How Water Is Delivered To Your Home and Property • • • Page 5
• Where Can I Find My Water Equipment?
• Smart Meters Explained
• Your Water’s Journey to Your Home
Water Budgets and Tiered Rates
• Your Indoor Water Budget
• Your Outdoor Water Budget
Updating Your Household Information
• Update Your Household Headcount
• Update Your Irrigated Landscape Area
• Setting Your Rates
• Free Landscape Efficiency Surveys
The Value of Western Water
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ATTENTION RESIDENTS: YOUR ACTION MATTERS!
Make sure you contact us today to:
• Update the number of people living in your home.
• Update your irrigated landscape area.
This simple step guarantees an accurate water budget, which impacts your monthly bill. Your contribution is vital! Contact us at 951.571.7104 or email us at customerservice@wmwd.com.
Powered by Water . Driven by Service .
WATER
Whether you moved to our community from far away or just around the corner, we’re glad you’re here. Western Municipal Water District, better known as Western Water, is your water provider.
Western Water provides water, wastewater (sewer), and recycled water services to nearly 1 million people, both wholesale and retail customers, across 527 square miles in western Riverside County.
Our top priorities are providing you with reliable, high-quality water and an exceptional customer experience.
CONNECT WITH US
Customers are invited to visit Western Water’s administrative office at 14205 Meridian Parkway Riverside, CA 92518, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
951.571.7104
customerservice@wmwd.com WesternWaterCA.gov
WESTERN WATER’S PROMISE
WELCOME HOME
You likely have a new home and landscape with an unfamiliar irrigation system. Western Water is here to help you understand everything about your water, including our programs and services.
YOUR WATER PROVIDER
Western Water provides your water and, in some cases, your wastewater (sewer) services.
• Western Water directly serves residents and businesses in western Riverside County.
• Western Water is a special district formed in 1954. Local residents create and govern special districts to establish or enhance essential community services.
• Western Water is governed by a five-member board of elected directors and supported by a staff of more than 165 highly skilled water service professionals.
• We are dedicated to delivering quality water reliably, safely, and efficiently.
WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM
Moving to a new home is not always an easy or straightforward task. We can relate because neither is moving water.
Our region does not have many natural water sources. To reach your home, most of your water must make a long, expensive, and energy-intensive trip through hundreds of miles of aqueducts and pipelines from the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California.
Western Water actively invests in infrastructure and local partnerships to increase local water supplies and decrease our reliance on more costly imported water.
Western Water is focused on providing our customers with an exceptional experience by pairing the consistent delivery of safe, reliable drinking water with outstanding customer service. We work every day to ensure you receive the highest quality water.
Our customers are Western Water’s essential partners in securing long-term regional water reliability. We work with you to ensure you can access water when and where you need it. We also offer convenient programs to help you use water efficiently.
Learn more about the quality of your tap water at WesternWaterCA.gov/WaterQuality .
HOW WATER IS DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY
Some of the devices that keep water flowing efficiently to and through your home are maintained by Western Water. Some are maintained by you. Leaks or breaks in your devices could end up costing you a lot of money, so it is important to stay on top of your system. Here is a breakdown:
• The pipe from the water meter to your home
Water shut-off valve inside the meter box between the meter and your home
• Water pressure regulator
• Amount of water used inside and outside your home
• Leaks (faucets, sprinklers, toilets, etc.)
• All equipment and pipes used to get water to your water meter
Water pressure within Western Water’s main delivery pipeline
• The pipe from the water main to your water meter
• Water meter maintenance and readings
SMART METERS
Western Water uses smart meters. These innovative devices go beyond traditional meters to accurately monitor water usage in real-time and put you in control of your water bill. Embrace the smart meter tech—it’s your key to smart water use and savings!
Learn more at WesternWaterCA.gov/ SmartMeters
WHERE CAN I FIND MY WATER EQUIPMENT?
