FAQs - DELCORA

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Chester

Billing

Customers are billed quarterly (January, April, July, October) based upon a previous 3-month period of water consumption as reported by Chester Water Authority as well as a charge to cover the bond payment to make required repairs in compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations.

The first portion of the bill or “sewer charge” is based upon the consumption of water as reported by Chester Water Authority for a previous 3-month period.

The 2nd portion of the bill or “EPA LTC Plan” is a fee used to meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulation of discharge pollutants into the nation’s surface water.

**The 2020 sewer rate is $5.75 which includes a EPA LTC Plan fee of 34¢ per thousand gallons. A minimum fee of $26.94 per billing cycle is charged for properties with very little (less than 5,000 gallons) to no usage.**

What is a Sewer Service Charge?

The sewer service charge is a fee to treat wastewater from your property. This charge assists in the cost of maintenance, operation, repair, and rehabilitation of the existing sewer system. The sewer service charge is not a tax and therefore should be treated as a utility.

Why is my bill so high?

You are billed according to water usage. Running toilets, leaky faucets, filling a pool or additional people occupying the home can contribute to an increase in consumption.

What do we do in the case of a firehouse that tests its sprinklers, runs water, but the water does not go down the drain?

DELCORA does not charge sewer for any line designated as a fire service. Any firehouse or business with a sprinkler system should have a separate line designated for that connection by the water authority and therefore, will not be charged for that usage.
Additionally, we do not give a reduction of water consumption for pools, ponds, fountains, car washing and/or watering gardens and lawns.

Do you offer a discount for early payment of a bill?

Discounts are not offered. However, a 6% late fee will be added if the bill is not paid by the due date. If the account remains unpaid by the end of the year, the unpaid balance accrues monthly interest at the rate of 6%, until paid. Additionally, the property is also subject to having a municipal lien placed against the title.

How do I pay my Sewer bill?

DELCORA bills can be paid by mail using the envelope that accompanies your bill, online using a Visa, Master Card or electronic Check through our secure website via Pay Sewer Bill, over the phone by calling (610) 876-5523 ext. 8518 or in person at our Chester Office located at 5th and Welsh Streets where we accept cash, money order, personal check, Discover, Visa and/or Master Card payments.

What happens if my bill isn’t paid?

When a bill goes unpaid, you are mailed a 30-day reminder notice. If the bill is not paid before that notice expires, a 10-day notice is posted to the property. If payment or satisfactory payment arrangements have not been made, then the account is sent over to Chester Water Authority for termination of service. Once that action is done, payment in full including all associated fees must be paid at the Chester Office to have water restored. Personal checks are not accepted.

What happens if I’m the tenant and pay my rent but the owner doesn’t pay the sewer bill?

It is important to note that sewer charges are the responsibility of the property owner no matter who is living there. However, if stipulated in your rental agreement, the owner may send written authorization to request the bill be sent to the tenant.
DELCORA does not interfere with owner/tenant relations. If the bill is not paid, delinquent proceedings will continue.

Sewer Maintenance

When there’s a sewer backup what should I do?

If you are experiencing a sewer back up, detect odor that you feel could be from a sewer back up, or have any questions about your sewer line, contact our sewer emergency number immediately: 610-876-5523 option 2 where someone will be available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

What can I do to prevent sewer overflows?

Sewer backups may occur because the line is plugged with grease or roots or a combination of grease and roots. Backups are also caused by a sag (or belly) in the line or a sewer lateral that has collapsed. Never place anything in the system other than bathroom tissue. Products like baby wipes, diapers, sanitary products, condoms, rags and other products labeled “flushable”, frequently cause backups because they do not disperse like bathroom tissue. For additional preventative measures, brochures and pamphlets are available upon request.

If I notice missing, damaged or noisy sewer manhole covers (loose fitting) what do I do?

Please report the occurrence to DELCORA at (610) 876-5523 option 2.

NOTE: Storm drains carry rainwater only and are usually under curb openings in the gutter. They are usually covered with a grate or slotted piece of metal. Storm drains and storm drain inlets are the responsibility of each municipality’s Street/Highway Department.

Edgmont

Who is DELCORA?

The Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority (DELCORA) is a municipal authority handling the conveyance and treatment of wastewater for most of Delaware County. DELCORA was created in 1971 by a resolution of the Council of the County of Delaware. We are committed to provide environmentally responsible and cost effective waste management services to the Citizens, Businesses and Industries of Delaware County.

How often will DELCORA bill me?

