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Test dishwashers to verify that temperatures reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit on the surfaces of the internal contents of the appliance. To test the temperature, place a food thermometer into a glass and run the dishwasher. During the wash cycle take note of the temperature.

Rubber components and materials, which can deteriorate over time, are sometimes used in older home plumbing systems and water heaters. When replacing rubber plumbing components, ask for chloramine-resistant parts, which you can get from your plumber or at hardware stores. Follow manufacturers' recommended use for chloramine-resistant parts.

Bills are due within 24 days of the bill date. Late payments are assessed a 10% charge.

Development density is strictly regulated by the Prince William County Planning Commission and Board of County Supervisors through rezoning based on the Comprehensive Plan. Prince William Water assesses new developments for utility service availability within these guidelines.

Yes. 

Prince William Water is discontinuing Automatic Bank Drafting to offer more flexible payment options.  Invoice Cloud provides various recurring payment options. Payments issued by electronic check are free. A$2.75 fee is applied to credit or debit card payments.  

Home treatment units may improve flavor or odor, but they do not boost safety. Lack of maintenance might cause bacteria to proliferate in the treatment system and taint the water. Before buying a home water treatment device, read the product information. Follow manufacturer directions for operation and maintenance and change the filter regularly. Certified home treatment devices should have an NSF mark. Visit the EPA's website for more information. 
 

Bottled water isn't safer than tap. Studies have found that most bottled water is just tap water repackaged. The only difference is that plastic bottles can leach microplastics and chemicals! Tap water is also an important source of minerals like calcium and magnesium.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires all water utilities to produce annual water quality reports that convey important information and characteristics about the water they provide to their customers. You can view our water quality reports online.

Additionally, bottled water contributes to plastic pollution. Four out of every five single-use water bottles end up in a landfill, equaling about 2.8 million tons of plastic per year. Water bottles that are not properly disposed of can end up in one of several giant garbage patches in oceans around the world.

For more information, visit the Value of Water.
 

Black specks in tap water are often caused by rubber plumbing fittings degrading in contact with tap water chlorine and chloramines. Degraded gaskets and o-rings can gather in toilet tanks and faucets.  

Specks that can be smudged between fingertips indicate degrading rubber. Silicate or manganese is likely if it does not smear between your fingertips. Please contact our Customer Service Department to request a service visit to flush your water lines to clear silt or manganese. After flushing the mains, flush your residential lines.  

New or restored structures can have particle issues. Plumbers sometimes disrupt plumbing systems. Flushing new systems can help. 

If your garments or towels smell after laundering, check the washing machine. Wet laundry will show odors from the washing machine. After drying, the laundry smells much better but returns when damp. Washing machine scents can come from two sources:

1. Clothes may smell “sour” after prolonged wetness.  
2. Lint, filth and moisture from the washing machine can cause odor transfer to garments. To reduce odor, consult the owner's manual.