Leaving Chester for the winter, or closing up a cabin? Here is how to protect your pipes, and what happens to your water and your bill while you are away.

Having your water turned off at the meter

We can turn your water off at the meter while you are away. Fill out the Request to Turn Water Off or On online or on paper. When you are ready to have the water back on, the customer of record calls the office. No new form is needed.

• Fees. $35.00 to turn the water off and $50.00 to turn it back on during business hours. After hours or on a holiday: $70.00 and $100.00 (Resolution No. 370).
• Monthly charges continue. Your account stays open, and the monthly water and sewer base charges are billed every month the water is off. Only the water usage charge stops. There is no vacancy or standby rate (Resolution No. 446).
• Sewer service continues while the property is connected to the sewer.
• The meter is read when the water is turned off and again when it is turned back on.

Protect your pipes from freezing

Turning the water off at the meter does not drain your pipes. Water left in the pipes can still freeze and burst. Protecting your plumbing is the owner’s responsibility.

• Know where your own shut-off valve is (on your side of the meter), and close it before you leave.
• Drain your water lines, or have a plumber winterize the house, if the heat will be off.
• If you leave the heat on, keep it at a safe level and have someone check the house regularly.
• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and outside walls.
• Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets.
• Before the water is turned back on, close every faucet, valve, and hose bib.

Frozen or burst pipe?

Close your own shut-off valve and call the District at (530) 258-2171, or after hours at (530) 816-0505. Never operate the valve inside the meter box; it belongs to the District. If a leak raised your bill, you may be able to request a billing adjustment.

Selling or leaving for good?

If you are selling the property or ending service in your name, use the Request to Terminate Service and Close Account instead.

Questions? Call the office at (530) 258-2171, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.).