Water Meters
Is it true that there is a temporary moratorium on new meter sales in Whitewater Springs?
As of January 15, 2025 the temporary moratorium was lifted. See here for more information on this.
How much does it cost to install a water meter on my lot?
There are several fees for a new meter. Follow the process here to initiate a new meter application:
Membership Fee (refundable) $500
Meter Installation Fee $900
Connection Fee $22,400
Engineering Installation Fee $50
Total Fees $23,850
A monthly base charge of $112/month will begin upon meter installation
I'm a new lot owner. How do I get water service?
See the new residents page.
Is there a water meter on my lot (do I really have to pay for a new meter)?
It is very unlikely that the lot you bought has a water meter. If someone tells you a meter is included in the sale it would be a good idea to verify that there is indeed a meter. We’ve had real estate agents insist that there is a meter and then the buyer finds out too late that there isn’t.
One way to verify is to go to the black meter box on the corner of your property and look inside. If there is a meter inside then you are probably OK. Contact PGMS to verify that you have found the correct meter for your lot. The meters are typically next to each other between two lots. You want to make sure you aren’t looking at the meter for your neighbor!
Another piece of evidence that the current owner has a meter is if they are being billed by PGMS. Ask them if they can show you a copy of a current water bill.
No matter what verification you do on your own you should always call PGMS at 512-894-3322 to be absolutely certain. It could make a $23,850 difference in the cost of your lot.
Must I get a 911 address to get a meter?
Yes, you need to do this. The site where you apply for a 911 address insists you have to be in the process of building. We have found this not to be true. You just need to know approximately where you will place your driveway.
Why is a meter so expensive? It can't really be that expensive!
You are right. A meter doesn’t cost as much as the connection fee. You are paying for a couple of things beyond just the equipment.
First there’s access to water resources. This is legally referred to as a Living Unit Equivalent (LUE). As a member of the WSWSC you have a right to a share of the water resources here. As you can imagine this is very valuable in a dry area like the Hill Country.
Secondly, you are funding the development of additional water supply for yourself and other new residents. Everyone who has built here has had to pay for an LUE and the WSWSC has used those funds to create new wells.
What is a water tap?
A water tap is technically the device that connects the pipe from your meter to the main water line. It’s often referred to interchangeably with getting a meter or an LUE.
What is an LUE?
An LUE or Living Unit Equivalent is your right to water in the subdivision. it is often used interchangeably with meter or tap.
I've been told I need to spend extra money above and beyond my connection fee to install my meter. Why?
When the developer installed the water system years ago they didn’t always do everything they should have.
Suncrest Trail has an incomplete water main as well as no taps installed. Lots on that street require extra work to install.
Canyon Ridge Court does not have a water main installed. So that will need to be done by residents who wish to build on that street.
There are also some isolated incidents of taps not being installed in other areas requiring PGMS to do extra work to install them. They will advise you on the cost when you apply for the meter.
Billings and payments
Can I pay by credit card?
You can pay by credit card although there is a convenience fee. Here is a PDF with the program details.
You cannot pay for your meter installation via credit card. Check or money order is the only form of payment accepted.
I have a problem with my bill. Who do I call?
All billing is handled through PGMS. Their customer service number is 512-894-3322.
I had a leak this month and I'm afraid my bill will be huge. Can you help me out?
We sure can! Take a look at the information at the bottom of this page.
When are meters read?
See this page.
When is my payment due?
See this page.
When are automatic bank drafts taken from my account?
See this page.
How much is the late fee?
See this page.
When are bills sent out in the mail?
See this page.
What are the current water usage rates?
Here is the current rate sheet.
Communication
How can I stay up-to-date on official meetings and community events related to the WSWSC?
Subscribe via the box on the right side of each page of the WSWSC.org site. This will set you up to automatically be notified via email any time an announcement is posted to the website.
Where can I find out about WSWSC Board of Directors meetings?
See the meetings page.
How do I ensure that I get mass communications sent out by WSWSC?
Subscribe utilizing the box to the right side of any page on the WSWSC.org website.
About water in Whitewater Springs
Where is the latest water quality report?
Please reference the Documents tab to download latest water quality report.
What is the hardness of WWS water?
DIY Info
How can I determine if I have a leak?
See the leak troubleshooting page
I plan to dig on my property. How do I find all the utilities?
You can dial 811 for “Dial before you dig” to have utilities come out and identify infrastructure. You can call PGMS customer service at 512-894-3322 to have someone come out and identify any water lines.
Where does my responsiblity for plumbing begin and the WSWSC's responsibility end?
The customer is responsible for any plumbing starting on their side of the meter. The meter itself and anything back to the bottom of the well is the WSWSC’s responsibility.
So I’m sorry to say that the leak in your yard is your responsibility to get fixed!
Water Softener - Salt or Potassium?
Here is a link that contains a discussion of this. There are a number of considerations.
One thing not mentioned is that salt is bad for your aerobic septic system. Potassium will not cause this issue.
Water System
What are the blue plastic pipes sticking 1 to 2 feet out of the ground?
These pipes lead to valves on the water system. Please DO NOT put anything in them. If something is dropped in there (for some reason plastic water bottles are popular) it can get in the way of the key that is used to turn the valve. This can be a real problem in an emergency!