Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I

Whether you’re a new utility customer, or have been a customer for many years, we would like to provide you with answers to the questions customers most frequently ask about their accounts.
 

How often will I be billed?
Beginning in mid-July 2009, bills will be sent out monthly. Once your account is established you will receive your bill at approximately the same time each month. Your meter will be read each month shortly before you receive your bill.  Please advise the Tax Utility Office, at phone number 301.759.6409 promptly if you fail to receive your bill.
What is the basis for my water and sewer charges?
Water and sewer rates are based on the size of your meter with a ready to serve charge for the first 100 cubic feet as registered by your water meter. (1 cubic feet is approximately equal to 7.5 gallons).  

Why is my bill so high?
Over the years we have found that the most frequent cause of a high bill is a leak, and that the most frequent type of leak can be traced to the toilet. In many cases a large quantity of water can be leaking through a toilet so quietly that a homeowner or occupant does not even hear it.
You may be able to save a costly plumbing bill by using some sort of food coloring or bluing. Add the coloring to the water in the toilet tank and then observe the water in the bowl for several minutes. Any coloration of the bowl water means you have a leak and the fixture should be repaired promptly.
If you suspect a leak, we suggest that you turn off all faucets and taps and locate your water meter. If you have an inside meter, your meter has a small triangular indicator on its face which, if rotating, means that your system has a leak.

What rules or laws govern the operations of the City’s Utilities?
The Tax Utility Office/Water Department/Sewer Departments are governed strictly by City Ordinances, which are approved by the Mayor and City Council.  These ordinances or laws state specifically the rates to be charged for all utility services.  They also set forth the various service charges that you may be billed for service turn on and miscellaneous collection fees.

What should I do when I’m ready to move?
As soon as you know when you are moving, call 301.759.6409 to finalize your account.  It is the responsibility of the landlord to either choose to receive the bills themselves or fill out a landlord tenant form so that their tenant receives the bills.  Please be advised that per City Ordinances, landlords are ultimately responsible for utility account balances, even if the bill is mailed to the tenant.

What should I do if I cannot pay my utility bill?
Your monthly utility bill is due in 21 days.  A penalty will be added to those accounts that have not been paid in full by the payment due date.  The next utility bill will be issued 30 days after the first utility bill and will show the prior billed amount as “Past Due” amount.  For any accounts that contain a past due amount, the utility bill will advise the customer that the account must be paid in full by the next due date or water service will be terminated.  No additional notification will be provided.  In essence, a customer will have the water service terminated when the account is 51 days past due.  Like any other bill you receive, if you are going to have trouble making payment, contact our Tax Utility Office at 301.759.6049 to see if any arrangements can be made to avoid termination of service.

We hope these questions and answers will help you understand your utility billing system. If you have further questions regarding your account, one of our Customer Service Representatives will be happy to help you..just call 301.759.6409.