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On September 29, 2004 Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law Assembly Bill 2572 authored by then Assembly Member Christine Kehoe. This bill was chaptered on the same day and is currently Chapter 884 of the California Code. The District sought a legislative exemption from the law, but was unsuccessful. Whether you agree or disagree with water meters and water conservation, it is a reality in California. (AB 2572 text)
The law requires all metered services billed at a metered rate, so that water bills reflect water consumption. The South Tahoe Public Utility District currently charges residential customers a flat rate.
Q: Why is the State requiring that rates be based on consumption?
A: As you know, California has historically experienced significant periods of drought and, in particular, the past two years. These droughts have affected agricultural economies, among other negative effects statewide. The State of California has the legal authority to regulate water usage. The new State regulations are designed to allow consumers to monitor their own water use. This encourages people to conserve water while paying only for water actually used.
In addition to the legal mandate to install meters and conserve water, it is also a sound economic practice. California has the most stringent drinking water standards in the world. The District must pump all its source water from underground aquifers which is an expensive process. It makes little economic sense to use this expensive resource wastefully or inefficiently.
Q: Is this program intended to increase water rates?
A: NO. Water meter installation is NOT designed to increase your water rates; our program is designed to be “revenue-neutral.” It is illegal for a public agency to use profits from water to pay for any other services and we do not anticipate obtaining any additional revenue from this change. Many consumers will actually pay less than current flat water rates, while others who use water less carefully, could pay more.
Q: How will the District pay for the cost of this metering program?
A: The legislation authorizes a water purveyor to recover the cost of providing services related to the purchase, installation, and operation of a water meter from rates, fees, or charges. However, at this point, it is the District’s intent to seek federal and state funding to cover as much of the costs of meter installation as possible. In the event outside funding is not available, costs will be paid through the general rates, borrowing, or bond issuance.
Q: Has the District had any success in obtaining grant funding?
A: In 2009, the District has applied for and received a $4.387 million grant (no matching dollars) through the State Revolving Fund. These funds were provided via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Federal Stimulus). These funds will allow the installation of approximately 3,000 water meters on waterlines that have been replaced in recent years. Generally speaking, these projects are entirely within the City of South Lake Tahoe limits and in older neighborhoods (The Y, Gardner Mtn., Al Tahoe, and Stateline) as that is where the oldest and smallest lines are located. The District currently has a number of grant applications being considered for additional funding. The funding decisions are expected to be made by the State in May 2010.
Q: How will I know whether I need a meter?
A: Most homes will need to have a meter installed as, generally, only the homes built after 1992 currently have meters. Water meter installation will make the water billing system fair for all. Commercial water customers have been metered for many years.
Q: If I need one, how and when will my meter be installed?
A: We will be providing detailed information about the date and time of your installation as that time approaches. We are only in the initial stages of planning and are currently working on a long-term plan for the sequence of installation. However, all residents will be notified with ample opportunity to ask questions and get additional information.
Q: How does metered billing work?
A: Every consumer will pay a Meter Water Service Charge, much lower than our current flat rate, and then an additional charge for water consumption. Many consumers will see their bill decrease as you are only billed for what you actually use. Most importantly, this system allows all consumers to monitor their own water use and save/conserve water, which is an important thing to do, as water is an expensive and finite commodity in the Sierra.
Q: How do I calculate what my bill would be if actually billed by volume?
A: To calculate what your quarterly bill would be if based on consumption, multiply the consumption amount noted on your bill by $2.20 and add the quarterly Meter Water Service Charge of $62.04 (3/4” meter). For example, if your consumption is 29, your bill would be:
29 x $2.20 = $63.80 + $62.04 = $125.84/quarter (Metered Water Bill sample)
Consumption is measured in 100 cubic feet increments. 100 cu.ft. = 748 gallons
Q: Can I just refuse water meter installation?
A: Unfortunately, no. Since this is a legal State requirement, the District has no choice but to comply.
Q: Will some District Customers be billed on a metered rate while others continue paying a flat rate?
A: Yes, until the system is fully metered. State law requires all customers with meters pay a metered water rate by 2011. Because the entire District isn't expected to be completely metered until 2025, some customers will be on metered rates and others on the flat rate until then.
Q: Will I be notified before a meter is installed on my property?
A: There will be notifications before the installation of a meter on your property.
Q: Where will the meter be installed?
A: The meter will be installed where the existing water service valve is located on the property.
Q: Who will install the meter?
A: The District will have a contractor and our crews install the meters.
Q: Will the installation require my house to be out of water?
A: Yes, but only for a brief period of time. Each home will be shut off during installation. The shut-off will occur at the existing shut-off valve and it is anticipated that water will be off for less than two (2) hours. You will be notified well in advance.
Q: What is average household water usage?
A: An average California household uses between 163,000 to 326,000 gallons of water per year. That roughly equals 446 to 893 gallons per household per day. This equates to .59 to 1.2 HCF (hundred cubic feet) of water per day. Remember, 1 HCF = 748 gallons of water.
The average citizen uses around 150 gallons per day. This number varies widely. For example in the Bay Area the number is around 97 gallons per day while in Sacramento the per capita water consumption is 280 gallons per day. Generally speaking personal water use is highest in central valley cities, where a family may use as much as 300 gallons of water per person each day. Water use is as low as 50 gallons per person per day in some water-conscious coastal cities, such as M arin County or Monterey.
For demonstration purposes, let’s look at a household of four’s water consumption under that scenario:
- Average daily water consumption: 600 gallons of water
- Average monthly water consumption: 18,000 gallons of water
- How many HCF’s is this: 18,000 divided by 748 = 24
As the District gathers more data from the water meters that are already installed and being read during 2010, more Tahoe-specific data will be available and will be on this website.
Q: Since meters are mandated, is there a website I can visit to help me begin conservation now?
A: Visit www.saveourh2o.org for more information and water savings tips.
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