Water & Sewer Service

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Water and sewer service is provided to all residential and commercial buildings in the city and to some adjoining sections of Rockbridge County. Lines are maintained and extended as necessary to provide water and sewer service to new buildings and developments within the city. There are approximately 2,600 water meters that are read for billing purposes. Our meters are read by an Automatic Meter Reading system and our employees read the accounts that are not accessible. City employees can address questions or problems which arise concerning the bills or consumption. The water and sewer bills are printed and mailed by BMS Direct after the 27th of each month. The city treasurer collects and posts payments at the office in City Hall located at 300 East Washington Street.

For after hours emergencies, contact Regional Dispatch at (540) 463-9177.

FY 24 Rate Increases and Procedure Updates

As of July 1, 2023:

Customers will continue to be billed for water and sewer services on a monthly basis.
The City’s water and sewer rates, and associated fees, will be increased by seven percent (7%). The City’s final rate structures are approved by City Council. This increase is largely attributed to wholesale water and sewer increases imposed by the Maury Service Authority.
Property owners must complete an “Owner Authorization Agreement” form prior to placing service accounts in tenant’s names. The property owners are now liable for the tenants past due accounts. This form may be found on the City’s web-site.
- Owner Authorization Agreement
- Owner Authorization Agreement (fillable)
Automatic bank drafting will be offered for water and sewer service account payments. Those wishing to utilize this service must first complete an “Automatic Recurring Bank Draft Authorization” form. Please mail or hand deliver this form to Public Works, 890 Shop Road, Lexington, VA 24450 along with a VOIDED check. As of 02/21/2024, a bank draft will not be started until a VOIDED check has been received. This form may be found on the City’s web-site.
- Automatic Recurring Bank Draft Authorization
Utility deposits will be based on meter size.
The customer, or their representative, must be present in the dwelling during service “Cut-On” to ensure internal plumbing fixtures are functioning properly upon resumption of service.
Customers are reminded to sign up for the SENSUS Customer Portal to monitor their water consumption. This link may be found on the City’s Website under “Water and Sewer Service”. Payments can not be made in the SENSUS Customer Portal.

Should you have any questions, please contact Director of Public Works, Patrick Madigan at (540)463-3154.

Turning Water On or Off

Water turn-ons and turn-offs should be requested through the Public Works Department. All individuals who are renting houses or business property must have their owner or property manager submit an Owner Authorization form before they pay a $290 deposit for a 5/8" or 3/4" metered account, a $380 deposit for a 1" metered account or $1,583 for any metered account size above 1" (effective 07/01/23) at the Treasurer's Office before the water is turned on and a new account set up. For same day service, the deposit must be made by 2:00 p.m. A $42 administrative fee (effective 07/01/23) is added to the first water bill for all new accounts.

Billing

Citizens can now monitor usage online by signing up for the SENSUS Customer Portal. Be sure to check out the tutorial on using the portal here! Be sure to use only the first six digits of your account number and type in your name exactly as it appears on your water and sewer account.

Water bills are mailed after the 27th of the month that the meters are read, and payment is due by the 25th of the following month. If the water bill is not paid by the 25th, a penalty of 1.5% of the water bill or $12, whichever is greater, (effective 07/01/22) is added to the original amount, and a second notice is sent out advising that if the water bill is not paid by the 12th of the following month, the water will be disconnected. If the water is disconnected, a $65 delinquent administrative service charge (effective 07/01/22) will be added to the water bill and the entire amount must be paid before water service is resumed.
Water & Sewer Services: Rates, Fees, & Charges