FAQ
At Central City Potable Water Transport we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 403-235-0042.
QUESTION: How long have you been taking water samples/testing water?
ANSWER: We have been water testing since we started in the water business on a monthly basis for our trucks and equipment. We have been in business now for almost 4 years. Last year the CHRA started requiring water sampling to be done on water used for public consumption through our rented tanks and as such we have been providing this service to our customers since that time. Our customer’s safety is very important to us and as such we have now started offering water testing for our residential and commercial customers Cisterns and Holding Tanks. With developing technology we are able to be more active in helping our customers to prevent potential health risks by offering our testing services. Safe water is the topic of many news articles and discussions. Boil water bans are more frequent in cities and towns on municipal water sources with better methods of testing being used. Unsafe levels of chemical, bacterial and mineral levels in well water throughout Alberta are increasing on a rapid pace, and previous methods of lining, sealing and repairing cisterns are now being questioned as some of these methods are now found to be unsafe for consumption. If you would like to have your water tested, or for more detailed information about testing, please call (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: What types of products or services do you offer?
ANSWER: Currently our products and services list includes: Cistern and Tank Fills, Swimming Pool, Pond and Hot Tub Fills, Skating Rink Flooding, Agriculture and Livestock Water Hauling, Landscape, tree and Sod Watering, Compaction and Dust Control, 400 Gallon & 1250 Gallon Tank Rentals (with various sized and types of pumps, hoses and heaters available with rentals) 19.5 Liter Bottled Water Sales and Delivery, CRHA Approved Water Sampling and Cistern and Tank Cleaning. For a more details about each product and service please look under the “Products and Services category on this Website.
QUESTION: What is the cost of having My Cistern or Holding Tank(s) Cleaned?
ANSWER: Each Cistern or Holding Tank(s) vary in size, accessibility and state of cleanliness. Some have liners and some may need repairs. Building materials of Cisterns and Tanks also vary from fiberglass to cement and depending on age some may have interior coatings which may be decaying or lifting. As the variables change so much from one to the next, we can’t give a quote over the telephone or internet, as based on all of the above factors difficulty to clean and time it takes to clean and possibly repair of damages is specific to each tank. We do NOT charge for one of our Service Technicians to come out and assess your Cistern or Holding Tank(s) and would be happy to provide you with a quote and book your cleaning once assessment is complete. To book an assessment, please call (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: What do you charge for Holding Tank Rentals?
ANSWER: Holding Tanks (both 400 Gallon and 1250 Gallon) are rented on a weekly or monthly basis. Rental costs are on a weekly rental is $300/week and $1,100/month plus GST. Rental includes an on/off attachment to the tank and 30 feet of either fire or garden type hose. All tanks have locking Lids (which ensures only our potable water can enter them without great difficulty.) As we are providing tanks with potable (drinking) water abilities we require that only our trucks fill our tanks. In addition to providing tanks we can also provide pumps, heaters and spray nozzles if required. Pumps and heaters are rented on a weekly basis for $50.00 plus GST per week. Pumps are electric or gas and vary in size from 1.5 horsepower to 6.5 horsepower and include pumps with pressure tanks as well. Delivery charges start at $50.00/tank plus GST and vary depending on delivery location and distance. For more details and to determine specific rental requirements please call our office at (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: What Could I Use a Rented Holding Tank For?
ANSWER: The majority of our Holding Tanks are only filled with Potable (drinking) Water. We do however also rent “dirty water” tanks as well. Tanks can be used for: Community functions or parties where a drinking water or water source for such things as drinking, washing dishes or vehicles etc. is not available. Construction water for stucco, stone masons, power washing etc. Landscaping needs such as Tree and sod watering. Residential and commercial uses such as temporary water source to run a household or business sinks, taps and toilets in the cases of construction, water main breaks or flooding has occurred. If you are in need of a temporary water source our tank rentals will be your solution! We are the ONLY rental company that fills our rented tanks on site as well as offering various sized pumps, hoses and heaters with tank rental!
QUESTION: Do you need a specific license to operate your trucks and equipment?
ANSWER: Yes, all drivers hired to provide transportation of water by our company must have a minimum of a class 3 Drivers License with Air Brakes component. When drivers are hired they must also go through a training Process of employment where a senior employee rides with the new employee to teach them how to properly operate all pumps and equipment and show the new employee the proper ways of servicing our customers needs in the various aspects of our company services. The training process is a minimum of one week long and can last as long as the senior employee feels the need. We also have a Company Safety Policy in effect. All employees upon hire and throughout the year must go through the policies and clearly understand each of them and be able to demonstrate safe methods of work and operation of equipment.
