Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Service FAQs
How can I pay my bill?
- Pay Online: Navigate to the top menu under “Customers” and click on “Make A Payment”, or simply click here.
- Mail A Check: Mail a check to us with your account number to:
- Cumberland Plateau Water Authority
- 2089 East First Street
- Crossville, TN 38555
- In Person: Visit the office at the address above and pay by check, cash, or card inside or by using the drive-thru.
When should I expect my first bill?
It depends on when the service starts during the current billing cycle. Since you’ll be billed for at least a full month of service it could take up to two months for the first bill to arrive.
If there are questions please reach out by phone at (931) 484-6987.
How do I register to pay online?
General FAQs
I may have a leak, how do I check?
By making small changes and being mindful of water use, you can contribute to a more sustainable household.
Check Your Water Meter:
- Make sure no water is being used inside your home (turn off faucets, appliances, etc.).
- Take a reading of your water meter and note the numbers.
- After a few hours (or overnight), check the meter again. If the reading has changed, there’s likely a leak somewhere in the system.
Look for Visible Signs:
- Check walls, ceilings, and floors for any dampness, water stains, or mold.
- Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and under appliances for any pooled water.
Listen for Running Water:
- If you hear water running when everything is off, it might indicate a hidden leak.
Check for Low Water Pressure:
- A sudden drop in water pressure in one or more faucets could be a sign of a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Look Outside:
- Check your yard for areas of pooling water or unusually green patches of grass, which may indicate a leak in your irrigation or underground plumbing.
Conduct a Dye Test (For Toilets):
- Drop a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait 15-30 minutes without flushing. If the water in the bowl changes color, there’s a leak in the flapper valve.
If you suspect a leak but can’t locate it, or if you find a hidden leak, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber to help diagnose and fix the problem.
How do I protect and prevent pipes from freezing?
To protect and prevent frozen pipes during cold weather, here are some helpful tips:
Insulate Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes, especially in areas like basements, attics, garages, and under sinks. This helps maintain a more stable temperature and reduces the risk of freezing.
Seal Drafts: Close gaps around windows, doors, and any other openings where cold air can enter. Even small drafts can cause pipes near exterior walls to freeze.
Keep Faucets Dripping: Allowing a slow drip of water from faucets connected to exposed pipes can help prevent freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water.
Open Cabinet Doors: In areas like kitchens and bathrooms, open the cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air circulate around the pipes, especially if the sink is located on an exterior wall.
Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Keep your home at a consistent temperature, even when you’re not there. Avoid lowering the thermostat too much at night or when you’re away.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots, and drain the water. If possible, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets.
Add Extra Insulation: In areas prone to extreme cold, consider adding extra insulation to exterior walls or attics to help keep the temperature around pipes above freezing.
By taking these preventive steps, you can reduce the risk of frozen pipes and potential water damage during winter.
If I leave my home for winter, should the water be shut off?
It all depends on your heating system and how long you will be away. We recommend you contact your plumber to see if your home’s interior pipes and fixtures need to be winterized. This is especially important if you have a hot-water heating system.
If your heat will be shut off for an extended period of time and the plumber drains and winterizes the system, please call us and schedule to have your water service shut off at the street.
If you decide to leave the heat on while you’re away, it’s best to set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees and have someone check to make sure your heating system is operating properly.
How can I conserve water at home?
Conserving water at home is a great way to save resources and reduce your utility bills. Here are some simple and effective ways to cut back on water usage:
Fix Leaks: A dripping faucet or running toilet can waste a lot of water over time. Fix leaks promptly to prevent unnecessary water loss.
Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Swap out older faucets, showerheads, and toilets for low-flow or water-efficient models. These can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.
Shorten Showers: Reducing the time spent in the shower can save gallons of water. Even cutting a few minutes off your daily shower can add up to a big difference over time.
Turn Off the Tap: Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or scrubbing dishes. Turning off the tap when not in use can save a lot of water.
Use Full Loads: Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to maximize water efficiency.
Water Plants Wisely: Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Additionally, consider using drought-tolerant plants that require less water.
Collect Rainwater: Use rain barrels to collect rainwater, which can be used for outdoor gardening and cleaning tasks.
Use a Broom Instead of a Hose: Instead of hosing down driveways or sidewalks, use a broom to sweep debris away. This saves both water and energy.
By making small changes and being mindful of water use, you can contribute to a more sustainable household.
Water Quality FAQs
What causes rusty water?
Water can become rusty when iron or steel pipes corrode and release rust particles into the water supply. Here are a few common causes:
Corroded Pipes: Over time, older metal pipes (especially iron or steel) can corrode due to exposure to water and air, leading to the release of rust particles. This is particularly common in homes with aging plumbing systems.
High Iron Content in Water: If the water supply has a naturally high level of iron, it can cause discoloration when it interacts with oxygen. This can happen in well water or in areas with iron-rich groundwater.
Water Heater Sediment: Rusty water can also result from the buildup of sediment inside a water heater, especially if the tank is old or hasn’t been properly maintained. When the sediment breaks loose, it can make the water look rusty or brown.
Disruption of the Water Supply: Sometimes, construction work or a sudden change in water flow (such as a burst pipe or main break) can stir up rust and debris in the water lines, temporarily causing rusty water to flow from taps.
Pipe Leaks: Leaking pipes can allow water to interact with metal surfaces, which can cause corrosion and rust to form.
If you notice rusty water regularly, it’s a good idea to check your plumbing system, especially if you have old pipes or a water heater that hasn’t been serviced in a while. Replacing corroded pipes or cleaning the water heater might be necessary to restore clean water.
Are there health concerns with chlorine in drinking water?
Chlorine interacts with organic materials naturally found in water supplies, forming new compounds called disinfection by-products (DBPs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates a specific group of DBPs known as Trihalomethanes. Animal studies involving high concentrations of DBPs suggest a potential connection to an increased risk of certain cancers. However, the EPA has not established a clear link between exposure to low levels of DBPs and the health risks associated with higher concentration levels.
The water we supply contains very low levels of DBPs, posing no significant risk of exposure to these compounds. While research on the link between DBPs and cancer, as well as other health risks, is still ongoing, the health benefits of disease prevention through chlorinated drinking water far outweigh any associated risks.
Why are my ice cubes cloudy?
Ice cubes made from tap water are rarely completely clear, and there’s a good reason for that: Tap water contains dissolved calcium and other naturally occurring minerals. As the water freezes, these minerals form harmless solid white particles, which give the ice a cloudy appearance.
Are home water filters necessary?
Whether or not a home water filter is necessary depends on the quality of your local water supply and your specific needs. In many areas, municipal water is treated and safe to drink, but there are a few reasons you might consider using a home water filter:
Taste and Odor: Filters can improve the taste and smell of water, particularly if it has chlorine, sulfur, or other undesirable odors or flavors.
Contaminants: If your water has high levels of contaminants like lead, chlorine, heavy metals, or pesticides, a filter can remove or reduce these harmful substances. This is especially important if you live in an older home with lead pipes or if your water comes from a private well, which may not be as regulated as municipal water.
Health Concerns: Some people may be sensitive to chemicals like chlorine or have concerns about disinfection by-products (DBPs) in their water. In these cases, using a water filter can help address potential health risks.
Water Hardness: If your water is “hard” (containing high levels of calcium and magnesium), a filter can help reduce scaling on appliances and improve water quality for skin and hair.
Peace of Mind: Even if the water in your area is generally safe, using a water filter can offer extra peace of mind and provide an added layer of protection, especially if there are frequent concerns about water quality or contamination in your area.