Poolesville isn't on WSSC Water: the Town runs its own well-fed water system, so WSSC's yearly backflow reporting program doesn't automatically apply to town-water homes. Ask Town Hall whether your device must be tested and where results go, then call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Poolesville.
The Town of Poolesville pumps its water from its own municipal wells, drilled roughly 285 to 800 feet into the New Oxford Formation aquifer, and disinfects it with chlorine before it goes out through the Town's mains. The Town also runs its own wastewater plant on Beall Street. Montgomery County describes Poolesville's water and sewer as "Town and onsite systems," so some properties in and around town are on private wells and onsite wastewater rather than the Town's service. Because the Town is the water utility, its rules, not WSSC's cross-connection program, decide whether a backflow device needs a test.
What to do now
- Confirm your water service. If you get a water bill from the Town, you are on Town water. If not, you are likely on a private well.
- Ask the Town about testing. Call Town Hall at 301-428-8927 and ask whether your irrigation or fire line device must be tested and how results should be filed.
- Stop a serious leak. For a main break or leak at the street connection, the Town lists emergency numbers 240-286-3389 and 240-286-3359, and its staff can shut the valve there (an after-hours call-out fee applies).
- Protect a well. On a private well, put vacuum breakers on outdoor spigots and a proper assembly on sprinkler lines.
- Sort out permits. Town Hall issues building and zoning permits, and WSSC Water handles plumbing and gasfitting permits.
What you notice and what it usually means
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water leaking from a sprinkler device | Worn seal or check, or freeze damage |
| Spigot drips after a hose is removed | Hose bibb vacuum breaker venting or worn |
| Odd taste after outdoor work | Possible backsiphonage from a hose or tank; stop use and call |
| Cracked device in spring | Line not drained before winter |
Cost factors
- Testing an existing assembly versus installing a new one
- Number of outdoor connections that need protection
- Repairs and a retest if a device fails
- Travel to properties outside town on rural roads
- Permit work for a new or relocated assembly
The Town's own water quality report states there are no lead mains or lead service lines in its system, so backflow questions here are mostly about yards, sprinklers, pools and the occasional farm connection on the edge of the Agricultural Reserve.
Backflow Testing questions in Poolesville
How do I find out which water system serves my address?
Does an ordinary house need a yearly backflow test?
My home is on a private well. Does backflow still matter?
Do I need a permit to install or move a backflow preventer?
More plumbing services in Poolesville
Backflow Testing nearby
Sources
Last updated: