Show All Answers

1. How do I get water and sewer service put in my name?

To start service please complete the online water and sewer service application. It must be submitted with a copy of each applicant's driver's license. Supporting ownership or lease documents may be required. If you are uncertain about what documents you need, call 757-382-6352 to speak with one of our Customer Service representatives.

2. How can I get water turned on when I cannot be home?

After you have completed your request for water service you can complete a Release Form (PDF) to request water be turned on without someone present. Please ensure all faucets are in the “OFF” position before you return your request. This form can be emailed to our Customer Service division or faxed to 757-382-8546.

3. Where can I pay my utility bill and what methods of payment do you accept?

Chesapeake Public Utilities and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) issue a joint bill named the Hampton Roads Utility Billing System, or HRUBS. The residential bill covers two months of water use and sewer collection by the City, and two months of sewer treatment by HRSD. Most commercial accounts are billed monthly.

You can make your payment by using any of the following options:

• Pay Online via Credit Card or Bank Account at HRSD.com
  There is no fee for this service
• Pay by phone at 844-257-6063 with a credit or debit card
  There is no fee for this service
• Pay in person at the City Hall Public Utilities Department office on the 2nd floor
  Cash, check and money order only. No credit card processing available at the Public Utilities office in City Hall
• Pay in person at any of the City Treasurer's offices
  Treasurer's offices will accept check and money order only for utility bills
• Mail your payment using the envelope enclosed with your bill
• Drop your payment off at the 24 hour drop box in the City Hall 2-hour visitor parking lot. Drop boxes are also located next to the stairs leading up to City Hall's front doors.

The most convenient method of payment is with AutoPay. AutoPay automatically deducts the amount of your bill from your bank account. To begin this service, or to learn more about it, call 757-460-2491. Please check the HRSD website for the availability of AutoPay.

4. Is there a way for me to access my account information anytime of day or night?

Yes, your account balance, the date of your last bill and the date and amount of your last payment are available by phone 24 hours a day. Dial 757-460-2491 and follow the instructions. Enter your 10-digit HRUBS account number located on your bill when requested.

5. How is water use or consumption measured?

For most customers, water use is measured in hundred cubic feet (CCF). One CCF equals 748 gallons, which is also called one consumption. For some customers, water use is measured in 100 gallons and converted to CCF. Please review your statement to confirm your unit of measurement.

6. How much do I pay for water (effective 1/1/22)?

The cost is $47.56 for the first 600 cubic feet (CF) every two months and $5.36 per consumption above that amount. Your rate for water is made up of two components: a minimum service charge and a consumption charge. Residential water use is billed bimonthly.

The City Code, Chapter 78, Article IV, Sec. 78-88 describes Utility service charges and rates.

7. How much do I pay for sewer collection and treatment (effective 1/1/22)?

The sewer collection cost is $23 for the first 600 cubic feet (CF) every two months and $5.09 for each additional consumption. There is a minimum service charge and consumption charge for sewer collection based on the water used. The service charge helps to cover ongoing costs for sewer collection and treatment.

Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) has a charge of $6.39 per 100 cubic feet of water or a minimum of $ 0.30 per day (whichever is greater) for sewage treatment based on metered water. HRSD charges residential customers a flat rate of $52.20 monthly for sewer treatment when water is unmetered (or per request). See HRSD for details.

8. Why is there a minimum service charge and what is a minimum bill (effective 1/1/22)?

Some costs are ongoing regardless of the amount of water used. The minimum service charge is to help cover the fixed costs of our water system which include water quality, system readiness, distribution system upkeep and customer facilities maintenance. Your service charge is determined by the size of your water meter.

The minimum bill from 0 to 6 consumptions is $70.56. This does not include the HRSD sewage treatment charge.

9. How much is an average bill (effective 1/1/22)?

An average bill based on 12 consumptions for two months is $133.26. This does not include the HRSD sewage treatment charge.

10. What should I do if I think I have a leak somewhere in my house?

There are some things you can check for yourself. Look inside and outside your house for dripping faucets and repair these, if necessary. A leaky toilet is easy to detect also. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and do not flush. After about 15 minutes check the toilet bowl for color in the water. If color is present, you have a leak. Toilet leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water. To request a free leak detection kit, email your address to Public Utilities or call Public Utilities Customer Service at 757-382-6352 and ask for a leak detection kit. The kit contains a dye tablet and additional information and suggestions on detection and repair of leaks in your home.

After the leak in your home has been repaired, contact Public Utilities Customer Service at 757-382-6352.

If you have repaired a water leak, you can apply for an adjustment. An adjustment is only considered for consumptions above average use. The average bill is to be paid by the due date while the adjustment review is pending.