All Frequently Asked Questions
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. All Cal Water customers must be converted to meters by 2025.
Will my bill go up when I get a meter?
That depends on your water usage. A 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 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 yet still provide 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 (or a small family with no pets); why aren’t the rates based upon the number in each household?
If you have have a big family and many pets (or a small family with no pets), you might wonder why rates are not based who is living in your household. This is because Cal Water does not maintain information on individual customer demographics.
I live on a large (or small) 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 industry-leading conservation programs and information available to allow you to use outdoor water more efficiently.
How can I voice concerns about the rate structure?
If you have any questions about Cal Water’s rate structure, as always, you may contact the CPUC.
