FAQ
1. Who do I call regarding after hours utility emergencies?
For after-hours emergencies (Monday – Friday after 4:00pm, weekends and holidays) please call the GIWA main office number at 941-964-2423 (after hours calls are routed through our answering service).
2. Who do I call regarding a water shut-off notice or water billing issue?
To speak with a Customer Service Representative, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., please call 941-964-2423.
3. Who do I contact if I have concerns regarding a problem with my water meter?
Please contact Utility Billing Customer Service at 941-964-2423.
4. Who is responsible for finding and fixing leaks in my system?
The Gasparilla Island Water Association will inspect from the water main connection up to the meter for any leaks or damage. Property owners are responsible for repairing leaks beyond the meter, including the connection to the meter from their property and the backflow prevention device.
5. When can I water my lawn and are there water restrictions?
Irrigation (watering) is regulated by the county that you live in:
Gasparilla Island
Charlotte County
Lee County
6. How do I start a new service (water or sewer)?
New utility accounts must be opened in person by visiting Utility Billing Customer Service at 1700 E. Railroad Avenue. Please call the office at 941-964-2423 for more information as to what documentation will be required when you visit.
7. How do I pay my water bill?
You have several ways to pay your water bill. You can pay cash in person, by mailing a check, by ACH, by credit card or by E-check. For more information, visit our Billing & Payment page or contact Utility Billing Customer Service at 941-964-2423.
8. How is my bill calculated?
Gasparilla Island Water Association rates and other billing information can be found online. For more information on rates, please click here for Rates.
9. Who do I call regarding sanitary manhole and cleanout issues (missing, broken, etc.)?
Please report it to GIWA at 941-964-2423.
10. Who do I call about storm drain issues?
In most instances, storm sewers are maintained by the County. However, there are some instances where the storm drains are considered private or are not maintained by the County. Storm sewers are identified as the large rectangle shaped grates in streets and near curbs that collect rainwater runoff. For more information, please contact either Charlotte or Lee County as determined by your location.
11. Who should I call about sewer main back-ups or water line breaks?
Please call GIWA at 941-964-2423. For after-hours emergencies (Monday-Friday after 4:00 p.m., weekends and holidays), the call will be routed to our on-call staff via our answering service.
12. Who do I call regarding water leaks from fire hydrant or water meter?
Please call GIWA at 941-964-2423. For after-hours emergencies (Monday-Friday after 4:00 p.m., weekends and holidays), the call will be routed to our on-call staff via our answering service.
13. Who do I call regarding low water pressure?
Please call GIWA Billing Customer Service at 941-964-2423.
14. Who do I call regarding testing of my backflow prevention device or if my backflow is leaking?
Backflow preventers are privately owned and must be certified by a technician annually. A GIWA technician will perform a courtesy test for certification for each association member backflow prevention device. If the device fails the recertification test and needs maintenance or replacement, GIWA will notify the owner to contract with a licensed plumber to make the repairs. GIWA will not repair or replace backflow prevention devices.
15. Who do I call regarding a request for a fire hydrant flow test?
Hydrant Flow Tests are conducted by the Boca Grande Fire Department. They can be contacted at 941-964-2908.
16. Who do I call regarding a request for a hydrant meter?
Please call Utility Billing Customer Service at 941-964-2423 for details.
17. How do I connect to sewer?
Please contact the GIWA main office at 941-964-2423 for details.
18. Who do I contact for water quality issues or to have my water quality tested?
Please contact the GIWA office at 941-964-2423.
19. Am I responsible for my sewer line past my property line?
Normally the point of connection for responsibility of a sanitary sewer service is at the cleanout where the property line meets the public right of way. In some instances (tree roots, private roads, gated communities) the point of connection and responsibility may be different.
20. How long does it take for my water to be turned on after payment?
The same business day that it is received in the office.
21. How is my water meter read?
A water meter is installed at the property and is connected to the water pipes. Each time water is used at the property, it flows from the main line and passes through the meter. The meter captures the flows and registers the usage in gallons. The readings are relayed to our billing system in thousand-gallon increments for billing purposes.
22. Why is my bill higher than normal?
A higher monthly bill may be caused by different reasons: seasonal consumption, pressure cleaning, a leaking toilet, a dripping faucet, a hose left unattended, broken sprinklers or timer, water loss between the meter and the building caused by a broken pipe, among others. Please contact Customer Service at 941-964-2423 for more information.