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Authority in Water Conservation

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1. Under what authority can Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) impose drought penalties or fines?

Coachella Valley Water District has been ordered by the State of California (specifically by the Governor and the State Water Resource Control Board) to reduce overall water consumption by 36% compared to 2013. CVWD is authorized under the State Constitution and the State Water Code to adopt policies to ensure water is put to beneficial use to the fullest extent possible and to prevent water waste.

Under Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution:

…the general welfare requires that the water resources of the State be put to beneficial use to the fullest extent of which they are capable, and that the waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented.

California Water Code Section 31026 provides that:

A district (such as CVWD) shall have the power to restrict the use of district water during any emergency caused by drought, or other threatened or existing water shortage, and to prohibit the wastage of district water or the use of district water during such periods, for any purpose other than household uses or such other restricted uses as may be determined to be necessary by the district and may prohibit use of such water during such periods for specific uses which the district may from time to time find to be nonessential.

2. Was a public meeting held?

On May 12, 2015, the CVWD Board of Directors adopted Ordinance No. 1419, assessing penalties for customers who do not reduce consumption by 36% of their outdoor water budget. Prior to adopting this ordinance, our Board of Directors held 3 public meetings receiving dozens of public comments encouraging strong action to prevent water waste. In accordance with state law, the Notice of Public Meeting was published 10 days in advance of the meeting in the Desert Sun and the Imperial Valley Press. Following the adoption of the ordinance, it was published on May 15, 2015 in the Desert Sun and Imperial Valley Press. Drought Penalties took effect on July 1, 2015.

3. How were customers notified?

In addition to the public notices required under State Law, CVWD has used multiple media channels, including print, television and radio ads, to get the message out about drought penalties to our customers. Bill inserts were mailed to customers in June along with billing statements containing a message stating that drought penalties were coming July 1, 2015. A red message indicated what Drought Penalties would have been assessed in June had the penalties been in place. CVWD mailed every customer a brochure, mailed letters to various other customer classes, sent e-mails to customers, developed an envelope message, news releases, articles for HOAs, city and chamber newsletters, and attended public events.

4. Does the San Juan Capistrano court case make your tiered rates illegal?

The San Juan Capistrano opinion does not prohibit tiered rates. In fact, the opinion states "Neither the voters nor the Constitution say anything we can find that would prohibit tiered pricing." Our tiered rate structure was adopted based on the costs to provide service and is compliant with the State Constitution, state law, and applicable case law.

Water Code Sections 370-374 permits public entities to develop allocation-based conservation water pricing (i.e. tiered rates) to prevent water waste or unreasonable use of water. CVWD’s tiered pricing structure complies with these legal requirements.

5. My HOA and/or city prohibit me from allowing my lawn to brown or converting to desert landscaping. How can I be expected to conserve water?

Assembly Bill 2100 was signed into law in 2014 which amended the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, particularly California Civil Code Section 4735. The Davis-Stirling Act voids and makes unenforceable any HOA governing documents that prohibit the use of low water-using landscape. The bill prohibits a HOA from imposing a fine or penalty against a member for reducing or eliminating watering of landscaped area when the Governor has declared a state of emergency or a local government has declared a local emergency, due to drought.

Assembly Bill 1 was signed into law in 2015 which amended Government Code Section 8627.7. This act prohibits a county or city from imposing a fine against an individual for failure to water a lawn or for having a brown lawn when the Governor has issued a state of emergency due to drought.

The State Legislature has continued to adopt follow up legislation to further clarify the State’s authority and the rights of homeowners on these issues.

6. Why does the district not comply with the requirements that apply to public utilities under the public utilities code?

CVWD is not a public utility, municipally owned utility, nor a municipal corporation. As a result, CVWD is not subject to the Public Utilities Code. CVWD was formed under County Water District Law set forth in Water Code Section 30000 and the statutes that follow that section. A County Water District is not the arm of any county but rather, is an independent special district with the authority to provide water and wastewater service as a separate public agency. CVWD’s authority and obligations arise from the Water Code, the Government Code and related laws. However, the laws in the Public Utilities Code, which apply to investor-owned utilities like Edison or PG&E for example, do not apply to a County Water District operating under the Water Code. A special district ensures local control. The board of directors meets locally so the public can attend and provide input and voters choose their representatives on the board through public elections. As a result of this local control, qualified individuals can also run for a seat on the board of directors.

