What does the Water Department do?
We provide quality drinking water to nearly 7,000 customers in Warrick County through the operation and maintenance of our Water Treatment Facility, water storage tanks, and distribution system.
Where does Chandler Water get its water?
Our water is drawn from wells that collect groundwater. For more information about groundwater and groundwater quality in Indiana, click
here.
How do I report a water main break or leak?
During working hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday), you may call the Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213; after-hours emergencies will be addressed by our on-call personnel at 812-483-1610.
How do I report a leaking/damaged fire hydrant?
During working hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday), you may call the Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213; after-hours emergencies will be addressed by our on-call personnel at 812-483-1610.
How do I begin or discontinue water service?
Services may be established or discontinued by contacting our Billing Office at 812-925-6882. Please give us at least one business day’s notice for service requests. Requests for service changes received after 3:30 p.m. will be handled the next business day.
What are the water tap fees for Chandler Water?
It depends on the type and size of the service. View our
Water Tap Fee Schedule for a breakdown of those costs.
What is the purpose of water main flushing?
Flushing the water system by opening up fire hydrants allows us to remove mineral build-up and sediment from our water mains, as well as to ensure water quality throughout the system. Routine flushing is recommended by Federal and State agencies that regulate drinking water quality. Chandler typically flushes our system in April and October; the process generally takes two weeks, and it is advertised beforehand in local newspapers and posted at various businesses and on this website.
What can I expect during water main flushing?
Most customers will only be affected for one day during the two-week flushing period. On the day that flushing occurs in your area, we recommend you minimize water usage to avoid any issues. If you must use your water during the flushing period (typically 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), you may encounter:
- Low water pressure – This will be temporary (typically no more than a couple of hours), but could be intermittent throughout the day. As the hydrants being flushed pull a higher volume of water than normal from the mains, the pressure drops for customers in the immediate area. If you have experienced a drop in pressure for an extended period of time, please call our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213 to ensure there isn’t another issue going on.
- Rust-colored water – The discoloration is simply a build-up of naturally-occurring iron in the water that has settled in the mains between flushing periods; it is the same build-up that we are attempting to flush out of the system. The water is completely safe and still meets federal and state drinking water standards. Although safe, the discoloration can stain laundry, so it is best to clear out any discolored water from your plumbing lines before additional water use. To clear out your lines, we recommend you run COLD water through your bathtub until it runs clear; this can take up to 20 minutes. If you use hot water while there is discoloration, the discolored water may linger if it gets inside the water heater tank. The same is true if you use a water softening system; bypass your softener to avoid pulling the discolored water into your water softener tank.
- A hammering noise in your pipes and or milky-looking water – In some instances, air can get into your lines when you turn on a faucet during water main flushing. If this happens, you may experience a hammering noise and/or sputtering, or water that appears cloudy or milky and clears up as it sets. To flush air out of your lines, turn on your cold water in all of your faucets until the water flows freely and/or runs clear; it may take several flushes to clear the line to your toilet.
Why do I have brown or rust-colored water?
Discolored water is caused by a build-up of naturally-occurring iron in the water that settles in the mains between flushing periods. When a disturbance occurs that causes water to flow much faster than normal (such as a water pipe break, water main flushing, or due to use by the fire department for firefighting), it can stir up those settled particles, pushing them through the system. The water is still safe to drink, but it is advised to clear the discolored water from your system so as not to cause staining of laundry and/or issues with water heating, filtering or water softening systems. The best way to flush the discolored water from your pipes is to turn on the cold water in your bathtub or other high-volume faucet until the water runs clear; those with a water softener or whole-house filtration system should bypass their respective system(s) prior to flushing. If your laundry has been stained from the discolored water, please attempt to re-wash them after flushing your lines. Chandler Water does have a product available that will remove most rust stains from light-colored clothing if a second washing doesn’t take care of the issue.
Why does the water look cloudy?
The presence of air bubbles may cause your water to appear white or cloudy. You can identify the problem as air by filling a glass with water. If the cloudiness rises from the bottom to the top of the glass, it is most likely air. This air is caused by seasonal temperature changes in the water and/or water pressure fluctuations in the water distribution system. Air bubbles do not pose a health risk.
What are the white chunks that clog up my faucet screens?
White chunks, flakes, or eggshell-like particles that clog faucet aerators and showerheads are likely a build-up of calcium carbonate from water heater tanks. The problem can be caused by older tanks, water heater tanks that are set to a higher temperature, or tanks that are experiencing dip tube failure. The problem can likely be cleared by flushing the water heater tank, inspecting the dip tube (and replacing, if needed), lowering the temperature on your tank, and cleaning all strainers and aerators. Contact a qualified plumber for additional information.
