FAQs

FAQs
What services does the Carroll County Public Service Authority (CCPSA) provide?
Water and Sewer services

Is the CCPSA water safe to drink?
Yes-your water is very safe to drink.  The Carroll County PSA's water systems all meet the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Act plus the Virginia Department of Health Regulations.  The EPA makes sure that the operators that handle your water are providing you with the best quality of water possible.  There are many tests that are done around the clock to make sure that every drop of water is as clean as the one before it and after it.
For more information follow the links below:
EPA Safe Drinking Water Act
Virginia Department of Health-Office of Drinking Water

Does the CCPSA provide trash pick-up?
Waste Industries serves Carroll County and you can reach Waste Industries at 877-927-8346 to set up trash pick-up services.

How often does the CCPSA bill?
Once a month.  Bills are due the 20th of each month.

Why is my water off?
Although service interruptions are rare, they can be caused by water main breaks, nonpayment of bills, and during extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures, frozen water meters.  Please call our Customer Service department at (276) 730-3170 if you are without water.  Our after-hours emergency number is (276) 779-9901; if no-one answers, please leave a message and the on-call person will return your call as soon as possible.  Please note, after-hour technicians are not able to accept payment or restore service to customers who have been turned off due to non-payment.
Please note:  Payments are due the 20th of each month.  Disconnection of water service is typically scheduled the first business day after the 10th of the following month.  A fee of $75.00 will be added to those scheduled to be disconnected at 5:01 p.m. on the 10th.

Why is my water bill higher than normal?
Higher readings may result from company, watering, pool filling, etc.  If these do not apply, then you need to check for leaks.  It is important it is done immediately as the water being lost is registering on your meter which will result in a higher water/sewer bill. 
Check the toilets!  Toilets are a good place to start as they can be silent, intermittent and will use a lot of water up-up to 1,000 gallons per day or more.  To test your toilet: put food coloring into the tank (10-12 drops), do NOT flush, wait 15-30 minutes and look into the bowl.  If ANY color is in the bowl you have a leaking trip seal and repairs are in order.
Check your faucets-inside and out.  Replacing the rubber O-ring or washer inside the valve will usually stop a dripping faucet.  A dripping faucet at the rate of one drip per second can use over 2,700 gallons per year.
Check your service line.
If you cannot find a leak and would like us to help out, please call the office and we will set up a time to check for a leak.

Is there any relief from high water bills caused by leaks?
Customers are allowed one leak credit per year with written notification of the leak.  Please call the office for more information on how to obtain a leak credit.

What payment options are available?
The CCPSA is pleased to offer our customers several options to make payments:
Customers can pay online through Paymentus  and other options can be found here.

How can I prevent my water pipes from freezing during extreme cold?
Sometimes during the winter months we experience long duration of below freezing temperatures and your pipes in your home or service line may freeze.  Some things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing are to: maintain heat at 55 degrees minimum (including basements), avoid drafts where exposed pipes are located, insulate pipes that are located in cold and drafty places, disconnect outside hoses and shut off faucets from inside basement and drain faucets.
During the extreme cold: open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes and run cold water faucets constantly (the size of pencil lead).
Be prepared-Know where your main shutoff valve is and have a plumbers number ready.
If your pipes do freeze-Never use a torch or flame to thaw a frozen pipe; the best tool is a hair dryer on low setting: wave it back and forth over the pipe.

My water tastes "funny" or "weird" what causes that?
Taste and odor can be caused by several different things:
Chlorine: Your water may taste and smell like chlorine.  A small amount of chlorine is added to the water to kill the bacteria and viruses that could potentially be in the water so you won't get sick.  The EPA makes sure that operators don't add a harmful amount to your water.  They add just enough to keep you safe.  (To help with this taste--allow the water to sit out in a glass pitcher overnight and most of the chlorine will dissipate.  Also-refrigerate the water, when water is cold it tastes less than when it is warm.  If your water is "flat-tasting" pour it back and forth between 2 clean containers-this will add oxygen back to the water.
Metallic Taste:  Your water can taste this way due to copper that has dissolved in the water if you have copper pipes or from iron that has dissolved from iron pipes.
Sewer smell:  Sometimes your sink drain can give off an odor that appears to come from the tap water when it is running but it is actually the drain.

Why is my water cloudy?
If you turn your faucet on and notice the water looks cloudy, this is most likely caused by air bubbles.  You can let the water run for a few minutes and let the water temperature stabilize and the cloudiness should go away.  If for some reason it does not--call the office.