Wythe County is expanding the public water system into several areas of the county that requested service due to failing wells and poor water quality. The new water lines and appurtenances are currently under construction but will be completed in the near future and available for service.

The water system will provide residents with drinking water that meets the strict standards set by the Virginia Department of Health in both quality and quantity. A secondary benefit provided by the new water system is the water lines, pumping stations and water tanks are sized to provide for fire protection.

Discussions with local insurance carriers show having a public water system with fire hydrants near your home may provide a savings of up to 30 percent off the homeowner’s  annual fire insurance policy.

Public water systems provide a variety of advantages including strategically placed fire hydrants. The fire hydrants are spaced so most homes are served by at least two hydrants. The placement of these hydrants ensures faster response times and consistent flow and pressures to the fire fighters on the scene.

According to local home insurance agents, hydrants placed along public water lines can have a great impact on a homeowner’s insurance rates. In one instance, a customer’s rate dropped from $920 per year to $606 per year because of the Wythe County water system coming to the neighborhood.

Other agents quoted savings between 15 and 30 percent to a homeowner’s annual bill. In addition, agents said the distance from the firehouse to the home factors into the insurance rate. We encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to see if they provide reduced rates due to a new water system in your community.

The Wythe County provides water service in many communities throughout the County.   For more information about the Wythe County water system, please visit www.wytheco.org or contact the Wythe County Water Department at (276) 223-6020.