Call the Water & Sewer Authority Before Calling a Plumber:  

The Authority is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the water and sanitary sewer lines  from the water and sanitary sewer main in the street to your property line (Public Right of Way  Line). The Authority's responsibility for the water service line ends at the outlet side of the curb stop  shut off valve located in the curb box. The water curb stop is typically located 12” from the curb or  24” from the edge of the road paving. The Authority typically takes responsibility for the sanitary  sewer lateral up to the vent and clean out (running trap), which is commonly located within 10 feet  of the Public Right of Way or Curb Line.  

Customers should call the Authority at 610-926-4173 before calling a plumber. Authority  Operators will come out to evaluate the situation. The Authority will let you know if the leak or  clog is the Authority’s responsibility or if it is the Customer’s responsibility in which case you  would need to call a licensed plumber. If it is determined that the problem is the Authority’s  responsibility, the Authority will correct the problem at no cost to the Customer.  

Customers may call the Authority to locate your curb box shut off valve if you have a leak or need  the water shut off for any reason. If a sanitary sewer clog is between the vent/cleanout (running  trap) and the home, the Authority will provide a "courtesy flush" and attempt to open up the sanitary  sewer line. Often times, the sanitary sewer line can be opened by Authority staff. If Authority staff  are unable to unclog the sewer line, the homeowner will need to hire a licensed plumber to unclog  the sewer line located on private property.  

Customer vs Authority Responsibility of Service Line:  

The Authority is NOT responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of any components  of a water and sanitary sewer line located on private property (past the Public Right of Way Line).  This includes all pipe, fittings, valves, meter setters, and any and all associated appurtenances. The only item that the Authority owns on a Customer’s private property is the water meter located  inside the Customer’s home (or outside if it is in a meter pit) and the meter transceiver unit (MXU) located on the outside of the building. All items located past the Public Right of Way Line  (except for the meter and MXU) are the responsibility of the Customer/Property Owner to install,  own, and maintain. The Authority is also NOT responsible for the costs for a Customer to come  into compliance with the Authority’s adopted Rules and Regulations, regardless of when the home  was built, when devices were installed, or for items that were not installed that are required to be  installed per Authority Regulations. Customers are encouraged to become familiar with the  contents of their Service Agreement with the Authority that outlines responsibilities.  

Lead and Copper in Drinking Water: 

Although past and present Federal and State Regulations have helped to reduce Lead and Copper in  drinking water, Customers should consider allowing water to run 10 to 30 seconds before filling up  glasses and containers used for drinking. Water that has been allowed to sit for extended periods of  time in pipes and faucets usually contain the highest concentrations of lead and copper. Although  new Regulations require "Lead-Free" plumbing fixtures, newly installed fixtures may leach small  amounts of Lead when first installed. Customers wishing to take extra care should consider allowing  water to flow for a brief period before filling up glasses and containers regardless of the age of the fixtures. 

Sewer Backups Insurance: 

Damage resulting from sanitary sewer backups are usually the responsibility of the homeowner.  Many homeowner's policies exclude sanitary sewer backups. Customers should consider evaluating  the need to purchase sanitary sewer backup insurance, especially if your basement has been  converted to a living space. 

Sinkhole Insurance:  

Some homeowner's insurance policies exclude damage resulting from sinkholes. Homes that have  public water and sanitary sewer service lines may be at more risk of developing sinkholes. The PA  Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides an interactive map showing the  locations of sinkholes and depressions located throughout Pennsylvania. Customers are encouraged to  log onto the website to determine if their property is at a higher risk of developing sinkholes.  Unfortunately, Maidencreek Township does show a significant amount of recorded sinkholes and  depressions due to the limestone geology in the area. It is highly recommended that our customers  evaluate the need for sinkhole insurance.  

Payment Drop Box:  

The Authority's office is located at the Maidencreek Township Building at 1A Quarry Road, Reading  PA 19605. There is a drop-off box located to the right of the Authority Office Door The Authority  office door is the door on the left side of the Municipal Building when facing the building. The  Authority’s Office hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Cash payments are not accepted by the Authority. The Authority does not accept debit or credit cards at the  office. Checks or money orders are the only forms of payment available.  

Billing Due Dates:  

Water meters are read during the first week of January, April, July and October. Bills are due the  first week of March, June, September and December each year. If bills are received after the  due date, a 10% late payment penalty is added to the account.