Your Water
Service Information
Village Water System Inc.
Service Area
The main thoroughfare in our water system is Highway 80 or Texas St.
Our service on Hwy 80 East runs from Bellevue road/Bodcau Station Road to approximately 3.5 miles east of the Webster Parish line.
On Bodcau Station Road south end approximately .5 miles south Oak Hill Estates and On Bellevue Road north to approximately .5 miles north of Busby Road including Dogwood Trail up to Eliga, and Sterling Ranch subdivision.
Going East on Hwy 80 from Bellevue Road we service Tall Timbers, Forest Hills, Wafer Forest, Crestwood, North & South Merrywoods, Duck Island, and Creekside subdivisions.
We service north and south on La Hwy 157 south to Timber East subdivision.
North on LA Hwy 157 to approximately ¾ of a mile north of LA Hwy 528
East on LA Hwy 528 to Goodwill Road
Continuing on LA Hwy 80 East of LA Hwy 157 to 3.5 miles east of Webster Parish line
Water Supply & Distribution

Village Water System Inc. gets its water from deep wells in the Terrace and Wilcox Aquifers in Bossier and Webster Parishes. These wells are strategically located to best serve our customers. The water is then treated and pumped into the water system.
Distribution
Our Water System does not have any distribution pipes that contain lead. Our service lines from the main water line to the meters are Polyvinyl. The 2016 consumer Confidence Report (available on this site) can provide you with the latest Health Department Lead analysis. For any more information related to lead in the water system please call our manager Sal Fayad at 318-949-0223.
Our water system piping is composed primarily of PVC piping with some transite and Cast Iron. Line sizes vary from 1.5 inch to 12 inch in diameter. The system is automated to turn on the wells and booster pumps as water levels in storage tanks drop.
The water produced at the LAAP, Bellevue, Hwy 80 and Fillmore plants maintain Hill Top tank storage facility. The Hill Top tank acts as an elevated storage tank because of the elevation of its area. With the exception of the Telephone Hill plant area and the Bud’s plant area the LAAP, Bellevue, HWY 80, Fillmore wells & Hill Top storage tank feed from East of Goodwill Rd. to wafer rd. This is an isolated system and for operational purposes it has been named the west side of the system. Both, the LAAP site wells and the Fillmore wells are controlled from the Hill Top Storage tank. The wells at Fillmore are controlled via radio. The LAAP wells are also controlled by a radio signal. The new Hwy 80 plant is controlled via radio from Fillmore.
The Bellevue plant services the area from LA. HWY 528 @ intersection of Goodwill Rd. to intersection with LA HWY157. It continues to serve LA. HWY 157 North to Calhoun rd., South to Fillmore plant. A pressure tank, the demand of the system in the Princeton area (described above) as well as the demand of the Hill Top tank water level control wells at Bellevue plant.
Wells 12, 13, 16 and 17 maintain the elevated tank at Fire Station Rd. and Adner Rd. This is an isolated system and considered the East side of the system. All the wells are controlled by water level at the elevated storage tank. Telephone lines control Wells 16 and 17. Wells 13 and 14 are controlled by the probe system in the tank. The booster pumps at the Tall Pines Station are energized by the wells 12 and 13. Wells 16 and 17 are controlled by a probe system. Wells 18 and 19 are feed the ground storage tank at the Hwy 80. The Hwy 80 plant is energized by the water level at Fillmore. Fillmore is energized by the water level at Hilltop ground storage tank.
Well 15 maintains the ground storage tank at Bud’s plant. Two booster Pumps an air compressor and a pressure tank maintain the system pressure. This is also an isolated system that supplies water to the Merrywoods and Mimosa Gardens subdivisions.
Currently required bacteriological samples to meet the requirements of the Total coliform Rule are collected by the personnel from the Bossier Parish Health Unit and analyzed by Louisiana Department of Health Laboratories. Additionally, chemical, physical and radiological samples for compliance with the Louisiana Safe Drinking Water Act are collected and analyzed by the Department of Health Personnel. Water system personnel will collect and analyze operational control parameters to insure the proper day-to-day operation of the system.
Customer Growth
Since 1991 to the end of 2017 there has been increase of 1,367 active meters. That equates to an annual average growth of just over 50 active meters. There were a total of 3560 active meters at the end of 2017.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Billing and Payment
How do Tenants or Homeowners apply for water service?
