FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

After the residential companion meter is installed, the irrigation information, including meter number, billing period and usage, will be included as a separate utility account. The account will be for water-only and will not include a sewer portion.

After the residential companion meter is installed, it is the customer's responsibility to connect the irrigation piping to the companion meter. The customer may install his or her own irrigation system or contract the work to a plumber or irrigation contractor. The installation of all irrigation lines must meet the town’s plumbing requirements at all times. All irrigation systems must include the installation of a backflow preventer between the residential companion meter and the irrigation system. When all work is completed, the customer must contact Appomattox County Building Inspections at 434-352-2637 for a final inspection of the installation and the backflow preventer. The backflow preventer must be tested within 30 days of the final inspection and annually thereafter by a "backflow prevention device technician" as certified by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations. The Town of Appomattox does not perform testing on these private backflow-prevention devices, set testing rates, or collect any revenue from these tests.

Town of Appomattox Utilities Department usually can install the residential companion irrigation meter within 14 calendar days after receiving an application, plumbing permit, and a connection fee of $700. Town of Appomattox Utilities Department will choose the exact location of the residential companion meter that is installed near the domestic meter.

Backflow preventers play an important role in protecting drinking-water supplies, and the testing is required by the Virginia Department of Health. Test results must be returned to Town of Appomattox Utilities Department, P.O. Box 705, Appomattox, VA 24522. The Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report can be found online at www.townofappomattox.com under Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program. Call 434-352-8268 for more information.