PFH Winterization | Brunswick & Topsham Water District
Source: https://www.btwater.org/pfh-winterization
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
PFH Winterization | Brunswick & Topsham Water District
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Quality & Reliability Since 1903
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Rules & Regulations
Service Rates 2026
Terms and Conditions
Water Quality Report
History
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Superintendents Past & Present
Trustees Past & Present
Treasurers Past & Present
The Story Behind the Buildings
What's In A Name?
Water Quality
Water Quality Reports
2024 Consumer Confidence Report
2023 Consumer Confidence Report
PFAS
AFFF Release Information
Special Edition Water Quality Report
Construction of Treatment Facility
Customer Service
Paying My Bill
Open/Close Your Account
Track My Usage
Installing a New Service
Billing Address Change
PFH Winterization
Engineering
Installing A New Service
Extend A Water Main
Main Flushing
Contact Us
Customer Service
PFH Winterization
Winterization of Private Fire Hydrants
Once the leaves change and the temperature drops, it is time to start planning for winterization of fire hydrants, both public and private.
Winterization is important because it is not uncommon for leaks to occur within the hydrants.
The leaks cause the hydrant barrel to fill with water and freeze, rendering them inoperable.
Public fire hydrants are inspected and maintained by District personnel.
Owners of private fire hydrants must inspect and maintain their hydrants to ensure they remain in good operating condition.
This is most important in the winter season when structure fires are more likely to occur.
Fire hydrants are unique to the water supply industry and few people outside the industry are trained and experienced in their operation and maintenance.
With that in mind, BTWD offers a hydrant annual inspection and winterization service to owners of private fire hydrants.
This service is optional and is offered for a fee to recover our expenses.
Two levels of service are offered:
Option A
$100.00
Option B
$200.00
Visually inspect each hydrant before pressurization
All services provided in Option A
Check valve on hydrant supply line to ensure it is fully open.
Some hydrant supply lines are not individually valved.
Bi-weekly inspection of each hydrant to check for hydrant internal valve leakage and icing of hydrant barrel.
This is performed during winter months only when the risk of freezing occurs.
Pressurize hydrant and inspect for leakage
A written report of bi-weekly maintenance is available upon request.
Depressurize hydrant, pump out water from barrel, check for leakage of hydrant's internal valve
Lubricate hydrant, if applicable
Provide written report of inspection listing any defects and recommendations, if applicable
If requested, prepare cost estimate to repair defects. No repairs made without owner's authorization.
Install hydrant flag
One week from initial check, BTWD will do a follow-up check to see if hydrant is filled with water.
To be most effective, the initial inspection should be performed prior to the onset of winter, so timely response to this program is imperative. Removal of snow leading to and around hydrants is the owner's responsibility. Under Option "B", the owner shall be responsible to remove snow and maintain the vehicular access to each hydrant to allow District personnel to perform the bi-weekly inspections.
We will also provide immediate notification of any problems we detect during inspections that require immediate attention.
Any hydrant found to be inoperable or have defects that pose a risk to people or property if operated will be taken out of service.
If this occurs, you and the Town Fire Department will be immediately notified.
The District shall not be held liable for any change in hydrant condition between inspections.
Should you decide to subscribe to this service, please contact our office by clicking the link below.
We have been providing this service for more than 20 years and we hope it has met your expectations.
If you have any questions or comments, please call our office at 207-729-9956.
Enroll Today!
What do I do in case of an emergency?
In Case of Emergency
If an emergency occurs outside our regular business hours, call our office at (207) 729-9956. The message will direct you to dial 9 for our answering service. They will then page our on call technician to respond. We have a technician on call 24/7 so if you ever have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to call.
For all non-emergent questions or concerns, you can email
info@btwater.org
,
send a request through our
Contact Us
form, or call our office at (207) 729-9956 and leave a message in our general mailbox. One of our office staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
How do I open or close an account?
