FAQ Topics
Yes, to qualify for Senior Citizen Discount., you must be sixty-five (65) years of age or older, and your total annual combined household income can not exceed $15,930.00. Once qualified this exempts you from payment of the monthly service charge applied to your monthly water bill. You must complete and return the application to Cobb County Water System, Customer Service Division, 660 South Cobb Dr. Marietta, Ga 30060 or you can fax the application to 770.419.6224. Visit our Service Request page and click on Residential Service Applications to download the Senior Citizen Discount form in a PDF format (which requires an Adobe Acrobat Reader).
No, because budget billing does not promote conservation. A customer on budget billing may not realize that they have a leak or other water-related problems at their property.
Yes, we recommend that you call our Customer Service center Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at 770-419-6200 and make a payment or payment arrangement.
If your bill is not paid by the due date shown on the bill, you are subject to a $10 late fee and your service may be disrupted.
Yes, there will be a $50 administrative fee during normal business hours. A premium fee of $75.00 is added for after hour service restoration, Monday – Friday between 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The premium fee must be paid the next business day by noon to avoid service disconnection.
Approximately every month (every 28-32 days).
We bill approximately 182,000 customers per month. Because we send out so many bills, we bill customers daily. We have the county split into cycles. We read 1 or 2 cycles per day and bill the same day. Your billing date is based on which cycle you live in. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to manually change your billing cycle.
A deposit shall be held on the account for a period of not less than 24 months. After an account has established a perfect payment record for a consecutive 24 months period, the deposit shall be refunded back to the account. A perfect payment record shall mean there are no incidents of delinquency or returned checks or a regular pattern of payment when past due.
No, letters of credit from other utilities are subjective documents and are not regulated, nor is there a standard to which they are compared. We believe requiring a cash deposit on water bill accounts reduces losses thereby assuring the lowest rates for all of our customers.
You should expect your first bill within 35 days upon activation. Cobb County Water System strives to read water meters in a consistent manner and reach all of our customers within twenty-eight to a thirty-two-day window.
Yes, Customers have the ability to make payments on their account over our Interactive Voice Response System at 770-419-6200. Payments will be posted immediately.
Yes. There are two options for paying online. Customers may make an Instant Payment using the Payment Code and the last 4 digits of their Account Number printed on their bill. Customers may also register for online account access where they may view their bills and make payments online. Click here to visit our Bill Pay webpage for more information.
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No, our customers may choose to pay with American Express, Master Card, Visa, Discover or Visa/Master Check Card at no charge.
No.
Immediately.
Yes. With this option, you receive an email notification that your eStatement is ready for viewing, then you log into your Cobb Water account to view your eStatement. If you would like to participate in the eStatement program, click the Bill Pay button above to access your online account. (You may create an online account access through this link if you do not already have one.) Once logged in, click on Payments in the top menu, then click on “Click Here to Open A New Window To Our Secure Payment System”. Once in our payment vendor’s website, click on the eStatement Options tab to the left, then select Electronic Delivery. Once you register, your eStatement will replace the statement you currently receive in the mail. You may opt-out of the eStatement program at any time through this website.
Yes. Your consumption history is printed on your eStatement.
Please call Cobb County Water System at 770-419-6200. If Cobb County Water System fails to read within our preferred 28-32 day window and consumption is placed in an upper tier Cobb County Water System will adjust your bill for the difference between the higher and lower tier. This credit is only provided if your usage is pushed into the next tier by our failure to read within that 28-32 day window. For example, if your use is normally 3,000 gallons and you are billed for 4,000 gallons due to an extended billing period; Cobb County Water System will credit the difference between the first tier and the second tier for the 1,000 gallons billed at tier 2. Visit our current water rates and use our water calculator.
This is primarily due to the cost of building, maintaining, and operating both the sewage collection system and treatment plants capable of removing contaminants in wastewater prior to returning it to lakes and rivers. Our treatment processes meet or exceed all state and federal standards.