7. I am an apartment owner and have no control over consumption at my rental units. How can I be expected to comply with the drought ordinance?

Apartment owners are customers of CVWD and are responsible for complying with the restrictions on water use like any other customer, regardless of the consumption habits of that property owner's tenants or others living on that property. The statewide Drought Regulations imposed by the Governor and State Water Resources Control Board mandate water use restrictions on all customers of urban water suppliers, including customers of CVWD.

Apartment owners do have control to improve water conservation in their property. Installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures, fixing leaks in a timely manner, and reducing outdoor irrigation times are all steps that reduce water consumption.

8. Under what authority can the district require that service be provided on the account of the landlord?

As a County Water District formed and operating under the County Water District Law, CVWD is authorized to adopt policies relating to the provision of services and facilities for service and the regulation of those services and facilities. (Water Code Sections 31027, 31105). CVWD may exercise the powers granted under the County Water District Law and those powers necessarily implied there from. (Water Code Section 31000). In addition, CVWD has the power generally to perform all acts necessary to carry out fully the provisions of the County Water District Law. (Water Code Section 31001). Therefore, CVWD has the authority to adopt a policy that requires the landlord to be on the account with a tenant.

CVWD is not subject to any requirement in the Public Utilities Code which may prevent an agency from requiring landlords to be on accounts. CVWD is not subject to, and does not operate under, any such requirements in the Public Utilities Code. In fact, the legal requirements that do apply to CVWD specifically authorize CVWD to impose such requirements on landlords. Water Code Section 31007.5, which is part of the County Water District Law, provides as follows:

No district furnishing water for residential use to a tenant shall seek to recover any charges or penalties for the furnishing of water to or for the tenant's residential use from any subsequent tenant on account of nonpayment of charges by a previous tenant. The district may, however, require that service to subsequent tenants be furnished on the account of the landlord or property owner.

9. How do I request a hearing to appeal a water waste fine?

Fill out the Request for Hearing to Appeal Water Waste Citation form (printable version)

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Canal Water Service

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1. Why am I unable to order a 12-hour for today?

If you need to place a same day order there will be an extra charge involved (the order will be considered an “unscheduled on”) and we cannot guarantee a 12-hour order for that same day. We have delivery restraints due to lateral flow capabilities. If you are ordering water for the next day then you can place the order online. Orders for the next day should be placed by 11 a.m. the day prior so that we may accurately manage water needs for all users.

2. How many gallons of water are in an acre-foot?

There are 325,850 gallons in 1 acre-foot.

3. Are there conversion formulas to assist with CFS (cubic feet per second) water calculations?

One cubic-foot per second (or 7.48 gallons per second) is also equal to 448.8 gallons per minute, 1 CFS = miner's feet. Please see the table for additional conversions. Conversion Table

4. How do I read my meter?

There are different types of meters we use in our distribution system; however they all serve the same purpose. Some are digital and others are the more traditional clock-like meters. The function remains the same. The order is measured by the movement of water flowing through a boat-like propeller within the meter tube, and based on how rapidly it spins; it is how the volume of water flowing through the meter is determined. Questions regarding your particular meter can be addressed at your initial introductory meeting. For existing customers, please call our irrigation line at 760-398-2611 for assistance. Examples of Water Meters (JPG)

5. What types of services charges will I incur?

Please see our water rates page for detailed information. Water Rates

6. How do I know how much water to order if it’s my first time?

For the first order, we will assist you to effectively determine watering patterns for future orders. Once you apply and are approved for a canal water account we will send a representative out to meet with you at your meter. This process may take as long as 3 to 4 weeks to complete.

The process involves setting up your account, testing your meter and delivery valves to determine any further work that must be done on our part prior to delivering your first order. We will make sure that all valves and your meter are working properly. We will review specifics regarding how your meter measures water. We will go over what type of crop you will be watering and work with you to determine the most accurate amount of water necessary.

