Tips for snowbirds or vacating house during winter months.
1. Turn off the main water-supply valve or stop the pump. If the furnace should fail on a very cold day, water in a pipe could freeze and burst the pipe. Open all faucets and drain all waterlines empty or mainly empty pipes cannot burst from freezing water. Pipes can be drained at their low-point drain valves or, if there is insufficient slope to the lines, by opening a pipe junction. If unsure if all water has drained from pipes, use an air compressor to blow out all water pipes.
2. Close Sink and tub drains.
3. If a house is to be vacant for a long time, you may prevent water in a toilets trap from evaporating (and thereby permitting sewer gases to enter the home) by raising the toilet's lid and seat and covering the bowl with saran wrap.
4. Drain the water storage tank and consult a neighbor or local plumber to learn if the septic system should also be drained. Turn off the water heater before you drain it. Drain water from a pump using its drain plug. For dishwashers, refrigerators (with a water dispenser or an ice maker) and clothes washers, follow the manufacturer's directions. Remove any water filter inside refrigerator. If you find the task daunting, get a local plumber to do it for you.
Tips by www.wikihow.com/Winterize-a-Home

Utilities

The City of Pomeroy first established water rates on February 6, 1901. Pomeroy's utilities include water, sewer and landfill assessments from the County.

Rates Table
Customer Information Form
Stop the Leaks!
2010 Water Quality Report

Utility Bills

Our Public Works Department reads water meters on or around the 15th of each month. The Utilitiy bills are sent out before the first of each month and are due on the 20th.

New Customers: You will need to visit City Hall if you are new in town or transferring between properties. A time will be set up for water service after a non-refundable hookup fee is paid. This fee is $100.00. Please contact City Hall if you are transferring service from one property to the next. Meters will be read for final and beginning reads. We would also need billing information. Feel free to print off this form; "Customer Information Form" and fill out the neccessary information prior to visiting City Hall.

Delinquent Accounts: A 10% penalty will be applied to an account if payment is not received on or before the 20th of the month, after which a delinquent notices will be sent. If you fail to make the payments or payment arrangements with City Hall on the delinquent notice within time stated, shut off procedures will be followed. You may request a hearing on this matter with the Mayor or City Clerk within 48 hours. The decision of the Mayor is final.

Garbage Service

Gray Sanitation owned by Duanne Schuttler of Manson provides service to the City of Pomeroy. A Public Hearing was held on February 9, 2010 for Ordinance #207: C Meyer read the 3rd reading of Ordinance #207. Motion: D DeVore made a motion seconded by S Juilfs to pass the 3rd reading and adopt Ordinance #207 effective upon publication. Ayes: S Juilfs, B Meyer and D DeVore. Nays: Ron Bachman and C Meyer. Motion carried.

As of February 22, 2010 the City of Pomeroy will be taking over the billing of garbage services in town. A $9.25 charge on your April 1st water bill. Anyone that has a household within City limits will now be charged for garbage service. Pick up route will be split down Ontario Street. Monday pick up will be from the East side of town and every one north of the railroad tracks. Thursday pick up will be from the West side of town. All Pick up will be at the curb not in the alley's.

Warnings

* Keep in mind that any water leaks which develop while you are away could run up your water bill significantly, and could also cause massive damage. This is especially true of a popped washing machine supply hose. Once these things burst, there is nothing to hold back the large stream of water which will start to flow. Following Step One in article on the left (turn off the water at the main) is the best way to guard against such leaks.

* Check your insurance policy carefully. There are often clauses to shock, such as a requirement to have someone checking your home regularly if you are more than 72 hours away from your home. This unfriendly little clause could void your insurance coverage if you haven't arranged for someone to check. Also check the age of your heating system; if is is over a certain age, you may not be covered by insurance. give yourself plenty of time to have it replaced, if necessary.
This information was collected from the web site: http://www.wikihow.com/Winterize-a-Home

Things to Check

Several things can contribute to higher water usage on your bills. Check the tank of your toilet to make sure that it is in proper working condition. It may be a small leak in the seal between the toilet and the bowl or it could be the parts in the tank. Water waste may be occurring if your tank refills without being flushed or never stops filling. This could add up to a lot of water usage. We do have dye strips in the office if you would like to investigate. Another culprit could be your water softener. We recommend that you have your softener set "On Demand" so it does not recharge when it isn't necessary. You may have a problem if you are going through more softener salt than normal. The outside spikets should also be checked for drips. Be careful when watering plants and flowers during the warmer months. You wouldn't be the first person to over-water a dead tree.