When the program began for street light service, there was no billing system in place. Utilizing the Cobb County Water System’s existing billing system proved to be cost-effective; whereas, creating a separate street light billing system would have significantly added costs. The street light funds go to the county’s general fund to pay for utility costs and other maintenance associated with providing this service. For street light repairs/outages, please use the online form, or contact your power company at one of the numbers listed below:
Cobb EMC: 770-429-2100
Marietta Power: 770-794-5125
Georgia Power: 1-888-660-5890
Greystone: 770-942-6576
(NOTICE: To report problems with broken or malfunctioning street lights, please click here)
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You can apply for service by calling our Customer Service center Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5 pm at 770-419-6200, in person at the Customer Service Facility 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. located at 660 South Cobb Dr. Marietta, Ga 30060, or visit our online service request page to apply online. Please allow 24 hours to process your order. Same day service is not always available. All applicable fees and deposits must be paid prior to service establishment. Service will not be connected on weekends or holidays.
You can disconnect your water service by submitting an online disconnect service application by visiting our Service Request page or by calling our Customer Service center Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at 770-419-6200.
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You may also contact Customer Service at 770-419-6200 or send them an email.
Contact our Emergency Service at 770-419-6201. It is available 24/7.
A small leak, about the size of the head of a pin, dripping at one drop a second can add up to 7 gallons of water per day. A large leak, the kind most often found in toilets, can waste 200 gallons of water or more per day. Check out the following when you suspect a leak:
- Faucets – Check faucets in the bathroom and kitchen periodically. Most often, worn washers are the cause of dripping faucets.
- Sprinkler System – Broken sprinklers heads or damaged underground pipes are common sources of sprinkler system leaks. Watch your system run at least once a month to spot problems early. Usually, leaks are easy to fix. Do-it-yourself books with easy to follow instructions are available at libraries and stores.
- Toilets – Check for toilet leaks often. The most common cause of a leaking toilet are:
- Float device set too high, which causes water to run into the overflow tube and
- A warped or cracked flapper. Toilet leak kits are available. The kit contains tablets that are dropped into the toilet tank. After the tablets are placed in the tank wait 15 minutes, then check the toilet bowl. (Remember, don’t flush during this time.) If the water in the bowl changes color, you may have a leak. Download a guide on reading meter and checking leaks.
No, the Water System is not responsible for leaks between the meter and the house or in the house. The maintenance and repair of pipes and fixtures after the water meter are the sole responsibility of the customer. This includes any charges associated with a leak.
No.
It is Cobb County’s responsibility to provide water to all our customers at the water meter location. Cobb County Water System is not responsible for any private plumbing system issues. The home plumbing system consists of all the pipe and fixtures that are on your property after the water meter connection. All repairs and costs associated with a plumbing system failure are the responsibility of the customer. In some cases, Cobb County Water System may offer a nominal leak credit to offset a portion of the costs associated with a leak. Please visit our Leak Credit Eligibility page for more information.
To report a large volume leak, call our 24-hour Emergency Dispatch at 770-419-6201.
This program is available for Cobb County Water System’s customers that are billed commercial water rates including multi-family housing, schools, businesses, hospitality, etc. The property must have been built in 1992 or earlier and have toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons per flush. The goal of the program is to retrofit these properties with high-efficiency fixtures. Buildings constructed during 1993 and after were required to have low flow toilets because the Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated low flow fixtures in all new construction.
Yes. In order to qualify for this program, your property must receive a water bill from Cobb County Water System. The rebate is a credit on the account holder’s water bill. We cannot issue a credit if there is no water bill. We do not issue cash or checks for the rebate program.
As long as the property was built in 1992 or earlier, the property can purchase EPA WaterSense labeled toilets and submit the original receipts, and proof of both installation and property age to:
COBB COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Toilet Rebate Program
660 South Cobb Dr.
Marietta, GA 30060
A master-metered townhome or condo association can participate through the normal application process, but the application must be made by the account holder. Cobb County Water System will only issue a credit to the community’s water account. Any disbursement or credits to individual residents of the community is solely the account holder’s responsibility.
No. Cobb County Water System’s rebate is only issued as a credit on the active water account. Each community will need to agree on how they will credit or reimburse their residents who participate. Cobb Water only has a fiduciary responsibility with the account holder of the master metered water account, not the individual residents within the community. Cobb County Water System will only issue a credit to the community’s water account. Any disbursement or credits to individual residents of the community is solely the account holder’s responsibility.
