7 Questions to Ask Your Local Water Company

When you’re purchasing a new house or commercial building, you are also investing into local utility systems. From water to electricity and gas, each resource has a set of systems and regulations tied to them.  

So, how do you find out if the local water quality is satisfactory, and that your house will not face unforeseen water issues in the future?

By asking the right questions to the right people. Your local water utility company is typically the one you need to contact with a set of queries. Let’s find out all about it — what to ask, how to find them, and how to create a lasting partnership. 

First- What Is a Water Utility Company?

Water utility companies can be a government, municipal, or private unit which is responsible for providing household and drinking water in your area. They also take care of wastewater management.  

You will often work with a private water company — not government or municipal — when it comes to home water treatment, commercial water treatment, installation of systems, and more. 

7 Questions To Ask Your Local Water Utility Company

Have you ever wondered, “how can I find well water maintenance near me?” or “what is the local water quality in my area?”

Most information on the quality of water, testing services, and installations such as water well pumps are provided by your local water utility company. Thus, it is crucial that you partner with the right local water company near you.

Here are 7 questions you should ask your local water company when hiring them for any water testing or installation services. 

1. How much water does our water system lose every year?

All public systems lose water during distribution. And while you’ll not see news about this in your local newspaper, there are multiple loopholes that lead to water loss.  

A transparent water utility company should be able to provide an estimate of the volume of water loss every year for your knowledge and information. This also helps ensure you understand your water usage and consumption. 

2. Who regulates the water you drink?

Where does the city’s supply of water come from? A lake, a river, an underground water source like a water well pump? This will also help you understand how the city’s water filtration plant works.    

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated water systems to supply an annual local water quality report. These reports show contamination levels– if the reports are high, the utility needs to alert users about them.

Finding out about such alerts can also give you a general idea of the local water quality.

3. Do you conduct water testing?

Installing a water treatment system comes with the responsibility of regular water testing. You can find out how often water quality tests are done on the distributed water.   

At the same time, if you have a system installed in your facility, it becomes your responsibility to conduct regular tests from a certified laboratory to ensure water quality.

Ask your local water company if they offer water testing and set up an annual appointment with them to stay consistent and on top of your water. 

4. Which water treatment systems do you recommend?

National Water Service: Contact your water supplier if you think your house water is dirtyOnce you get the local water quality test, your local company will have recommendations on the treatment options.

Here, keep in mind that a single treatment system may not treat multiple water problems. So, when you start considering, “I’ll just go for well water maintenance near me”, first check with your contractor about the most effective water filtration and purification method based on the results.

Some of the most common water quality issues that require water treatments include hard water, contaminations, and odors.   

5. How does your recommended system work?

Before you decide on installing a new water treatment system, get a basic idea of how it works. There may be routine maintenance issues, or the system may affect other areas of you home.  

Your local water company should be polite and patient in explaining their different options and how each one works so you feel confident and sure in your purchase. 

6. Who pays for the damages if a water treatment system fails?

Always talk about your insurance coverage, warranty options, and more when investing in a new water treatment system.

Sometimes, it can be hard to determine who to call if there is a failure of a water treatment system — including leaks or flooding — so understand your coverage options before you’re facing an emergency. Your water company should be helpful in navigating you through the process and understanding your coverage options. 

7. Do I need a POU or POE water treatment system?

reverse osmosisDepending on the type of contaminants present in the water, you may have to install a water treatment system that is POU or POE.

A point of use (POU) is a single tap system installed under the kitchen sink. It provides clean water to only that tap. If you want cleaner drinking or cooking water, this is an easy option to go for.

A point of entry system (POE) treats all incoming water. This results in a whole house water treatment, offering better water quality for all usage, from drinking to bathing, laundry, etc.

If you are looking for maintenance on your water well pump, learning all about these water utility parameters can help you avoid unnecessary costs and hassle. Your water company will be able to answer these questions in full. 

Looking for a Maryland Water Company?

From testing the local water quality to providing trusted advice on water well pump installation or maintenance, our experts are happy to help with water-related services.

We are a Maryland water company with proven experience in overcoming local challenges and understanding the utility system of Maryland inside out. Contact us to get the best water utility solutions for your house or commercial building.