7. I was told that a zanjero will be coming out to my meter? What or who is a zanjero?

The definition varies depending on what source you use. A zanjero is an individual that manages the irrigation distribution system. Some of his tasks include turning valves, reading meters, and monitoring flows to insure delivery to the customer.

8. How long does it take to receive my water once the zanjero opens the meter?

There are 2 main factors that determine the answer. It depends on how many other users have ordered water for the same day, and the specific location on the delivery line that your meter occupies. It could take a matter of minutes or up to several hours. If you are a new user, this will be one of the topics we discuss with you when we meet with you at your meter as part of our introductory session.

9. I was told that my meter has been prorated for today’s order. What does that mean?

At certain times the amount of water ordered will exceed the capacity of the lateral (underground piping) serving your meter. When this happens the users with orders will each have their order cut back proportionately to evenly distribute the amount of water available to that specific lateral. The zanjero will then notify our Customer Service Representatives with the specific prorated amounts for each user.

10. How much water can I order if I use a pump?

Our system is gravity based. The use of a pump enhances this system. However, even with the use of a pump the amount of water ordered still will depend upon the lateral’s capacity. A normal meter capacity will be 150" (3 CFS). However our meters can vary, some have a capacity greater than or less than 150".

11. What is a meant by a short, long, and intermediate delivery?

When there is more than 1 user on a meter, each has a designated delivery point from which they irrigate. A short delivery is the closest acreage next to the meter. The district’s responsibility is 3 feet downstream of the short delivery valve. An intermediate delivery is located off of the long delivery and is used to irrigate the next acreage downstream of the meter. The district’s responsibility is also only 3 feet downstream of the intermediate valve. A long delivery is used to irrigate the furthest acreage to the south of the meter. The district’s responsibility is up to 1,300 feet from the long delivery valve. Any delivery lines or field valves past the points mentioned above will be the user’s responsibility.

12. What are the drawbacks of a 12-hour order vs. the benefits of 24-hour order?

A 12-hour order is basically an order that may be anywhere from 8-12 hours in length. The meter will get turned on between the hours of 6:30 and 11 a.m., and turned off toward the end of the day, between 5 and 9:30 p.m. A 12-hour run is problematic for the same reasons as an unscheduled order in that it will cause disruptions of service to the other users on the lateral. The most common issue that will take place is a surge in the line. A 24-hour order may be on anywhere from 22-24 hours in length. This type of order tends to provide a more consistent flow. The variance in the length of the order will depend upon how many meters are running on that particular day. Typically the laterals with 24-hour orders will have the least amount of delivery issues.

13. I was told there is a surge in the line, what does that mean?

A surge is caused by a change in the flow of water, pressure, air in the line, etc. the end result will be inconsistent deliveries to the meter. For example, in one instance you may receive 150" for a few seconds and then drop down to 50" as this surge moves back and forth through the lateral line. A surge will work its way out of the line over a period of hours however the adjustments to the lateral will cause the surge to continue for a longer period of time.

14. Will I be informed whenever the distribution system requires maintenance?

Yes, our website has a daily list of irrigation repairs that will be taking place. For planned repairs that involve an entire lateral a letter will be sent out to customers in advance. For repairs that involve only a few customers, phone calls will be made. If an emergency outage occurs and an immediate shut down is required, we will contact our Customer Service Representatives so that if you do call in to inquire about water outages they will be able to inform you of the disruption in service and any other pertinent information that might be available.

15. If my meter doesn’t register, do I still get charged for using water?

Yes, at times your meter register may become broken; when this occurs our zanjeros are able to determine the amount of flow by the number of valve turn openings they execute. All meters that have active orders are assessed every day to make sure that the delivery is constant. When a meter is found to be broken a work order is immediately executed and the meter is scheduled for repairs.

