Water & Sewer
The Buena Vista Public Service Authority provides safe and pure water for its citizens, with public water provided by various wells located throughout the city. All guidelines set by the Health Department on water quality are followed, and tests are done each month to ensure the water contains no harmful bacteria or other harmful contaminants.
Sewage treatment is provided at the City’s own wastewater treatment facility located on 10th Street. As with the treatment of drinking water, all Health Department requirements are followed, and tests are regularly performed to ensure the safety of City residents.
We welcome your questions regarding water, sewer, and garbage, and are happy to respond. Questions regarding invoices for those services should be directed to:
Water Department 540-261-1444
CCR Drinking Water Quality Report – 2024
CCR Drinking Water Quality Report – 2023
CCR Drinking Water Quality Report – 2022
CCR Drinking Water Quality Report – 2021
CCR Drinking Water Quality Report – 2020
CCR Drinking Water Quality Report 2019
Billing
All residential and commercial customers are billed monthly and generally mailed the first week of each month. Bills are computed based on actual usage—it is our policy not to estimate a bill unless a meter is shown to be faulty and has stopped working. Every attempt is made to read meters on or about the same day of the month in order to provide for a consistent number of days’ usage on each invoice. To ensure accuracy, all meters are read with a handheld computer.
A disconnect notice will be sent for any account showing a past-due balance equal to or greater than $20.00 at the end of the month. A reconnection fee will be charged to all customers who have their meters disconnected for non-payment. To restore services, those same customers will be subject to pay a security deposit.
Water and Sewer services are charged at a rate per 1,000 gallons of usage. The rates are as follows:
Water: $8.58 per 1000 gallons
Sewer: $8.54 per 1000 gallons
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 540-261-1444.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my meter?
Water service begins at the meter, which is usually located in the alley right-of-way behind a resident’s home. Alternatively, the meter may be located in the street right-of-way just beyond the property line. The meter itself is typically located in a vault with a metal lid that looks like a small manhole. Starting at the meter, the pipe that runs from the meter to the home belongs to the resident and is their responsibility. From the meter and beyond is the City’s responsibility.
How often does the City read my meter?
The most common statement we hear from a customer is “You didn’t read my meter.”All meters are read once a month. Meters are read electronically via a handheld computer to ensure billing accuracy.
Why don’t you read my meter the same day every month?
Every attempt is made to read each meter at least once during the same week of every month. Delays may occur due to emergency situations such as water and sewer line breaks that require immediate staff attention. There are over 2,600 meters in Buena Vista.
How many days are in a billing cycle?
If there are concerns regarding a billing, it is a good idea to keep monthly bills handy. Check the READING DATE provided on the bill and see how many days there were in the billing period. It may be that this bill reflects more days than the previous month’s bill. Also, note that the bill is for the previous month’s usage.
How do I check my toilet for leaks?
Toilets are notorious for their hidden leaks. Most toilet leaks are at the overflow pipe. If overflow is the problem, a screw or knob on the valve or valve column will adjust the float armdown so the valve shuts off the water about a half inch below the top of the overflow pipe. If that doesn’t fix it, the valve may be worn and have to be replaced. If a resident is an experienced handyman, they may be able to do the job. If an experienced person is not available, we recommend that a plumber be called.
The flapper valve opens when you flush your toilet. If the valve doesn’t properly seal or hangs open frequently, the homeowner may be losing water. To test this, remove the top of the tank behind the bowl and put three or four drops of food coloring in the tank water. The toilet should NOT be flushed for an hour or more (if possible). Then the water in the bowl should be checked for any color. If the bowl water has been colored with the food coloring, there is a leak. This type of leak is usually easy to eliminate by replacing the flapper assembly. Replacement of the flapper is a relatively simple repair job for a handyman or experienced do-it-yourselfer.
Can I get my meter tested?
If a resident feels their meter is not working properly and they have checked for leaks as described above, they may request that the meter be tested. If the meter is found to read high, the City will install a new meter and the resident will be credited based on usage for the previous 12 months. If the meter is found to be reading accurately, a $10.00 test fee will be assessed with the next billing.