Scan the QR code below to learn where to find your water equipment, including:
• Water meter
• Shut-off valves (house and property)
• Water pressure regulator
Sidewalk
Roadway
YOUR WATER’S JOURNEY TO MURRIETA
Sewer Collection and Wastewater Treatment
SANTA ROSA REGIONAL RESOURCES AUTHORITY
RECYCLED WATER
Groundwater Recharge Basin
WATER BUDGETS AND TIERED RATES
Your total monthly water budget includes both your indoor and outdoor water budgets. The number of billing units in your total water budget varies monthly depending on the number of days within the billing cycle and local weather information. Therefore, you will receive a higher water budget during longer billing cycles and the warmer summer months.
YOUR INDOOR WATER BUDGET
The indoor water budget formula uses 55 gallons per person per day, a standard established by the State that is based on studies of efficient water use.
YOUR OUTDOOR WATER BUDGET
Your outdoor water budget is calculated using the following information:
• Daily weather data close to your home
• Irrigated landscape area in square feet A landscape factor that estimates the amount of water used by climate-resilient plants
For detailed water budget calculation information, visit WesternWaterCA.gov/WaterBudget
= = X X X X X X 748 748 .623 *A landscape factor that estimates the amount of water used by waterresilient plants. Customers requesting new water service from Western Water after January 1, 2012, receive a landscape factor of 0.7.
UPDATE YOUR HOUSEHOLD HEADCOUNT
The number of people regularly living in your home directly impacts your indoor water budget. Based on census data, Western Water uses a default number of three people per household for single-family homes and two people per household for condominiums and apartments.
If you need to update the number of people in your home, contact Western Water’s Customer Service team at 951.571.7104 or download a Water Budget Adjustment request form online at WesternWaterCA.gov/WaterBudget Submit your completed form via mail to Customer Service at 14205 Meridian Parkway, Riverside, CA 92518 or email to customerservice@wmwd.com .
UPDATE YOUR IRRIGATED LANDSCAPE AREA
Western Water encourages you to verify and confirm your irrigated landscape area when you move to a new home. If you are in a newly constructed home , your irrigated landscape area may be zero, so you will want to correct that immediately. Contact Western Water’s Customer Service team at 951.571.7104 or download a Water Budget Adjustment request form online at WesternWaterCA.gov/CustomerService . Submit your completed form via email to customerservice@wmwd.com .
SETTING YOUR RATES
Western Water is a not-for-profit government agency. We cannot charge you more than what is necessary to provide service, cover our operating costs, and plan for dependable services in the future. If a rate increase is needed, we will host community rate discussions. We encourage you to be part of that process. Western Water’s Cost of Service study can be found on our website at WesternWaterCA.gov/RateStudies
FREE LANDSCAPE EFFICIENCY SURVEYS
Western Water offers free landscape efficiency surveys to help you identify potential leaks and ways to reduce outdoor water use. Contact us at 951.571.7104 or WesternWaterCA.gov/SaveWater to schedule your survey.
THE VALUE OF
WESTERN WATER
Access to clean, safe water powers our health, economy, and way of life. Water covers about 71% of Earth’s surface, but safely sourcing, treating, and delivering that water to your tap requires extensive resources, expertise, and funding. Here’s how Western Water works to provide outstanding value to our customers every day.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
160+ highly skilled professionals deliver water and manage wastewater reliably, efficiently, and safely.
EFFICIENT WATER AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
Western Water provides the services our community needs to maintain access to clean, safe water. Water is free, but the collection, transport, and treatment of drinking water and wastewater is not.
INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Western Water consistently invests in partnerships and infrastructure to:
• Increase local water supplies.
• Decrease our reliance on more costly imported water.
EMPOWERING YOU TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER USE
Beyond delivering water, our dedication to essential services ensures uninterrupted water flow to your home and supports a thriving community. Every drop of water represents our commitment, dedication to high-quality service, and a promise of innovation for generations to come.
Learn more at WesternWaterCA.gov/SaveWater .
MAKING WATER A TOP PRIORITY
California’s ambitious goals for the economy, housing, and jobs all depend on high-quality, reliable water.
• Western Water wants to make water issues a top state and federal priority so our communities can thrive.
