Frequently Asked Questions
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Customer Care Frequently Asked Questions
General
Where does our water come from?
Why do you put fluoride in the water?
What are you doing to control lead in the drinking water?
For more information, see here.
What is a stormwater utility fee?
How can I view/pay my bill?
My water tastes or smells different or is discolored. Who can I contact with water quality questions or concerns?
What is the pink stuff in my sink/shower/toilet?
These bacteria can be made worse by removing chlorine with an activated carbon filter. In recent years, the popularity of home water filtration systems has grown tremendously, and the presence of Serratia has appeared more and more frequently in homes using chlorine filtration.
How can I clean the “pink stuff” or Serratia marcescens?
To control Serratia marcescens in toilets
- Clean the bowl thoroughly and spray chlorine bleach into the bowl and under the bowl rim.
- Also add 1/4 cup of bleach to the toilet tank.
- Let the bleach stand for 15 – 20 minutes.
- The bleach should not be left in the toilet tank for prolonged periods; it will damage the rubber valves and seals inside.
- Whenever a pink film starts to reappear, repeat the cleaning and disinfection process.
Cleaning and flushing with chlorine will not necessarily eliminate the problem but will help to control these bacteria. Keep bathtubs and sinks wiped down and dry and use a cleaning solution that contains chlorine to curtail the onset of the bacteria.
I reported an issue, how long will it take for someone to investigate?
High Bills, High Consumption, and Leaks
Why does my bill appear higher than normal?
A variety of factors can cause increased consumption in your household between the dates listed on your last bill:
- More guests in the home
- Landscaping the yard (including putting down new sod or planting grass, flowers, or shrubs)
- Pressure washing the driveway or the house
- Plumbing repairs (even minor ones)
Also, consider how habits change depending on the season. In the summer, families start watering the yard, filling pools, pressure washing the home, or may have children home from school. During the winter months, out-of-town family visits may cause more water consumption than normal. If you cannot identify a cause for abnormal water usage in your household, you may have a leak.
What should I do if my bill seems really high?
First, look at the consumption on your bill. Your consumption history is located on your bill in the middle left-hand side. If your consumption is substantially higher than the previous month’s consumption, and/or the consumption from one year ago, it is most likely due to a sudden shift in behavior.
If you cannot identify a behavioral cause for increased water usage in your household, then we suggest you conduct a leak test.
My meter box is full of water. Do I have a leak?
How do I check for leaks?
Will Gwinnett County test for leaks in or around my house?
If I find a leak at my property, what do I do? Does Gwinnett County make repairs?
Gwinnett County is not responsible for repairing leaks on the customer’s side of the meter. This includes leaks between the meter and the house or inside the house. These are the customer’s responsibility and must be repaired by the customer at their own cost.
The maintenance and repair of pipes and fixtures on the customer’s side of the water meter are the sole responsibility of the resident/property owner. This includes any consumption charges associated with a leak. If you are still unsure of what is your responsibility, visit our Resident Responsibility page.
Why do I have to pay for water when a pipe bursts at my residence?
Do you offer leak adjustments?
Leak Adjustment Request Form
Does Gwinnett County offer adjustments on sewer charges for filling a swimming pool?
Leak Adjustment Request Form
Does Gwinnett County offer adjustments on sewer charges for watering sod?
Leak Adjustment Request Form
Builder Sod Adjustment Request Form
Billing and Past Due Accounts
I get paid at the beginning of the month. Can you change my billing cycle to coincide with my pay date?
Why didn't you warn me that my water was going to be disconnected?
Any account that is past due is subject to disconnection. Every bill with a past-due balance includes this message: “WATER SCHEDULED TO BE DISCONNECTED ON (*SPECIFIC DATE*) IF PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED. PLEASE CONTACT US TO MAKE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS.”
Past-due accounts receive a disconnection date notice on past-due bills. Past-due accounts also receive a postcard with the disconnection date.
My water was turned off, so I called and made the required payment. Can I get my water turned on today?
What happens if I cut the zip tie or padlock on my meter?
I need help paying my water bill. Is there someone who can help?
Gwinnett Health and Human Services can also help connect citizens in need with available resources in the County. Call 770-822-8850 or visit Gwinnett Health and Human Services for more information.
Do you offer budget billing?
Do you charge me a fee to pay my bill?
We never charge our customers a fee to pay online or through our automated phone service.
The Department of Gwinnett Water Resources is affiliated with Western Union as a third-party payment service. Convenience fees, payable directly to the Western Union agent, will apply. Search for participating locations.
