Description of Charges

System Charge

The Systems Charge recovers fixed costs, such as equipment repair, replacement, meter reading, account management, materials, supplies and operation expenses. These fixed costs do not increase or decrease based on the amount of water used. The fixed charge is on each bill and is based on meter size.

SDCWA Infrastructure Charge

This charge is a pass-through charge from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) to finance projected fixed annual costs, including the construction, operation and maintenance of aqueducts and the Emergency Storage Project. This fixed charge is billed on each active potable water account and is based on meter size.

Water at Each Tier

Water rates increase with each tier. There are three different tiers. Each tier is incrementally higher and based on a specific allotment.

Pumping / Energy Charges

These are energy charges for pumping water to properties located in elevated areas. Charges are based on water consumption.

Sewer Charges

The single-family residential sewer rate is based upon 60 days of the lowest daily water consumption documented during a full two-month back-to-back billing period in the previous calendar year, and will remain the same for the current year.

Past Due Bills

Bills become past due if not paid by the due date. A 10% late payment fee is added to a past due bill ($3 minimum, $1,000 maximum). Service will be discontinued after 76 days from the original mailing date. Notification ($25-$28 fee) will be given at least 48 hours prior to discontinuance. The discontinuance fee is $60.

Security Deposits

Security deposits are required for a number of reasons, such as: if service is discontinued due to non-payment, if multiple checks are returned from the bank, a customer has left an unpaid balance on a previous account or to establish credit worthiness. Deposits will credit back to your account after the account is in good standing for two consecutive years or once the account closes.

Rules and Regulations (PDF)