South Walton Utility participated in the annual FSAWWA Drop Savers Poster Contest on the local level.  The poster contest allows participants to have fun and at the same time promote the importance of water conservation in their homes and community.  The posters were judged based on a water conservation theme and artistic ability.  Below is the 2022 winner that went on to participate at the state level:

Dakota Chapin – Middle School Winner – Dakota’s Poster

Our Winner

Thank you to all the students that submitted entries this year.  We look forward to seeing your work again next year!

Warm weather is approaching.  You may want to get outside and prepare your home for the warmer temperatures.  Check your outside faucets and hoses to be sure they are in good condition and if they are leaking repair or replace them.

Check your irrigation system; be sure all sprinkler heads are working properly and are directed to water the lawn, not the road.  Check to be sure Timers are working and are set correctly.  Lawns that are over-irrigated can be more prone to pests, lawn diseases, or even promote a shallow root system.  Irrigate in the evening or early morning to reduce evaporation.  During Spring you should irrigate your lawn about twice a week (unless it has been raining).  Adjust irrigation timing throughout the irrigation season.  Turn off the system for the next watering if we have had a lot of rain or consider installing a rain shutoff device.  Consider flow sensors that automatically turn irrigation systems off in the event of leaks or broken heads.

Check outside shower, fountains, pools and pool equipment are all in good repair.

If you will be out of town, consider turning your water off at the owner’s valve or curb stop.  This could prevent water damage and /or a high water bill should your pipes break or a leak occurs.

In our effort to educate our youth about water conservation, South Walton Utility is hosting the local annual “Drop Savers” poster contest sponsored by American Water Works Association.  The poster contest is for ages K-12.  Prizes will be awarded to local winners!  Click on “Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest” below to learn more details on poster contest guidelines.  Entries due by March 4, 2022

Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest

Please keep at least 5 feet of clearance around fire hydrants. Easy access is a priority in the event of a fire.

• Trim all plants, trees and weeds so the hydrant is clearly visible and accessible from all angles.
• Report missing caps or damaged fire hydrants immediately.
• Never park in front of a fire hydrant.

The Board of Directors approved a 1.17% increase in water service and usage rates and an 1.17% increase in sewer service and usage rates effective October 2021.

Connection Fee Changes are coming beginning October 1st for New Development/redevelopment for our members.

• The new fee structure will be based on the square foot of the dwelling for residential and ERC count for commercial development.

Watch our website for more information.

How to shut off your water meter

Locate your water meter. Water meters are typically installed inside black meter boxes placed on the street side of your property flush with the ground.Remove the black lid of the meter box. A standard screw driver can be used to lift the lid around the rectangular edges.  The meter may be below dirt or sand, which can be carefully moved to uncover the meter.

There should be an owner’s valve after the meter. There are various types and when on, the handle should be in line with the pipe.  Turn across the pipe ¼ turn to shut off.

If the owner’s valve is broken or rusted off, you can turn the water off before the meter, in an emergency.  The owner’s valve is the owner’s responsibility; please replace it if necessary.

On the street side of the meter, locate the round knob. This is the main shut-off valve, also referred to as the curb stop. The bar in the middle is in line with the pipe.  To turn it off, turn it one quarter turn so the bar is across the pipe; the hole in the tab will line up with the hole below, this means it is off.

Below is a picture of a meter. The owner’s valve on the left is on; the curb stop on the right is also on.

Below is a picture of a meter. The owner’s valve on the left is off; the curb stop on the right is also off. 

Below are pictures of another type of owner’s valve:

In this position the water would be flowing.

In this position the water is off.

Go paper free with our e-Bill service! With e-Bill, you get the same information that’s on your paper bill e-mailed right to your computer, no time delay waiting for it to arrive by mail.

EFT ensures you never miss a payment! EFT saves you time, checks and postage. You still get a bill sent to you for your review, then you can file it and be done. With EFT, we will deduct the amount due from your bank the first business day of the month.

Email us at info@SWUCI.ORG if you are interested in this benefit.

Contact us for more information or download the Electronic Funds Transfer form here.

Please be sure to update your phone number, mailing address and email address should we need to contact you regarding a leak or other important information regarding your account.