HONEY BROOK BOROUGH AUTHORITY
WINTER 2011-2012 NEWSLETTER
HONEY BROOK BOROUGH AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER
___________________WINTER, 2011-2012__________________
Meter Reading
Meters are read each quarter, normally 2-3 weeks before the bill date. For example, the bill of January 1, 2012 is water used Oct. 1 to Dec 31, 2011. The actual reads are done in mid December.
Meters are read in several ways: Most meters have a remote touch pad on the outside of the home or business, some have a radio transmitter and are read when the person doing reads drives near the home or business, and a very few must be read manually.
Which ever method is used, the computer matches a meter ID number with an address, and matches the meter ID # with the account # in the billing software. For additional information please check our website: hbbawater.com
RATES FOR 2012
The Authority, as with individuals and businesses, has experienced increases in our costs. Many of our vendors have increased prices in the past year. There are increased costs for testing and analysis of our water. HBBA is proud of our water quality. We meet the state and federal standards for public drinking water providers.
In 2012 there will be a modest rate increase that will appear on your APRIL 1, 2012 bill.
The FLAT rate minimum will increase to $17.84, which will include the first 1000 gallons. The rate for each additional 1000 gallons will be $5.73.
The discount if paid within 30 days will remain at 5% and the penalty, after 60 days, will be 10%.
The following is an Example of a bill paid in the discount period:
Use of 12,000 gallons of water at 2011 rates – in discount period = $71.05
Use of 12,000 gallons of water at 2012 rates – in discount period = $76.83
The example shown above would cost the user about 7 cents per day more in 2012 when compared to 2011 rates.
COLD WEATHER REMINDER: Cold weather is coming. HBBA wants you to prepare by ensuring that outside taps or hose bibs are not vulnerable to freezing. Also, any pipes that are in unheated areas should be attended to. Even pipes in a home can freeze if proper insulation is not in place. If you have specific questions, we suggest that you contact a plumber of your choice to evaluate your situation. When a pipe freezes it can burst, thus causing a leak, then or when the pipe thaws. This type of condition can result in a great deal of water damage and a huge water bill.
SERVICE REMINDER: HBBA does not service water lines on your side of the curb stop. If it is necessary for us to do so, there will be fees charged for the work. If there is a leak or problem on your side of the curb stop, please call a plumber to check out the problem. If you believe the problem is in the meter, call us and we will check it out. If the meter is defective, we will replace it at no charge to you during normal business hours. If we find that it is not defective, you will be responsible to pay for the water used according to the meter. Go to our website at hbbawater.com to find out what to do if you don’t agree with our assessment of the functioning of your meter.
From 2009 to the end of 2011, between the monies spent by the Authority and the grant money we got, there was
approximately $1,000,000 spent to upgrade the water infrastructure. We are in good shape!
The Authority Board normally meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at 91 Pequea Avenue in the Borough Annex Building. Our phone number is 610-273-7830, our fax number is 610-273-3115. Our e-mail address is hbba@verizon.net and our website is www.hbbawater.com. If we do not have a current phone number for you, or if your number changes, please let us know your number so we can contact you in case of water emergency.
We would like to alert all of our customers concerning people who might be around your home claiming to be from the Water Authority. If you do not know the person or are unsure about what he is doing, please call the Authority at 610-273-7830 to confirm that he is legitimate and is really working on the water system. Please do not let anyone into your home unless someone from the Authority has called you beforehand and has set up an appointment. Meter reading takes place during the 2 or 3 weeks before the end of each quarter – at the end of March, June, September and December. If a meter needs repair, we will call you and schedule a time.
Booster Pumping Station – Route 10
Honey Brook Borough Water Authority
91 Pequea Avenue, PO Box 669
Honey Brook, Pa 19344
(610)273-7830
We appreciate all of our customers. Remember, the Authority is a non-profit municipal authority. All of the Board members and management are your neighbors. We use the water you use and pay the same rates you pay.
The Authority normally meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm at 91 Pequea Avenue in the Borough Annex Building. If you ever have questions or comments, please stop by our office during regular business hours. Our telephone number is (610)273-7830 and our fax # is (610)273-3115. Our general e-mail address is hbba@verizon.net and our website is www.hbbawater.com.
We sincerely hope that everyone has a safe and happy New Year. Our best wishes for a wonderful 2012!
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