FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 It is possible that the meter’s electronic signal is not properly picking up the meter read from inside the home. At this point we would ask the owner to call the Reading Area Water Authority office with a good time and date that we would come out and inspect the meter and get an actual read.  Call our office to schedule a meter check if you are experiencing estimated reads, 610-406-6300.

Customers that are in need of additional time to pay a balance can call the Customer Service Department and review their balance with a CSR.  A payment plan can be granted to customers with reasonable terms.  For additional information and to see if you qualify to be placed on a payment plan please call the RAWA office at 610-406-6300.

This commonly asked question could be answered in many different ways. As a consumer you should ask yourself a few questions:  Did I have more people staying at this property for the time period of the bill? The water readings and dates can be found on the back of your water bill. Are my faucets in my sinks or tubs dripping? Do I have to shake the handle on my toilet to make it stop running? All of the above questions are direct causes of higher water consumption, which in return will cause a higher bill to be sent to you. 

By filling out a “Right to Know Form” the Reading Area Water Authority can provide you a copy of a bill or account history.  Email Info@readingareawater.com to request one.

The Water Authority can send a duplicate bill to the tenant. If the owner wishes to have a duplicate bill sent to a tenant, the information needs to be provided to the Customer Service Team.  A phone call, (610) 406-6300, email, Info@readingareawater.com or written permission should be provided with the tenants name and mailing address. 

Human Relations in City Hall has programs to help owner occupied properties  pay their bills during a difficult time.  You can reach their office at (610) 655-6141 or fill out a 2021 hardship program application  and return it to their office at 815 Washington Street, Reading PA 19601.  

Are my faucets in my sinks or tubs dripping? Do I have to shake the handle on my toilet to make it stop running?   Below are some things to check at your property:

Toilet Valve, Flapper not sealing properly

Outside Faucet/Hose

Malfunctioning water softener

Toilet Running

Faucet in Kitchen or bathrooms leaking

Ice Maker leaking

Leak between the water meter and the house

Washing Machine leaking

Dishwasher leaking

Hot Water Heater leaking

Any Continuous use of water for 24 hours

If the customer is selling their home and need a certification from our office the title company, lawyer and or/realtor that the customer is dealing with are the only persons whom can make this request by submitting a Certification Request on line at  https://www.invoicecloud.com/readingareawater.   The cost for this service is:     

Water/Sewer Certification – $35.00

Curbside Option #1 – $50.00

Curbside Option #2 – $25.00. 

All certifications require a minimum of 10 business days for completion.

If the property is vacant the owner may have the water service turned off at the curb stop. The owner must contact the Reading Area Water Authority Administration Office and receive an application for “Voluntary Water Shut Off”. This form must be filled out, notarized and returned to the Administration office along with a $112.00 turn on/turn off fee. The minimum service charge for the surcharges consisting of the water surcharge, meter surcharge, sewer surcharge and fire (if applicable) will continue to be billed to the owner each month even if the water is turned off at the curb. Please note that no one other than Water Authority Personnel can turn the water off at the curb stop. Violators can be prosecuted.

If you have received a notice on your door instructing to call our office for a meter change out or an outstanding balance and this was not done,  your water may have been turned off. 

If none of the above applies, and the weather is cold, it could be that the pipes are frozen. We would then suggest you inspect your pipes.  

Payments can be made online by clicking on the "PAY MY BILL" button. 

Usually, this is a Sewer issue and you should contact the sewer department of the City of Reading at 610-655-6008 or the Service Center 1-877-727-3234 and someone will be dispatched to your location.

It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the missing water or sewer caps located on your property. To replace, you will need to contact a supply company to purchase a new one. You will need to know which one you are looking for when you make your purchase. There are (2) two separate sewer boxes at the curb, one is vented and the other is not. Water and gas boxes are smaller in diameter than the sewer boxes. If you have a question regarding which cap is missing please call our office at 610-406-6300 or send an email to info@readingareawater.com 

The property owner is responsible for the water meter at their property. The Reading Area Water Authority does not bill tenants for damaged meters. 

Please fill out an Inconsistent Usage form and provide proof the issue was repaired. All documents can be emailed to info@readingareawater.com 

Our office is located at 1801 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19604. Our Business office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm.