Frequently Asked Questions

To serve you better, we've assembled a list of our customers' most frequently asked questions.  If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.

 

How could I have used this much water?

You may not have - the numbers on your meter may have been transposed or hard to read.  Contact your local office for assistance.

You could possibly have a leaky toilet or faucet that's difficult to detect. Please read our guide for diagnosing a high bill to learn about common causes of high water usage.

If you still have questions, please call your local RSA office and we will work with you to solve the problem.

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks.  If you have a pressure reducing valve in your home, check to ensure that it is working properly.  If you are unable to find the source of the problem, call your local RSA office and report low pressure for your area.

Why is my water discolored?

A recent repair could have allowed air to enter the line.  Also, system flushing may have disturbed sediment in the distribution main.  To clear up the discoloration, allow cold water to run through a faucet in your home.  Rest assured that your water is safe to drink. 

What chemicals does our utility district add to the water?

RSA only uses chemicals that are approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for the treatment of drinking water.

My water tastes, looks, and smells funny. Is it safe to drink?

All public water systems are required to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 mg/L (tested at the end of each line) by state law. Our disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety.  RSA also performs monthly bacteriological testing throughout the distribution system to verify the absence of bacteria in the water supply.

Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?

Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater.  If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and/or damaging the water heater.

Why does my bill show a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received it after the new bill was printed, or we may not have received it at all.  Be aware that payments sent via mail must arrive by the due date to be considered on-time.  To hear your current balance and due date, call your local office or login to your Self-Service Center account.

RSA offers several payment options that can eliminate your reliance on the USPS for payment delivery.  We recommend signing up for automatic payments as a guaranteed way to avoid late fees and disconnection.

Why are my sewer charges higher than my water charges?

You may wonder why sewer charges exceed water charges on your bill.  After all, you value clean and safe water more highly than the waste you send down the drain.

It is important to remember that we set rates differently than a for-profit business.  We charge based on what it costs to treat water, not based on the customer's perceived value of the end product.  And wastewater treatment is significantly more expensive than drinking water treatment.  

Rapidan Service Authority proudly bears a responsibility to protect our environment from damage, and your sewer charges reflect the importance and difficulty of that task.

Can I receive bills via email?

Yes!  Rapidan Service Authority does allow customers to receive bills electronically.  Sign up for a WebShare account to modify your eBilling preferences anytime.