Where is your customer service department?
Our customer service department is located on the first floor of the Altoona Water Authority Administrative Office. The address is 900 Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601.
What does the " - " mean on my bill?
The " - " before an amount means a credit charge. If the " - " appears before your total balance, YOU DON'T OWE ANYTHING for the current billing.
Where can I pay my bill and to whom do I make the check out?
There are a number of places other than our customer service department where you can pay your bill. Please reference the billing information page How to Pay Your Bill for this information.
All checks should be made out to ALTOONA WATER AUTHORITY
and sent to PO Box 3150, Altoona, PA 16603-3150.
How do I apply for water service?
All residential applications must be completed at our customer service department. You must have at least 2 forms of identification including a photo ID.
Commercial applications may be forwarded upon request.
Is there a service charge to sign up for water?
If water service is off there is a fee to have service restored. Also, you may be charged a security deposit.Do you accept credit cards?
Credit card payments can not be made at our customer service department. You may call 814 949-2540 to use a credit card or select Pay Your Bill On-Line Billing.
Why is my bill so high?
Check out our Billing and Education pages for information on how to read your meter and how to check for leaks. It's good information to know. If you need any help call our customer service department and one of our representatives will assist you.
We also have water conservation kits available, stop in and pick one up!
What is a cubic foot of water?
A cubic foot of water is equal to 7.48 gallons of water. (100 cubic feet = 748 gallons).
Is there a minimum monthly charge?
Yes. As long as service is on there is a minimum water and sewer charge. See our billing information page to check out the current rates.
Do you add fluoride to the water?
No, but it has a natural trace presence in our water. The benefits of adding fluoride to public water systems has been a topic for debate since 1945.
The optimal range for fluoride addition is a narrow band. Too little addition has no "cavity fighting" benefit, while too much can lead to irreversible mottling, staining, and pitting of teeth.
I just purchased a new automatic dishwasher for my kitchen. It requires an initial water "hardness" setting. What is the range of hardness in our water?
Typically, Altoona system water has a hardness value in the range of 2 to 5 grains per gallon or 34 to 85 mg/L.
Is there lead in my water?
Nearly all public water systems in Pennsylvania contain some type of leaded plumbing materials either in the distribution system or in homes or other buildings.
Optimal corrosion control treatment minimizes the lead concentrations at users' taps. Tap water samples are collected from homes and buildings throughout the community.
During 2010 there were no homes or other buildings where samples exceeded the EPA Action Level.
I just came from the pet store. The folks at the store tested water from my fish tank and said it had ammonia in it and that it could harm my fish. Is there really enough ammonia in my water to kill small fish?
Trace amounts of ammonia are naturally present in public water systems. However, detection of ammonia in fish tanks is most-likely from waste products of the fish, and other organic matter.
Do you have auto draft?
Yes. We now have the ability to draft your monthly water/sewer payment directly from your checking/savings account. Click here to download an authorization form and instructions.
Why are property owners responsible to pay when their tenants do not?
Water/Sewer bills, like all municipal services, are liens against the property making the property owner responsible.
How do I remove downspouts?
Download our downspout removal PDF for information on this topic.
Is hunting allowed on AWA Watersheds?
The AWA has entered portions of its properties into a Public Access Program with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This program will allow access to these properties by the public for the purpose of hunting and hiking. There are some restricted areas on the properties. Please call our main office at 814-949-2222 for copies of applicable maps. All Pennsylvania Game Commission rules apply and will be enforced. The AWA asks that you take stewardship of these properties so that they will continue to remain open for your enjoyment.
Please refer to the downloadable maps that are supplied below:
How is my money being spent?
Rates paid by customers of Altoona Water Authority are used for the upgrade, construction and maintenance of this area’s local water /wastewater system. Over the past 20 years this community has invested nearly 200 million dollars into creating one of the most technologically advanced systems on the east coast.
What if I turn on my spigot and nothing happens?
Call 814-949-2214. The Altoona Water Authority has emergency personnel available 24/7. In the unlikely event of an emergency, the Altoona Water Authority maintains a 254 day supply of water to avoid disruption of service to the 60,000 residents they serve. In addition, the system design enables water to be drafted from multiple services to allow for uninterrupted service.
In a system so big, aren't leaks possible?
Leak detection is of great importance, and Altoona Water Authority personnel are assigned specifically to this task as a proactive approach to water conservation and system maintenance.
What happens to rainwater?
Two combined sewer overflow facilities capture and store 1.5 million gallons of wastewater during rain events which is later pumped to the treatment plants for proper treatment. During wet weather, the Altoona Water Authority utilizes these facilities to capture the “first flush” from the combined sewer areas in order to remove organic solids and debris which in past years went directly to the stream. The solids removed from the wastewater are further treated through a state-of-the-art process that yields a nutrient rich fertilizer that enables local farmers to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Who helps the fireman under intense pressure?
Your support of the publicly owned water supply provides on-demand service to 1,942 hydrants system wide. The Altoona Water Authority has an aggressive fire hydrant maintenance program and regular system upgrades have substantially increased the quality of fire protection by increasing availability, water pressure and flow capacity throughout the system. By working closely with local fire fighting agencies, the Altoona Water Authority is doing their part to protect the future of this community.
Is swimming allowed in AWA reservoir?
During the hotter months of the year, there seem to be a lot of questions and misinformation about whether or not the general public is allowed to swim in the AWA reservoirs. The answer to this question is that the general public is NOT allowed to swim in the reservoirs! Please click here for more information on this topic.