To get new service for your home, come to the office with these items:
- Picture identification (such as a driver license)
- Cash, check or money order for membership and connection fees
- Sewer deposits are check or money order only
- A person will be assigned to turn your water on
What is the cost for meters?
New Meter Installation Costs Including Membership Fee
Meter Size ¾ inch:
- RESIDENTIAL ONSIDE $1,150.00
- RESIDENTIAL ROAD CROSSING $2,570.00
- COMMERCIAL ONSIDE $1,175.00
- COMMERCIAL ROAD CROSSING $2,595.00
Meter size: 1 inch
- RESIDENTIAL ONSIDE $1,375.00
- RESIDENTIAL ROAD CROSSING: $2,890.00
- COMMERCIAL ONSIDE $1,400.00
- COMMERCIAL ROAD CROSSING: $2,915.00
If meter is already installed, a deposit and a non-refundable connection/service fee is required Connection/service fee
- RESIDENTIAL $100.00 + $30.00= $130.00
- COMMERCIAL $125.00 + $30.00= $155.00
How Can I pay My Bill?
- Billing – Bills are from mid-month to mid-month and sent out on or around the last working business day of the month. We can also send an E-Bill to your email address if provided as an additional method of communicating with our members.
Currently:
- You can use Cash, Check, or Money Order
- The drop box is available for after hours payment.
- Through a Third Party on our website that charges a $3.60 fee per transaction.
- Automatic Bank Draft.
We know it’s easy to forget to pay your water bill, that’s why our Automatic Bank Draft Plan Makes Bill Paying Easy
If you use our bank draft method of payment, you will continue to receive your bill, however: with direct draft pay your bank will make your payment on the 12th of each month. You will be aware of how much water you used and how much your account will be drafted.
It’s easy, convenient and simple. Just fill out the ACH DRAFT form, attach a “voided” check and mail or bring form to our office.
How do I transfer my service?
Please contact the office at least one day before you actually need service at your new address.
The transfer fee is $30.00 and it will be added to your next bill
If you transfer out of the system we will deduct your usage and refund the remainder of your water membership fee within 30 days. For our members that are also billed for sewer we only bill for them while you are on the system. All final sewer bills will be handled by the sewer company.
A forwarding address is needed
Can I get extensions on my water bills?
Policies
Back Billing: One hundred percent of the water used will be billed, no matter how far back the water usage occurred.
Extensions: An extension can only be granted one time per year and has paid in full on date agreed upon.
Deferred Payments: The management has the authority to grant deferred payments for up to 12 months in some cases. Payment must be made within one year or referred to a collection agency.
Bill Payment Timeline
Our bill payment policy and schedule is as follows: All bills are mailed on or around the last business day of each month. If you have not received a bill by the 5th or shortly thereafter call the office for the payment amount.
Bills are due upon receipt if not paid by the 15th of the month a 5% penalty fee is added on the 16th and a reminder notice is mailed.
On the 26th of the month a $30.00 delinquent fee is added for non-payment and service is disconnected.
Payment in full including all penalties must be paid before restoration of service
Where do I pay my sewer bill?
Parish Sewer System: Bossier Parish has recently acquired ownership of Red Chute and Eagle sewer systems under the Consolidated Waterworks and Sewer District No. 1. Because the Parish has no capability to monitor our members water usage or bill for that usage, Village Water is now doing the billing for the Parish sewer customers who are also members of the Village Water system. Currently, VWS is billing approximately 1200 Parish sewer customers. Sewer rates are established by the Parish.
How about trash pick up?
There are several contractors that pick up garbage throughout the Parish. It is NOT included with your water service. It is your responsibility to make the arrangements with the company you choose.
You can find several of the companies listed in the phone directory or online.
Water Quality
What causes some water to be discolored?
Color in water is usually caused by naturally occurring organic matter, minerals, or mineral build-up in the pipes. We flush our water system regularly to clean mineral build-up and other sediment from the pipes. If you receive discolored water, you should let your faucets run until the water is clear. Such substances typically do not pose a health hazard; however, we ask that you please report any instances of discolored water so that we may investigate.
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.
What should I do if my coffee has an oily appearance?
Clean your coffee maker with vinegar and water as directed by the manufacturer.
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.
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 that 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 water softener?
The hardness of water varies with the water’s source. The choice to buy a softener is an aesthetic one, since hard water is not harmful to health. However, water softeners typically increase the sodium content of the water, a factor that should be considered by people on low-sodium diets.
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 choose 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.
Why do our employees open fire hydrants?
