Water Budgets and Tiered Rates - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out what my water budget will be?
In February and March 2009, all customers will receive a customized letter called a shadow bill with their billing statements to show how water budgets and tiered rates will affect each customer individually. In April 2009, actual bills with tiered rates will arrive. Customers will see their water budget for the current billing period as well as an estimated water budget for the next three months. To get your estimated budget, click here and look for our new online water budget estimator.

What are water budgets based on?
The total water budget is based on indoor and outdoor water budgets. All single family residential customers will begin with an indoor water budget to accommodate 3 people per household, based on Census data. All customers will have an outdoor water budget set according to their property's estimated irrigated area, based on County parcel data (lot size) and GIS information (house footprint, garage/carport area, and driveway space). The maximum default irrigated area will be set at 6,000 square feet.

What if I need more water than my budget gives me?
Customers may apply for a variance to their water budget to adjust the number of people in a household, irrigated area, or for a special circumstance such as a home daycare facility. Variance forms will be available to download in February 2009.

What if I think I'm going to go over my budget?
Customers may take advantage of a variety of programs and rebates such as a home water audit or rebates for indoor and outdoor water-efficient devices (when available).

Why do I have to pay a higher rate for my outdoor water use?
Indoor water is essential for public health and safety. The vast majority of outdoor watering is not. Therefore, the cost of providing outdoor water is proportional to the need. However, in a tiered rate system, the averaged cost of indoor and outdoor water is usually less expensive than in a non-tiered system.

How much water is in a billing unit?
One billing unit is 748 gallons of water.