How do I get my drinking water tested?
Chandler Water meets stringent standards for water quality and continually performs water quality testing in accordance with State and Federal regulations. We are unable to provide testing on an individual basis. You may contact a private laboratory for individual analysis of your water; labs may be found in the telephone book or through an online search.
What is the homeowner’s responsibility versus the utility’s responsibility?
Chandler Water is responsible for our water distribution system, which includes water mains, storage tanks, and service lines up to and including the water meter pit. Homeowners are responsible for their internal water lines, and the service line that connects their internal lines to our water meter pit, up to and including the connection to the meter.
I think I have a water leak, what should I do?
The homeowner is responsible for the pipes within the house, as well as the water service line from the house to the water meter pit. If you can see a leak and know that it is on your side of the meter pit, please call a qualified plumber. If you only suspect a leak and/or find a leak that you are unsure from which side of the pit it is originating, you may contact our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213; after-hours emergencies will be addressed by our on-call personnel at 812-483-1610.
How can I shut the water off in an emergency or for repairs?
Every property should have a main valve where you can turn the water off inside your home/building or out in the yard. The main valve is generally located where the water service enters the house/building. You should maintain this valve so it is easily accessed in case of an emergency. If you cannot turn your water off, and need emergency assistance, please call our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213 or our on-call personnel at 812-483-1610 outside of normal business hours. Chandler Water maintains a shut-off valve at the meter for such situations. Please note, however, that only Chandler Water employees should access the water meter pit; any damages to the meter pit from unauthorized access will be the responsibility of the property owner.
What is our water pressure normally?
Pressures vary throughout our service area. Most areas maintain a minimum of 40 psi, with pressure generally running between 60 and 80 psi; certain areas may experience pressure as high as 100 psi. All areas meet pressure requirements for providing water service. If you feel your pressure is too high, you may contact a qualified plumber to install a Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) to help regulate the pressure. If you are experiencing low pressure, troubleshoot possible issues first (see below, Why is my water pressure so low?). If after troubleshooting the problem, you are still experiencing low water pressure, please call our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213 to report the problem.
Why is my water pressure so low?
Several things can temporarily cause reduced water pressure in your home:
- Plugged or restricted screen – If the issue is in a particular faucet, a plugged or restricted screen is likely the cause. Remove the aerator, clean the screen, and replace; or replace the entire aerator with a new one. Showerheads may also need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Malfunctioning or partially closed water valve in your home – Check any valves to ensure they are working properly; regular maintenance is the homeowner’s responsibility.
- A maintenance issue with your water softener – If the problem seems to be intermittent and is experienced throughout the home, and you have a water softener system, the water softener is likely the cause. A good way to test this is to put the softener on bypass and run the cold water in your tub for up to 20 minutes. If the issue clears up, you should troubleshoot maintenance issues with your softener. If the issue persists, your bypass valve may not be working properly, and/or you may have another issue causing low pressure. Please Note: Even softener systems that are disconnected can continue to cause problems if they have faulty valves and/or haven’t been properly disconnected. If you’ve attempted to bypass your softener, but your pressure is still low, please call our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213.
- Water main breaks, firefighting, and hydrant flushing can all affect water pressure. If you’ve already checked the above possible causes and have determined the cause to be something else, please call our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213 to report the problem.
What are the white deposits on my glasses, pans, and ice cube trays?
The white deposits or dots are calcium and magnesium in our water (hardness). These are naturally occurring minerals and do not pose a health risk. Vinegar does a great job at removing the residue; simply wipe or soak the object. Commercial products can also be used to remove the residue that has built up on glassware.
What is the hardness of Chandler’s water?
The average hardness for Chandler water is 290.7 mg/L, or 17 grains per gallon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies anything between 150 and 300 mg/L as “hard” water.
What is hard water?
Hard water is caused by the presence of two naturally occurring elements: calcium and magnesium. The hardness of the water is indicative of how difficult it is to make a lather with soap. The harder the water, the harder it is for soap to lather. The hardness of Chandler water is about 291 mg/L, which is classified as “hard.”
Can I paint the fire hydrant near my home to make it more decorative?
No. The color of our hydrants is designed to allow it to stand out from its surroundings and make it easily identified by firefighters. Also, a three-foot area around the hydrant must be clear at all times to allow for maintenance and ease of use. Utility personnel and firemen are the only authorized individuals allowed to operate a hydrant. Any other user should be reported to our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213.
Why are there colored paint marks and flags in my yard?