Condo associations can participate in the program, but rebate credits will be applied to the association’s water account. We cannot give individual rebates to condo owners without a Cobb County Water System account. We only have a fiduciary relationship with our account holder. If the condo association wishes to participate in the program, the association president or management company should review the procedure for participating in the rebate program and determining how they will credit participating residents.
Only toilets that have received the USEPA WaterSense label are eligible for a rebate of $50.00 per toilet up to 100 toilets or $5,000.00 per property. These toilets have been certified by a third party to ensure high performance and long-term water savings. Look for the WaterSense Label to ensure the product installed qualifies for the rebate.
No, but we will only process one commercial rebate per property. It is most beneficial to the property to rebate as many toilets as possible at once. The cap on the rebate program is 100 toilets per property. How a property handles this is up to them.
Cobb County Water System does not require that the property recycle the old toilets but they highly recommend that the toilets be recycled. Patterson Inc. in Mableton has the ability to recycle these toilets. Information about Patterson is listed below.
For 1-3 toilets, the fee is $5 per toilet.
For a pick-up load of 4-10 toilets, the fee is $185.00 – the same charge for a 12-yard dumpster, the smallest dumpster Patterson provides.
For more information, call 404-505-1449 or email PackerInd@aol.com.
Patterson Industries, Inc.
5800 Riverview Road
Mableton, GA 30126
If you choose not to recycle, you will need to discuss disposal with your waste hauler.
Yes. This program is available for all non-single family residential customers.
This program is available for Cobb County Water System customers whose homes were completed before 1993. The goal of the program is to retrofit such homes with low flow fixtures. Homes constructed during 1993 and after already have low flow toilets because the Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated.
Master metered townhome and condo associations are considered multi-family accounts. These residents are not eligible for the single-family program since it is a credit applied to the participant's water bill.
Master metered townhome and condo associations are considered multi-family accounts. These residents are not eligible for the single-family program since it is a credit applied to the participant's water bill, the community may be eligible for our commercial program. Information can be found in the Commercial Toilet Rebate FAQ.
Yes. In order to qualify for this program, you must be a customer of Cobb County Water System. City water customers are not eligible for this program.
If you have a particular plumbing situation where none of the approved toilets will fit in your existing home, please contact Cobb Water at 770-528-8214, prior to purchasing them to discuss the situation.
Eligible customers can visit the WaterSense website to view the list of approved toilets and download an application above or receive the information by contacting the Water Efficiency Office at 770-528-8214. After purchasing the toilet and having it installed, the customer must complete the application and send it, along with the original receipt, to the Water Efficiency Office at 660 South Cobb Dr. Marietta, GA 30060. To ensure you receive the credit, please include the model number of the toilet, removed from the box, if not listed on the receipt. The application will be reviewed, and provided funding is still available for the program, a credit will be issued on the customer's water bill.
The toilet rebate program has a designated annual budget. Customers are advised to check with the Water Efficiency Office to see if funds are available. The Water Efficiency Office cannot guarantee funds will be available when your application is received. The customer must have purchased a toilet from the approved lists and be in a home built prior to 1993.
These toilets are the only toilets eligible for a $100.00 rebate. WaterSense is the Environmental Protection Agency's labeling program for water efficiency, modeled after the Energy Star labeling program. The WaterSense labeled toilets only use an average of 1.28 gallons of water per flush and have passed rigorous third-party testing standards.
Most toilets are sold in two pieces. Be sure to get both a tank and bowl that are listed together on the toilet lists. A representative at the retailer should be able to assist you with this. Make sure and bring the lists with you to the retailer.
No. As long as the toilet is WaterSense labeled, a customer can buy it from any retailer, even online, but we do need the original invoice sent in with the application. Cobb Water System advises customers to keep a copy of the receipt, for their records.
It may be possible that a new wax ring or additional bolts may be needed when purchasing the toilet. Please work with your retailer or plumber to ensure you have all the equipment you need to have a working toilet.
Yes. Cobb County Water System realizes many homes in Cobb County have more than one bathroom. The program is limited to three toilets per household.
No. The decision on installation is up to the individual customer.
Probably not. Cobb County Water System has informed local retailers about the program and encouraged them to carry stock. No retailer will have every toilet, but approved toilets are available locally.
The residential toilet rebate program is for single-family customers only. We now have a commercial rebate program and you may be eligible. More information can be found in the Commercial Toilet Rebate Program.