QUESTION: Why would I take/require a Water Sample?
ANSWER: Water Samples are taken to determine the chemical and mineral content of water. Samples are required when temporary water is used such as holding tanks for public consumption. We also STRONGLY recommend to our customers they sample their residential or commercial Cistern or Holding Tank(s) on a yearly basis. Although the water we deliver is tested monthly and has higher chlorine content than regular tap water the holding containment units the water is going into are often dirty or contaminated. Contamination can be caused by numerous things such as animals or insects entering tanks and dying, old liners and repair agents previously used to repair leaking or damaged Cisterns and Holding Tanks, dirt and other outdoor materials falling into holding units, algae and other bacteria and weeds etc. that grow in water sources as well as rust from nails, pumps etc. in the tanks. We provide our customers with a Water Sampling Service where we come to the sample location and take a sample. While taking the sample often our company representative can visually assess the containment unit for some of the above listed issues. We complete all required paperwork and submit the water sample and paperwork for you to the CRHA Lab Testing Facility. As we are an approved provider through the CRHA we have tracking numbers assigned and work closely with the Public Health Inspectors to ensure Public Health and Safety are our top priorities! If the visual assessment is of concern or the water sample submitted shows unsafe levels or substances for consumption we offer Cistern and Tank Cleaning. We would be happy to assist by cleaning your Cistern or Tank(s) and sanitizing with a chlorine solution and assessing any problems or damage to the unit, and if possible, repairing damages. To book a Water Sampling Appointment, Cistern Cleaning Assessment, or if you have any further questions, please call (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: How? and How Often? do you clean your Trucks and Equipment?
ANSWER: Our Water is sampled from each truck on a monthly basis and sent to the CHRA Laboratory for testing. We Shock our trucks (meaning pour calculated amounts of chlorine in a full truck load of water and let it sit overnight) on a monthly basis. When we shock our trucks we also run the water through the pumps on the truck and all hoses the truck carries. All hoses and connections are sprayed down with a chlorine and water solution upon each connection and all hoses are capped while on trucks transporting water.
QUESTION: Where do you get your water from?
ANSWER: In the City of Calgary there are five fire stations which have bulk water filling capabilities. In surrounding areas and Communities there are designated bulk water stations in or around the community, depending on where the community is and filling capabilities in the community we generally fill in Calgary at one of the designated stations and deliver out to wherever needed. Then depending on location and needs of the customer (If more than one load of water is required) we would refill at the nearest designated location.
We will ONLY fill our Potable Trucks from Approved designated Potable Water Facilities. No other liquids or materials enter our trucks or equipment. Our Potable Trucks also will NOT suck water from ANY location other than approved fill stations. (We will not suck out water from a customer’s cistern, tank, pool etc.) as there is an opportunity for contamination of equipment by doing so.
QUESTION: How? and How Often? do you clean your Trucks and Equipment?
ANSWER: Our Water is sampled from each truck on a monthly basis and sent to the CHRA Laboratory for testing. We Shock our trucks (meaning pour calculated amounts of chlorine in a full truck load of water and let it sit overnight) on a monthly basis. When we shock our trucks we also run the water through the pumps on the truck and all hoses the truck carries. All hoses and connections are sprayed down with a chlorine and water solution upon each connection and all hoses are capped while on trucks transporting water
QUESTION: Are all of your trucks considered Potable? (For drinking water.)
ANSWER: NO, one of our large trucks (with 2,500 Gallon carrying capacity) is considered a dirty truck which means we can suck water from fire hydrants, ponds or streams etc. for construction and dust control uses as well as being able to fill from approved potable locations, This truck is ONLY used for construction type purposes and is NEVER used to fill potable necessities.
QUESTION: Why would I take/require a Water Sample?
ANSWER: Water Samples are taken to determine the chemical and mineral content of water. Samples are required when temporary water is used such as holding tanks for public consumption. We also STRONGLY recommend to our customers they sample their residential or commercial Cistern or Holding Tank(s) on a yearly basis. Although the water we deliver is tested monthly and has higher chlorine content than regular tap water the holding containment units the water is going into are often dirty or contaminated. Contamination can be caused by numerous things such as animals or insects entering tanks and dying, old liners and repair agents previously used to repair leaking or damaged Cisterns and Holding Tanks, dirt and other outdoor materials falling into holding units, algae and other bacteria and weeds etc. that grow in water sources as well as rust from nails, pumps etc. in the tanks. We provide our customers with a Water Sampling Service where we come to the sample location and take a sample. While taking the sample often our company representative can visually assess the containment unit for some of the above listed issues. We complete all required paperwork and submit the water sample and paperwork for you to the CRHA Lab Testing Facility. As we are an approved provider through the CRHA we have tracking numbers assigned and work closely with the Public Health Inspectors to ensure Public Health and Safety are our top priorities! If the visual assessment is of concern or the water sample submitted shows unsafe levels or substances for consumption we offer Cistern and Tank Cleaning. We would be happy to assist by cleaning your Cistern or Tank(s) and sanitizing with a chlorine solution and assessing any problems or damage to the unit, and if possible, repairing damages. To book a Water Sampling Appointment, Cistern Cleaning Assessment, or if you have any further questions, please call (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: How often should I have my Cistern or Water Holding Tank cleaned?
