A new payment portal, electronic billing, and a leak detection website are now in operation for Talkeetna Sewer and Water customers.
Amanda Fleming, Utilities and Facilities Operational Unit Supervisor for Talkeetna, says customers had long requested an online customer portal and autopay. Customers can pay with or without setting up an account. The online portal also enables customers with multiple accounts to see all their bills. Bills by email, or e-billing, is coming soon.
With the recent freeze warnings, Fleming says residents should continue to protect water meters and plumbing. There has been a spike in leaks detected this winter. She says that running a small amount of water to circulate through the pipes is fine in extreme temperatures. There is always an on-call person available if needed. The new website eyeonwater.com will help customers see increases in water usage that may indicate leaks. The leak detector is also accessible from the customer portal.
Fleming also says updates to the source water protection plan are underway and will be added to the website soon. In addition, the Sewer and Water Board is working to update the sewer and water rules and merge them into one document.
This update could involve a rate adjustment. Fleming says that the group is working to find a rate for residents that is based on consumption rather than a flat rate. Some residential users hardly use any water while others use quite a lot. This would make the rates more fair for everyone.
The Borough also continues to search for a water storage tank location. The goal is to have that by summer and Fleming says her team will update the public as they work through that process.