In general, DELCORA will bill Edgmont residents on a quarterly basis. The first bill will be a prorated calculation of a quarterly amount because sewer service will be for less than a full quarter.

What does the annual fee pay include?

The sewer fee covers costs for administration collection, conveyance and treatment of wastewater, debt service and other costs associated with the ownership and maintenance of the sewer system.

How long will the debt service be in effect?

Debt Service is for 20 years, starting in 2013.
It is the amount of money DELCORA borrowed to construct the system. It is similar in nature to a home mortgage.

What is the difference between a tap-in fee and a sewer fee?

The sewer fee covers the ownership and maintenance of the sewer system. The tap-in fee is the connection cost that is paid when a customer is connected to the public sewer system. It will be used to reduce the outstanding debt on the system.

Billing

Customers are billed quarterly (January, April, July, October) based on a flat rate.
*The 2020 rate is $1,275.00 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) per year for residential customers or $318.75 per quarter.*

What is a Sewer Service Charge?

The Sewer Service Charge is a fee to treat wastewater from your property. This charge assists in the cost of maintenance, operation, repair, and rehabilitation of the existing sewer system. The sewer service charge is not a tax and therefore should be treated as a utility.

I’ve never had to pay a sewer charge before so why am I being charged now?

Effective October 17, 2012, Edgmont Township officials and DELCORA entered into an agreement for DELCORA to design, build, operate, and maintain a sewer system in Edgmont Township.

How do I pay my Sewer bill?

DELCORA bills can be paid by mail using the envelope that accompanies your bill; online using a Visa or Master Card through our secure website via Pay Sewer Bill; in person at our Chester Office located at 5th and Welsh Streets where we accept cash, money order, personal check, Visa, Discover and/or Master Card payments; or by telephone 610-876-5523, extension 8518.

Do you offer a discount for early payment of a bill?

Discounts are not offered. However, a 6% late fee will be added if the bill is not paid by the due date. If the account remains unpaid by the end of the year, the unpaid balance accrues monthly interest at the rate of 6%, until paid. Additionally, the property is also subject to being liened.

What if I can’t pay my bill on time?

We can provide payment arrangements to customers unable to pay their bills on time. Customers interested in a payment plan, should call our Customer Billing Department at 610-876-5526. Past due balances are still subject to late fees. (Restrictions may apply)

What happens if my bill isn’t paid?

When a bill goes unpaid, you are mailed a 30-day reminder notice. If the bill is not paid before that notice expires, a 10-day shut off notice is posted to the property. If payment or satisfactory payment arrangements have not been made, then the account is sent to Aqua America for termination of service. Once that action is done, payment in full including all associated fees must be paid to have water restored. Personal checks are not accepted to restore services.
DELCORA does not interfere with owner/tenant relations. If the bill is not paid, delinquent proceedings will continue.

How does my rate compare to other sewer service rates in the area?

DELCORA historically has some of the lowest rates in the county. Cost containment, without sacrifice to our service or water quality is the foundation of our mission. Therefore, we expect our rates to remain stable for the foreseeable future.

Sewer Maintenance

When there’s a sewer backup what should I do?

If you are experiencing a sewer backup, detect odor that you feel could be from a sewer backup, or have any questions about your sewer line, contact our sewer emergency number immediately: 610-876- 5523, option 2, where someone will be available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

What can I do to prevent sewer overflows?

Sewer backups may occur because the line is plugged with grease or roots or a combination of grease and roots. Backups are also caused by a sag (or belly) in the line or a sewer lateral that has collapsed. Never place anything in the system other than bathroom tissue. Products like baby wipes, diapers, sanitary products, condoms, rags and other products labeled “flushable”, frequently cause backups because they do not disperse like bathroom tissue.

If I notice missing, damaged or noisy sewer manhole covers (loose fitting) what do I do?

Please report the occurrence to DELCORA at 610-876-5523, option 2.

Marcus Hook

Billing

The first portion of the bill or “sewer charge” is based upon the consumption of water as reported by Chester Water Authority for a previous 3-month period.

The 2nd portion of the bill or “EPA LTC Plan” is a fee used to meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulation of discharge pollutants into the nation’s surface water.

**The 2020 sewer rate is $8.78 which includes a EPA LTC Plan fee of 34¢ per thousand gallons. A minimum fee of $36.80 per billing cycle is charged for properties with very little (less than 5,000 gallons) to no usage.**

What is a Sewer Service Charge?

The sewer service charge is a fee to treat wastewater from your property. This charge assists in the cost of maintenance, operation, repair, and rehabilitation of the existing sewer system. The sewer service charge is not a tax and therefore should be treated as a utility.

Why is my bill so high?

You are billed according to water usage. Running toilets, leaky faucets, filling a pool or additional people occupying the home can contribute to an increase in consumption.

What do we do in the case of a firehouse that tests its sprinklers, runs water, but the water does not go down the drain?

DELCORA does not charge sewer for any line designated as a fire service. Any firehouse or business with a sprinkler system should have a separate line designated for that connection by the water authority and therefore, will not be charged for that usage.
Additionally, we do not give a reduction of water consumption for pools, ponds, fountains, car washing and/or watering gardens and lawns.

Do you offer a discount for early payment of a bill?

Discounts are not offered. However, a 6% late fee will be added if the bill is not paid by the due date. If the account remains unpaid by the end of the year, the unpaid balance accrues monthly interest at the rate of 6%, until paid. Additionally, the property is also subject to having a municipal lien placed against the title.

How do I pay my Sewer bill?

DELCORA bills can be paid by mail using the envelope that accompanies your bill, online using a Visa, Master Card or electronic Check through our secure website via Pay Sewer Bill, over the phone by calling (610) 876-5523 ext. 8518 or in person at our Chester Office located at 5th and Welsh Streets where we accept cash, money order, personal check, Discover, Visa and/or Master Card payments.

What happens if my bill isn’t paid?

When a bill goes unpaid, you are mailed a 30-day reminder notice. If the bill is not paid before that notice expires, a 10-day notice is posted to the property. If payment or satisfactory payment arrangements have not been made, then the account is sent over to Chester Water Authority for termination of service. Once that action is done, payment in full including all associated fees must be paid at the Chester Office to have water restored. Personal checks are not accepted.

What happens if I’m the tenant and pay my rent but the owner doesn’t pay the sewer bill?

It is important to note that sewer charges are the responsibility of the property owner no matter who is living there. However, if stipulated in your rental agreement, the owner may send written authorization to request the bill be sent to the tenant.
DELCORA does not interfere with owner/tenant relations. If the bill is not paid, delinquent proceedings will continue.

Sewer Maintenance

When there’s a sewer backup what should I do?

If you are experiencing a sewer back up, detect odor that you feel could be from a sewer back up, or have any questions about your sewer line, contact our sewer emergency number immediately: 610-876-5523 option 2 where someone will be available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

What can I do to prevent sewer overflows?

Sewer backups may occur because the line is plugged with grease or roots or a combination of grease and roots. Backups are also caused by a sag (or belly) in the line or a sewer lateral that has collapsed. Never place anything in the system other than bathroom tissue. Products like baby wipes, diapers, sanitary products, condoms, rags and other products labeled “flushable”, frequently cause backups because they do not disperse like bathroom tissue. For additional preventative measures, brochures and pamphlets are available upon request.

If I notice missing, damaged or noisy sewer manhole covers (loose fitting) what do I do?

Please report the occurrence to DELCORA at (610) 876-5523 option 2.

Trainer

What is a Sewer Service Charge?

The sewer service charge is a fee to treat wastewater from your property. This charge assists in the cost of maintenance, operation, repair, and rehabilitation of the existing sewer system. The sewer service charge is not a tax and therefore should be viewed as a utility.

What are the Rates and Billing Method?

Residential and Commercial customers are billed quarterly (January, April, July, October) based upon a previous 3-month period of water consumption as reported by Chester Water Authority. The first portion of the bill or “sewer charge” is based upon the consumption of water as reported by Chester Water Authority for a previous 3-month period. The 2nd portion of the bill or “EPA LTC Plan” is a fee used to meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulation of discharge pollutants into the nation’s surface water. **The 2020 sewer rate is $5.75 which includes a EPA LTC Plan fee of 34¢ per thousand gallons. A minimum fee of $26.94 per billing cycle is charged for properties with very little (less than 5,000 gallons) to no usage.**

Why is my bill so high?

If you are billed according to water usage, running toilets, leaky faucets, filling a pool or more people in the home can contribute to an increase in consumption.

Do you offer a discount for early payment of a bill?

Discounts are not offered. However, a 6% late fee will be added if the bill is not paid by the due date. If the account remains unpaid by the end of the year, the unpaid balance accrues monthly interest at the rate of 6%, until paid. Additionally, the property is also subject to having a municipal lien placed against the title.

How do I pay my Sewer bill?

DELCORA bills can be paid by mail using the envelope that accompanies your bill, online using a Visa, Master Card or electronic Check through our secure website via Pay Sewer Bill, over the phone by calling (610) 876-5523 ext. 8518 or in person at our Chester Office located at 5th and Welsh Streets where we accept cash, money order, personal check, Discover, Visa and/or Master Card payments.

