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Answers to Customers’ Meter-Related Questions
About Your Metered Rates
Why are water meters required?
- It’s a federal mandate. San Juan Water District was required to transition all customers from a flat rate to a metered rate in 2005 in order to comply with the Central Valley Project (CVP) Improvement Act passed in 1992. The act requires water providers who receive CVP water, in our case the water from Folsom Lake, to meter and apply metered rates to all service connections.
- While water meters are new to some areas of the Sacramento region, they are commonly used by water providers in other regions throughout the state and country.
- Water meters enable us to have access to water usage data that will help us detect leaks and understand characteristics such as seasonal water use which helps us better manage our water system.
Did rates increase as a result of metering?
- No, the base rates the district charges for water did not increase when metered rates took effect, however, some individual water bills may be higher now that the bills are based on consumption. The majority of customer bills are slightly lower or the same with a metered rate as compared to a flat rate.
- San Juan Water District is a non-profit community services district. We did not implement metered rates to increase our profits or charge our customers more for their water service.
- With metered rates, all customers pay a base rate to cover the cost of providing water. In addition to the base rate, customers are billed for consumption based on the amount of water actually used.
Do metered rates lead to an increase in revenue for the district?
- No. Studies conducted by the district show that approximately 70 percent of our customers actually pay less on a metered rate than they paid on a flat rate, so there was no increase in revenue for the district when metered rates took effect. The rates are set to ensure the district receives the money it needs to cover its expenses. As a non-profit community services district, San Juan Water District can only charge customers for the cost of providing service.
How does the metered rate structure work?
- Our current metered rate structure was developed based on recommendations made by a Customer Rate Resource Committee (CRRC). The CRRC represented a wide range of customers – flat rate and metered rate customers, residential and commercial, and owners of both small and large parcels. In 2000, the committee volunteered to work with the district to provide valuable input about our five-year financial plan and water rate study.
- Per the recommendations of the committee, the board of directors adopted a fixed base charge portion of the metered water rate which covers the costs of providing service such as meter reading, district administration and maintenance. As a non-profit public agency, the district cannot charge its customers more than the cost of providing service. Our current fixed based charge of $0.82 per day remains constant and ensures adequate revenue to cover our fixed costs of providing service.
- The commodity portion (or tiered rates) of the metered water rate is allocated to each customer based on water use. Examples of commodity costs include water supply costs (such as treatment, conservation and some operational costs). For more information about our rate structure, or for answers to other billing-related questions, visit customer service.
Are there special metered rates available for large parcels?
- Yes, depending on the water supply. When providing recommendations about the financial plan and water rate study, the CRRC expressed concern that metered rates would make it difficult for owners of large parcels to continue to enjoy landscapes, pastures and gardens.
- To address this concern, the tiered rate structure was developed so that during “normal” years when there is adequate water supply, the highest consumption tier is actually billed at a lower rate than the second tier (see our rate chart for more information). During drought years, however, the third tier can be increased to further encourage water conservation.
Why aren’t there special agricultural metered rates?
- The district does not receive reduced water rates for agricultural water from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Are customers still billed an irrigation (or extra footage) charge with metered rates?
- No. The current irrigation or extra footage charge was eliminated. Under a metered rate structure, you pay for the water you use. A metered bill includes only a base charge for the cost of providing service and a tiered rate for consumption.
How much will it cost to fill a swimming pool under a metered rate?
- An average swimming pool holds 20,000 gallons of water. At the standardized residential rate of $0.47 per unit (one unit is equal to 748 gallons), it would cost about $12.60 to fill the pool. However, with proper maintenance, you should only need to refill your swimming pool once a year at most. By using a pool cover to prevent evaporation, regularly checking for and fixing any leaks, manually cleaning your filter, and implementing other water saving tips, you can reduce the amount of water you’ll need to add to your pool throughout the summer months. For more tips on the best ways to save water with a swimming pool, visit www.h2ouse.org.
