The CPUC supports increasing block rates, also called tiered or conservation 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.

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.

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.

The tiers are based upon the average residential customer’s annual water usage in your rate area or city.

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 … Read more

It was taken from the recorded water usage figures from 2005.

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.

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.

If you have any questions about Cal Water’s rate structure, as always, you may contact the CPUC.

Multi-residential (three or more units served by larger than 1″ meter) customers 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.