16. Can you give me a brief history of the canal distribution system and how it functions?

The Coachella Canal is a 123 mile (196 km) aqueduct that conveys Colorado River water for irrigation from the All-American Canal to the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, California. Construction of the Coachella Canal began in the 1930’s by Six Companies, Inc., but was interrupted by World War II. After the war, work was resumed on the canal. The canal was completed in 1949 and water deliveries began at that time. The canal is currently operated by the Coachella Valley Water District.

The canal distribution system was constructed and engineered to follow the natural slope of the land to allow the free flow of water in the direction of the force of gravity. Irrigation pumps are used to deliver water to elevated areas within the availability zones.

17. Why am I not allowed to “work” my own meter?

There are many factors to consider in this answer: District liabilities (legalities and safe practices), prevention of damages that can occur (both district and private), disruption of service to other customers, and protection of users from liabilities for mishandling district property.

18. What is a split order?

A split order occurs when 2 or more users have orders for the same time period, on the same meter. Water will then be divided between / amongst the users. If a problem arises with 1 of the users (either the amount of water they are receiving or the amount of water ordered exceeds the capacity of the meter), then the user who placed their order first gets priority for the duration of his or her order. All subsequent users will be turned off. If the users are able to work together and modify their original requests, the district will do its best to provide all users with water (by prorating all deliveries).

19. What is an emergency off?

An emergency off is when a user calls in and needs their water turned off immediately. Once the district is notified that an emergency off has been requested, a zanjero will promptly make his way to the meter and turn it off. The charge for this is $125.

20. Is there such thing as an "emergency on"?

Yes, but only when the "emergency on" is requested by the Fire Department to battle a fire in an area that is adjacent to one of our irrigation meters.

21. If I request a non-emergency off or an unscheduled on, how long do I have to wait for the task to be completed?

The time period will vary. The zanjero has to follow a specific route to fulfill his scheduled orders. If the zanjero has passed the specific meter, he must complete his route and then return to the meter that has requested the unscheduled "on or off."

22. How much water am I allowed to order?

A user can order up to the capacity of their delivery system or the capacity of the district’s lateral and meter. A customer may request to meet district personnel for testing to be performed to determine the maximum amount of water they can order. The amount delivered to a specific meter may vary day to day depending on the total number of orders on the line that serves that meter.

23. Do I get charged the same if my meter is on a pump line system?

No. For this type of delivery there is an additional $6 per acre-foot, pumping surcharge fee due to the electricity required to operate the pumps. This applies to any pump deliveries installed after January 1, 1989.

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Domestic Water Service

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1. How do I know my water meter is working correctly?

Each meter used by Coachella Valley Water District meets the high standards of the American Water Works Association and must be accurate within 1.5% in order to pass inspection. When meters do fail, usually due to excessive wear or corrosion, the result is water moves through the meter undetected, causing an inaccurately low reading. Faulty meters almost always measure less water, not more. See our brochure for additional information. Water Meter Brochure (PDF)

2. How is my water use determined?

Your water meter mechanically records water as it flows through the pipes. For most meters, an employee visually reads the meter each month and inputs the reading into a hand-held computer. If the reading is unusually high or low the computer will beep. Employees are then required to take another look and input it a 2nd time to ensure he or she is reading and inputting the number accurately.

3. What can cause an unusually high water bill?

There are a number of factors that could result in an unusually high water bill. The most common causes of high water bills are overwatering outdoor landscapes and undetected leaks. During the summer, refilling the pool or increasing your landscape watering time can cause a significant increase in water use. In cooler seasons, customers who forget to adjust their irrigation clocks will often find they have exceeded their water budget and have to pay a higher bill. Other reasons your bill may be unusually high are out-of-town guests who increased water usage through showers and laundry. See our brochure for more information. Water Meter Brochure (PDF)

4. How can I read my meter to determine if there is a leak?

It is easy to determine if you have a leak in your system. First, shut off all water-using fixtures and the irrigation system. Go look at your water meter (be careful of spiders or bees under the lid). If the dial is showing water use, despite everything being turned off, then there is a leak. Toilet leaks are very common. Irrigation system leaks can be the biggest offenders. Call a leak detection company if you are having trouble determining the source of your leak.