ANSWER: It is recommended Cistern and Holding Tanks used for potable (drinking) water purposes are cleaned once per year. It is amazing how much material we find in our customers’ cisterns. Even semi-sealed underground tanks allow dirt, residue and even animals such as frogs, salamanders, worms and mice as they are attracted to the smell of the water. Of course as the tanks are so deep once they enter they cannot get out. (I will leave the rest of the nasty details out but I am sure you can imagine!) Depending on the minerals and chemicals in well water the holding cisterns build up sediment as do potable water cisterns. We have found rusting tools and nails and a multitude of other items which of course do not contribute positively to clean safe drinking water.
QUESTION: How do I know if my Cistern or toilets are leaking?
ANSWER: The first sign of a leak is of course above average water depletion. Most customers have an idea of how long it takes on average to consume their water, some Cisterns and Tanks even have low level warning alarms wired into them. If water usage by patrons in the household or business remains at about the same level of consumption and the Cistern or Holding Tank is low or empty considerably earlier than normal you may have a leak. To determine if it is a leaky toilet put brightly colored food coloring into the tank of the toilet (located on the back of toilet.) If the food coloring is showing in the bowl of the toilet (and toilet has not been flushed) the toilet is leaking. A leaky toilet can drain a large Cistern in a very short period of time. If it is not the toilet leaking it is possible one of many things such as pipes or taps could also be the cause, however if all else is ruled out the Cistern or Holding Tank may have a hole or crack in it. If this is suspected we do have trained technicians who can come out and asses the problem and repair the tank in most cases. Please call (403) 235-0042 to book an appointment with one of our service technicians to come to your location.
QUESTION: What types of Payment do you accept?
ANSWER: We accept cash, cheque (personal and business) or credit card (Visa or MasterCard.) There is a $45 NSF fee charged on any cheques returned with insufficient funds and a 3% processing fee charged on all credit card transactions.
QUESTION: Do you set up billing accounts?
ANSWER: We do allow for commercial accounts. Our commercial accounts are billed on a monthly basis and have 30 day payment terms from date of monthly statement. We do NOT allow for residential accounts in general, however if a residence was in need of a weekly delivery on an ongoing basis we would be willing to explore that option. All credit accounts must complete our credit forms and agree to payment terms and credit checks/ verification by our company representatives to be set up on a credit account.
QUESTION: What do you charge for service?
ANSWER: Rates vary based on location and service required. For a truckload of water whether 5 Gallons or 2,500 Gallons is needed we have set basic rates which include a 12% fuel surcharge. Rates start at $128.80 within the City of Calgary and increase based on distance. Our hourly rate is $85/ hour and comes into effect when on a delivery location for longer than 20 minutes. Jobs where hourly rates are charged include but are not limited to: Landscaping, Dust Control, Landscape and Tree Watering, Skating Rink Flooding and Cistern Cleaning. For more detailed rates based on location please see our Basic Service Rates page on this website or call (403) 235-0042 for an exact quote on price.
QUESTION: What do you charge for your 19.5 Liter Bottled Water?
ANSWER: We sell our bottled water for $7 per bottle plus GST. We do require bottle deposits of $10.00 per bottle upon set up of service, deposits are held until all bottles are returned and no new bottles are taken. We do deliver our Bottled Water, however for delivery we require a minimum purchase of 8 bottles and a 12% fuel surcharge is added to bottle prices IF one of our water trucks is not delivering the Bottled Water with the Truckload of Water it carries to the customer.
QUESTION: What is the cost of having My Cistern or Holding Tank(s) Cleaned?
