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Utility Information

Water/Sewer/Refuse
The Borough of West Reading provides residents with water services through Western Berks Water Authority, and sewer services through the Joint Municipal Authority. These providers are committed to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable services in an environmentally sound manner. The following is a calendar of Municipal refuse services: 
2023 Trash & Recycling Calendar

Reminder:

The water, sewer, and refuse bills are mailed quarterly to all residential property owners in the Borough. The bills are mailed at the beginning of January, April, July and October. They are due by the end of the respected month. Please remember these dates and plan accordingly so that your payment can be made in a timely manner to avoid additional charges.

Why do I pay a “Ready to Serve” Charge?

The “Ready to Serve” fee is charged whether or not water or sewer is used by the resident or business to cover maintenance of the systems and costs associated with management of that utility.
 
Background:

It was determined that there was a need to charge customers for facility maintenance in order to maintain quality customer service. All customers connected to the system with a ¾” or larger meter are charged this fee on a monthly or quarterly basis. The size of a house meter is typically based on the anticipated consumption. As long as the meter is installed, you will be billed the service charge.

The “Ready to Serve” monies are used to maintain the water and sewer systems serving its customer base. The use of a “Ready to Serve” charge is not a unique approach to operating a utility business. The charge is based on West Reading Borough’s infrastructure and management overhead costs to maintain the pumping stations, fire hydrants as well as the miles of water pipe and sewer main.

Please Note:

To avoid paying a late penalty fee, please make all payments by 5:00 pm on the last business day of the month. Borough Hall is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Payments may also be placed in the drop box located in the Borough Hall parking lot after hours. Also, credit card payments over the phone are accepted and at no additional charge. For your convenience, we accept the following credit cards:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Discover
An online payment option is also available to remit payment of your utility bill. If you have an internet connection and an e-mail address, you may remit payment of your utility bill online.

Please Note: 
  • Online or credit card payments are currently not available for real estate tax payments, nor permit fees.
  • Xpress Bill Pay does not charge fees for online utility payments and payments are received same day. Use of alternate payment sites may incur fees and delay of processing.

In the event your water is turned off for non-payment, in order for water service to be restored payment in full must be made via cash, credit card or certified check at Borough Hall prior to 3:30 pm to have the water restored on the same day. Please note, there are additional fees assessed to have the water restored. Should you request water to be restored after 3:30 pm there is a $200 fee. 

Please be advised, post-dated checks will not be accepted. 

Reminder...
Please remember to keep your water meters accessible to be read, tested, repaired, or adjusted as needed. Also, avoid any kind of construction that would prevent easy access to your water meter.