Pennichuck Water Works

Pennichuck's mission is to deliver reliable, high-quality, and affordable water in sufficient quantities to our service area. To fulfill this commitment, we focus on investing in and maintaining advanced water treatment equipment that ensures complete compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act's primary standards while also meeting additional aesthetic quality benchmarks.

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) are prepared in accordance with New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines to keep you informed about your water quality. Each water system managed by Pennichuck has detailed charts showing water quality test results and how they compare to regulatory requirements.

To find information specific to your water source, please visit the My Water System section of our website. If you're unsure which system supplies your water, you can find this information on your bill under the department listing or by contacting our Customer Service Department at (800) 553-5191 or via email at customer-service@pennichuck.com. Please include your service address and town in your inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours of operation?
Our lobby and drive-thru are open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays.

How do I report a street light issue?
Contact Customer Service at (256) 552-1400 with the light's location, pole number (if visible), and describe the problem (cycling on/off, constantly lit, or completely out).

Who should I call before digging near utility lines?
Call 811. Excavating unmarked ground can be hazardous, so please request free utility line marking before any digging project.

Who handles garbage and recycling services?
For garbage inquiries, call (256) 341-4740 or visit the City of Decatur's website. For recycling questions, call (256) 341-4770 or check the city's recycling section online.

What areas receive natural gas service?
Service covers most of Decatur city limits plus select outlying areas including Modaus Road, portions of Old Moulton Road, West Chapel Hill Road, and certain sections along Highway 20 in Lawrence County.

How do new customers establish natural gas service?
First, hire a licensed gas fitter/plumber certified by the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board to install appliances or heaters. State regulations require certified professionals for all gas installations. The gas fitter must obtain a permit from the City Building Department, which handles safety inspections. After installation passes final inspection, utility representatives will install and activate the gas meter.

Are there fees for natural gas service installation?
For homes on existing gas mains, the first 300 feet of service line are free. Beyond that, there's a $1.00 per foot charge for each additional foot. Customers requesting 2 psi gas delivery pressure pay a $100 fee. Water-only customers adding gas service may require an additional deposit.

Why are gas logs popular?
They provide instant, roaring fires without the hassle of carrying logs or cleaning ash, while producing less air pollution than traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

How often should heating systems be inspected?
Annual inspections by qualified professionals are recommended. Properly adjusted systems produce only water vapor and carbon dioxide as combustion byproducts. Improperly functioning fossil fuel heating systems can generate dangerous carbon monoxide. Regular maintenance ensures efficient and safe operation.

What should I do if I smell gas?
Natural gas is odorless, so utilities add a distinctive, unpleasant odorant as a safety measure. If you detect this smell:

• Don't operate light switches or any electrical devices
• Don't light matches
• Don't use phones in the affected area
• Alert others and evacuate immediately
• Call us from a neighbor's home or safe location
• Provide your location so we can access your property upon arrival

While most gas leaks are minor, never attempt to assess the danger level yourself.

What should I do if my power goes out?
First check your circuit breakers or fuses. Reset your main breaker by switching it off and back on. If service isn't restored, inspect your outdoor meter for damage and check for fallen trees or power lines. Maintain safe distance from all downed wires, nearby puddles, and never touch objects in contact with lines. Report outages to Decatur Utilities at (256) 552-1400. Turn off air conditioners and major appliances, waiting 10-15 minutes after power restoration before turning them back on.