FAQs • Why does my water have an odor?

Why does my water have an odor?: Occasionally, you may smell chlorine in your water. The Utilities Department is required by the Environmental Protection Division to add chlorine to drinking water. If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, it may be due to lack of use.

Utilities

1. Where is the City of Tifton Maintenance-Warehouse Complex located?: The City of Tifton Maintenance-Warehouse Complex is located at 1000 Armour Road in Tifton, GA.

2. How do I set up a new water, sewer or gas service?: Contact the Utilities Department (229) 391-3949 to inquire about service availability. Once availability has been determined, the service size will be verified. New services require tap fees and deposits. Fees should be addressed with the Utilities Department and deposits should be addressed with the Customer Service Department (229) 391-3957.

3. How much does a new water, sewer or gas service cost?: The amount of the tap fee is based on the size needed to provide adequate service. Contact the Utilities Department (229) 391-3949 for more information.

4. How long will it take the City to install my service after I have made application?: The Georgia Utility Facility Protect Act (enacted in July 2000) mandates that, before starting any digging or excavation work, we must contact Georgia 811 to have utility lines marked. By law, we are required to wait at least 3 full business days before we can begin. Once we have been cleared to dig, the work order will be scheduled. Most new services will be installed within 2 (two) weeks from dig date.

5. Why is my water discolored or milky looking?: Milky looking water occurs when there is air in the lines. Discolored water may be caused by a water main break or flushing a fire hydrant. See our Rusty Water Pamphlet for more information.

6. Why does my water have an odor?: Occasionally, you may smell chlorine in your water. The Utilities Department is required by the Environmental Protection Division to add chlorine to drinking water. If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, it may be due to lack of use.

7. I have a water leak. Will it affect my bill?: You are only charged for water that passes through your water meter. If the water leak is on the City’s side of the meter, it will not affect your bill. If the leak is on the customer side of the meter, it will affect your bill. If you suspect a leak on the customer side, contact a plumber for repairs.

8. Is there a charge to turn my water off for repairs?: Yes, there is an on/off service fee. All fees are paid to the City of Tifton. Contact Customer Service at 229-391-3957 for more information.

9. Why is my water off?: The Water Department may turn water off to make repairs. When this occurs, we will make every reasonable effort to notify the public. However, in cases of emergency, water may be turned off without notification. If your neighbors have water, it is most likely a billing issue. Contact Customer Service at 229-391-3957 to verify that your payment has been received and posted correctly.

10. What if I smell gas?: The odorant added to natural gas smells like "rotten eggs". If you smell gas, evacuate immediately, leaving doors open. Do not look for leak or stop to open windows. Do not turn on or off any electrical appliances, including light switches or fans. Do not use telephones or cell phones. Do not light matches, lighters, or smoke in the area. Go to a safe location and call 911.

11. Why is my gas off?: The Gas Department may turn gas off to make repairs to our system or meter set or your gas may have been turned off due to a suspected leak on the customer side of the meter. However, if this should occur, the Gas Department will leave a door hanger explaining the reason of the outage and contact numbers. If you do not have a door hanger, contact Customer Service 229-391-3957, to verify that your payment has been received and posted correctly.