Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- How do I get the water turned on / connected?
Residential, Commercial, Industrial
Provide the following:
1. Complete an application.
Application for Residential Account [272KB]
Application for Residential Account (Spanish/Español) [313KB]
Application for Business / Large Consumer Account [195KB]
2. Government-issued photo ID
3. Lease/Ownership documentation, must include:
- Name(s) of lessees/Owner(s)
- Service address
- Service start and stop date
- Signature page
Tenant:
Lease/rental agreement, [Lease Agreement [84KB] (Example form), HUD, written statement by owner
Owner:
Closing disclosure, deed, purchase agreement, settlement statement
- Security Deposit or Letter of Credit; Checks made payable to City of Harrisonburg
Documents may be sent via email to: waterservice@harrisonburgva.gov or mail to:
Harrisonburg Public Utilities
2155 Beery Rd
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Please allow sufficient time for your documents to reach our facility.
*Call us at 540-434-9959 to verify that the information has been received and that your work order has been scheduled.
*Water and sewer services are connected the next business day during business hours. Additional charges for same day service during and after business hours.
- What is my payment due date?
Customers connected to the City water and sewer lines will be billed each month for water and sewage based on their water consumption.
Water meters are read between 25-35 days
Bills mailed: 2nd
Due date: 22nd
If the mail or due date is on a weekend or holiday the date will advance to the next business day.
Consider signing up for EBILLS to avoid USPS mail delays.
Receive same-day billing - no waiting for paper statements.
Email waterservice@harrisonburgva.gov or call 540-434-9959
Access your account anytime to view consumption and payment history through our online portal.
For even more convenience, consider automatic bank draft of your payment to avoid fees and postage costs.
- What should I look for on my bill?
Download a Sample Bill [2MB]
View Back of Bill [177.1KB]
- Do you require a security deposit?
A security deposit or letter of credit is required to activate your water account.
- 5/8" through 1 1/2" Meter = $150.00
- 2" or Larger Size Meter = $300.00
- Refuse Only Accounts = $ 50.00
The above deposit rates are also applicable to consumers using utilities furnished by the city who reside or have a place of business outside the corporate limits of the city.
In lieu of a security deposit you may submit a letter of credit.
- Letter must show sufficient timeliness in payment over the immediately preceding twelve (12) months from the date applying for service.
- Letter must be from an account that has been active within 30 days prior to your service start date.
- Letter must be from a major utility such as water, electricity, or gas. Letters from a phone or cable company will not be accepted.
Letter may be emailed to waterservice@harrisonburgva.gov or faxed to 540-434-9769
Please email or call the office at 540-434-9959 to confirm receipt of the letter.
- Do I have to be at the location when the water is connected?
No, however all faucets MUST be turned off to prevent possible property damage.
If the service technician detects running water, the service may not be turned on. Efforts will be made to contact you. If faucets have been left on in the house and your water service is connected, the City will not be responsible for any damages.
- How do I get the water turned off and final bill my account?
Utility Service Disconnection
Complete the Utility Disconnection Form [99KB]
This service is provided Monday through Friday during business hours. It can be scheduled as early as the next business day or a future business day of your choice.
We are unable to provide this service on weekends, holidays or after business hours unless it is deemed an emergency. (fees may apply)
- How do I apply for New Construction Water or Sewer Service?
Connection for New Construction
The City realizes that people need to plan for water and sewer services before they can build a new house or a business facility. The Department of Public Utilities wants to make it as easy as possible to obtain these connections.
Step 1 - Learn how to get water and sewer service to a building site, whether a single building or a major development. At no charge, the Public Utilities Department can tell you:
- If an existing public main is located close enough to meet needs.
- The expected water pressure conditions.
- The expected fire suppression capacity.
- The guidelines for the size and type of water meter to install.
- The guidelines for determining whether gravity or pumped sewer service is required.
Step 2 - The customer pays applicable fees established in the Harrisonburg City Code of Ordinance 7-4-22. Fees vary based on the size and type of building.
Construction for new connections is a cooperative venture of the City and the Customer.
The Field Division of Public Utilities is responsible for constructing the new service from the existing main to the street right-of-way or easement line.
The Customer is responsible for the service connection from the right-of-way or easement line to the dwelling. The work to be completed by city forces is scheduled when the applicable fees are paid.
Step 3 - The customer should contact the Billing Division of Public Utilities when the service line from the main to the building is completed to complete the service activation.
Water and Sewer line service connection - How to Apply
Contact Information: Phone: 540-434-9959 | Email: waterservice@harrisonburgva.gov
A Customer Service Representative will:
- Schedule a site visit by a Technician who will ensure the line is properly connected and that water and sewer will be available when you are ready.
- Assist you in establishing an account as a new customer.
You are ready to move in!
- JMU Utilities Deposit Assistance Program (UDAP)
James Madison University students may use the UDAP contract in lieu of paying the security deposit.
UDAP is a JMU-sponsored program that lets eligible students connect water, gas, and electric utilities at off-campus housing without paying the standard deposit fees.
How UDAP Works
When you purchase a UDAP contract, you eliminate the utility deposit requirements for:
- Water/Sewer: up to $350
If you fail to pay your final bill, the utility will attempt collection for 90 days. After that, JMU will pay the bill and charge it to your student account to protect your credit. If the bill exceeds the UDAP limit, the remainder may go to collections, risking your credit rating.
Eligibility
You must be:
- A full-time, degree-seeking, currently active JMU student
- Living off campus
- Have no financial holds on your JMU account
- Have a JMU email
Contract Purchase & Renewal
- Contracts are sold online via MyMadison for the current school year
- Contracts go on sale annually on April 1st
- Contracts are valid for the school year and must be renewed by July 31 each year to avoid the deposit fee
- Only one tenant per unit needs to purchase the contract
Process
- Purchase the UDAP contract through MyMadison
- Contact the utility (Water: email: waterservice@harrisonburgva.gov or call 540-434-9959 with your contract number and name as shown on the contract
- Ensure the account is in the name of the UDAP contract holder
- Pay all bills on time to maintain good credit
JMU UDAP Contact Information
- Office: Union (Taylor Hall) MSC 4214, 285 Warren Service Dr., H-L, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
- Phone: 540-568-6071
Tip: If you’re a JMU student, contact UDAP before reaching out to utility companies to ensure smooth setup and avoid deposit fees; NOTE: eBills Required