FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Why haven't I received my bill?

2. How can I apply for service for parcels or lots that have never had water or sewer service?

3. What do I need to do to transfer an existing account to my name?

4. What are the Due Dates and Cut Off Dates?

5. How do I read my meter?

6. What are the telephone and fax numbers?

7. What is a backflow preventer and why do I need it?

8. What is a CCR report or an Annual Water Quality Report?

9. How do I change the name on a account?

10. What is a gate valve and how does it work?

11. Should I drain my hot water heater on a regular basis?

12. Should I be concerned about lead and copper in my drinking water?

13. Why is my bill higher than normal?

14. How do I know if I have a toilet leak?

15. Is there chlorine or chloramines in my water?

16. Conservation: 14 Ways to save water

17. Are there times I may be without water service?

18. I have noticed a problem with a manhole cover. Should I report it?

19. What is smoke testing?

20. I am getting a sewer odor in my house, what could it be?

21. There is a red light on and alarm sounding on a nearby pump/lift station, should I report it?

22. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

23. COLD WEATHER TIPS

24. Can I have my monthly bill automatically deducted from my checking or savings account?
     

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Why haven't I received my bill?

Are you a new customer and have you been a customer on the LRWSC service for at least thirty days? If so, you will be receiving a bill once you have been on the system for at least thirty (30) days.

If you have been on the LRWSC service for a longer period, please check the following areas:

• Please check your address on the last bill you received. If the address is correct and you have had problems receiving other mail, you may want to contact the Post Office.
• If the address is not correct, have you made any recent changes to your mailing address? For example: do you have a new 911 address or have you changed to a Post Office Box? If you made any changes in your address, have you notified Customer Service or Billing of these changes?
• If there is a change that you would like to make, please contact our customer service department at 399-1888.

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How can I apply for service for parcels or lots that have never had water or sewer service?

Please contact Customer Service at (843)399-1888 or you can email our customer service department at customerservice@lrwsc.com for an application for service. Also, please have a tax map number, lot number, description of property location and plat if available.

What do I need to do to transfer an existing account to my name?

When purchasing or renting a home, the water/sewer service must be transferred to the new owners/renters name. An agreement for service must be filled out and the application/processing fees paid. An agreement for water and/or sewer service can be obtained in one of the following ways:

1. An agreement is provided on this webpage. You may call our Customer Service Department at (843) 399-1888 to determine what fees are due and method of payment. You may e-mail us with your questions and phone number and we will contact you with information.
2. Pick up an agreement from our office at 2375 Highway 111, Little River. Your fees can be determined at this time.
3. You may prefer to call Customer Service at (843) 399-1888 to have an application faxed or mailed to you. At this time fees and method of payment can be determined.

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What are the Due Dates and Cut Off Dates?

How do I read my meter?

Before you go to look at your meter, call our Customer Service Department at (843) 399-1888.  Little River Water & Sewerage Company has invested in electronic remote read and the meter box is locked for protection. We will gladly discuss your metering reading with you.

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What are the telephone and fax numbers?

Customer service: (843)399-1888 phone and (843)399-1914 fax.

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What is a backflow preventer and why do I need it?

WHY? State law requires all new irrigation systems connected to the public water supply to be equipped with a backflow prevention device. The law is designed to prevent the possible backwash of contaminants to the public water supply.

WHO INSTALLS? These backflow devices are not installed by LRWSC. Customers may consult with their landscape contractor or plumber. Purchase, installation and maintenance of device are customers responsibility.

MAINTENANCE: These devices are required to be tested yearly by a certified tester.

The homeowner is responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and annual testing of the backflow device. Customer service can supply a list of DHEC certified testers.

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What is a CCR report or an Annual Water Quality Report?

A Consumer Confidence Report is a mandated annual report that is supplied to help consumers understand what is coming out of their tap.

Among other things the report explains where your water comes from, any detected contaminants and their source.

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How do I change the name on a account?

A name change can be requested for reasons such as marriage, divorce or death of spouse. A name change request needs to be filled out & returned to our Customer Service Department at 2375 Highway 111, Little River.

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What is a gate valve and how does it work?

The gate valve is a separate valve that is located approximately 2' - 3' in front of your meter box.

It is normally enclosed in a plastic turf box with a green lid and looks similar to an outside spigot. (some may vary depending on contractor installation).

This valve can be extremely useful if water needs to be cut off for repair work or if property is vacant for a prolonged period (such as vacation property).

LRWSC encourages residents to turn off the water at this valve if property is unoccupied to help prevent large bills or damage to the home due to undetected line breaks or leaks.

If you can not find your gate valve, please contact our Customer Service Department and they will put in a request to have it located and flagged for you.

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Should I drain my hot water heater on a regular basis?

Most household appliances will operate more efficiently and last longer when maintained regularly. Flushing your hot water heater will remove mineral deposits and sediment that tend to accumulate at the bottom and along the inner walls causing it to work harder and longer.

If you haven't drained your water heater recently, it's a relatively simple and painless process, if you follow the proper safety precautions.

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Should I be concerned about lead and copper in my drinking water?

Most often, elevated levels of lead and copper enter household drinking water as a result of corrosion of indoor plumbing systems, particularly those that use lead pipes or lead-based solder to join copper pipes.

