FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Please click here to view the Cooperative Purchasing Agreements. 

The bi-monthly base rate supports the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Manchester Water District distribution system, and all customers pay the same amount. The Base Rate for 2024 is $45.50 per billing cycle, or every two months. Read more about the 2024 Schedule of Fees and Charges.

The amount of your bi-monthly bill (the amount in addition to the base rate fee of $45.50) is based on your water consumption. Some customers increase their water usage during the warmer and drier months of the year. Activities such as watering lawns and gardens, washing cars, filling pools, power washing, additional house guests etc. can increase your water consumption. If you have not knowingly increased your usage, and have a significant change in consumption, this could indicate a leak on your property. 

Manchester Water does not offer any payment plans. However, if you have concerns about making your payment on time, please call customer service at 360-871-0500 to speak with a representative. 

Manchester Water District reads water usage in cubic feet. There are 7.48 gallons of water in 1 cubic foot. To convert from cubic feet to gallons, multiply your total cubic feet used by 7.48. 

There are several ways you can check for water leaks on your property:
1. Turn off all of the water in your house, then go outside and read your water meter. Wait several hours, (a good way is to read it at bedtime and then again in the morning), if the meter has moved significantly you could have a leak. Need help locating your meter? We can help!  Visit the Fix Leaks. Save Water. Save Money. page for details.
2. Check all of your faucets, inside and outside, and look for drops of water under sinks and from any exposed pipes. Perform these checks with the water off and while it is running.
3. Toilet leaks can be a common source of water use. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank, and wait about 30 minutes. If food coloring appears in the bowl, your toilet is leaking. Please understand that some toilet leaks are intermittent, therefore you may not always see or hear the water running.
4. Monitor basements and exposed pipes for signs of dripping water.
Recognize that in many cases a leak can be difficult to locate, and you may require the assistance of a professional. It is recommended that you check all faucets, pipes, and toilets periodically for leaks. 

You may be eligible for a leak rate adjustment. If eligible, this adjustment can help offset some of the costs associated with your leak. Print and complete the Leak Rate Adjustment Form or use our online form and contact Manchester Water District for further details. Please Note: Each customer is permitted one leak adjustment every three years. 

Not all homes have water shut-off valves. If your home does have one, it may be located in the garage, basement, a closet, or buried outside. 

All of our water meters are outside and often near a property corner close to the road. It may be under a small metal or plastic cover in your driveway, garden or nearby footpath.
If you need help locating your meter visit our Services Page for details. 

 Visit our Water Quality Page for information. 

The unique topography of Manchester allows for a gravity fed water system; as a result, the water pressure at each residence varies. Manchester Water District regulates for water mains only, not individual residences. If you have concerns about your individual water pressure you may call a plumber of your choice for a quote on the installation of a pressure reducing valve. 

Backflow, also known as a cross-connection, is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water from its intended direction in any pipeline or plumbing system. Backflow is dangerous because it can allow unregulated water or other contaminants into the public water supply. A backflow preventer is a mechanical device required to protect public health and must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter.
Tests must be performed by a state certified backflow assembly tester. Failure to do so may result in discontinuation of service. For further information regarding backflow devices and the District's cross-connection control program, please visit our cross-connection page or call our office at 360-871-0500.