Frequently Asked Questions

Billing & Utility Questions 

* How often do I receive a bill?

Utility bills are mailed every other month, by the 15th of the month following the billing period.

* I am moving out. How much notice do you need?

Notice of 2 working days must be given. You are responsible for payment of services until notice is received or the water is turned off.

* What is my account number?

Your account number is found near the top of your bill. The 13 digits refer to the location of the house and the resident.

* What if my mailing address is different than the property address?

Your mailing address appears on the top of your bill. The service address is in the center of the bill.

* How often are the meters read?

Actual water meter readings are taken for every other bill (every four months), and when accounts are signed up or discontinued.

* What if my bill is higher than usual?

Check the reading on your bill with the reading on the outside remote, and on the meter downstairs, inside your house. If the meter readings are lower than the one on your bill, there may have been an error. Call the utility department and we will check it out and if necessary correct your bill. If the meter readings are close, or higher than the one on your bill, you may have a leak somewhere.

* When do I get my deposit back?

Deposits are returned in two years if your account is in good standing - paid up to date, with very few late charges, and no shut off notices.

* What if I move before two years?

If you move within town, your deposit will be transferred to your new account. If you move out of town, your deposit will be credited to your final bill.

* What if my final bill has a credit?

If we owe you money, you will receive a cheque approximately a month after the bills are produced.

Water Questions 

* Where does the Town of Lacombe's water come from?

The Town of Lacombe gets their water from the Red Deer Treatment Plant via a regional water line connecting Blackfalds, Lacombe and Ponoka. 

* Is the water safe to drink?

Yes.  The water that leaves the City of Red Deer Treatment Plant meets and exceeds all of the standards contained in the "Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality."  The Town of Lacombe frequently tests the water for quality and follows all provincial guidelines to ensure the water is safe.  

*  Why does the water taste and smell different?

The City of Red Deer uses a surface water supply (Red Deer River), as a source of drinking water for its residents.  All surface water supplies such as Red Deers are susceptible to high turbidity and high organic loading during the annual spring snow melt and runoff.  These conditions can give the raw water a disagreeable odor and taste.  The treatment process removes most of these tastes and odors, however enough may remain after treatment to be noticeable to the consumer.   The treated water at the tap is still safe to drink.  

* How long will the taste and smell last?

Each spring is different, but on average, runoff conditions will last for between three and six weeks.  Mountain runoff in late June and early July, can also cause runoff conditions, if accompanied by heavy rainfall in the watershed.

* How do I know there is a leak?

The most common leaks are running toilets. You can not always hear the water. Try putting some food colouring in the toilet tank, do not flush, wait a while and check if it shows in the toilet bowl. Dripping faucets waste more water than you think.

* What if my water meter is leaking?

Call the Infrastructure Services Department at 403.782.1261 to arrange a convenient time for our repairman to fix or replace the meter.

* Maybe my meter is wrong?

Older meters tend to run slower rather than faster. You may request a meter accuracy test from Public Works. There is a $85 deposit which is returned only if the meter proves to be inaccurate.

Wastewater Questions

* What could be causing the sewer smell in my basement?

 If there is a sewer smell in your basement, but your sewer appears to be fine and not backing up, simply try flushing the toilet regularly.  You should also check your "P" trap (basement floor drain) and make sure it has water in it, if not add water to the trap.  If you notice a smell during the winter months, check your roof vent to make sure it is not plugged with snow or ice.  Once the vent is cleared the smell should dissipate.

* What do I do if my sewer is backing up?

If a blockage occurs, the owner or occupant shall first contact a plumber to clear the line.  If the plumber cannot clear the blockage,  the owner may then contact the Town of Lacombe Infrastructure Services Department 403.782.1261. 

* When is my Garbage pickup for my area?

Click here to look at schedule .  

 Recycle Questions

* Does the Town have a spot to recycle glass? 

Yes - the Town of Lacombe has an area at the Wolf Creek Recycle Site to collect glass.

* Does the Newspaper bin at the recycle site take more than just newspaper?

Yes, the bin accepts office paper, magazines, newspaper & paper egg cartons. 

* Does the Town have a spot to recycle other plastics besides #1 plastic? 

Yes - the plastic bin at the Wolf Creek Recycle Site will accept all plastics for recycling.