Your Water

GA 811 - Call Before You Dig

Call 811 or go to the 811 website before digging to avoid buried utilities.

Lead Awareness

PFAS

Troubleshoot your Water / Check for Leaks

A high water usage pattern may indicate a leak. Often, continuous water usage stems from minor, easily fixable issues like dripping faucets, toilets that don’t fully seal, or malfunctioning outdoor irrigation systems. Increased water consumption can negatively impact both the environment and your home. We recommend checking for potential leaks in your home as soon as possible. Below, you’ll find areas to inspect regularly for leaks.

Toilets

Toilets are the most common source of household leaks, and many of these leaks are silent, making them difficult to detect. They can range from small leaks of less than a gallon per hour to larger ones, losing several gallons per hour. Fortunately, most toilet leaks can be repaired with inexpensive parts.

Common Causes of Toilet Leaks

Over time, the components of the toilet's flushing mechanism wear out, leading to leaks. The fill valve and flapper are the usual culprits that need replacement. Here are the most common causes of toilet leaks:

Leaking flapper: A worn or warped flapper prevents a proper seal. To check, drop a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait an hour. If colored water appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking and needs replacement.
- Fix: Disconnect the old flapper and install a new one. Since flappers wear out over time, check them periodically.
Running toilet: If you need to jiggle the handle to stop the toilet from running, the flush lever, chain, or handle may be sticking.
- Fix: Tighten the nut that secures the flush lever inside the tank. If that doesn’t work, replace the handle.
Leaking fill valve: Remove the toilet tank lid and mark the current water level with a pencil. After flushing, the water level should return to the marked line.
- Fix: If the water level is above or below the line, adjust the fill valve so the water shuts off about 1 inch below the overflow tube.
Loose handle: If the handle feels loose when flushing, the nut inside the tank may need tightening.
- Fix: Remove the tank lid and tighten the nut so the handle moves freely but securely.

How to Detect a Toilet Leak

Carefully remove the toilet tank lid.
Drop dye tablets or food coloring into the water in the tank.
Wait for one hour without flushing.
If colored water appears in the toilet bowl, you have a flapper leak that needs repair.

The dye will be flushed away during your next toilet flush.

If you're considering replacing your toilet, look for one with the WaterSense label for maximum efficiency.

Faucets

Worn parts or loose water supply connections are common causes of faucet leaks. These leaks can be easy to spot, like a constant drip, or more hidden, such as leaks beneath the sink. While a persistent drip can be annoying, concealed leaks can cause serious water damage to walls and ceilings if not detected early. In either case, don’t ignore faucet leaks. The good news is that they are often simple to repair and can usually be handled by the homeowner.

Identifying and Fixing a Leaky Faucet

The key to repairing a leaky faucet is knowing the type you have. Faucets come in various styles, including:

Compression faucet: Typically found with two handles, one for hot water and one for cold.
Ball-type and cartridge faucets: Commonly single-lever designs, often used in kitchens.

Faucet leaks are usually caused by worn-out seals, and each faucet type requires specific parts for repair. To ensure you get the right materials, consult your local hardware store for guidance and supplies.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Replace worn parts: Periodically check and replace washers, gaskets, o-rings, cartridges, and aerators inside the faucet. Depending on the manufacturer, you may also need to replace ceramic discs or other components.
Check water supply connections: Tighten the water supply tubing at the fittings where they connect to the wall and faucet. If tightening doesn't stop the leak, the supply tubing may need to be replaced.

Shower Heads

Showering is one of the main ways we consume water at home. According to the EPA, showers account for up to 17% of indoor water use, which amounts to about 40 gallons per day for the average family. Many newer homes are equipped with water-efficient shower heads, which help conserve water and reduce energy costs.

Did you know that by installing a water-efficient shower head, the average household can save over 2,900 gallons of water each year? If you're considering replacing your shower head, look for one with the WaterSense label for maximum efficiency.

Easy Fixes for a Leaky Shower Head

Shower leaks often occur where the shower head connects to the pipe, causing water to drip or spray from the back of the head. Here are a few simple tips to fix a leaky shower head and maintain its performance:

Remove the shower head and soak it in vinegar once a year to remove mineral buildup.
Replace the washer or O-ring inside the shower head to ensure a tighter seal.
Apply Teflon tape or plumber's putty to the threads of the shower pipe before reinstalling the shower head to prevent leaks.

Rebate Programs:

https://northgeorgiawater.org/residents-schools-businesses/conserve-our-water/water-conservation-rebate-programs/

Protect Your Pipes / Winterizing

The plumbing system in your property consists of all the pipes and fixtures, starting from the meter or valve near the street and extending to the faucets within your home.

Below are a few important components to be familiar with:

1. Guard your pipes

3. Add insulation

5. Keep the Water Shut-off Accessible

Should a water line ever freeze and burst, you will need to shut off the home's water supply immediately. Make sure the shut-off valve is easily accessible. Turning the valve handle all the way clockwise should shut off all water to the house. If the valve is rusted open or only closes partially, replace the main shut-off valve immediately. This is usually a job for a professional plumber.

7. Clean Gutters

9. Maintain your thermostat

2. Seal holes & cracks

4. Keep water flowing

6. Keep garage doors closed

8. Check attic ventilation

10. Prepare for vacation

Water Service Line Inventory

Lead and Copper Line Inventory (updated 10/24) | 2023 CCR

At this time, no lead service lines have been identified within our water system.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of drinking water by addressing the issue of lead exposure. Under these regulations, utilities are required to take proactive steps in identifying, inventorying, and ultimately replacing lead service lines. Lead in drinking water poses serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

To comply with these regulations, Bartow County Water Department (BCWD) is continually developing and updating a comprehensive inventory of all water lines within our system. We are proactively creating a clear plan for replacing any potential lead service lines we discover over time, reducing our customers’ exposure to lead in drinking water. By adhering to these regulations, BCWD not only ensures regulatory compliance but also contributes to the health and well-being of our community. Through transparency, careful planning, and responsible action, we strive to help safeguard public health and provide cleaner, safer drinking water for all.

The drinking water BCWD supplies to homes and businesses is lead-free. However, lead can enter the water as it passes through household pipes and fixtures that contain lead. To prevent this, we take extensive precautions during the treatment process to reduce corrosion—the breakdown of metals in pipes. By minimizing corrosion, we help protect the water from lead exposure when it flows through lead pipes or pipes with lead solder.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send an email to: wsli@bartowcountyga.gov

Complete the Property Access form

Versión en Español

Haga clic aquí para completar el formulario de acceso a la propiedad

Water Service Line FAQs

I received a notice about my water service line material potentially being lead. Do I need to have my water tested?

We have a high level of confidence that lead pipes are uncommon in the Bartow County water system and county-owned water lines. Bartow County Water Department (BCWD) has no known lead sources within our public water system and lead is currently not present in the drinking water from these sources, but there is a chance it may become present in the water after traveling through the customers privately owned lines, connections, and/or plumbing materials in older homes constructed before 1986. In 1986, lead pipes, connectors, and plumbing materials were banned nationwide. If construction of your residence began after 1986, the likelihood of having a lead service line on your property is highly unlikely.

My notice stated Lead Status Unknown. What does this mean?

The customer-owned portion of your service line, from the meter box to the property structure, is undetermined and needs to be inspected in order to classify it further. We do not have access to this portion of your service line unless permission is granted, or you may choose to have it inspected independently. Please complete a Property Access Form found on our website in order to have it inspected by BCWD or submit photos and documentation taken by a reputable plumber to wsli@bartowcountyga.gov. Please note if you choose to have it inspected independently, any costs associated are the responsibility of the property owner.

I did not give BCWD permission to look at my service line, but it has been categorized as non-lead. How do you know this?

Per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, BCWD was able to cross-reference as-built dates, infrastructure installation dates, and structure construction dates against the 1986 lead pipe, connector, and plumbing material ban. To ensure the accuracy of our categorization, BCWD made the decision to utilize 1989 as the metric to determine this cut-off point for the potential of lead within service lines.

What’s prompting Bartow County Water Department to check my lines?

In 1991, the EPA introduced an initial rule to regulate lead and copper levels in drinking water, known as the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The main sources of lead in drinking water are due to lead lines, connectors, and/or plumbing materials. We have a high level of confidence that lead pipes are uncommon in the Bartow County water system and county-owned water lines. Our team is inspecting water lines to confirm that there are no traces of lead present as well as continually testing and monitoring the water in our system to ensure it is lead-free.

Is my water safe to drink?

EPA enforces regulations to restrict specific contaminants in public water systems, guaranteeing that tap water is safe for consumption. BCWD meets and/or exceeds these requirements each year to ensure we are providing customers with the highest quality tap water. For information regarding these requirements, you can acquire our most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) on our website.

What can I do to reduce or eliminate potential lead in my drinking water?

The most effective method to eliminate lead exposure in drinking water is by replacing all lead sources entirely. However, there are immediate steps you can take if you have concerns about lead in your drinking water:

Flush your lines! Run the tap for approximately 3-5 minutes before use or consumption
Clean faucet screens (aerators)
Use cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water from the faucet has the potential to dissolve additional lead concentrations from pipes
Filter the water with an EPA-approved filter to remove lead

What are the Health Effects of Lead?

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. children or women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.

How do I know if my home may have a lead service line or lead plumbing?

All water systems nationwide are required to conduct an inventory of both their utility and customer lines. We are actively working to identify all lines in our system. BCWD’s inventory can be viewed on our website. Please keep in mind that the portion of the service line between the water meter and the residence/structure on your property, is owned by the customer. If you would like to have BCWD inspect your private line(s), the property owner will need to complete a Property Access Form found on our website.

If my residence is found to have a lead service line, are their funding options available to pay for the replacement?

BCWD is working with local state and federal funding agencies to potentially secure funding, but there is no guarantee funding will become available. If you do choose to replace your portion of the service line at this time, please submit documentation including photos, invoices, and the property address to wsli@bartowcountyga.gov. Any cost associated with replacing the customer's portion of the service line is the property owner’s responsibility.

How do I have my water tested for lead?

Fire Flow Testing Schedule

TBD

Please contact Gerardo Becerra @ (678 721-5488) or becerrag@bartowcountyga.govbor Gina Moss @ (470-725-2314) or mossg@bartowcountyga.gov regarding fire flow testing.

Why is Flow Testing necessary?

Bartow County is required to perform flow tests 20% of its fire hydrant on a 5-year rotation to maintain our Class 1 ISO rating. This affects the community’s insurance rating, directly impacting the cost of residential and commercial insurance policies.
To maintain and upgrade fire hydrants to provide adequate fire protection.
To provide accurate flow data and paint hydrants to NFPA 291-2019 standard color classifications.
Clear obstructions, service valves, and caps identify inadequate or insufficient water supply and repair broken lines.

Problems that may occur:

Water Leaks - identify the source of the leak and use the contact information below.
Stained or muddy water - turn on an outside faucet for 30 minutes or until the water has cleared.
No or very little water flow - this should only occur when the hydrants are fully open during testing.

Bartow CountyWater Department