We now have a new updated and easier to navigate website!
Billing and Rates
District A
Water Rate: $3.65 Per Thousand Gallons
All customers will pay a minimum base rate which will be governed by the size of their meter as follows:
Connections Size: Min. Monthly Rate
5/8" and 3/4" $42.30
1" Meter $49.80
1-1/4" $57.30
1-1/2" $64.80
2 inch $77.30
3 inch $127.80
District B
Water Rate: $4.65 Per Thousand Gallons
All customers will pay a minimum base rate which will be governed by the size of their meter as follows:
Connection Size Min.Monthly Rate
5/8" and 3/4" $42.30
1 inch $43.35
1-1/4" $43.85
2 inch $45.95
Billing information
Meters are read every month beginning on the first of the month. This process usually takes about a week to read over 2,200 meters in our system. Your bill includes water and garbage charges. The garbage charges are established by the Northern Cambria Borough. By ordinance, we are required to bill and collect these fees for the Borough.
Bills are mailed on the 2 working days prior to the end of the month to insure that the post office delivers them to you by or before the 1st of the month. The 15th day of the month is the last day to pay the net amount. After this date, the gross amount is due. (10% Penalty).
If the 15th of the month falls on a Saturday or Sunday, we will accept the net amount the following Monday.
All accounts over 90 days past due will receive a penalty of 1.5% on the last day of the month.
We have two separate billing districts in our water system. District A (old Spangler Municipal Authority customers) and District B (old Barnesboro customers).
*All persons or entities owning Improved property which is located within the service area of the Northern Cambria Municipal Authority Water System shall pay a minimum monthly rate. The term "Improved Property" shall mean any property upon which there is erected a structure intended for the continuous or periodic habitation, occupancy or use by human beings or animals, except those industries and farms which have their own supply of water for uses other than human consumption. The above minimum monthly rate shall be paid to the Northern Cambria Municipal Authority even if it is determined that the property is not receiving water service as a result of the voluntary or involuntary decision of the owner of the Improved property. - Adopted September 2, 2004
Other Charges
Shut off Notice Mailed - $10.00
No- Lien Letter - $20.00
Turn water off & on - $50.00 each time
Turn off/on After hours - $100.00 each time
Test Meter on complaint - $50 up front
Replace Frozen/broken Meter - $200.00
Charge for all returned payments - $50.00
Certified Letters - $10.00
Tap in fees
Normal residential 5/8" or 3/4" is $2,000
Meter Pit for 3/4" line (required) is $1,500.00
Total cost is $3,500.00
*Call office for all new construction to confirm the availability of water to your location.
*Additional costs may apply
If you are planning a new construction, call our office first. We will have our water operator meet with you to confirm the availability of water to your location, discuss cost effective options, and also explain to you what is included with the tap-in fee you pay and what will be your responsibility.
You will then need to fill out a Tap-in application and pay the appropriate fee for the size of line.
3/4"Line $2,000
1" Line $2,300
2" Line $4,800
3" Line Call for price
All new customers are required to also have a meter pit installed. Meter pit costs are:
3/4" line $1,500
1" Line $2,000
2" Line 5,000
Larger line call for price
*Upon the approval of the application of any customer for a supply of water, and the payment of the tapping fee, the Authority will tap the main, insert corporation cock, carry service pipe to the curb and install curb stop, meter and service box. In addition, the customer must reimburse the Authority for the cost of any boring, paving or street opening permit required and the cost of paving such opening or openings as may be made in any street or highway in connection with the installation of the service line at issue. The Authority will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the service line between the main and curb stop. The service line beyond the curb stop shall be installed and maintained by and at the expense of the property owner/customer.
Security Deposits
$175.00 for tenants in rental properties ($150.00 deposit + $25.00 administrative Fee
$150.00 is refundable to you when you move at the final read (less any amount owed).
New rental customers need to stop into our office to complete an application for service. You will need to bring your current photo ID (such as your driver's license). Be sure to have the correct property address and apartment number (if applicable). Application for water renter deposit.pdf
A security deposit of $175.00 will be due for rental units when signing up for water service.
If you moved and left an unpaid balance on any previous rental properties and your landlord paid the balance on your behalf, the security deposit is doubled. ($325.00).
You may be required to pay the balance left on your previous account or denied service in your name.
The Authority requires no deposit from new property owners but customers will need to complete a water application and provide a copy of their driver's license with the application.
Application for water.pdf
If you are renting to own a property, under Article of Agreement, the owner of the property may waive the security deposit for you. This is the property owner's decision because they will be responsible for paying any outstanding bills if the tenant leaves without paying. The property owner must sign a property/tenant agreement with the Authority allowing us not to collect the security deposit. Although, the Authority strongly suggests that all rent to own agreements with tenants pay the security deposit for the property owner's protection.