Colored paint marks on the pavement and/or in the grass (sometimes accompanied by similarly colored flags) indicate the location of underground utilities in areas where some type of digging is to occur. Each color marks a different type of utility: red for electric, yellow for natural gas, orange for telephone or cable TV, blue for water, and green for sewer. White flags or paint may also be used to indicate the dig site. Please be sure not to disturb the markings until the work has been completed.
Who do I call to have my water lines located?
Indiana law dictates that anyone who will be digging on their property for any reason and at any depth must contact Indiana One-Call (811) to request all underground utilities in the area be located. Anyone who causes damage to an underground utility without contacting Indiana One-Call and/or waiting the appropriate amount of time for utilities to respond may be responsible for the cost of repairs to said utility and could face a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Check out the
Indiana 811 Fact Sheet to find out more, or visit the
Indiana 811 website to use the center's online tools to generate a new locate request.
After receiving locate requests from 811, Chandler Utilities marks our water mains and meter pits in the dig area, if applicable. We cannot mark your private water line for a couple of reasons: we don’t always know whether or not your line follows a straight path from where it connects to our meter pit and our mapping system does not include private lines, which are not maintained by the Water Department.
Is Chandler’s water system fluoridated?
There is a very low level of naturally occurring fluoride in our water (0.3 mg/L). Chandler Water does not add fluoride.
Should I buy a water softener?
The choice to buy a softener is an individual one. Although Chandler has naturally hard water, hard water does not pose a health issue. Softeners typically increase the sodium content in the water, a factor that should be considered by people on low sodium diets. If you choose to install a water softener unit, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, because improperly maintained units can actually cause water quality problems.
Should I buy a home filtration system?
This is a personal decision. If you are connected to a public water supply, your water already meets federal safety requirements. Most often, water treatment units are used to remove substances that affect the aesthetic qualities of the water. If you choose to install a home treatment unit, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, because improperly maintained units can actually cause water quality problems.
Is bottled water higher quality than tap water?
Tap water providers and bottled water providers must meet the same water quality standards. In fact, tap water providers are required to conduct more frequent water quality testing and reporting than bottled water providers. Some consumers prefer the taste of bottled water, and some choose bottled water because they have special health needs.
Who regulates Chandler’s water quality?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. sets national drinking water standards to protect public health. These standards are enforced in our state by the
Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Depending on the regulation, Chandler submits quality test results to the Division of Drinking Water on a monthly or annual basis to prove that we are providing water that meets all of the standards. All samples are analyzed in state-approved labs. If there were ever a serious water quality problem, the state would immediately be notified and they would oversee our response and corrective actions.
When should I receive my water bill? When is my bill due?
Chandler Utilities bills are mailed out by the sixth working day of each month. Bills are due on the 20
th of every month, regardless of whether or not you’ve received your bill in the mail. If you believe you have an amount due on your account, but have not received a bill by the due date, please contact our Billing Office at 812-925-6882 or by
Email. Payments must be paid by the 20
th to avoid penalties, and must be paid by the 27
th to avoid service disconnection. Further information about billing policies and procedures may be found on our
Billing Office page.
How do I pay my water bill?
You may pay in person or mail your payment to our billing office: Chandler Utilities, 401 E. Lincoln Avenue, Chandler, IN 47610. If you lost your bill and need to determine the amount due, please call our Billing Office at 812-925-6882. Additional payment options include paying online with credit/debit card or via electronic check, with additional processing fees applicable (see
Billing Office page for details). Chandler Utilities also offers
automatic withdrawal from your bank account and drive-thru service at the Billing Office. There is also an after-hours drop slot next to the drive-thru window if you are unable to make payment in person during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information may be found by visiting our
Billing Office page.
I’ve enrolled in the Automatic ACH Payment program. When will ACH payments be pulled from my account?
All ACH payments are debited on the 16
th of each month. If the 16
th falls on a holiday or weekend, the transaction will occur on the following business day. Find more information regarding the Automatic ACH Payment program, including an enrollment application,
here.
Is there an additional fee if my water is disconnected for non-payment?
Yes. You will need to pay a $40 administrative fee in addition to any arrears on the account before water service can be restored.
How long does it take to have my water service turned on or restored?
It will take up to one business day to turn on new water service or restore a disconnected water service from the time all paperwork is completed and all applicable deposits or payments are made.
How is my water bill calculated?
The water bill is based on the size of the water meter installed and the amount of water usage within a given month. Based on the average household water usage (per industry standards) of 3,000 gallons per month and the typical size for a residential meter (5/8”x3/4”), the monthly water bill based on current Chandler Water rates would be $25.16.
You can find more information about water rates and how they’re calculated
here.