Opening or closing an account
The process for opening a new account or closing an existing account has never been easier. We've simplified the process so our website is more of a "one stop shop" for account changes.
If you are a new tenant/owner of a property all you need to do is fill out the
New Customer form
. Once we receive the form, we'll coordinate with the sewer district, take a reading on the day you specify, and get your new account all set up. You'll receive a "Welcome" letter from us after the form has been submitted successfully.
Selling a home or moving out of a property? Fill out our
Disconnect My Service form
with the date you wish to end service and we'll take it from there. On the date you specify, we'll coordinate with the sewer district, take a reading at the property, and close your account. We will send the final bill to the forwarding address you provide.
What is our mailing address?
Mailing Address
Payments, applications, and other correspondence can be mailed to our office at:
Brunswick & Topsham Water District
PO Box 489
Topsham, ME 04086
Where can I make a payment?
Making a payment
When it comes to paying your water bill there are a few options available to you:
1. Payments can be mailed to:
Brunswick & Topsham Water District, PO Box 489, Topsham, ME 04086
2. We have a drop box outside our front door at 276 River Road, Topsham, ME 04086.
Click here for driving directions
.
3. You can make a payment on our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with any major credit card.
Click here to make a payment
.
4. Customers also have the option to sign up for automatic payments. Funds are drafted from a checking or savings account 10 days after your quarterly bill is issued.
Sign up today and draft any outstanding balance!
How can I track my water usage?
Track My Usage
Click here
to enroll today!
What are my responsibilities in regards to payment?
Responsibilities in payment
Water bills are mailed quarterly. Our billing procedures, beginning with the day that bills are mailed, are as follows:
1. Day 1 Water bills are mailed.
2. If bills are not paid within 25 days of mailing, the following steps are taken:
- Day 26 Reminder notices are mailed.
- Day 31 A late charge is assessed on outstanding balances, and every 30 days thereafter.
- Day 41 Disconnections notices are mailed.
- Day 56 Water service disconnected for non-payment.
If at any time you have questions about your bill or our service, please do not hesitate to contact us.
When do I get billed?
Billing
Each customer receives a bill quarterly (i.e. every 3 months).
How is the bill calculated?
Bill Calculation
Every customer of the Brunswick & Topsham Water District is provided service through a water meter. As water is used, the water meter records the amount of water that passes through it from the District water mains into the building where it is used.
Approximately once every 3 months, the billing department pulls meter readings from the meter via the external radio unit.
Water meters usually record water in hundreds of cubic feet (HCF). One cubic foot equals approximately 7.5 gallons, so 1 HCF equals approximately 750 gallons. A rule of thumb is that a household can estimate about 6 HCF of water per person per quarter. Most residential households have a 5/8 inch meter.
What are the District's rates?
2026 Service Rates
Click the link to be taken to our
current service rates
.
What are the minimum charges?
Minimum Charges
Click the link to be taken to our
current service rates
.
What is the pink slime in my bathroom?
Pink Slime
As you know, bacteria and molds grow well in moist or humid environments, such as bathtubs, drains, and on bathroom tiles. These bacteria or molds are common and naturally occurring. They are found in the air, soil, water, and even household surfaces. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using common household products are the best ways to to control slime growth.
What is black slime mold?
Black Slime Mold
Click the following link for
Facts About Black Slime Mold
from Maine Water Company.
What does my inside shut off valve look like?
Interior Shut Off Valves
Click the following link for
E
xamples of Shut Off Valves
.
What are some ways to conserve water?
Water Conservation
Download our
"25 Things You Can Do to Prevent Water Waste"
. (.pdf format)
How do I know if I have a leak?
Leak Detection
When there is no water running in the residence, the display on the meter should be unchanging. If there is a demand for water in the home, the digits on the display will change.
Contact Us
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm
Closed all major holidays
@Copyright 2026, Brunswick & Topsham Water District.
All rights reserved.
Site L
inks
Skip to search
Skip to main content
Quality & Reliability Since 1903
About Us
Board of Trustees
Staff Members
Request a Tour
Rules & Regulations
Service Rates 2026
Terms and Conditions
Water Quality Report
History
Galleries
Superintendents Past & Present
Trustees Past & Present
Treasurers Past & Present
The Story Behind the Buildings
What's In A Name?
Water Quality
Water Quality Reports
2024 Consumer Confidence Report
2023 Consumer Confidence Report
PFAS
AFFF Release Information
Special Edition Water Quality Report
Construction of Treatment Facility
Customer Service
Paying My Bill
Open/Close Your Account
Track My Usage
Installing a New Service
Billing Address Change
PFH Winterization
Engineering
Installing A New Service
Extend A Water Main
Main Flushing
Contact Us
Customer Service
PFH Winterization
Winterization of Private Fire Hydrants
Once the leaves change and the temperature drops, it is time to start planning for winterization of fire hydrants, both public and private.
Winterization is important because it is not uncommon for leaks to occur within the hydrants.
The leaks cause the hydrant barrel to fill with water and freeze, rendering them inoperable.
Public fire hydrants are inspected and maintained by District personnel.
Owners of private fire hydrants must inspect and maintain their hydrants to ensure they remain in good operating condition.
This is most important in the winter season when structure fires are more likely to occur.
Fire hydrants are unique to the water supply industry and few people outside the industry are trained and experienced in their operation and maintenance.
With that in mind, BTWD offers a hydrant annual inspection and winterization service to owners of private fire hydrants.
This service is optional and is offered for a fee to recover our expenses.
Two levels of service are offered:
Option A
$100.00
Option B
$200.00
Visually inspect each hydrant before pressurization
All services provided in Option A
Check valve on hydrant supply line to ensure it is fully open.
Some hydrant supply lines are not individually valved.
Bi-weekly inspection of each hydrant to check for hydrant internal valve leakage and icing of hydrant barrel.
This is performed during winter months only when the risk of freezing occurs.
Pressurize hydrant and inspect for leakage
A written report of bi-weekly maintenance is available upon request.
Depressurize hydrant, pump out water from barrel, check for leakage of hydrant's internal valve
Lubricate hydrant, if applicable
Provide written report of inspection listing any defects and recommendations, if applicable
If requested, prepare cost estimate to repair defects. No repairs made without owner's authorization.
Install hydrant flag
One week from initial check, BTWD will do a follow-up check to see if hydrant is filled with water.
To be most effective, the initial inspection should be performed prior to the onset of winter, so timely response to this program is imperative. Removal of snow leading to and around hydrants is the owner's responsibility. Under Option "B", the owner shall be responsible to remove snow and maintain the vehicular access to each hydrant to allow District personnel to perform the bi-weekly inspections.
We will also provide immediate notification of any problems we detect during inspections that require immediate attention.
Any hydrant found to be inoperable or have defects that pose a risk to people or property if operated will be taken out of service.
If this occurs, you and the Town Fire Department will be immediately notified.
The District shall not be held liable for any change in hydrant condition between inspections.
Should you decide to subscribe to this service, please contact our office by clicking the link below.
We have been providing this service for more than 20 years and we hope it has met your expectations.
If you have any questions or comments, please call our office at 207-729-9956.
Enroll Today!
What do I do in case of an emergency?
In Case of Emergency
If an emergency occurs outside our regular business hours, call our office at (207) 729-9956. The message will direct you to dial 9 for our answering service. They will then page our on call technician to respond. We have a technician on call 24/7 so if you ever have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to call.
For all non-emergent questions or concerns, you can email
info@btwater.org
,
send a request through our
Contact Us
form, or call our office at (207) 729-9956 and leave a message in our general mailbox. One of our office staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
How do I open or close an account?
