FAQ's

The Division now installs Sensus IPERL water meters that comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards C700.  The Division employs certified testers and a test bench, which is tested for accuracy by the Department of Weights and Measures.  If you believe your meter is not registering accurately, contact the office to schedule a calibration test.

At this time, the Division does not offer reduced rates or low income programs. We have, however, compiled a list of rent and utility assistance providers for customers that may be seeking help.

Please contact us to request utility service or complete the information on the new owner application, sign and mail to our office. If you are a new homeowner, we will also need proof of titled ownership.  If you are building a residence, see this page.

If a property is leased or rented to a tenant, the owner and the tenant are required to complete Owner/Tenant Agreements.  These forms must either be signed in the office or notarized.

Assessed parcels within 660 feet of a water main line were allowed to connect and have meters installed even though the main line was not in front of the property.  These parcels were required to provide a private water service line easement.  The easement gives the property owner access to maintain the water line to the house, across the neighboring property to where the meter is installed.

Contact our Development Services Unit at 760-955-9885.  The Division can provide you with information regarding our service area, fees, requirements and other pertinent information.

If a customer suspects a leak at their property, the Division recommends doing a “time test.”  In order to do this, locate the meter and write down all the numbers as they appear on the meter’s register. Do not use any water for 4-5 hours. At the end of this time, go back to the meter and see if the numbers have changed.  If so, there may be a leak at the property.  The customer may then want to contact a licensed plumber or a leak detection company.

The Division now installs Sensus IPERL water meters that comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards C700.  The Division employs certified testers and a test bench, which is tested for accuracy by the Department of Weights and Measures.  If you believe your meter is not registering accurately, contact the office to schedule a calibration test.

Assessed parcels within 660 feet of a water main line were allowed to connect and have meters installed even though the main line was not in front of the property.  These parcels were required to provide a private water service line easement.  The easement gives the property owner access to maintain the water line to the house, across the neighboring property to where the meter is installed.

Contact our Development Services Unit at 760-955-9885.  The Division can provide you with information regarding our service area, fees, requirements and other pertinent information.

Please remember that the Division bills bi-monthly (every two months).  In most cases, the current amount on the bill is for the previous two months of water and/or sewer charges.

Water is typically used in seasonal patterns, with summer having the highest consumption.  To determine whether or not you have an abnormal increase in water consumption, look at the current amount of water you used and compare it to the amount you used at the same time last year.  This information is found in the consumption information section of the bill.  If there is a significant increase over the last year’s consumption, examine your activities.  Did you have visitors, add new landscaping, fill a pool, or do anything else that could affect water usage?  If not, you may need to check your property, your toilets, and other fixtures for leaks.

A customer noticed a damp area in the dirt at the rear of their property.  Upon closer inspection, a broken water pipe was discovered.  Because the customer is responsible for all water that flows through the meter, this mishap could be costly if not found within a timely manner.  Customers should check for leaks periodically and learn how to turn the water off until the leak can be repaired.

At The House

Close the customer main line valve (clockwise) where the line enters the building.

At The Meter

Open the water meter box that is usually located near the curb or property line in front of the house.  Turn the customer courtesy valve clockwise to shut off the water.

If you do you have a customer shut-off valve, please contact us.

At The Sink Or Toilet

Turn off the valve (clockwise) located underneath the fixture.

The Division requires a final escrow closing date and one to two working days notice to schedule the closing of an account.  Once we receive notice, a closing read will be scheduled.  In order to close the account, the Division requires the first page of the final close of escrow papers showing a change in titled ownership of the property.

Tenants moving out of a property should provide several days advance notice and a forwarding address.

At this time, the Division does not offer reduced rates or low income programs. We have, however, compiled a list of rent and utility assistance providers for customers that may be seeking help.

Payment is due and payable when the bill is received.  If you are having difficulties paying the bill, please contact the office to see what arrangements are available.

To ensure that County Service Area (CSA) water systems meet the strict standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the State of California Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water, water samples are collected throughout the CSA water systems on a regularly scheduled basis.  These samples are then tested by an independent state-certified laboratory to verify that all standards are met.

The three most common reasons for bad tasting water are:

1. Chlorine that is added to the water that kills germs.
2. Naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide dissolved in groundwater.
3. Algae and fungi in surface water.

Very few of the contaminants that could affect your health can be tasted in your drinking water. You should report any sudden change in taste or smell in your drinking water.

Water is classified as hard when calcium and magnesium are present.  While hard water does not cause any harmful health effects in humans, it can create issues with plumbing fixtures.

A milky appearance is caused by air mixing into the water.  Water in our system is under pressure.  When you draw water from your faucet, the pressure releases dissolved oxygen into the air.