Charlotte County Utilities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(941) 764-4300 ~ (800) 524-3494 ~ TDD: (941) 764-4535
System Maintenance and Repairs
Where are the water and sewer lines that serve my property?
Utility lines are usually located in the street right-of-way and in some instances in the rear easement. Please call our office for field verification.
Can you tell me where the pipes are to my house?
CCU has the location of water and sewer mains and lines only up to the meter. Service connections and lines have been installed by contractors and/or plumbers. If the house is relatively new, your builder may be able to help, or, in lieu of that, a plumber is usually qualified to locate these lines.
Who is responsible for water leaks?
CCU is responsible for leaks in the main line and the service lines from the water main up to and including the water meter. To report a leak in a water main or service line, contact CCU at (941) 764-4300. Please have the address or intersection available, as well as your name and telephone number.
Lines and pipes located on private property (everything beyond the meter) are the customer's responsibility. If the leak is located between the meter and the house, you need to contact a plumber.
To conserve water until repairs can be made; you can shut off your outside house valve if the leak is inside your home, or contact CCU at (941) 764-4300 and select Customer Service for assistance to have the water shut off at the meter. There is no charge to shut off the water at the meter or to restore the service when the leak has been repaired.
How can I tell if I have a leak?
To determine if you have a leak, look at your water meter and see if there is movement when no one is using water. If the red triangle or sweep hand is moving, water is passing through the meter, which would indicate a leak. See Reading Your Meter for detailed instructions and a helpful diagram.
To determine if the problem is inside or outside, shut off the outside house valve and go back and look at the meter. If the movement stops, the leak is inside the home. The usual culprit is the flapper in the toilet. You can dye test the toilet to determine if this is the problem. Put food coloring, coffee, cola, tea, cranberry juice, anything that has color to it, in the back of the tank and let it sit for approximately half an hour without flushing. Check the bowl, and if the coloring has seeped into the bowl, you likely need to replace the flapper.
If the movement does not stop when you shut off the outside house valve, the leak is within your property’s service line and you need to contact a plumber.
Where is my shut-off valve located?
Most residential properties have a main valve (house valve) on the outside of the house. This valve will prevent water from entering the house. Normally, you will find this valve on the same side of the house as your water meter. The water meter is usually located on the left or right side of the house on the property line in the front. Occasionally the service meter will be installed in the rear of the property. If you cannot determine where your meter is located, please call our Customer Account Specialists at (941) 764-4300 and select Customer Service for assistance.
The shut-off valve at the house is broken. How can I get this repaired?
The shut-off valve is the responsibility of the homeowner. You will need to contact a plumber for repairs. If you wish, we can shut the water off at the meter so that repairs can be made. There is no charge to shut the water off or reconnect the service upon completion of the repair. Contact our Customer Account Specialists at (941) 764-4300 and select Customer Service for assistance.
Why are you changing my water meter?
Water meters may be replaced for a variety of reasons, including damage, age or technology upgrade. We replace meters that are over 10 years old to ensure continued accuracy. We are also upgrading older meters to Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology.
My meter lid is broken. Who do I contact?
Please contact our Customer Service area at (941) 764-4300 and select Customer Service for assistance. To expedite your request, please have the following information available:
• The address
• The account number
• Your name and telephone number
Who is responsible for damaged water meter boxes and meters?
CCU field personnel repair or replace boxes, lids and meters. However, any willful damage to CCU's meters or appurtenances is handled in accordance with Florida Statute 812.14.
What portion of the wastewater system is my responsibility to maintain?
CCU owns and is responsible for maintenance and repair of the gravity sewer system from the collection main to the property line. From the property line to the house, all repairs and maintenance are the customer's responsibility.
For low pressure sewer (LPS), CCU also owns and is responsible for the LPS tank and pump. However, any damage caused by improper use of the LPS system is the responsibility of the customer.
Who is responsible for a backup of wastewater into the house?
If a wastewater backup is due to a failure of CCU’s system, CCU is responsible. If there is a problem from where the pipe enters the tank, to the house, or inside the house, it is the customer's responsibility, unless it is due to failure in CCU's system.
I am having a pool installed. Do I have to pay for the wastewater as well as water?
In the interest of creating a favorable business climate in Charlotte County and promoting good community relations, Charlotte County Utilities (CCU) will permit customers up to two waives each calendar year for miscellaneous fees and high use. The owner, or their authorized representative, must complete an Owner Adjustment Request form in order to receive an adjustment. Please click on the following link to download this form. For additional information regarding our Adjustment Policy, please contact our business office at (941) 764-4300 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
Can I rent a meter to attach to a fire hydrant so I can fill my pool?
No. Hydrants are primarily for the purpose of providing fire protection. Hydrant meters are utilized at construction sites for providing water on a temporary basis to avoid the expense of tapping the water main for temporary water service. The contractor is billed for all water usage in this situation.
Why do I see fire hydrants flowing from time to time?
This is part of our line-flushing program. Particularly in areas of sparse population, we must flush the distribution system periodically to freshen water in the transmission lines and maintain appropriate levels of disinfection in your drinking water.