We conduct regular water system flushing to remove any mineral build-up and sediment from the pipes and also to ensure that water circulates adequately throughout the system. Fire hydrants may also be opened to conduct fire-flow capability tests.
Why does water need to be disinfected?
Disinfectants are required because they prevent the spread of germs that cause diseases. Years ago, before disinfectants were used for drinking water, diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery were common. Drinking water disinfection has vastly improved the quality and safety of drinking water.
Why does my water have a chlorine taste (or smell)?
We disinfect your water to ensure that it is free of harmful bacteria. To reduce any chlorine taste or smell, try refrigerating your water before drinking.
Why is there dirt or sand in my water?
Dirt or sand can occur naturally in groundwater or as a result of a water line repair. We try to reduce the 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 from the water.
Why does the taste of my water change throughout the year?
Water sources change at certain times of the year due to the availability of supplies. Surface water, or water that comes from sources like rivers and lakes, tends to taste slightly different than water pumped from underground aquifers.
Disconnect/Moving Off of the System
You can either come into the office or call the office to have your service Disconnected. We will need the date you want your water turned off and a forwarding address. Any amount due for water will be taken out of the membership fee we have on file.
Any amount due over the membership fee will be billed to you at your forwarding address. Since we only bill for the sewer company, we send them your final paperwork. You also will get a copy with their phone number. Any amount due is taken out of the deposit they have on file for you or send you a bill.
Private Plumbing Maintenance
What can I do at home to improve water quality?
An Important Message on Maintenance of Private Plumbing
Village Water System Inc., provides drinking water to its members that meets or exceeds all federal, state, and local regulations including National Drinking Water Standards. However, at times, customers may experience individual concerns with the water coming from their private plumbing.
Here are a few suggestions on ways to maintain your private plumbing system.
FLUSHING HOUSEHOLD PIPES:
Accumulation of organic material in your plumbing may contribute to odor and taste concerns. Organic material can be eliminated by flushing your water pipes. •When flushing household plumbing use only cold water. Hot water is handled when flushing hot water heaters.
•Flush in a sequential manner by flushing the cold water bathtub faucet first and then work through all other faucets in the house (from the largest pipe to the smallest pipe). In working through the sequence, toilets should be the last item flushed since toilets tanks typically have the smallest plumbing lines in the house supplying them
•Remove aerators from the ends of the indoor faucets and run faucets wide-open for 3 to 5 minutes. Removing the aerators before flushing will prevent anything dislodged from accumulating on the screens.
•Flush the toilets two or three times each while the faucets are running. This generates a large flow of water through the pipes to help dislodge any build-up of organic material that is causing the taste and odor problem.
•After 3 to 5 minutes of flushing, turn off the water faucets. Clean the aerators before reinstalling. All seasonal residents, schools, and businesses open seasonally are encouraged to flush their private plumbing prior to drinking water if they have been away from their residence, school or business for an extended period of time. Water sitting in pipes for prolonged periods may become unsafe for human consumption.
DISINFECTING A DRAIN
An odor of rotten eggs, sometimes described as a sewage smell, is usually caused by gases forming in household drains. These gases are formed by bacteria which live on food, soap, hair, and other organic matter which may accumulate in the drain. Since these gases are heavier than air, they remain in the drain until the water is turned on. As the water runs down the drain, the gases are expelled up the drain into the air around the sink. It is not surprising that this odor is often mistakenly associated with the water because it is observed only when the water is turned on. To eliminate this problem, the bacteria in the drain must be killed.
CAUTION: Do not mix any drain cleaners or detergents with bleach; certain combinations can create toxic fumes and may be combustible. •Run the cold water about 15 seconds into the drain to be disinfected. Turn the water off.•Pour approximately one to two cups of liquid chlorine bleach (laundry bleach) down the drain. Pour the bleach slowly around the edges so that it runs down the sides of the drain.
CAUTION: Bleach may cause eye damage, skin irritation, and may damage clothing. Take proper precautions. •If the odor comes from a sink with a garbage disposal, turn the disposal on for a few seconds while the bleach is being poured to help disperse the bleach around the inside of the disposal.
CAUTION: Bleach may cause eye damage, skin irritation, and may damage clothing. Take special care to avoid splashing especially while the disposal is running.•Allow the bleach to remain undisturbed in the drain for 10 minutes. CAUTION: Prolonged contact with metals may cause pitting and/or discoloration.•After 10 minutes, run the hot water into the drain for a minute or two to flush out the bleach. If the garbage disposal has been disinfected, thoroughly flush it.•Repeat this procedure if the odor returns.