If the property meets the program qualifications a rebate will be issued as a credit to the water bill of the account holder at the rental property. If you are not the account holder it will be credited to the current water account holder's bill (renter). Cobb County Water System will not become involved in renter landlord disputes.
Yes. All Cobb County residents should follow the non-drought outdoor water use schedule required under the Water Stewardship Act of 2010. It allows for daily outdoor watering of plants, ground cover, trees, shrubs, and other plants only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. To find a list of exceptions and more information, please click here.
Yes. There are no restrictions on car washing or pressure washing during non-drought or Level 1.
No. The new rules allow hand watering with a shut-off nozzle any time of the day any day of the week.
Sports fields and parks are exempt from the hourly restrictions. These areas may be watered any time any day of the week.
Drip irrigation is completely exempt from the outdoor rules it may be used any day or anytime.
- Commercial Agriculture.
- Alternative sources of water (grey water, rainwater, condensate, etc.)
- Irrigation of food gardens
- Irrigation of newly installed or reseeded turf for the first 30 days.
- Drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
- Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle.
- Water from a private well.
- Irrigation of plants for sale.
- Irrigation of athletic fields, golf courses or public recreational turf.
- Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
- Hydroseeding.
Yes. There are no restrictions on car washes in non-drought or a Level I Drought Response.
Yes. There are no restrictions on fountains in non-drought or a Level I Drought Response.
Use the step test to evaluate if your lawn needs to be watered:
- Place your foot firmly on your turf area.
- Watch how quickly the turf springs up to cover your footprint.
- If the turf springs up immediately (a few seconds) your turf is probably not in need of watering.
- If the footprint remains or the turf slowly rises to eventually cover it your turf is in need of a deep watering.
Visually Inspect plants to see if they require water before irrigating on your day.
- Check plants in the early morning or late evening. Plants checked in the heat of the day will always appear to need water.
- If the plant is wilting; yellow or grayish in appearance; has dried edges or browning, or loss of flowering the plant is probably in need of water.
For more information on proper plant and landscape maintenance visit our Outdoor Water Use page or call the Water Efficiency Office at 770-528-8214.
Different factors can affect the taste and smell of your water. To report problems with your water use our online report form or call our Customer Service center Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at 770-419-6200.
When water has been shut off at the main, this sometimes causes air in the lines. The color that you are seeing is probably due to this. You can check by filling a glass with water and letting it sit for a short time. If the water clears up, there is air in the line. To remove air from the line, turn on the cold water taps in your house and let them run for 5-10 minutes. If water discoloring persists, email us the issue you are experiencing.
This may be due to a faulty dip tube in your hot water heater. Sometimes the plastic in the tube breaks down and this can clog your faucets and showerheads.
ONLY for discoloration, taste, and/or odor, click here to submit an online inquiry about your concern with drinking water quality or you can contact our Customer Service center Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at 770-419-6200.
You may also be interested in checking out our annual report on the quality of water that meets the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements, information on the source of our water, and the health risks associated with any contaminant. Click here to visit our Water Quality Reports Resource Library.
The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of open ditches on their property.
Yes, before proceeding with your excavation, remember to "Call Before You Dig"! Georgia state-wide phone numbers are 811 and 1-800-282-7411, and in metro Atlanta 770-623-4344. You may also go to the Georgia811 website at georgia811.com for more information.
The repair crew will work as efficiently as possible until the repair is completed. Unless some complications arise, you can expect to have the water turned on within 8 hours.
Cobb County takes management of the system very seriously. We have a leak repair prioritization policy. The most severe leaks, causing the most damage and water loss, are repaired first. Due to limited staff, this may mean smaller leaks take a little more time to repair.
Usually, noise from pipes results from air in the lines. Go to the water spigot at the front of the house and run the water for a few minutes. Next, go to the highest point in the house, usually an upstairs shower. Turn on the cold water in the shower for approximately 5 minutes. The air in the pipes should rise to the highest point and be released, alleviating the noise problem.
An easement is a right provided to a person or entity to use someone else's property. The property owner usually transfers this right while retaining ownership through execution of an easement document. See our brochure entitled "Easements: What You Should Know," (PDF) for more information on easements with the Cobb County Water System.
Our Customer Service Representatives are available Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at 770-419-6200 or you can email us.