How and where do I sign up for service?

To sign up for service, you will need to come by our Business/Customer Service Office located at 6582 Main Street, Gloucester County Office Building No. 3, between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM to fill out and sign an Application for Water and Sewer Service.  There will be a $15.00 nonrefundable account transfer fee, which can be added to the first month's bill for an owner, as well as deposits ($60.00 water and $40.00 sewer, both refundable when the account is final billed) that will need to be paid at the time of a tenant's sign up.  In cases of owner sign up, an application may be faxed to the customer and returned via fax to our office.  The application must be signed at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the service start date.  In addition, you may visit our website to print out a copy of the application form.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:  From Mathews & Middlesex, take Route 14 West to the intersection of Route 14 West (John Clayton Memorial Highway and Business Route 17 (Main Street).  Turn right on Main Street and proceed four blocks to Duval Avenue.  Turn left into the side parking lot (you can also park along Main Street) and proceed into the left entrance on the Main Street side of the building.

 From U.S. Route 17 North, just past Riverside Walter Reed Hospital and Walter Reed Shopping Center, turn left onto Main Street.  Proceed through the traffic circle (approximately three blocks) and then continue another three blocks to Duval Avenue.  Parking may be available in the Duval Avenue side parking lot or you may park on Main Street.  Proceed into the left entrance on the Main Street side of the building.

From Newport News/Williamsburg/Chesapeake/Hampton/Virginia Beach/Norfolk, take U.S. Route 17 South across the Coleman Bridge (York River).  Go approximately twelve miles to the right turn lane immediately before the intersection of Route 17 (George Washington Memorial Highway) and Business Route 17 (Main Street).  Turn right onto Main Street and continue approximately two miles into the Gloucester Courthouse district.  After traveling through the Route 14/Main Street intersection (you will need to be in the left-hand lane), go four blocks to Duval Avenue.  Turn left into the side parking lot (you can also park along Main Street) and proceed into the left entrance on the Main Street side of the building.

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Who do I call with questions regarding my bill?

For questions regarding your account, please contact our Customer Service Office at (804) 693-4044.

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When are the bills due?

The bills are due upon receipt with a late payment of 10% or a minimum of $5.00 being assessed on account balances which have not been received in the Treasurer's Office by the last day of the month.

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How often will I receive a bill?

Water meters are read electronically every month with bills being issued the second working day of the following month.  If you do not receive a bill by the 10th of the month, please call our Customer Service Office at (804) 693-4044 so a duplicate may be issued.

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Where can I pay my bill?

Payment is accepted in the Gloucester County Treasurer's Office located on the 2nd floor of the Courts and Office Building, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Payments may be mailed to the following address:  Treasurer's Office, 6489 Main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061.  There is a payment drop box located in the median strip of Justice Drive; it is available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.  In addition, you may pay your utility bill by credit card--American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa--either online at www.officialpayments.com or call 1-800-272-9829 (1-800-2PAYTAX).  If paying by telephone, you will need to enter the Jurisdiction Code, which is 1087.

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Does the County add fluoride to the water?

No, the County does not fluoridate the water.  Since 1983 the County's position on fluoride is that it is available to the public from sources other than the County water system for those who want it.

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Can I eliminate the chlorine odor?

Chlorine odors may be more noticeable in the summer.  Chlorine kills organisms that can cause disease and thereby used to disinfect the water.  If you remove the chlorine, please refrigerate the water to limit bacterial re-growth.

• Fill a pitcher and refrigerate it overnight.  (This is the best way.)

• Fill a container and let it sit in the sunlight for 30 minutes.

• Pour water between containers about 10 times.

• Heat the water to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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What methods of payment are acceptable?

The Treasurer's Office accepts payments by cash, check or money order.  Credit card payments (American Express, Discover, or MasterCard) are accepted online at www.officialpayments.com or via telephone at 1-800-272-9829 (1-800-2PAYTAX).  If paying by telephone, you will need to enter the Jurisdiction Code, which is 1087.

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Can I pay my bill in advance?

Yes, any overpayments will be credited to your account and the amount will be reflected on your bill as a credit balance (-$0.00) until it is depleted.

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Why does my water sometimes smell and taste "funny"?

Water can vary in taste and odor naturally at different times of the year.  Taste and odor problems can come from new or old pipes and plumbing fixtures or changes in water quality.  You may notice changes during hot weather, severe winter storms or when ground water levels become low.

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What causes my water to have a white, milky appearance?

Water can become saturated with air due to temperature changes in the water giving it a white, milky look.  To ensure this is the problem, collect a glass of water and set it out.  The air should rise to the top, thereby clearing from the bottom up.  Flushing your water lines may be helpful in this situation sometimes, but it will disappear over time with a change in temperature.  This situation more commonly occurs during winter when water is cold.

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Can I plant trees, shrubs, etc. near the water & sewer lines?

Trees, shrubs, etc. can hinder the maintenance of these lines.  Also, in time, their roots  can damage these lines.

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The water coming out of my faucet is discolored.  What could be happening?

County water may become discolored when situations arise such as water main breaks, water line repairs, construction or a fire in your area.  These situations increase the speed of water in the water main, thereby agitating sediments that can discolor the water.  Do not become alarmed if your water appears discolored.  It is highly recommended that you not use the water or do laundry for 2-3 hours; this should give the sediment time to settle.  Then you should run your faucets into the bathtub or kitchen sink for about 5 minutes to make sure the water is clear.  If the water does not clear up, call our Customer Service Office at (804) 693-4044, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or (804) 693-3890 nights, weekends and holidays.

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What should I do if my meter box becomes damaged?

Contact the Customer Service Office at (804) 693-4044, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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What do I do in case of a sewer emergency?

Gloucester County Utility personnel are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to sewer line blockages and overflows.  Call the Customer Service Office weekdays from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM at (804) 693-4044 or after hours, weekends and holidays call (804) 693-3890 so a Utility technician can be dispatched.  The County does not pay for damages caused by sewer emergencies unless the backup is due to negligence on the County's part.  As most homeowner's insurance policies do not pay for sewer backups, you may have to pay yourself.  There is no charge for this service and it may save you a plumber's bill if the problem is within the County's lines.  To prevent sewer backups, do not place grease in any form, diapers, rags or other objects down any drain or toilet; instruct your children not to throw trash/debris down manholes, and check your trees as tree roots could block your sewer lateral.

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