System Maintenance
Your meter is located in the sidewalk in front of your residence. The City is responsible for the maintenance of the water line from the street to the meter. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the lines from the meter to the house. In the event you experience frozen pipes or broken water lines in your house or on your property, you can turn off your water at the meter — look for a small wheel or handle in the water meter box. (If you do shut the water off, remember to turn off your hot water heater to prevent burning out the elements.) If you have problems with your meter or your water pressure, or need to have your water turned off temporarily for repairs, call Public Works at 541-766-6916. (Water turn-ons or turn-offs after business hours and on weekends will be assessed additional fees.)
Once a month, a meter reader gathers consumption information which is used to calculate your utility bill. If you have questions about your utility bill, or wish to start or discontinue service, call Utility Billing at 541-766-6949.
Public Works conducts a number of programs to maintain high quality drinking water and an efficient water distribution system. The backflow prevention program ensures that backflow prevention devices are installed where necessary and tested annually to ensure drinking water quality. Leak detection efforts on water mains show that Corvallis has a very good water system compared to others across the nation. The City has avoided the high rate of water loss that many others are currently experiencing by proactively repairing or replacing elements of the system. A portion of the City's water system is replaced on an annual basis through the Capital Improvement Program to keep this important part of the City's infrastructure operating efficiently.
For more information about these water programs or to receive cold weather tips or the City's annual water quality report, call Public Works at 541-766-6916.
The Public Works Department urges all customers to use water wisely to help assure an adequate supply of clean water for the future.