You can determine what type of plumbing you have by checking under the kitchen sink. Lead solder is soft and looks dull gray, but takes on a shiny appearance when scratched with a key.

If you think your plumbing is at risk, as a precaution take the following healthy daily steps:

Let tap water run 15 to 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking. This will eliminate water that has been standing in your plumbing system, which is more likely to attract dissolved levels of lead and copper.

Don't drink or cook with water from the hot water tap. Hot water dissolves lead and copper more quickly than cold.

Periodically clean and flush water faucet strainers to remove any debris that may accumulate over time

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Why is my bill higher than normal?

There may be many contributing factors to a high bill. Listed below are a few:

Are you aware of any leaks such as running toilets, dripping faucets, line breaks?

Have you been watering your lawn or garden?

Is this rental property? Large numbers of renters can vastly increase your usage.

Have you installed any new household appliances such as a hot water tank, dishwasher, or washing machine?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may have found the answer to why your bill is high.

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How do I know if I have a toilet leak?

Leaking or running toilets are one of the main factors in our customers receiving higher than normal bills.

Toilet leaks are normally caused by a bad flapper, valve, or defective overflow tube.

The easiest way to check for slow leaks is to add several drops of dark food coloring into the toilet's water tank. If the water in the bowl is tinted 15 minutes later, your toilet is leaking.

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Is there chlorine or chloramines in my water?

Yes. Chlorine or chloramines are a very effective disinfectant that ensures dangerous microbes are killed.

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Conservation: 14 Ways to save water

1. Fix leaking faucets, toilets and showerheads.
2. Use the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
3. Don't run water continuously for vegetable and dish washing.
4. Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
5. Use a broom to clean driveways, walks, and patios.
6. Take showers rather than baths, keep them short.
7. Don't use the toilet as a trash can.
8. Water the lawn in early morning or evening to avoid evaporation.
9. Keep grass at least two inches high to shade roots.
10. Use mulch to reduce evaporation.
11. Plant native or drought-resistant grass and plants.
12. Don't run tap to get cold water. Instead, keep a bottle in the refrigerator.
13. Install low flow toilets and showerheads.
14. Inspect your irrigation system for possible breaks, leaks and faulty sprinkler heads that can waste water.

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Are there times I may be without water service?

Yes. LRWSC goal is to provide a constant supply of safe drinking water to the residents it serves. Unfortunately, emergencies arise that may cause a temporary loss of service.

During hurricanes, water may be shut off to certain areas as a precaution to safeguard the system as a whole.

Also, with the ever-growing construction in our area line breaks and cut lines occur on a regular basis causing temporary water loss to a certain area.

We thank everyone for their patience during these situations. 

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I have noticed a problem with a manhole cover. Should I report it?

Yes. Misaligned or missing manhole covers pose a safety hazard and should be reported immediately to our Customer Service department at (843) 399-1888.

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What is smoke testing?

Periodically this test is performed to determine if sewer clean outs are missing or damaged.

A non-toxic, harmless white smoke is forced into the sewer system. This smoke will indicate where possible problems may exist.

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I am getting a sewer odor in my house, what could it be?

In most cases, if a sewer smell occurs in your home it is caused by faulty ventilation. You may need to consult a plumbing professional.

Also, sink and shower traps that have gone dry from non-use may also allow the back venting of sewer gases. This may be prevalent in guest bathrooms or vacant homes. Running water to re-fill traps may alleviate the problem.

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There is a red light on and alarm sounding on a nearby pump/lift station, should I report it?

Yes. The alarm and light indicate a problem is occurring. When reporting please provide as much information as possible such as address or location, station number, etc.

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

• Fill unbreakable containers with fresh drinking water and store in a safe place.
• Plan to store at least 3 gallons per person for each day you may be without water.
• Shut off and secure outside faucets and remove hoses and sprinklers that could cause injury in high winds.
• If you decide to evacuate, turn off all kitchen and bathroom faucets.Turn water off at gate valve near your meter box.
• If you decide to ride out the storm fill your bathtub with water for drinking and cooking.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Have enough canned goods for 4-5 days.
• Have a battery operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries.
• Fill necessary prescription drugs prior to storm period.
• Have valuable papers, such as insurance policies, readily available and in a safe spot.

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COLD WEATHER TIPS

Make sure pipes are insulated in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, attics, and exposed carports or garages.

Unhook hoses from outside faucets and make sure washers are secure and handles closed tightly.

Keep the lid to your meter box closed to prevent it from freezing.

Make sure you and other family members know where the main shut off valve is located and how to use it in the event of a pipe bursting or other emergency.

If you plan to leave your home vacant for an extended period of time during the winter, consider shutting off the water at the gate valve on the customers' side of the meter box. If you shut off the water to your home, consult a plumber about how to protect your pipes in your absence.

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Can I have my monthly bill automatically deducted from my checking or savings account?

Yes. Enroll in our bank draft program and be worry free about paying your bill on time.

Once you enroll, your monthly bill will be automatically drafted from your account. You will continue to receive a copy of your bill as normal so you can keep track of your billing and usage information.

To obtain the necessary sign-up form you can download it from our web site or call our Customer Service department at (843)399-1888 to request a form.  Please return form with a voided check.

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