What if I’m concerned about significantly higher water bills in the summer?
- The district has implemented a bill averaging option so customers can avoid surprises by paying the same amount each billing period. This is especially helpful during summer months, when water use is at its peak. The payments are determined based on water use during the previous twelve months. If you use more or less water than in the previous year, there may be an account balance or credit. These will be settled every twelve months.
About Reducing Water Use and Your Water Bill
If I believe my metered bill is high, how can I cut back my water use?
- San Juan Water District has a number of free programs and services designed to help customers save water, which will in turn save you money on a metered rate.
- Landscape irrigation review: Our irrigation expert will visit your home to explore ways you can save water now. Services include soil analysis, irrigation system troubleshooting and a custom watering schedule. Appointments take one to two hours and are available any weekday and some Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (916) 791-2663 to schedule.
- Water-saving freebies: Receive low-flow shower heads, toilet tummies and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators free of charge.
- Water meter reading 101: We will show you how to read your water meter and use it to track water use and detect leaks.
- Rebates: The district offers various rebates to help customers who purchase water-saving devices. More information and applications for these programs are available online.
- Leak detection: SJWD staff will visit your home to investigate possible water leaks.
- For more information about these programs and services, call (916) 791-2663.
About Your Water Meter
 Can I read my own meter?
- Yes. Here’s how to calculate your water use by reading your meter:
- Your usage is the difference between the current meter reading and the prior meter reading.
- Water meters are read from left to right in units of 100 cubic feet.
- Read only the four numbers on the far-left side of your meter. These represent whole units. One unit represents 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.
- The number of units shows you how much water you’ve used. For example, if the left four digits of your meter read 0090 and the prior meter read was 0080, this means you have used 10 units or 7,480 gallons of water.
- If you need additional assistance with reading your meter, we offer a free meter reading consultation at your home. Call us at (916) 791-2663 to schedule an appointment.
How do I know if I have a leak on my property?
- Reading your meter is a simple way to detect leaks on your property. First, turn off all faucets, spigots and other water-using devices, both inside and outside your home. If the triangular shaped leak detector on your meter is still turning, you may have a leak. If you need assistance locating the leak, please call (916) 791-2663.
How do I know if my meter reads accurately?
- Water meters, just like gas and electric meters, have been around for many years. The meters used by the district are of the highest quality and meet or exceed the standards set by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). All meters in our service area are being replaced with newer, more effective models within the next three years.
- Each individual meter is factory tested for accuracy and is guaranteed to meet the AWWA standards for accuracy for 15 years. If you have questions about the accuracy of your meter, we have the ability to test it. Simply give us a call at (916) 791-0115.
Why have I seen district staff replacing my meter?
- The district replaces older and all malfunctioning meters as needed with Automatic Meter Reads (AMRs), which can be read by the touch of a wand.
- The new models enable the district to read meters more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing costs.
- Each meter replacement takes approximately one hour. While we make every effort to avoid disturbing customer property, we sometimes need to dig or clear overgrowth to install the new meters. However, we try to leave the area looking as close as possible to the way we found it. If you have any questions, please ask us!
I had a leak in my service line or at my meter box. Does the district offer any assistance in these cases?
- We would be happy to look into these problems for you. Depending on one of the following factors, a credit or adjustment to your water bill may be warranted:
- comparison of water consumption during the meter read period when the leak occurred with the same period during the prior year
- comparison of water consumption during the meter read period when the leak occurred with the most recent meter read period (depending on weather conditions)
- comparison of the current twelve month’s consumption with the previous twelve month’s consumption
- Depending on whether you had a meter box leak or a service line leak, the district may do one of two things. If we find that you had a significant meter box leak, your metered bill may be adjusted accordingly. If you had a service line leak, the district offers a one-time consumption credit for major leaks, breaks or unexplained usage. In either case, the amount of the credits are determined based on the factors listed above.
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