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Your Cal Water services detail section is divided into three parts: 

Service charge: A fixed charge based on the size of your meter, which is the device that measures the amount of water that passes through pipes to your property. For most residential customers, a standard meter size is five-eighths of an inch (5/8”), but other customers, such as commercial businesses, may have larger meters.

The service charge helps cover part of the fixed costs of maintaining a safe, reliable water supply that is available 24/7. Some of these costs include wells, pipes, pumps, and water quality treatment.

Quantity charges: Charges based on how much water you use. Water usage is measured in units called Ccf, or 100 cubic feet increments or 748 gallons of water. The average four-person household requires about 6 Ccf per month to meet health and safety needs.

At Cal Water, we use a tiered system, each with its own increasing billing rate, to calculate your water use. These tiers and rates, designed to encourage water conservation, are set by the California Public Utilities Commission every three years so that rates reflect the true cost of providing safe, clean, reliable water. 

Other fees/credits: Charges for essential public programs, local municipal or city fees and taxes, and temporary surcharges and credits. Detailed descriptions for these line items can be found on page 2 of your bill.