PAWSD Tips
Leaving Town? Turn Off Your Meter!
The District strongly recommends that property owners who plan on being away from their homes or businesses for any length of time have District personnel turn off their water service at the meter pit. Turning the water off at the pit may avoid an overage, should a leak develop between the meter and the home. Please see Meter Turn On or Off for more information about this service.
We recommend that all of our customers sign up for our leak alert system, DropCountr. Learn more >>
Meter Accessability
Please ensure your water meter lid and a minimum of one foot from the lid is exposed and entirely visible, free of landscaping, boulders, vehicles, and debris. During winter months, please ensure there is access to the meter, keeping the area around the meter free of ice & snow.
It is important for PAWSD technicians to have easy access to the meter pit for several reasons:
✔ Meters are now read remotely by a radio signal; covering a lid will result in blocking the signal.
✔ Immediate water shut-off may be required if you have a leak.
✔ Water shut-off may be required for other reasons, such as the sale of the home or business.
✔ Periodic meter inspection and calibration is conducted to ensure accuracy.
Customers may be billed for any PAWSD technician time
and equipment required to clear a meter lid.
Winterizing Tips
If you will be gone during the winter months:
- Mark your meter pit with a long stake and make arrangements to have the area around any nearby fire hydrant cleared of snow build-up through the course of the winter. This action will enable fire protection services to your property and neighborhood.
- Identify shut-off valve locations for your property before freezing weather arrives. This action will help you or a property maintenance person quickly shut the water off at the house, should a leak occur due to freezing.
- If you have in-floor or water based heating, you may not be able to have your water turned off at the meter pit. We recommend you contact a plumber for your winterizing options.