FLUSHING A WATER HEATER
Water heaters should be flushed at least once a year to control the build-up of mineral deposits naturally present in water. This will help the water heater operate more efficiently and may extend the life of the heater. The water heater will need to be flushed if the hot water appears yellow or brownish in color indicating an accumulation of rust or if you find sand-like mineral sediment in the hot water.
•Do not shut off the gas or the water supply to the heater.•Attach a garden hose to the draincock located at the bottom of the heater. The draincock usually looks like a regular hose bib (garden faucet) or a round dial with a threaded hole in the middle.
•Extend the garden hose to a place where the water can safely exit the heater (e.g. drain, driveway, etc.)•Open the draincock to allow the water to exit the heater.
CAUTION: Water may be hot and under normal household water pressure.
PLEASE NOTE: If the draincock is made of plastic and the heater is several years old, it may be difficult to open and may break easily if forced.•After five minutes, fill a bucket with the still flushing water.•Allow the water in the bucket to stand undisturbed for a minute and see if the water is clear or if any sand-like particles settle to the bottom. If the water is clear and no sand-like particles are observed proceed to the next step. If the water is discolored or sand-like particles are observed, repeat the previous two steps until the flush water is completely clear and free of sediment.•Close the draincock and remove the garden hose. If you do not feel comfortable performing these maintenance procedures yourself, hire a licensed professional plumber.
WATER QUALITY
Village Water System is proud to provide its membership with quality drinking water. Our water sources bring a variety of natural characteristics each unique in its treatment requirement. We test our sources annually to determine any natural characteristic changes and to adapt our treatment. We sample and test our water supply daily to maintain above standards. Water Treatment includes processes for corrosion control, sequestration of iron and manganese, disinfection by chlorination. This water meets or exceeds all drinking water standards. Additional private water treatment is not necessary. However, if you decide to purchase any additional water treatment system for your home, we remind you to carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper maintenance and filter replacement to insure that the system does not contaminant your water supply. Some people may be more vulnerable than the general population to contaminants in drinking water. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers regarding drinking water and/or additional private water treatment requirements. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or visit their website at www.epa.gov/safewater
CONSERVATION
10 Water Saving TIPS
- Do not overwater plants and lawns. Avoid water runoff into streets and gutters.
- For best results, try morning watering. Evaporation loss is at a minimum.
- Avoid washing down paved areas.Sweep driveway and sidewalks in garden cleanup.
- When washing the car… Use a bucket of water. Use the hose only to rinse.
- Repair faucet leaks. As much as 15 gallons of water can be lost each day with a slow drip.
- Avoid toilet water waste. Do not use toilet as a trash disposal.
- Don’t fall asleep in the shower. An extra five minutes in the shower could mean another 50 gallons down the drain. Use a moderate stream.
- The automatic dishwasher – use it wisely. Half loads cheat you out of full water use.
- Watch those laundry loads, too. Some 50 gallons of water are used to wash a load of clothes. Make every load count.
- Avoid the running faucet. Don’t run water continuously while shaving, brushing teeth, peeling vegetables, or washing dishes.
Meter reading
How to Read Your Water
We encourage our members to read their water meters regularly. Your water meter is read monthly, and your consumption is determined by subtracting the previous month’s reading from the current month’s reading. Water meters are highly accurate and dependable for water consumption evaluation.
Our meter reading Cycle is from the 15th of a month to the 15th of the following month, that usage is billed and mailed to you around the first of the following month.
Ex: The bill you receive on the 1st of January is for the usage from the 15th of November to the 15th of December
Most residential water meters have six moving digits, a fixed zero, and a sweeping hand. The sweeping hand measures water usage from one to ten gallons and it represents the actual value of the fixed zero from zero to ten. Looking at your meter register from left to right, if the first five digits are zero and the sixth digit is the number 1, the reading is 10 gallons. However, it can be 10 through19 gallons depending on where the sweeping hand is on the dial.
The meter operates like the odometer in your car. As an example, lets us say that your meter currently displays the number 0385940. The numbers 038594 are the moving digits registering the cumulative flow of the water. The last number is a permanent zero a multiple of ten. The water bill would show a current reading of 385940.
Subtract the previous reading from the new reading and you will know how many gallons of water you have used.
If the previous reading in NOVEMBER was 0385940
If the current reading in DECEMBER was 0387120 the bill mailed in January would indicate usage of 1,180 gals.