Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the water come from?
Two well fields tap deep into the Deschutes Basin aquifer.

Is the water tested periodically?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Oregon regulate water testing. Water is tested for coliform bacteria monthly. Additional parameters are tested on a regular basis as required. Each year a consumer confidence report (CCR) is mailed to all of our customers or made available on the website. The CCR tabulates all of the test results from the preceding year.

What size are the water mains?
Our system consists of water mains from 2" to 16" in diameter. Your service line from the water meter will most likely be 5/8" to 1" in diameter.

Why does my water appear milky or cloudy?
A milky or cloudy appearance is usually caused by air bubbles in the water, which pose no health risk. If the water is allowed to sit, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If the cloudiness does not disappear, please contact us so we may investigate.

What causes the spots on my dishes?
Spots are caused by hard water, or minerals that remain after the water has evaporated. Spots can be eliminated through use of a dishwasher rinse agent.

Should I buy a home filtration unit?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, home treatment units are rarely necessary for health reasons. Most often, water treatment units are used to remove substances that affect the aesthetic qualities of the water. If you do chose to install a home treatment unit, it is important to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions, because improperly maintained units can actually cause water quality problems.

What causes odor in the hot water?
The most common cause of odor in hot water is the water heater. If your cold water smells fine, check your water heater to ensure that the temperature setting is correct. Water heaters also need to be maintained (see manufacturer's instructions). Please contact us if the odor persists or if it is present in both the hot and cold water.

Is bottled water higher quality than tap water?
Tap water providers and bottled water providers must meet the same water quality standards. In fact, tap water providers are required to conduct more frequent water quality testing and reporting than bottled water providers. Some consumers prefer the taste of bottled water, and some choose bottled water because they have special health needs. But tap water is a much better deal at costs of 1,000 times less than bottled water.

Why do our employees open fire hydrants?
We conduct regular system flushing to remove any mineral build-up and sediment from the pipes and to ensure that water circulates adequately throughout the system. Fire hydrants may also be opened to conduct fire-flow capability tests.

Why does my water have a chlorine taste or smell?
Once a year, a trace amount of chlorine is sent through the entire system as a preventative maintenance procedure. This annual exercise helps to ensure your water is free of harmful bacteria. Roats Water System will notify customers prior to chlorination. Chlorine may be noticeable for as long as one week.

Why is there sand or dirt in my water?
Dirt or sand can occur naturally in groundwater or as a result of a water line repair. We try to reduce instances of dirt or sand in the water through regular flushing, which improves water quality by increasing the circulation of water in the pipes and removing most of the sediment.

How are domestic and irrigation water rates determined?
Our rates are set and approved by the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC). Commissioners of the PUC must ensure the charge is fair and reasonable for utility customers while allowing the utility service provider the opportunity to recover reasonable costs and have the opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investments.

For a general rate proceeding, the PUC will conduct up to a year-long investigation into the rate filing to determine if any changes in rates are warranted by evaluating many components of the proposed cost – such as the cost of labor, purchased energy, and the cost of capital. Commissioners base their decision on the analysis and information provided, and evidence brought forth in the evidentiary hearing process.

Rates are set on the expenses associated with operating the system, providing customer service and delivery of domestic and irrigation water.

Roats Water System rates can be found here.

Why are irrigation customers charged 12-months-per-year as opposed to the actual number of months irrigation water is available for use?
The Public Utility Commission mandates that the cost of providing irrigation service be split evenly amongst all customers receiving irrigation water from Arnold Irrigation District via delivery from Roats Water System.

The total amount of irrigation specific expenses for the annual irrigation service is split evenly amongst irrigation customers. Irrigation delivery season typically begins in mid-April and concludes mid-October. The expenses are based on delivering water for approximately 6-months and maintaining operations for 12-months, however the expenses are spread out across a 12-month payment plan.

Do you have additional questions? Please feel free to call our office to speak with a customer service representative at (541) 382-3029 or use our contact us form here.