Tenants with Final Bills
Tenant Final Bills
When a tenant/renter contacts our department and requests a final meter read because they are moving out, we send our water personnel out to read the meter on the date the tenant says they will no longer be using water and is moved out of the residence. A final bill is calculated and is sent to the tenant with a copy to the property owner. It is the property owner's responsibility to insure that this bill has been paid prior to releasing any deposits to the tenant. In most cases, the Authority had collected a Security Deposit when the tenant moved in and can deduct it from their final bill.
Should the tenant leave without paying the final bill, the property owner is ultimately responsible. Unpaid water bills will result in termination of service and water will not be restored until paid in full. Please call us at (814) 948-5791 to check to see if your tenants are current on their account.
Keep in mind that even though the water may be shut off due to non-payment, the monthly base rate bills still continue to accrue and over time can become significant.
Leaks and Frozen Meter Info
How to check for a leak
Locate your water meter. Most meters are in the basement but some are in utility rooms or garages. It is important to have the meter in a heated area. Meters vary in style but all have an indicator that spins hen water is being used. Turn off everything in the house that you know uses water, then check the meter to see if the dial is spinning. A spinning dial indicates there is a leak somewhere in the building.
Toilet Leaks
Toilets are the most likely cause of water leaks inside the home. To test the toilet, put a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. Do no flush the toilet. Check the bowl after a few minutes and see if the water has turned colors. If the color has seeped into the bowl, the toilet is leaking and you are paying for water that you are not using. A leak that is the size of a pencil point can cause 74,000 gallons to be wasted.
Leaking Faucets
Leaking faucets are wasting up to 2,700 gallons per year, and are easy to see. You may think it's only a drip but over time it adds up and water is going down the drain.
Leak Indicator
If you have an electronic indicator type meter, (iPerl), the register shows total flow on an LCD display, Note the reading, wait 20 - 30 minutes (make sure nobody turns on any faucets or water-using appliances) and check the reading. If it has changed, it's possible you could have a leak somewhere in your system.
These meters also have a flow indicator. If water is moving through the meter, a circle with a plus sign in the middle will appear in the bottom middle of the display. If this appears, it's possible you could have a leak.
Leaks
Please check your home frequently for leaks. If your meter is turning and your are not using water, you have a leak.
Be sure to check all vacant homes as well. Any leaks that occur from the curb box through your home are your responsibility.
The Water Authority cannot be responsible for undetected water losses within your property.
All water that goes through your meter will be billed.
There are NO exceptions for leaks.
Frozen Meter Charge $200.00
Check on vacant properties for leaks
Any leaks that occur from the curb box through your home are your responsibility! The Water Authority cannot be responsible for undetected water losses within your property. All water that goes through your meter will be billed.
No Exceptions!!
Frozen Pipe Prevention and Thawing
Here are some tips to prevent frozen water pipes as well as information on what to do if your pipes do freeze.
BEFORE Freezing Weather:
Never leave a garden hose attached to the faucet in freezing weather. Disconnect and drain hoses.
Winterize irrigation systems
Insulate backflow devices and outside faucets with newspaper, rags or other insulating material. Cover them with plastic and secure with string or wire.
Cover foundation vents with foam blocks or cardboard.
Insulate hot and cold pipes in unheated areas, such as garage, crawl space or attic.
Locate your main shut off valve to your home and make sure you show household members how to turn off water to the house in case of emergency.
DURING Freezing Weather:
Temporarily, keep a steady drip of cold water running at an inside faucet. This keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
Open cupboard doors under sinks, especially where plumbing is in an outside wall, to allow interior heat to warm the pipes.
If you plan to be away from home for several days, shutting off the water can reduce the chances of broken pipes. Set your home heat to at least 55 degrees. Shut off water to the house and open all faucets to drain pipes; flush the toilet once to drain the tank, but no the bowl. If you drain your pipes, be sure to turn off your water heater first.
IF your Pipes Freeze:
Determine which pipe(s) are frozen. If some faucets work but other don't, that means you have a pipe or pipes inside your home that are frozen.
If a pipe is frozen, assume it may be broken and will leak when thawed. Local home improvement stores may carry leak repair supplies. Be ready to shut off your water in a hurry when the line thaws.
If there is no water to your home, the problem may be where the water line enters your home or at the meter. Call the Water Authority office to ensure water is flowing from you meter correctly. Authority personnel are not able to help fix the frozen pipes between the water main and the house or inside the house.
Thawing Frozen Pipers - Frozen pipes may be thawed by wrapping them with rags and repeatedly pouring hot water over the rags. Once the pipes are thawed, remove the rags and rewrap the pipes with dry insulation material to prevent refreezing. Never use an open flame or electrical device to thaw frozen pipes. Using these methods can cause a fire or electrical shock.
If you cannot restore the water to your home, call a licensed plumber.