1. Why do I have to pay for water when a pipe bursts at my residence?
It is Cobb County’s responsibility to provide water to all our customers at the water meter location. We are not responsible for the type or condition of plumbing from the water meter location into private or commercial dwellings.
2. When do I get my deposit back? Does it accrue interest while you have it?
Each customer, whether residential or commercial, is required to post a surety deposit on each account at the time of initial service. After 24 months of excellent payment record, the deposit will be credited to the account. We do not pay interest on deposits held.
3. Does the Water System accept “Letters of Credit” from other utilities?
No. Letters of credit from other utilities are subjective documents and are not regulated, nor is there a standard to which they are compared. We believe requiring a cash deposit on water bill accounts reduces losses thereby assuring the lowest rates for all of our customers.
4. Why are the sewer charges higher than the water charges?
This is primarily due to the cost of building, maintaining, and operating both the sewage collection system and treatment plants capable of removing contaminants in wastewater prior to returning it to lakes and rivers. Our treatment processes meet or exceed all state and federal standards.
5. I have “blue-poly” pipe from the meter to the house and I had a leak. Where can I find information regarding getting reimbursed for my plumbing cost?
Information can be received by calling 1(800) 356-3496. Eligibility for home assistance varies.
6. Why are street light charges on my water bill?
When the program began for street light service, there was no billing system in place. Utilizing the Cobb County Water System’s existing billing system proved be cost effective; whereas, creating a separate street light billing system would have significantly added costs. The street light funds go to the county’s general fund to pay for utility costs and other maintenance associated with providing this service. For street light repairs/outages, please use the online form at: http://www.cobbdot.org/streetlight/index.htm, or contact your power company at one of the numbers listed below:
Cobb EMC: (770) 429-3432
Marietta Power: (770) 794-5125
Georgia Power: 1(888) 660-5890
(after answer, press 2, then 4, then 1)
Greystone: (770) 942-6576
(NOTICE: To report problems with broken or malfunctioning street lights, click here)
7. What are the current outdoor water use restrictions?
In compliance with The State's amended Drought Response Level 4, beginning March 1, 2008, citizens will be able to hand water established landscapes for 25 minutes on the odd/even schedule from 4 AM - 9 AM. Hand watering is defined as one person, with one hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
• Even and Unnumbered addresses may water Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
• Odd addresses may water Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
Also, in compliance with Cobb County’s Drought Response Plan adopted by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, beginning April 1, 2008, citizens who complete the State of Georgia's online water conservation class at www.urbanagcouncil.com will be able to water newly installed landscape for 10 weeks on the odd/even schedule from 4 AM - 9 AM.
For more information on Cobb County's Drought Response Plan, and to download the landscape exemption form please visit the Cobb County Water Efficiency page of this website.
8. What is an easement?
An easement is the right provided to a person or entity to use someone else's property. The property owner usually transfers this right while retaining ownership through execution of an easement document. See our brochure entitled "Easements: What You Should Know," for more information on easements with the Cobb County Water System.
To download the Cobb County easements brochure in a pdf format (which requires an Adobe Acrobat Reader), Click here
9. Do I have to notify other utilities that there will be excavation on my property?
Yes. Before proceeding with your excavation, remember to "Call Before You Dig"!
The phone number is (800) 282-7411, or (770) 623-4344 in the Atlanta area. You may also log onto the Georgia Utilities Protection Center website at www.gaupc.com for more information.