ANSWER: Each Cistern or Holding Tank(s) vary in size, accessibility and state of cleanliness. Some have liners and some may need repairs. Building materials of Cisterns and Tanks also vary from fiberglass to cement and depending on age some may have interior coatings which may be decaying or lifting. As the variables change so much from one to the next, we cant give a quote over the telephone or internet, as based on all of the above factors difficulty to clean and time it takes to clean and possibly repair of damages is specific to each tank. We do NOT charge for one of our Service Technicians to come out and assess your Cistern or Holding Tank(s) and would be happy to provide you with a quote and book your cleaning once assessment is complete. To book an assessment, please call (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: What do you charge for Holding Tank Rentals?
ANSWER: Holding Tanks (both 400 Gallon and 1250 Gallon) are rented on a weekly or monthly basis. Rental costs are on a weekly rental is $300/week and $1,100/month plus GST. Rental includes an on/off attachment to the tank and 30 feet of either fire or garden type hose. All tanks have locking Lids (which ensures only our potable water can enter them without great difficulty.) As we are providing tanks with potable (drinking) water abilities we require that only our trucks fill our tanks. In addition to providing tanks we can also provide pumps, heaters and spray nozzles if required. Pumps and heaters are rented on a weekly basis for $50 plus GST per week. Pumps are electric or gas and vary in size from 1.5 horsepower to 6.5 horsepower and include pumps with pressure tanks as well. Delivery charges start at $50/tank plus GST and vary depending on delivery location and distance. For more details and to determine specific rental requirements please call our office at (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: Can I book my next delivery with the water truck driver?
ANSWER: No, all bookings and cancellations MUST go through the office. As we guarantee we will deliver when bookings are made the office must be aware of all bookings and cancellations. The office staff has a scheduling calendar in front of them and as all bookings must go through them they are aware of all scheduled deliveries for the days and weeks ahead. We will not over book, we do accommodate our customers in every way possible and as such we will work with you to meet your delivery needs but the only way we can guarantee this ability, is to have all bookings made through one individual or ongoing delivery schedule only (the office staff.)
QUESTION: Can I rent a Water Truck on a Daily, Weekly or Monthly Basis?
ANSWER: YES, we do book our trucks out to corporations for short or long term use. Our trucks come with one of our experienced operators to service your water needs. We have BOTH potable trucks and a dirty truck. Our dirty truck can suck from fire hydrants, reservoirs or rivers etc. to meet your individual needs. Corporate credit accounts are available, upon approved credit and monthly billing can be arranged. To set up a Water Truck Rental or for more information please contact our office at (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: Where do you deliver?
ANSWER: We are based out of Calgary and deliver within the city limits however, we deliver to ALL surrounding Rural Areas as well. We will deliver as far East as Gleichen and include Strathmore, Chestermere, Caresland, Delacour, Conrich, Langdon and Indus. As far South as High River and include DeWinton and Okotoks. As Far West as Banff and include Bragg Creek, Canmore, Priddis, Millerville, Black Diamond and Cochrane. As far North as Carstairs and including Balzac, Airdrie, Crossfield and Keoma. If you are located outside of these locations please give us a call we will deliver but rates will vary depending on distance.
QUESTION: Do I need to be home when water is delivered?
ANSWER: NO, in most cases. When our customers call to book water we take detailed information from them including location of water fill (Cistern, pool or hot tub.) Payment arrangements are also made at time of booking so as long as payment location (for cash or cheques left for pick up) or credit card information is provided our customers need not have to take time out of their busy schedules to wait for water from us. If filling location is inside a residence we do prefer our customers to be at home, however in certain cases we have also made arrangements for use of lock boxes or hidden keys to enter residences, with permission, when the home owners are away.
QUESTION: Do you offer scheduled deliveries?
ANSWER: YES, we promote or scheduling service which allows our customers to set up deliveries on a daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. We work with our customers to meet their specific individual needs and as such we will provide scheduled deliveries on any frequency our customers may require.
QUESTION: What are your Hours of Operation?
ANSWER: Winter Months: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Early Spring & Late Fall: Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm and Summer: Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
QUESTION: I don’t see exactly what I am looking for on this Website. Can I call you?
ANSWER: YES, we are always open to finding more ways to serve our customers. We add products and services on a regular basis. For instance, due to the challenge of recent economic changes we offer a package product - this saves you money! For more information please contact our office at (403) 235-0042.
QUESTION: Do you offer Septic Service?
ANSWER: Not at this time. We are always looking to expand and plan on offering this service to our customers in the future however, in the meantime, we have teamed up with other industry professionals and would be happy to provide you with a referral with name and contact information for septic services or many other water related services such as pool and hot tub sales and service, well and cistern building, sales and services, landscapers and pond and water feature builders as well as many more. Please call (403) 235-0042 and ask us for a referral to meet any need we currently do not provide.
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