Still Have Questions?
Rates for commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential customers, as well as information on how rates are set, can be found in the Rates section.
Contact your local Cal Water Customer Center for more information. You can find the phone number in the Your District section.
Conservation Rate FAQs
Why did Cal Water implement increasing block rates?
The California Public Utilities Commission supports increasing block rates because they provide an incentive for customers to conserve water. They do not change the overall amount collected by Cal Water, but high-water-using customers will pay more, and low-water-using customers will pay less.
What's happening with flat-rate customers?
Flat-rate customers will be charged conservation rates when their meters are installed as required by section 527 of the water code.
That depends on your water usage. The residential customer who uses the system-wide average will see very little difference on the bill; it may be slightly lower in the winter and slightly higher in the summer. You will see a bigger difference if your water usage is above average.
How were the tiers established?
The tiers are based upon the average residential customer's annual water usage in your rate area or city.
Why were rate increases made effective at the same time?
The CPUC has a set schedule for issuing rate decisions. Unfortunately, several districts' rate increase decisions were received at the same time. However, the conservation rates are NOT a rate increase.
Why aren't non-residential customers getting tiered rates?
Businesses are more likely to be different from one another and they do not have a clear pattern of use from season to season. The Commission has adopted non-residential rates that push more of the cost of water to the quantity rates, so these businesses may see a bigger incentive to conserve. Non-residential use varies greatly depending on the size and type of business. The rates that have been approved for non-residential users will not unduly penalize large users while still providing an incentive to conserve.
How was the system-wide average determined?
It was taken from the recorded water usage figures from 2005.
I have a big family and many pets; why aren't the rates based upon the number in each household?
Cal Water does not maintain information on individual customer demographics.
I live on a large lot; why aren't the rates determined by lot size?
Unfortunately, if you have a larger lot than others in your community, your water demands may be higher than average. Cal Water has programs and information available to allow you to use outdoor water more efficiently.
How can I appeal this decision?
If you have any questions about Cal Water's rate structure, as always, you may contact the CPUC.
They are charged non-residential rates unless they are individually metered. If you live in an apartment, condominium, or mobile home with a sub-metering system, you may pay residential rates; please check with your landlord, homeowners association, or property manager.
How will conservation tiered rates effect LIRA customers?
The discount will be based on service charge; however, the amount may increase or decrease.
Beginning in October, 2006, a bill insert was included in your bill proposing the new tiered rates. We notified you in a Stress Less mailing in May, inserts in June and numerous newspaper articles. However, you may still take advantage of Cal Water's available conservation programs and incentives (see the conservation section for details).
Where can I get conservation materials or help in conserving water?
You can visit the conservation section of this website to find information about available rebates and other water-saving programs. You can also visit your local Customer Center.
What can I do to reduce my water bill?
- Install low-water using showerheads, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. Cal Water provides free low-flow showerheads and other water-saving devices and offers rebates on certain low-water-using appliances.
- Be smart about your outdoor water use. Adjust your sprinkler heads to avoid watering sidewalks and patios, and water before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation. Use mulch to help trees and shrubs save water. Choose native plants whenever possible. Most residential water usage occurs outside, so if you reduce the duration of your irrigation by just two minutes per area, you will save water and money.
- Form wise water-use habits by turning off the water while you brush your teeth, shortening your showers by two minutes, and running only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.