periodic flushing of water heaters to remove sediment that can build up. The sediment can cause discoloration of the water and may make the water heater less efficient. 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.

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_Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Bacteria growing in sink drains can make hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas causes rotten egg smells that appear to be coming from the water. The smell is really coming from the drain. When water runs down the drain, the gas is forced out where you can smell it. A cup of household bleach poured down the drain will help kill the bacteria and take care of the smell. Hot water heaters can also harbor bacteria that cause rotten egg smells. If your sink drain is not the source, check your hot water for a rotten egg smell. If hot water sets too long in the hot water heater without being used regularly, the water will smell like rotten eggs.

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_What is a silent toilet leak?

Just because you don't see or hear any water doesn't mean that there isn't a leak. Your toilet can be the biggest water waster in your home, wasting up to 1,440 gallons per day, or one gallon per minute. To check for a silent toilet leak add a few drops of blue food coloring to the water in the tank, but don't flush. If coloring appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, your toilet is leaking.

- What is a Water Supply Corporation (WSC)?

A Water Supply Corporation (WSC) is a non-profit, member-owned corporation organized under Chapter 67, Texas Water Code.  As such, WSCs are subject to the laws and regulations governing the operations of non-profit corporations. The operation of a WSC is the responsibility of its member elected Board of Directors.  SBWSC's board elections are posted and held during the month of January.

 

- How are Water Supply Corporations (WSC) facilities funded?

In most cases, the money to construct a WSC's water plant and pipelines comes from loans and/or grants provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).  Loan repayments and daily operational costs are generally paid off with revenue from water service sales.  Because the funds and customer base are so limited, WSCs generally do not "over-build" to accommodate future growth.

 

- How do I become a Member and get service?

As long as the water system has the ability to accommodate the increase in demand, new memberships may be accepted for water service.  An application for service can be picked up at the SBWSC office. You will be required to pay a membership fee (see the rates tab).  You will become a member upon qualification for service and membership in accordance with the SBWSC's tariff.     

 

- Why does it take so long to get service?

In some cases, honoring a new member's request for service may require an upgrade to the existing system or an engineering study - both of which take a lot of time.  SBWSC may need to seek a loan or grant to finance the construction, and that process also takes time.  In addition, due to our remote location, getting the proper parts and supplies delivered in a timely manner has been an ongoing issue.  Truck deliveries are frequently stalled as some freight companies will not deliver what they consider a small load.  Property line disputes may also delay service.  Once plans are in place, financing arranged (if needed) and all the parts and supplies are on hand - we will start construction as soon as possible.  That being said - SBWSC runs with just a handful of employees.  Maintaining the current lines (fixing leaks and/or line breaks) will take precedence over new service lines.

 

- Where can I get "Bulk Water"?

SBWSC no longer provides bulk water at the plant.  Bulk water can now be easily acquired at the Cottonwood General Store in Study Butte.

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- How can I pay my bill?

There are several convenient ways to pay your bill:

  • Check - Mail or Bring to Office

  • Money Order - Mail or Bring to Office

  • Cash - Cash is not accepted at the office.

  • Debit/Credit Card - Set up your Online Account.                  Plastic is not accepted at the office.

  • Online with Bank Account - Free service

  • Online with Debit/Credit Card - Small service fee.

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_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 help you solve the problem.

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