Opening or closing an account
The process for opening a new account or closing an existing account has never been easier. We've simplified the process so our website is more of a "one stop shop" for account changes.
If you are a new tenant/owner of a property all you need to do is fill out the
New Customer form
. Once we receive the form, we'll coordinate with the sewer district, take a reading on the day you specify, and get your new account all set up. You'll receive a "Welcome" letter from us after the form has been submitted successfully.
Selling a home or moving out of a property? Fill out our
Disconnect My Service form
with the date you wish to end service and we'll take it from there. On the date you specify, we'll coordinate with the sewer district, take a reading at the property, and close your account. We will send the final bill to the forwarding address you provide.
What is our mailing address?
Mailing Address
Payments, applications, and other correspondence can be mailed to our office at:
Brunswick & Topsham Water District
PO Box 489
Topsham, ME 04086
Where can I make a payment?
Making a payment
When it comes to paying your water bill there are a few options available to you:
1. Payments can be mailed to:
Brunswick & Topsham Water District, PO Box 489, Topsham, ME 04086
2. We have a drop box outside our front door at 276 River Road, Topsham, ME 04086.
Click here for driving directions
.
3. You can make a payment on our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with any major credit card.
Click here to make a payment
.
4. Customers also have the option to sign up for automatic payments. Funds are drafted from a checking or savings account 10 days after your quarterly bill is issued.
Sign up today and draft any outstanding balance!
How can I track my water usage?
Track My Usage
Click here
to enroll today!
What are my responsibilities in regards to payment?
Responsibilities in payment
Water bills are mailed quarterly. Our billing procedures, beginning with the day that bills are mailed, are as follows:
1. Day 1 Water bills are mailed.
2. If bills are not paid within 25 days of mailing, the following steps are taken:
- Day 26 Reminder notices are mailed.
- Day 31 A late charge is assessed on outstanding balances, and every 30 days thereafter.
- Day 41 Disconnections notices are mailed.
- Day 56 Water service disconnected for non-payment.
If at any time you have questions about your bill or our service, please do not hesitate to contact us.
When do I get billed?
Billing
Each customer receives a bill quarterly (i.e. every 3 months).
How is the bill calculated?
Bill Calculation
Every customer of the Brunswick & Topsham Water District is provided service through a water meter. As water is used, the water meter records the amount of water that passes through it from the District water mains into the building where it is used.
Approximately once every 3 months, the billing department pulls meter readings from the meter via the external radio unit.
Water meters usually record water in hundreds of cubic feet (HCF). One cubic foot equals approximately 7.5 gallons, so 1 HCF equals approximately 750 gallons. A rule of thumb is that a household can estimate about 6 HCF of water per person per quarter. Most residential households have a 5/8 inch meter.
What are the District's rates?
2026 Service Rates
Click the link to be taken to our
current service rates
.
What are the minimum charges?
Minimum Charges
Click the link to be taken to our
current service rates
.
What is the pink slime in my bathroom?
Pink Slime
As you know, bacteria and molds grow well in moist or humid environments, such as bathtubs, drains, and on bathroom tiles. These bacteria or molds are common and naturally occurring. They are found in the air, soil, water, and even household surfaces. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using common household products are the best ways to to control slime growth.
What is black slime mold?
Black Slime Mold
Click the following link for
Facts About Black Slime Mold
from Maine Water Company.
What does my inside shut off valve look like?
Interior Shut Off Valves
Click the following link for
E
xamples of Shut Off Valves
.
What are some ways to conserve water?
Water Conservation
Download our
"25 Things You Can Do to Prevent Water Waste"
. (.pdf format)
How do I know if I have a leak?
Leak Detection
When there is no water running in the residence, the display on the meter should be unchanging. If there is a demand for water in the home, the digits on the display will change.
Contact Us
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm
Closed all major holidays
@Copyright 2026, Brunswick & Topsham Water District.
All rights reserved.
Site L
inks