Why is my water bill estimated?
Chandler Water utilizes an electronic water meter reading system. Most of the time, readings are collected remotely without any issue. There are times, however, when readings cannot be obtained remotely, such as in cases where the meter pit lid is damaged or buried. When we are unable to read meters remotely, we attempt to read them manually. If there is a significant weather event, such as heavy snowfall or below freezing temperatures, or other situation beyond our control that would prevent us from manually reading your meter, Chandler Water will estimate your water usage.
Why is my water bill so high?
Water bills are based on how much water is used. Watering the lawn or garden will increase usage, as will the addition of occupants in the home. Leaks can also lead to an increased water bill. If you have any questions about your bill, please call our Billing Office at 812-925-6882.
How can I save water and save on my water bill?
Practice water conservation in your home. Savings on your utilities bill may be three-fold, since wastewater charges are typically twice the cost of water fees; conserving water means less wastewater is created for treatment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has two resources for water conservation:
Green Building – Conserving Water, and
How to Conserve Water and Use It Effectively. You might also find information from the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor helpful:
Reduce Your Water Bill.
Will fixing a dripping faucet make that much of a difference on my water bill?
Even a slow drip can add up fairly quickly. To get a good idea of how much water can be wasted from a dripping (or streaming) faucet, check out the American Water Works Association’s
Drip Calculator.
How can I identify a Chandler Water employee?
Chandler Water employees drive company trucks that can be identified by the Chandler Utilities emblem on the doors. Most of our field employees dress in uniform high-visibility shirts with Chandler Utilities printed above the breast pocket area. All of our field employees carry identification cards. Under normal circumstances, a Chandler Water employee will not ask to come into your home for maintenance issues that you haven’t specifically brought to our attention. If you have a question about the validity of work being done at your property, feel free to call us at 812-925-6213.
What should I do about frozen water in my pipes?
If you are experiencing frozen water in pipes, please call our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213. Occasionally, extreme temperatures and certain conditions could cause water to freeze at the water meter pit. When you call, we will come out to determine whether or not the water is frozen at the meter and if so, take whatever necessary measures to thaw the water. If we determine your water to be frozen within your plumbing, please seek guidance from a qualified plumber on how best to thaw the water to minimize damage and/or potential hazards. The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor offers some helpful tips for
Preventing Frozen Pipes.
Do I need an irrigation meter?
Some customers choose to have a separate meter installed for irrigation purposes. The main benefit is you don’t have to pay sewer charges on the water you use through an irrigation meter. Depending on how much water you use for irrigation or other seasonal purposes (such as filling a pool), it may be economical for you to have an irrigation meter installed. Our
Irrigation Meter Fact Sheet should be able to help you determine whether or not an irrigation meter is your best option.
How do I know my meter is accurately reading my water consumption?
Chandler Water has a program to regularly check the meters in the system for accuracy. Meters that are failing almost always slow down; this means higher consumption on your bill is rarely, if ever, caused by a faulty meter. If you have a sudden change in your consumption for no apparent reason, please give us a call. Occasionally, mistakes can be made in the reading and/or billing process; or, you could have a leak or other issue that needs to be addressed.
Can I put a brick in my toilet tank to conserve water?
Yes, it is possible to save on water consumption by displacing some of the water used for flushing. Since bricks can crumble and damage the flushing mechanism, it’s probably a better idea to use a plastic or glass container; experiment to see if the remaining volume of water will adequately flush water down the toilet.
I’m concerned about lead in my drinking water. What can I do?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lead is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes that are 25 years old or older are more likely to have plumbing materials that could leach lead. Chandler Water tests for lead in our drinking water; our latest testing reports show 0.0005 parts per million. The EPA provides
Tips for Reducing Lead in the Drinking Water.
Who can access my water meter pit?
Chandler Water employees should be the only persons accessing the water meter pit that services your property. Customers can help by keeping the top of the meter well closed, clear of obstructions, and not allowing damage to the top area. If you notice damage or other issues pertaining to the meter pit, please call our Maintenance Facility at 812-925-6213 to report the issue. If you have a water emergency (broken pipes, major water leak, etc.) and need the water shut off at the meter, please call 812-925-6882 or 812-483-1610 to request the meter be shut-off for emergency repairs.
Does Chandler Water guarantee service for critical users?
Chandler Water maintains a critical water user list. This list is maintained in order to contact medical facilities and customers with medical concerns that require an uninterrupted, uncorrupted water source. To insure the list is current, any business or customer who falls in this category should contact us at 812-925-6213 with their name, address, and a phone number in the event a situation should occur that would jeopardize the water service.