Show All Answers

1. What is a cross connection?

A cross connection is any link between potable (drinking) water and any other substance not intended for human consumption.

2. What is backflow?

A backflow is the reversal of the normal flow of any substance back into the potable water system which could cause contamination.

3. Who is directly affected by this?

The customers affected will be all new and existing Industrial facilities as well as some new and existing commercial facilities (depending on their hazard level). Residential connections will not be affected at this time.

4. Why do we have to implement this program?

This program will protect the city’s water system from contamination and also will protect you from liability resulting from an incident. In addition, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources requires every water provider to implement a program and enforce it to ensure safe drinking water to each and every water customer.

5. What is a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is a mechanism or a means to prevent backflows from occurring by creating a physical barrier or eliminating cross connections.

6. Does a backflow preventer require regular maintenance?

Yes. Backflow preventers have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to foul, wear or fatigue. A visual check of an air gap is sufficient but mechanical backflow preventers require annual testing. The customer is responsible for any testing repairs or maintenance.

7. Who is certified to do the testing and repairs on the backflow preventer?

The testing must be done by a certified tester; the certification can be obtained through the (AWWA) American Water Works Association or the (ABPA) American Backflow Prevention Association. The repairs and installation can be done by a licensed plumber.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need to register my business name?

Yes, business names need to be recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county or counties in which businesses plan to operate. If you are using your name in association with the business, it still needs to be recorded. This is considered a DBA (Doing Business As) name and registering it will protect your business name and give you legal recourse if someone else tries to use your DBA. Corporations must register their business names with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.

2. Do I need a Federal Tax ID Number?

If you are a sole proprietor, you probably don’t need one. If you are hiring employees, or forming a corporation or LLC, you can apply for Federal ID number by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040.

3. Is a Federal Tax ID number the same as a Sales Tax Number?

No, the NC Department of Revenue issues a state sales tax number, which allows you to buy wholesale and sell retail. There may be a fee to set up this account; you can reach the NC Dept. of Revenue at 336-896-7024.

4. If I go out of business, do I need to report this to someone?

You will need to notify the Revenue Department at least 48 hours prior to the date of the pending sale, transfer, or termination of business.

Show All Answers

1. What are your hours?

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monday-Friday

Take a look at our holiday schedule for office closures.

2. Where do I pay my water bill?

Pay your water bill at the Municipal Building on the 2nd floor.

3. Where are you located?

300 S. Main St   Mount Airy, NC  27030

4. What are your hours?

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monday-Friday

Take a look at our holiday schedule for office closures.

5. What are your hours?

5:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Monday - Friday

6. Tim - What are your hours?

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Monday-Friday

7. Where are you located?

113 South Renfro Street, Mount Airy NC 27030

8. What are your hours?

Monday- Friday 8 am -5 pm

Please refer to our holiday schedule for  

Show All Answers

1. What if I buy/sell my property during the year?

The owner of the property as of January 1 of the current tax year is responsible for the taxes for the entire year. The Tax Office does not prorate taxes; this should be taken care of between the buyer and the seller at the time of the sale. All unpaid taxes will be advertised in a local newspaper as being delinquent after January 5, and an additional cost will be added. Past due taxes are subject to enforcement measures including, but not limited to, garnishment of wages and bank accounts, levy on personal property, and foreclosure of real estate.

2. What if I disagree with my assessment?

Call the Surry County Tax Office and talk to the appraiser who assessed your neighborhood. If not satisfied, file an appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review. If not satisfied with Board’s decision, appeal to North Carolina Property Tax Commission, then to the North Carolina Circuit Court of Appeals.

3. What properties qualify for exemption or reduction of tax?

There are several classifications of “exempt” and “use value” property which are taxed at a deferred rate until they are sold or no longer qualify for exempt or value status (at which time the owner will be billed the deferred tax amount for the current year and the three prior years). Property can be exempt if it is used for educational, charitable or religious purposes. Property that is historical or used for farm or forestry purposes may qualify for the use value program. A property retains its historical status until destroyed. An application must be filled out with Surry County’s Tax Office.

4. Is there a reduction of taxes for elderly or disabled persons?

North Carolina excludes from property taxes the greater of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or fifty percent (50%) of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner. A qualifying owner is an owner who meets all of the following requirements as of January 1 preceding the taxable year for which the benefit is claimed:

• Is at least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled



• Has an income for the preceding calendar year of not more than $25,600



• Is a North Carolina resident



Income is defined as monies received from every source including Social Security benefits, retirement payments, proceeds from insurance policies, interest dividends, etc. It does not include gifts or inheritances from a spouse or immediate family member. For married applicants residing with their spouses, the income of both spouses must be included, whether or not the property is in both names.


Applications must be filed with Surry County's Tax Office.

5. What are my options for payment of my tax bill?

We offer a variety of options for tax bill payment, including tax payment online. A complete list of your options can be found by viewing our Tax Payment Options page.

6. When are property taxes due and are there interest and penalties for late payment?

Property tax payments for real and personal property taxes are due on September 1 of each year. Taxes not paid by January 5 accrue interest in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. Interest begins to accrue against unpaid taxes at the rate of 2 percent on the sixth day of January following the date on which those taxes became due. Beginning on the first day of February and continuing thereafter, interest accrues at the rate of 0.75 percent per month, in addition to the 2 percent that accrued in January.

