FAQS
If you have questions about Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, the answers may be found in these FAQs, grouped by topic. Please search the category that best suits your question. If you are unable to find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us or submit your question using our Information Request Form.
Q. How can I get a job at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority?
A. Check the NeoGov website to find vacancies and qualifications. To learn about the benefits we offer and the utility’s culture, check out the Career Opportunities page.
Q. What is LRWRA?
A. Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority is the sanitary sewer service provider for the City of Little Rock. Water that flows out of homes, workplaces, and even manufacturing facilities becomes our responsibility. It is transported to either the Adams Field or Little Maumelle Water Reclamation Facility, where the wastewater is treated and then released into the Arkansas River. The treated wastewater often exceeds the water quality standards of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Q. What is the difference between water and wastewater?
A. Water refers to potable water or water that is fit to drink. It comes from the tap and is used for cooking, personal hygiene, and commercial operations. Wastewater is the end result of drinking water. Water is released after doing laundry, washing dishes, cooking, bathing, etc. LRWRA treats and reclaims this wastewater and ultimately releases it into the environment after meeting quality standards.
Q. What plans does LRWRA have for additional capacity needs?
A. We are in the midst of a 20-year capital improvement plan to increase capacity, update antiquated portions of the system, and provide service to areas that are not connected to the system.
Q. Why are renovations needed?
A. Much of the existing system of wastewater collection is very old; some of it dates back to the 1800s. In older areas of the city where the old part of the system is still intact, improvements are needed to increase capacity and update technology.
Q. If I see a manhole overflowing, what should I do?
A. If you see a sanitary sewer overflow, you should call LRWRA and report it at 501-223-1509, the dispatch facility. After reporting the problem, do not try to take action regarding the overflow yourself. Once the call is made, an LRWRA crew will be dispatched, if it is not already on its way.
Q. If I live near an overflow site, can I go into my backyard where the wastewater overflowed or is overflowing?
A. In periods of heavy rain or right after, the water coming from the overflow is about one part wastewater to three parts rainwater. There is a minimal health risk for contact with the water, but it is better to err on the side of caution. Children should not play in or around the manholes at any time.
Q. If I live in the city of Little Rock, but am not served by LRWRA, what should I do?
A. Contact LRWRA at 501-376-2903 to leave your name, address, and contact number. You will be personally contacted for more information to determine whether you can access the system.
Q. Who do I contact with questions about my water bill?
A. All customer inquiries go to Billing Services at 501-372-5161 during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. If you want to contact that office by email, go to the Central Arkansas Water (CAW) website.
Q. What is an AWC?
A. Your Average Winter Consumption (AWC), which is noted near the top of your water bill, is calculated by averaging the residential customer’s billed water consumption for the months of October through March.
For example, a household might have the following actual consumption:
- October – 5 Hundred Cubic Feet (CCF)
- November – 5 CCF
- December – 5 CCF
- January – 6 CCF
- February – 5 CCF
- March – 6 CCF
The total would be 32 CCF, divided by 6 (the number of months), resulting in 5.33 CCF, rounded to 5 CCF, which is the AWC.
Q. How do I determine my total sewer bill?
A. Add the minimum availability charge and volumetric charges.
For example, using an AWC of 5, here is the computation:
- Minimum service availability: $13.87
- Volumetric charge: $5.15 x 5
- Total: $39.62
Q. Why is my business charged for actual consumption rather than an Average Winter Consumption (AWC)?
A. The rate ordinance approved by the City of Little Rock allows non-residential customers to be charged on actual consumption according to the size of the water meter servicing the property.
Q. What are the fees for commercial connections or service?
Q. How do I set up service for the first time?
A. Call the Central Arkansas Water office at 501-372-5161 during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Q. Why don’t I have an AWC?
A. Until you have gone through the first cycle of winter months, from October to March, you will be billed on actual consumption. After that, your AWC will be calculated.