Higher Water Bills Due to Blizzard of 2016: WSSC

LAUREL, MD – Nearly a fourth of the customers served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission will have higher than normal bills this month thanks to the recent blizzard.

The utility has alerted customers that the historic snowfall covered many outside water meters and remote reading devices were inaccessible, which caused a significant delay in WSSC’s regular meter reading schedule. Instead, many residential customers will receive estimated bills this month, says the utility, which serves much of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Additionally, the billing period will be 10 days longer than usual and may result in about 100,000 of WSSC’s 430,000 residential customers receiving higher than normal bills.

Customers affected will get a notification on their bill. Users who receive paper bills in the mail will also receive a special billing insert. All affected customers will be given a 45-day due date extension.

An estimated bill, which is labeled as such, is based on each customer’s average daily consumption during the same time last year. Customers should pay the estimated charges. During the next billing cycle, when WSSC can take an actual meter reading, the account will be reconciled so the customer is charged only for the water actually used during the extended billing cycle.

Inside meter customers can receive an actual bill sooner by providing a meter reading. The inside water meter is usually located near the hot water heater or washer and dryer.

It is read from left to right and the 7- or 8–digit reading includes one stationary zero. The reading can be submitted by calling the utility’s 24/7 Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) at 301-206-4001. Customers should have their account number available when submitting the reading.

Check out the How to Read Your Water Meter video for more details.

Some water meters are located outside, under the ground. For safety reasons, customers should not attempt to access these meters.

Customers who think their estimates are too high should call the Customer Relations Staff at 301-206-4001, 1-800-634-8400 or TTY 301-206-8345, between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., weekdays. You can also email the utility at Cust-Relations@wsscwater.com.