• We collaborate with partners at the state and local levels to ensure that investing in water is always on the agenda.
LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
Western Water and our partners actively develop innovative, sustainable treatment processes to provide clean, safe water at the lowest cost possible while protecting our environment.
PROVIDING VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
WESTERN WATER OFFERS A WIDE MENU OF HELPFUL RESOURCES AND REBATES FOR OUR CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING:
HELPING YOU DROUGHT-PROOF YOUR LANDSCAPE
We help our customers transform thirsty turf into beautiful, waterwise landscapes.
• Visit WesternWaterCA.gov/ LandscapeStyleGuide to find your perfect design.
• Don’t forget to adjust your irrigation system with the seasons and turn your irrigation off for up to two weeks after significant rainfall.
Free landscape efficiency surveys
Complimentary educational classes
Expert advice from our highly trained staff
Rebates for high-efficiency appliances, including toilets, clothes washers, weather-based irrigation controllers, and sprinkler nozzles. Go to WesternWaterCA.gov/Rebates to apply now.
Bill Date: Customer:
Billing Period: Email Address:
WESTERN WATER CUSTOMER
- 02/15/2024 CustomerService@wmwd.com
Important News For You...
Western Water, EPA, and other agencies across the nation are collaborating on UCMR5 to test for unregulated chemicals in our water. This helps EPA determine if they should be controlled for drinking water safety. We're committed to public health, regularly testing and sharing results. Our water meets rigorous standards. Visit WesternWaterCA.gov/UCMR5 for more info.
REVIEWING YOUR WATER BILL WILL HELP YOU MAKE INFORMED CHOICES ABOUT WATER USE
*YOUR BILL INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING CHARGES:
Total water charge
This is the total cost of the water used during the billing period. Your meter measures in hundred cubic feet (HCF), which is equal to 748 gallons or one billing unit (BU). This charge pays for the actual cost for Western Water to purchase water and/or pump and treat water from local wells. It also recovers a portion of the costs to operate and maintain the entire drinking water system. This charge is derived from four rate tiers, which impose higher rates as the level of water use becomes more inefficient and customers exceed their water budget, requiring Western Water to purchase water from farther away.
Sewer (wastewater) charge
If Western Water is your sewer (wastewater) service provider, this is the monthly charge for removing and treating wastewater (sewer) from your home. This rate will vary depending on your location within Western Water’s service area.
System charge
This charge supports a portion of Western Water’s fixed costs such as system maintenance, repair and replacement, water quality testing, environmental compliance, meters, and administrative costs. This charge is based on the size of the meter serving your property. The larger the meter, the greater the potential capacity demand on the system.
*Match the associated number next to the charge on page one.
Pumping charge (Power Zone 108 – Grizzly Ridge area only)
This charge supports the cost of energy needed to move water to Western Water’s storage reservoir that serves your area. Properties are grouped into “power zones.” Some power zones require more energy than others due to their location and elevation. To find your power zone, visit WesternWaterCA.gov/MyPowerZone
WESTERN WATER’S SERVICE AREA
WESTERN WATER RECOMMENDATIONS
BEFORE YOUR FIRST BILL
1. Fix any noticeable leaks.
2. Find your irrigation timer. Make sure it is not watering every day and that it is watering appropriately for each season. Learn more about seasonal watering at WesternWaterCA.gov/WaterSavings
3. Confirm that we have the correct information to determine your monthly water budget.
• Do we have the correct number of people living in your home?
• Do we have correct measurements for your irrigated landscape area?
4. Get to know your new landscape and get assistance measuring your irrigated landscape area by scheduling a free Landscape Efficiency Survey. Call us at 951.571.7104 or email savewater@wmwd.com .
AFTER YOUR FIRST BILL
1. Make any necessary adjustments to your irrigation system and watering schedule.
2. Check for indoor and outdoor leaks.
3. If you haven’t already, schedule a free Landscape Efficiency Survey.
4. Sign up for eBill and AutoPay to pay your bill online and set up automatic payments. Visit WesternWaterCA.gov/PayMyBill for instructions.
