Water Meters - Frequently Asked Questions

How will water meters affect my water bill?

All customers will be charged for the amount of water that they use. If you use a low amount of water, your bill will less than those who use more water. The more water you use, the higher your bill will be. The City has a water conservation program that can help reduce your water use and consequently, lower your water bill.

Will the whole city switch to a metered water bill at the same time?

No. Those who have meters installed prior to January 1, 2009 will be switched to metered billing January 1, 2010. Those who have meters installed after January 1, 2009 will receive one calendar year of comparative billing before being switched to a metered rate.

What happens if the meter breaks? Am I responsible?

The City is responsible for the meter box and the main up to the point of service. Homeowners are responsible for the pipes from the point of service into the home.

Will landscaping be impacted by construction?

It is possible that landscaping will be affected during construction; however all landscaping will be returned to its original condition. City crews will photograph landscaping prior to beginning work to ensure a successful job.

What if I think the consumption recorded is inaccurate?

You may call the Department of Utilities at (916) 808-5371 to have a meter reader check your meter function.

I have a pool. Is there additional cost to me?

You will be billed for the amount of water that you use. With proper maintenance, you should not need to drain and refill your pool. Follow these tips to reduce the amount of water you’ll need to add to your pool: use a pool cover to prevent evaporation during hot summer months, check for and fix leaks, and manually clean pool filters.

If you have additional questions about metering or would like more information, please contact our customer service line at 808-5371.