The District office has received several calls over the past few days from customers regarding the use of water. The Rhode Island Department of Health issued the following guidelines earlier in September, and they are still in effect:
USE WATER FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Showering (make sure area is well ventilated, and limit duration of shower)**
Laundry (in a well ventilated area and dryer vented to the outside)
Dish Washing (both automatic dishwashers and hand washing)
** Small children and infants who may swallow bath water should be given sponge baths.
DO NOT USE WATER FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Drinking (or making powered drinks, coffee, tea, etc.)
Preparing infant formula
Any food preparation or cooking
Brushing your teeth
Using water in areas without ventilation
Drying clothes without proper ventilation
Customers who have any questions concerning the use of water should call the District office at 568-6222 or the Rhode Island Department of Health at 222-2231. It is important that all customers have facts, and are not basing their decisions on rumors.
Water Conservation is Important!!
All Pascoag water customers are reminded that there is a water ban in effect. Water conservation is one way to limit the amount of MTBE drawn into the District’s water supply.
Quarterly Water Bills
Water bills for the quarter ending September 30, 2001 were mailed to customers last week. The water bills are for actual consumption of water from the period mid-June to mid-September. Customers are billed anxiety only for the water that they consumed. The water bills are due by October 20, 2001.
As announced on April 5, 2001, and effective for the quarter ending June 30, 2001, the water rate was increased by 6%. This increase, implemented before the MTBE crisis, was to replace the water department’s cash reserves, as well as to offset increased operating costs.