I have just bought/rented a new property and I need to transfer the water service into my name, what do I do?

If you do not have an on-lot septic system, you are required to sign up for public sewer first. Once this is complete, you must fill out an application for water service. The person signing the application will need to provide a photo id, a copy of the sewer application and a $50.00 deposit.

What forms of payment are accepted for a water bill and can I make a payment over the telephone?

What if I did not receive my bill in mail?

Your account is billed on a regular basis around the middle of every month. If you do not receive your bill by the last day of the month, you should call our office. You are responsible for paying the bill whether it is received or not.

Why is my water off?

There can be several reasons for your water being off; a water main may be shut down for maintenance purposes (planned or emergency) or your water service may be terminated because of failure to pay your water bill or your sewer bill. If your water is off and you have questions, please call the Water District at 304-267-4600.

How will I be informed if my water will be shut off for planned maintenance?

The Berkeley County Water District is required to notify their customers of any planned maintenance when the water is to be shut off. Customer notification is an important part of our work plan.  Depending on the situation, we may place an article in the local newspaper, mail notices to you or go to door-to-door. In extreme cases we may broadcast information on local television and/or radio stations.

Why is my Water Bill so high?

A number of reasons cause an increase in your water bill, including: plumbing leaks in toilets and faucets; an estimated reading followed by an accurate reading (if your water usage was under estimated you may see an increase in your current water bill); an increase in the number of people living in the house resulting in greater water usage; a dry hot summer, resulting in higher consumption; or an increase in the number of days in the billing period.

Is public water available everywhere in Berkeley County?

No, there are limited water mains in Berkeley County. Inquiries regarding the extension of water service to various neighborhoods may be directed to the Engineering Department. To determine if water is available we require that you provide us detailed information about your property location including Tax Map and Parcel number.

Where does my water come from?

If you live south of Martinsburg your water is from the LeFever Spring and is treated at the Bunker Hill Water Filtration Plant. If you live north of Martinsburg your water is from the Potomac River treated at the Potomac River Water Filtration Plant. If you live in the Hedgesville area your water comes from the Ben Speck Spring and is treated at the Hedgesville Water Filtration Plant.

Yes, the Water District routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water. All monitoring results are reported to the WV Bureau of Public Health.

Is chlorine in water safe to drink?

Testing has proven that the amount of chlorine used as a disinfectant in drinking water is safe to drink.

A disruption such as repairs in the water distribution system can sometimes allow air to enter the water pipes. Air will cause the water to appear milky or cloudy. If you place it in a clean glass, the water will clear from the bottom to the top. You should run the water for a short period of time to flush any entrapped air from the lines. Yes the water is safe to drink.

What is the hardness of my water?

If you live south of Martinsburg or in the Hedgesville area your water is very hard (18 to 20 grains per gallon) and you may wish to consider a water softener. If you live north of Martinsburg your water has a hardness of 7 to 8 grains per gallon.

Water systems require an annual cleaning. This is done by flowing water from fire hydrants and blow-offs, thereby increasing the velocity of water inside the pipes. This removes any sediment that has accumulated over time.

What is back flow Prevention?

Water distribution systems are designed so that water flows in one direction from the treatment plant to the customer. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow (backflow or back siphonage) of water or mixtures of water and other liquids or substances into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water from any source. A cross connection is a link between a potable water (safe to drink) system and a nonpotable system or a system of questionable quality. A cross connection can allow undesirable liquids to enter the potable water system.  To insure the safety of our drinking water, BCPSWD has a Cross Connection Control Ordinance to protect the system from cross connections and backflow.  We work closely with consumers, architects, engineers and contractors to ensure that all those who are required to comply with cross connection control and/or backflow prevention requirements, do so.

The Water District is a member of Miss Utility of WV. They can be reached at 1-800-245-4848. Within a couple days the water lines will be marked with blue paint.

Who is responsible for my water system?

The customer “owns” the water system from the point at which it exits the water meter, and is responsible for maintaining it in good condition and free from all leaks and defects. While the Water District “owns” the water meter and the pipe connecting it to the water main, the customer is responsible for preventing damage to the meter, the box in which it sits (the crock) and all pipes and connections to it. The costs for damages that result from negligence, misconduct or other actions by the customer or others may be billed to the customer. The Water District routinely checks meters for signs of normal wear and tear, tests and repairs or replaces the water meter as necessary at no cost to the customer.

If I experience low water pressure, and the Water District doesn’t have a problem, what are some things I can check at my house?

1. Pressure reducing valves can malfunction (close and not reopen and/or the screen could clog with dirt).
2. Aerator screens in faucets could be dirty.
3. In line water filters may need to be changed.
4. A shut off valve may not be turned on all the way.
5. You may have a leak big enough to cause low water pressure.