7. What happens if I make a payment by check and my check is returned by the bank?

Under North Carolina General Statute, a returned check fee calculated at 10% of the check amount will be charged. In addition, tax receipts are invalid if payment is made with a check that fails to clear the bank and could result in the accrual of interest if there is not a valid tax receipt by January 5.

8. Is a Federal Tax ID number the same as a Sales Tax Number?

No, the NC Department of Revenue issues a state sales tax number, which allows you to buy wholesale and sell retail. There may be a fee to set up this account; you can reach the NC Dept. of Revenue at 336-896-7024.

Show All Answers

1. How much is an average monthly bill for water and sewer?

This varies from household to household because your use is influenced by the number of people in the household, the time of year, and other differences in the way you use water. Average residential usage is approximately 4,000 gallons per month. Based on current water and sewer rates, the average monthly bill for residential usage inside the City of Mount Airy is approximately $48.50. Average residential usage outside the City of Mount Airy is approximately 3,900 gallons. However, sewer service is not available to every location served outside the city limits of Mount Airy. Based on current water and sewer rates, the average monthly bill for residential usage outside the City of Mount Airy is approximately $46 for water and $50 for sewer. Average residential usage in the Flat Rock / Bannertown Water and Sewer District is approximately 2,900 gallons, sewer service is not available to every location served within the Flat Rock / Bannertown Water and Sewer District. Based on current water and sewer rates, the average monthly bill for residential usage within the Flat Rock / Bannertown Water and Sewer District is approximately $50 for water and $53 for sewer.

2. When is my utility bill due?

The current charges due shown on the bill are payable within 10 days of the bill date. Current charges are considered delinquent after the date shown as the due date. Questions regarding billed charges for service, payments, late penalties, and nonpayment fees should be directed to City of Mount Airy Water and Sewer at 336-786-3517.

3. What if I can't pay my bill by the due date?

If the amount due for current charges is not paid by the due date, the account will be subject to a 5% (minimum fee of $25) late fee which is applied twenty five (25) days after the bill date. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, it may be possible to arrange installment payments by contacting a collection representative at 336-786-3517.

4. If I can't pay my bill, will you disconnect my service?

A nonpayment fee of $25 is applied on all accounts with balances outstanding as of the close of business 25 days after the bill date. These accounts are then scheduled for disconnection if not paid by the close of business 40 days after the original bill date. Reconnection will be made upon the payment of amounts due.

5. What are my different options for payment of my utility bill?

We offer a variety of options by bill payment, including bank draft, online payment, and credit card payment. A complete list of your options can be found by viewing our Utility Billing page.

6. How do I apply for water or sewer service?

Fill out an Application for Water and Sewer Service and mail or fax it to us at:
City of Mount Airy Water Department
PO Box 70
Mount Airy, NC 27030

Our fax number is 336-719-7565. Or bring it by our office at 300 South Main Street. Requests for new service may also be initiated by emailing us or by calling us at 336-786-3517.

7. How do I request my service to be disconnected?

Fill out a Request for Disconnection of Water and Sewer Service and mail or fax it to us at:
City of Mount Airy Water Department
P.O. Box 70
Mount Airy, NC 27030

Our fax number is 336-719-7565. Or bring it by our office at 300 South Main Street. Requests for disconnection of water and sewer may also be initiated by emailing us or by calling us at 336-786-3517.

8. My utility bill seems higher than normal. What may be the cause of this?

If you experience a high utility bill, you may want to consider the following:

• Although we try to read your meter on or about the same day each month, the date of the read may vary. This can cause the number of days your bill covers to vary.



• Frequent watering of your lawn or flowers



• Frequent washing of cars at home



• Leaky faucets



• An increase in the number of people in your house



• Plumbing problems



• A toilet that continues to run after flushing



• Silent toilet leaks (put food color in the tank, do not flush; if color seeps into the bowl you have a “silent leak”)



• Broken water lines (check your yard for wet spots)

Show All Answers

1. How does the bank draft services program work?

You will receive your bill each month as usual. We will notify your bank, savings and loan, or credit union (you choose) of the bill amount. Your bank will automatically deduct if from your account.

2. When will the payment be drafted from my bank account?

The amount of your bill will be drafted from your account on the actual due date. This keeps your money working for you until the due date. Your utility bill will show the date and the amount to be drafted.

3. How will I know if my payment is being deducted from my account?

Automatic drafting is usually effective with the second billing period after you have signed up for draft service. After you sign up for the program, look at your next utility bill. If we are drafting your account, a payment message will appear on the bill. If no message appears, we are still processing your request and you will need to pay the bill as you have been doing.

4. What record will I have showing that I paid my bill?

In addition to your utility bill, your bank statement will include a record of payment.

5. Can I use the automatic payment service to pay for more than one account with the city?

Yes. You can pay for several bills from the same account each month. You can include several different service addresses.

6. What happens if I change banks?

Let us know. We will need a new authorization form from you to continue the automatic payment service.

7. How do I sign up?

Just complete and sign the Bank Draft Authorization Form and return it with your next bill payment. Be sure to include a deposit slip or a voided check for the bank account you want to use.

8. What if I have question?

Just call us at 336-786-3517 or visit us at our office at:
City Hall
300 S Main St.
Mount Airy, NC