If I have a question about my bill, what do I do?
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Take a reading of your water meter
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Have your account number on hand
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Call Customer Service at (401) 245-2022
How do I establish a new water service account?
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If you are moving into a location that is currently serviced by BCWA, you should stop in our Administration Office at 450 Child Street in Warren, RI.
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If water is currently turned off, a $30.00 turn-on fee is required with application.
OTHER DEPOSITS & FEES
-If you are the owner of the premises no deposit is required.
-If you are a residential tenant, a $120.00 deposit is required.
-If you are a business tenant, a $360.00 deposit is required.
For further help, please contact our Customer Service Department at (401) 245-2022.
What if I require a new service connection to my property?
You should visit our Operations Department at 472 Child Street, Warren, RI.
Current service connection fees are as follows:
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¾" Service Installation in Unpaved Street - $1,300.00
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¾" Service Installation in Paved Street - $2,500.00
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1" Service Installation in Unpaved Street - $1,600.00
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1" Service Installation in Paved Street - $3,000.00
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Service Installation over 1" - Actual Cost
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3/4" or 1" Service Installation requiring either cement-base restoration or curb-to-curb paving - Actual Cost
For further help, please contact our Operations Department at (401) 245-1856.
Why does my bill change from quarter to quarter?
Bills change according to water usage, which fluctuates as a result of a number of things, including the number of people who live at a property. Everyone has different personal water habits that will affect the amount of water used in a given month, and water consumption may vary from season to season. Many customers increase their water consumption in the summer months by using water cooled air conditioning, watering gardens, washing cars, filling swimming pools, etc. Bills may also fluctuate based on the number of days in a billing period. The Bristol County Water Authority bills every quarter, however, on occasion a bill can be over or under the 90 day period. Most bills are based on actual readings, while estimated bills are based on usage history.
Why is my bill so high?
Bills change according to water usage, which fluctuates from month to month. Many customers increase their water consumption in the summer months by using water cooled air conditioning, watering gardens, washing cars, filling swimming pools, etc. Otherwise, a drastic increase in consumption could be an indication that a problem at a property exists and should be inspected for leaks by checking all plumbing, fixtures and water appliances.
How do I check for leaks?
Faucets - Check all faucets and piping for leaks by monitoring for drips of water under sinks and from exposed pipes. Perform an inspection with the water on and off, as some leaks only occur when the water is on.Toilets - Add a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, this means you have a leak. Some toilet leaks are intermittent, so you don't always see or hear the water running.Check plumbing in the basement by monitoring for drips of water coming from exposed pipes. Occasionally, leaks develop behind walls or in areas that are not visible. Read your meterperiodically to monitor for drastic changes.
Your meter is usually located in the basement. On your meter face is a red or blue triangle. If no water is being used, your triangle will be still. If the small triangle is rotating, then water is being drawn from somewhere in your building. How can I lower my bill and conserve water?Bills change according to water usage, which can fluctuate based on personal water habits. You can lower the water consumption at your property by installing water saving devices or following some simple conservation tips. Why is my bill estimated?Actual readings are obtained each day via the automated meter reading (AMR) system. If the meter transmission unit (MTU) is not functioning, you will receive an estimated bill based on previous usage. If your property is equipped with the AMR system and you receive an estimated bill, please call the Customer Service Department at 617-989-7800.
I am moving. What should I do?
If you are moving, it is necessary to update the mailing address on your account by contacting the Customer Service Division of the Bristol County Water Authority at 401-245-2022.
I will temporarily be away. What should I do?
If you will be away for an extended period of time, you may call BCWA’s Customer Service Division at 401-245-2022, to shut off the water service at your property. Once the water service is shut off, all faucets should be completely drained. In addition, you should notify BCWA of your forwarding address, so that you may receive your water bill.
How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?
It is the responsibility of the property owner to protect the service pipe and water meter from freezing. If your meter does freeze, the BCWA will replace the meter, and your account will be assessed a meter replacement fee. If the service pipe freezes, it is the owner's responsibility to thaw the frozen pipe or consult a licensed plumber.
Tips on preventing your pipes from freezing:
*Insulate water meter and pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces. *Additionally, insulating hot water pipes will decrease your wait time for warm water. *Repair broken and cracked windows, doors, and walls. Close all doors and windows near pipes, and make sure there is no draft. *During cold weather (prolonged temperatures below 32 degrees), allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to water pipes that run through unheated spaces. 'Disconnect garden hoses, and install covers on all outside faucets. Shut off water to outside faucets, and drain those water lines.
What should I do if my pipes freeze?
Do not use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. This is not only a fire hazard, it could also cause a steam explosion. Use a hair dryer or heat lamp to thaw a frozen pipe, and open a nearby faucet to release vapor from melting ice.When pipes are frozen, there is often water available at one faucet but not another. If there is no water at all, the problem may be in the street. Call the BCWA’s Operations Division at 401-245-1856 or 401-245-5071.
There is water bubbling out of the ground. What should I do?
Call immediately at this number – 401-245-1856 or 401-245-5071, to report what you’re experiencing.
My water is discolored. What can I do?
Let your cold water run for a few minutes until it clears up. If it does not clear up after a few minutes call BCWA’s Operations Division at 401-245-5071.
I have low water pressure. Can you help?
Call our Operations Division at 401-245-1856.
