Show All Answers

1. How can I set up a utility account?

Accounts must be set up in person at our office at:
1600 13th Ave. S.
Kelso, WA 98626

2. What is the difference between the Water Base charge and the Water Consumption charge?

The Water Base charge is a monthly charge that is applied towards the cost of maintenance of the system, operation of equipment and overhead. The Water Consumption charge is for the actual water consumed through the meter.

3. Is there any Water Consumption included in the cost of the Water Base charge?

No. The Water Consumption charge and the Water Base charge are two separate charges.

4. How is my Water Consumption calculated?

Your meter is read each month. The difference between your current reading and your previous month’s reading gives us your consumption. Your bill shows both the readings and the consumption, in units. Each unit is 748 gallons. A unit is not billed until it has been fully consumed.

5. When is my consumption billed?

We read the meters as close to the end of the month as possible, and it is billed during the next month. For example, your April reading/April Consumption is billed on your May bill.

6. What time period does the base charges cover on my bill?

Using the example above, your May bill would also include the base charges from April 16th through May 15th.

7. How can I use the exact amount of water several months in a row?

It is possible to have several bills in a row charge for the same amount of units. You may notice that you used less water in one month and more in the next, but still get billed the same. This is because there are 748 gallons in each unit. Since a unit isn’t billed until it is fully consumed, there is 747 gallons of room for fluctuation. Remember, a unit is not billed until it has been fully consumed.

8. When are Utility payments due?

Your bills are due the following 15th of the month. For example, a June billing is due July 15th. If the 15th falls on a non-business day, the due date moves to the preceding date (usually the Friday) before. You can still make payments up to the 15th on a non-business day, using our online payment system.

9. Is there a late fee if my payment is not in your office by 5:30 PM on the due date?

Yes. A $10.00 late fee will be assessed on your account and a “pink” delinquency notice will be mailed to you with information regarding possible disconnection of service due to non-payment. Please contact our office if you believe you have received a pink notice in error.

10. I am moving from one address to another, both serviced by the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works. What do I need to do?

You will need to call us at Cowlitz County Department of Public Works with an effective moving out date for the prior address. A final bill will be issued through that date. If a deposit is still on your account, it will be refunded at that time, as a credit against any remaining charges on the account. You will also need to visit our office in person to sign up for service at the new address. A fully refundable deposit may be required.

11. I am currently living at an address serviced by the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works, but am moving to an address that is not. What do I need to do?

You will need to call the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works with an effective move out date. A final bill will be issued through that date. If a deposit is still on your account, it will be refunded at that time, as a credit against any remaining charges on the account.

12. I paid a fully refundable deposit when I started service. When will I get my deposit back?

You need to request your deposit after 12 consecutive monthly payments. A review of your account will be completed. If all payments have been on-time, a refund of your deposit will be applied to your account as a credit. If any of those payments have not been timely, a refund won’t be issued at that time. If you move out before the 12 months, your deposit will be refunded on your final bill as a credit.

13. How long before my water can get connected?

Though there is never a guarantee, water connections are usually completed within 24 hours. We require one business day’s notice for connection and disconnection requests.

14. My water was disconnected due to non-payment. What do I need to do to get it reconnected?

You will need to call our office to make the required minimum payment before service will be restored. We accept VISA or MasterCard, debit or credit. We can take the payment over the phone. Payments done by you using our online payment system will still need to be called in to us, to let us know the payment has been made. Reconnection of service is usually same day, but there is no guarantee, however, we make every attempt to get an address reconnected. Addresses that have made payment during “shutoff day” are collected and called out to the Utility Operators in the early afternoon. Payments received after the call out have a slimmer chance of same day reconnection.

15. How do I view the Water & Sewer Utilities Policies & Procedures?

Just click here on: Utilities Policies & Procedures.