Frequently Asked Questions

New Services and Account Billing

	How can I find other utility services such as power, gas, electricity and telephone?
		Our Service Area section has contact information for many utility companies providing service within the District.
	How do I open a new account?
		Opening an account is easy; just call our customer service representatives at 425.337.3647 to open your account. We will need your property address and either your closing date (sale) or your move in date (rental). For new property owners, we strongly recommend that you ask your Title Company request an estimated and final utility bill. There is a $30.00 new account fee.
	How do I close my account?
		Closing an account is easy; just call our customer service representatives at 425.337.3647 to close your account. We will need your property address and either your closing date (sale) or your move out date (rental). If your Title Company requests an estimated utility bill, you will be sent a copy of our estimate. There is a $10.00 charge to prepare an estimated utility bill for an upcoming property sale and a $20.00 charge to prepare a final bill when occupancy changes.
	My tenant is moving out of my property. How do I transfer the account?
		We recommend that landlords contact the District when their tenant is moving out of their property to request a final bill. Any unpaid charges remain with the property and a new account will not be opened for a new tenant until all outstanding charges are paid.
	Why is the previous owner's balance on my bill?
		Washington State Law provides that water and sewer charges are liens on the property that received water and sewer service. To assist buyers and sellers, and in compliance with State law, the District provides Estimated Utility Bills and Final Utility Bills on request.
	What is an Estimated Utility Bill?
		An Estimated Utility Bill is provided when the closing date is uncertain or the closing date is beyond three days from the request. An Estimated Utility Bill provides the current balance and an estimation (based on the account's average daily consumption) plus fees and charges, to the closing date. A per-day estimate is also provided. The charge for an Estimated Utility Bill is $10.00.
	What is a Final Utility Bill?
		A Final Utility Bill is provided when an account is closed. A reading of the meter is taken and a Final Utility Bill is prepared. The charge for a Final Utility Bill is $20.00.
	When can I expect to receive my utility bill?
		Most District customers are billed once every two months. Bills are mailed at the end of your billing month and payment is due 10 to 15 days later.

Payments and Delinquencies

	What forms of payment does the District accept?
		The District accepts cash, checks, money orders, or cashiers checks. We also accept originating bank on-line bill pay, either as a check or ACH item. Most commercial banks and credit unions offer an on-line bill pay option. Please note that some on-line bill pay services actually pay by mailed check; as such, customer should allow for mail time between when they submit an on-line bill pay item and when the District receives the funds
	Where do I mail my payment?
		Please mail your payment to: Silver Lake Water & Sewer District P.O. Box 13888 Mill Creek, WA 98082. When mailing your payment, please include your payment stub with your check. If you use an online bill paying service, please ensure that your current account number is provided with your information. Your account number is located at the top of your bill. You can click this link to see copy of a typical water and sewer bill.
	Why is my payment not reflected on my bill?
		Bills may be generated prior to receipt of your payment. If your payment is not reflected on your account, please call our customer service representatives at 425.337.3647 for assistance.
	What are the service rates?
		Our Rates section provides the various utility rates for water, sewer, other services, and new connection fees.
	Can the District send a duplicate bill to a tenant?
		Yes. At your request, the District can send your tenant a duplicate bill. You can make the request either in writing or by calling our customer service representatives at 425.337.3647.
	If my account is delinquent, What notice will I get before my service is disconnected?
		Customers typically get three mailed notices prior to a service being shut-off for non-payment. The first notice is the customer's utility bill. The second notice is a courtesy "payment reminder" notice, which is typically mailed to the customer five to ten days after the bill’s due date. The third notice is a “shut-off” notice typically mailed to the customer thirty to thirty-five days after the bill’s due date. Accounts that are forty to forty-five days delinquent can be disconnected. Customers can contact the District prior to the shut-off date and make payment arrangements. Property owners can request that copies of notices be provided to tenants, property managers, and other third parties by submitting an Authorization for Statement Copies.
	How do I apply for Low Income Senior Rates?
		Our Forms section has a Senior Citizen Discount Rate Application Form. Applicants must complete this form and mail it to the District.
	How do I pay my water and sewer bill?
		Customers can pay their utility bill by check or cash. Payments can be either mailed or dropped off at the District Headquarters. A night deposit box is available for our customer's convenience. No cash payments are accepted at the night deposit box.

Account and Field Services

	Who do I call if I have a question on my bill?
		Please call our customer service representatives if you have any questions regarding your bill. We can be reached during normal business hours by calling 425.337.3647.
	What is the conversion from cubic feet to gallons?
		One unit of water is one hundred cubic feet which equals 748.50 gallons of water.
	Am I responsible to repair my water or sewer lines?
		Customers are responsible for their private water and sewer systems. For water, this means any piping on the customer's side of the water meter. For sewer, this means any piping from the right of way. Please call us if you have questions or need assistance.
	Who do I contact before I dig?
		1-800-424-5555 www.callbeforeyoudig.com Under state law, if you fail to call before you dig and damage any utility lines as a result, you may have to pay a fine of up to three times the cost of repairing the lines. You must call at least two business days before you dig. To protect property and prevent personal injury, Washington State Law (RCW 19.122) requires that you notify the Underground Utilities Locating Center (UULC) at 1-800-424-5555 if you are planning to dig a depth of 12-inches or more. The UULC will obtain information from you regarding your location and project. They will then notify Silver Lake Water & Sewer District and other utilities in the area. District field staff and/or other utility representatives will come out to your site and mark the location of the underground lines for you free of charge. Once the site has been marked or you have been notified that a particular utility has nothing at your dig site, you can begin to dig safely. You can also call us and (as a courtesy) we may be able to provide you with an "As-Built" drawing of your sewer system. However, even with an as-built drawing you are still required to contact the UULC.
	How can I tell if I have a leak?
		Unexpected high consumption may indicate a leak. To check for a leak you can either call us or check yourself. To check for a leak, make sure all the water is off at your house and then check the low flow indicator on your meter to see if it is moving. The low flow indicator is usually a small dial or triangle that measures very small amounts of water. If the indicator is moving, you may have a leak. Some leaks are very small, so the indicator moves very slowly or intermittently.
	How do I recognize legitimate uniformed SLWSD service technicians?
		All SLWSD field technicians carry employee identification cards and wear uniforms that identify them as employees. If you have questions about a staff contact or the identity of an employee, please call us. For your protection, we will never ask you for any personal bank account information and SLWSD employees are prohibited from accepting payments in the field.
	How do I turn off my water at the point of service?
		There are two locations most customers can turn off their water. All customers can turn their water meter off at the meter. Most customers can turn their water off at the shut-off valve, typically located in their garage.
	How do I winterize my house fixtures?
		See our Publications section for our winterization brochure.
	Where does my water come from?
		The District purchases all of the water for our customers' use from the City of Everett. For more information on water quality and source of supply, please see our Water Quality section for the Annual Water Quality Report.
	How do I request field service or an inspection?
		Please call our customer service representatives. We can be reached during normal business hours by calling 425.337.3647.