FAQs • Sebring, FL • CivicEngage

Some months my water bill seems very high. Why is that?: There are many possible reasons. Household guests or additional residents increase water consumption. Filling a swimming pool takes a tremendous amount of water. A hose left running on the lawn can waste hundreds of gallons. So may a constantly running toilet. Just a leaking faucet can waste 500 gallons of water per week!

In some cases, customers use a very small amount throughout the month and because we only bill per 1,000 gallons used, when the dial rolls over to 1,000 gallons, the charge will then appear on the monthly bill.

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Water Service

1. Why is my water discolored?: It is a rare event when discolored water appears at your home or work, but it does happen. There can be many reasons, but discolored water usually originates in the water distribution system or private plumbing systems. Corrosion or rusting of the interior surfaces of metal pipes is a primary source of discoloration and particles that can appear in your water. There are several possible situations that can cause this material to be dislodged. The most probable of these causes are listed below along with the steps you can take to deal with a temporary problem.

There are two main causes. The first possible cause is that there is an issue in the distribution system, such as:

Main Breaks: Water is delivered to your home or business through a network of underground pipes referred to as the distribution system. The principal pipe or conduit is called a main. Water mains in this distribution system can fail due to age, corrosion, high pressure surges, defective materials, or damage by construction work. Fire hydrants can also be broken off by vehicles. When a main breaks, the increased velocity of the water can pick up dirt and other materials that normally settle to the bottom of the pipes.

Dead Ends: every distribution system has mains that must be ended due to physical obstructions (rivers, roads, etc.) or city design features (sports complexes, cul-de-sacs,etc.). This results in a "dead end" that does not connect back with another main. Low usage in these areas results in sediment accumulation. Over time the lack of circulation can result in the appearance of discolored, foul tasting stale water.

Fires and Fire Hydrants: the high velocity of water used to fight fires and to test fire hydrants can pick up sediment as described under Main Breaks.

Construction Activities: sometimes mains must be replaced or cleaned. Also, new buildings require connection to the existing water main. These and other similar activities may disturb the accumulated sediment and result in temporarily dirty water.

Private plumbing systems can also cause dirty water. This can happen for a number of reasons:

Hot-Water Systems: dirty water often originates in the hot-water tank. Hot water tanks can accumulate sediment and therefore need to be flushed clean.

House Piping: defective plumbing can lead to many dirty water conditions. Pieces of rubber or plastic washers that age and crumble can result in particles in the water. Improperly joined dissimilar materials (such as iron and galvanized, or copper and iron) can accelerate corrosion and turn water red or green. Rapid shut-off of faucets or automatic valves in washing machines can cause tremendous pressure surges that dislodge material from pipe walls.

Step 1: Determine the source of the dirty water. Is it the hot or the cold water?

First try flushing the toilet, and look into the bowl. Since the toilet uses only cold water, if the bowl is clear, then the problem is with the hot water. If the bowl water is dirty, then the cold water is affected, and activities outside your home should be considered as the cause.

If the hot water is the source, the hot water tank must be flushed clean, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If the cold water is the source, the cold water needs to be flushed. Don't continue to flush the toilet after the initial test. Don't use the hot water. Prevent further accumulations of sediment in the hot water tank by not using the hot water. If the dishwasher or clothes washer is running, stop it mid cycle until the water is cleared up.

If distribution system repair or maintenance is under way, this way be the cause. Also look for street sweepers or anyone else using a fire hydrant.

Open the cold-water faucet in the bathtub all the way open, full force, with the drain open, for about 15 minutes. Most dirty water situations will clear up in this time. If not, turn the water off, wait 10-15 minutes, and repeat the flushing again.

4. Does the Water Department give discounts?: Sorry, but no we do not. We are sometimes asked to give discounts for large families or for people who have new lawns or swimming pools, but our policy is to charge for the amount of water used. We think that's fair to all our customers.

5. Should I contact the Water Department if I feel my billing is wrong, regardless of whose favor it is in?: Absolutely contact the department at 863-471-5112 if you feel that your bill is incorrect. The City of Sebring works hard to ensure that all billings are 100% accurate. However, on occasion, mistakes in the billing process can occur. After all, we are only human. If you have any question regarding your billing amount, please contact us immediately so that we may take measures to ensure that your billing is accurate.

In the unfortunate event that we find that your bills have been inaccurate, the city will back bill or back credit your account for a period not exceeding 12 months.

6. Some months my water bill seems very high. Why is that?: There are many possible reasons. Household guests or additional residents increase water consumption. Filling a swimming pool takes a tremendous amount of water. A hose left running on the lawn can waste hundreds of gallons. So may a constantly running toilet. Just a leaking faucet can waste 500 gallons of water per week!

In some cases, customers use a very small amount throughout the month and because we only bill per 1,000 gallons used, when the dial rolls over to 1,000 gallons, the charge will then appear on the monthly bill.

7. What if I don’t want City water?: Residents have the option of using a well rather than city water if desired. However, future connection back to the city water system may require sterilization of the residence because of possible contamination and a backflow preventer must be installed.

8. Why does my water bill run the same amount month after month?: The bill may be the same each month because we only bill per 1,000 gallons used, water consumption may fluctuate between 1-999 gallons without reflecting a change on the monthly water bill. For example, if 3,001 gallons are used during a billing period, the charge on the bill will be for 3,000 gallons. Likewise, if 3,999 gallons are used during a billing period, the charge on the bill will be for 3,000 gallons.

9. Why does my water bill sometimes vary from month to month?: This may be on account of additional water used during the billing period. In some cases, customers use a very small amount throughout the month and because we only bill per 1,000 gallons used, when the dial rolls over to 1,000 gallons, the charge will then appear on the monthly bill.