What if I can’t pay my bill on time?

We can provide payment arrangements to customers unable to pay their bills on time. Customers interested in a payment plan, should call our Customer Billing Department at 610-876-5526. Past due balances are still subject to late fees. (Restrictions may apply)

What happens if my bill isn’t paid?

When a bill goes unpaid, the customer is mailed a 30-day reminder notice. If the bill is not paid before that notice expires, a 10-day notice is posted to the property which carries a $12 service fee. If payment or satisfactory payment arrangements have not been made, then the account is sent over to Chester Water Authority for termination of service. Once that action is done, payment in full including all associated fees must be paid at the Chester Office to have water restored. Personal checks are not accepted.

Sewer Maintenance

When there’s a sewer backup what should I do?

If you are experiencing a sewer back up, detect odor that you feel could be from a sewer back up, or have any questions about your sewer line, contact our sewer emergency number immediately: 610-876-5523 option 2
where someone will be available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

What will DELCORA do when a backup occurs?

DELCORA will dispatch workers to assess the problem and determine if the blockage is in the main sewer line or your property’s sewer lateral.DELCORA’s responsibility is to clear blockages that occur in the main sewer line and the sewer lateral from our main to the curb line.Maintenance of the sewer line connection between a home or business and the street curb or the dividing line is the property owner’s responsibility. Therefore, you may need to contact a plumber.

What can I do to prevent sewer overflows?

Sewer backups may occur because the line is plugged with grease or roots or a combination of grease and roots. Backups are also caused by a sag (or belly) in the line or a sewer lateral that has collapsed. Never place anything in the system other than bathroom tissue. Products like baby wipes, diapers, sanitary products, condoms, rags and other products labeled “flushable”, frequently cause backups because they do not disperse like bathroom tissue.

If I notice missing, damaged or noisy sewer manhole covers (loose fitting) what do I do?

Please report the occurrence to DELCORA at (610) 876-5523 option 2.

Rose Valley

What is a Sewer Service Charge?

The sewer service charge is a fee to collect, convey and treat wastewater from your property. This charge assists in the cost of maintenance, operation, repair, and rehabilitation of the existing sewer system. The sewer service charge is not a tax and therefore should be treated as a utility.

How often will I receive a sewer bill?

Currently, residents are billed quarterly (March, June, September, December) for sewer services.

How is my sewer bill calculated?

You will be billed a fixed rate each billing cycle. Sewer bills are not based upon water consumption or the number of fixtures in your home.

**The fixed rate for the year of 2020 is $243.00 per cycle.**

How do I pay my Sewer bill?

DELCORA bills can be paid by mail using the envelope that accompanies your bill; online using a Discover, Visa or Master Card or Electronic Check through our secure website via Pay Sewer Bill; or in person at our Chester Office located at 5th and Welsh Streets anytime from 8:30am – 4:30pm where we accept cash, money order, personal check, Discover, Visa and/or Master Card payments or BY TELEPHONE using our automated phone system by calling 610-876-5523 extension 8518.

What if I can’t pay my bill on time?

We can provide payment arrangements to customers unable to pay their bills on time. Customers interested in a payment plan, should call our Customer Billing Department at 610-876-5523. Past due balances are still subject to having a 6% late fee imposed.(Restrictions may apply)

What happens if my bill isn’t paid?

When a bill goes unpaid, the customer is mailed a 30-day reminder notice. If payment or a satisfactory payment arrangement has not been made, a 10-day notice will be posted to the property. Additionally, the property is also subject to having a municipal lien filed with the Delaware County Courthouse for delinquent balances.

Sewer Maintenance

When there’s a sewer backup what should I do?

If you are experiencing a sewer back up, detect odor that you feel could be from a sewer back up, or have any questions about your sewer line, contact our sewer emergency number immediately: 610-876-5523 option 2. Someone is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

What can I do to prevent sewer overflows?

Sewer overflows and backups may occur because the line is plugged with grease or roots or a combination of the two. They are also caused by a sag (or belly) in the line or a sewer lateral that has collapsed. Never place anything in the system other than bathroom tissue. Products like baby wipes, diapers, sanitary products, condoms, rags and other products labeled “flushable”, frequently cause backups because they do not disperse like bathroom tissue.

What do I do if I notice missing, damaged, loose fitting or noisy sewer manhole covers?

Please report the occurrence to DELCORA by calling (610) 876-5523 option 2.