FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Would you explain the water bill?
A: The annual water bill covers the fiscal year from July 1 through June 30th and is mailed after July 1st of each fiscal year. This bill reflects the flat rate charges up to the first 40,000 gallons used, including a minimum charge (price for water) and a base charge (price to deliver the water through our distribution system). Adding these two together represents the flat rate bill which all accounts pay, regardless of the time the home or business is occupied, or exclusive of the number of gallons used within the first 40,000 gallons. If the water service uses more than 40,000 gallons, an excess charge will reflect the charges for that additional usage.
Q: What's the average family water usage?
A: It is difficult to make a determination of exactly what the average water usage should be because people use water differently according to their individual needs. However, we have calculated over the past number of years that Tisbury's history shows that a conservative family for four (two adults and two small children) average approximately 110,000 to 120,000 gallons of water usage per year.
Q: Why is water running out of a pipe in the middle of nowhere?
A: For the purpose of safe drinking water quality, our distribution system has built-in "blow-offs" in areas of the system where the water mains have a dead end. By running water through these "blow-offs", we maintain a constant circulation of water in the system.
Other Information:
Every year, the Tisbury Water Works produces a Water Quality Report, which is available at any town office location in Tisbury.
In 1999, Tisbury passed a Groundwater Protection Bylaw to help protect our groundwater supply and prevent contamination of the environment.
The Tisbury Water Works promotes water conservation and has various conservation materials and pamphlets available in the office.
For additional assistance, we suggest that you call, fax, or email the Water Works Office.
Telephone: (508) 696-4230
Fax: (508) 693-3157
Email: twwh2o@vineyard.net