Environmental Services
Utilities Accounts
FRAUD ALERT! Arlington County Police Department Warning Residents of Utility Scams, Read More >>
Arlington County residents in single-family and duplex households receive drinking water, sewer, and refuse/recycling collection service from the County. Residents are billed every three months for these services. Read Water Sewer Rate Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) >>
Arlington is now installing Automated Meter Readers (AMR). Read Frequently Asked Questions about AMR technology >>
Setting up New Accounts
Please call the Department of Environmental Services Call Center at (703) 228-6570, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to set up a new utilities account to begin water, sewer, and refuse collection services. There is a $25 water turn-on fee for new accounts which is reflected on the first bill. If you are renting a house in Arlington County and wish to have the account in your name, please have the owner's name, telephone number, and mailing address ready when you call to set up the account.
If you are a new resident to Arlington, here is a handy new residents list of other utilities and registrations that you may need.
Closing Existing Accounts
To close your utilities account and request a final bill, please call (703) 228-6570 at least one business day prior to the day you wish to discontinue service. The water service will be turned off if no other account is scheduled to be opened on that day. Please have your forwarding address available when you call.
Changing The Name On The Account
Please return a signed copy of the following name change form by fax or postal mail to the number or address listed on the form if you are a roommate who wishes to assume responsibility for an existing account. The property owner will be sent a letter notifying them of this change to the account at their property and may be added to the account to receive copies of any delinquent notices. Please be aware that the person requesting the name change assumes responsibility for any outstanding balance on the account.
Charges included on the Utilities bill:
- Water, sewer, and refuse collection charges (see rate schedule below)
- A $25 water turn-on fee for new accounts (appears on first bill)
- Extra refuse cart fee ($2.00 per extra cart per month)
- Appliance/bulk metal special collection fee
- $25 water turn-on fee for accounts that need to be turned off and on for non-County repairs
- Leaf mulch/Wood chips delivery sales (applied to account per citizen request)
Water/Sewer/Refuse Rates and Billing Schedule:
- The current water rate is $3.98 per 1,000 gallons of metered water consumption (effective 5/1/2012).
- The current sewer rate is $8.63 per 1,000 gallons and is based on the metered water consumption (effective 5/1/2012).
- The current refuse rate (residential accounts only) is $73.48 quarterly and $293.92 annually (effective 7/1/2012).
- On the first bill, the refuse amount will be pro-rated since the charge is billed quarterly, in advance.
- Residential single family and duplex home customers are billed for utilities on a quarterly basis.
- Commercial and apartment accounts are billed on a monthly basis.
- Information on the addition of a water-only account for irrigation >>
Resolving Unusually High Utilities Bills
Occasionally customers receive unusually high utilities bills. There are several possible reasons for high bills, including changes in water use, leaks or plumbing problems, or meter issues. Find out more about resolving unusually high utilities bills, and resources for contesting the high bills.
What you need to know about Water Meters
- Water Meters must be free of obstructions such as cars, landscaping, leaves, or other objects at all times.
- Only County employees are authorized to open meter lids.
Bill Payment Methods
Automated payment is available through the Treasurer's Office.
On-line Account Information
Utilities Account information is now available on-line. Your PIN number is located in the upper right-hand corner of your County utilities bill.