Visit our Publications page to find CVWD’s Water Wise at Home guide for tips on how to find a leak, and a video on how to read your water meter to detect if you have a leak. District Publications

5. I'm having difficulty paying my water bill online. Where can I get help?

If you need assistance, please call us at 760-391-9600 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email your question to us at CustomerService@cvwd.org.

6. What can I do if I believe my water usage billing is in error?

Call CVWD at 760-391-9600 so that we can review your bill with you.

7. How do I read my tax bill?

Here is an explanation of some common CVWD charges you may see on your tax bill. How to Read Your Tax Bill (PDF)

How to Read Your Tax Bill (PDF)

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Irrigation Restrictions

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1. When may I water?

You may water anytime except on Mondays or Thursdays through March 31. If you have a run time that goes late into the evening on Sunday or Wednesday, please be sure it is complete before midnight.

2. How many times per day am I allowed to water?

As of now, there are no restrictions on the number of times you are allowed to water per day.

3. How long can I run my sprinklers?

As of now, there are no restrictions on the length of time you may run your sprinklers, but we encourage you to use our Drought Watering Guide.

4. I have a drip system—am I exempt?

No.

5. I have a smart controller—am I exempt?

No.

6. Does this apply to all types of irrigation (hand watering, spray, bubble, drip and microbubbler/spray)?

Yes.

7. Does this apply to gray water?

No, gray water (for example, water collected in a container during a shower) is an exception to the outdoor irrigation rule because it is water that is saved that would otherwise be lost down a drain.

8. Do the restrictions also apply to new plantings?

Yes.

9. May I water plants in my house on Monday and Thursdays?

Yes you may. This restriction specifically prohibits outdoor irrigation.

10. Does this apply to recycled water users?

Recycled water users are exempt from this restriction, but encouraged to voluntarily comply.

11. Does this apply to private well pumpers?

No, private well pumpers are exempt from this restriction, but encouraged to voluntarily comply.

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Lawn Conversion

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1. How do I apply?

Visit www.cvwd.org/turf to apply online. Applications also can be picked up in person from the district or can be mailed or faxed to you.

2. Where am I in the approval process?

The application process takes 30-45 days and you will be notified by either a phone call or email. We process the applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. May I remove my turf now?

CVWD must review and approve your application before you can start your project. If you proceed prior to CVWD approval, you cannot be considered for the rebate program.

4. I turned off the water on my grass already and it has started to die. Can I still qualify for the program?

Because of the drought and the current water-use restrictions, we do not expect your grass to look lush and green. It is OK to let your lawn go golden while waiting for your project to be approved.

5. Does the removal of shrubs, trees, pools or other water users qualify?

This program is for turf removal only.

6. How many projects may I do?

Projects are limited to two per residence. They can be a front yard, back yard or side yard if it is the length of the property. Front yards that have turf on both sides of a driveway or walkway are all considered front yard. Commercial properties may apply for multiple projects. Each project requires a separate application.

7. What is needed in a sketch?

The sketch should show what the completed landscape will look like (i.e., turf to be replaced with decomposed granite and plants). No "before" photos are required because CVWD will map the property prior to approval.

8. What if I can’t e-mail my sketch or photo?

If you compress your file size to less than 5 megabytes, it will allow you to submit your application electronically online. Otherwise, you can print out your application, fill it out and either hand-deliver to our offices, fax it or mail it.

9. How much does a typical conversion cost?

Conversion costs vary depending on the design and other factors. Moderate estimates can range from $3- $6 per square foot of landscape.

10. What is required in the new landscape?

The finished landscape should include desert landscaping with four to five desert-friendly drought tolerant plants. Turf can be replaced with DG (decomposed granite), artificial turf, or rock. Turf cannot be replaced with all cement or jet black rock.

11. Can I just put down rock or pavers in place of the grass?

To qualify for a rebate, you must have artificial turf or a desert landscape scene with drought tolerant plants irrigated on a drip system. The goal is to help promote beautiful alternatives to turf grass.

12. Can I receive credit for replacing my lawn with artificial turf?

Artificial turf is acceptable but make sure that all work completed by or on behalf of the residential property owner, HOA, or commercial property owner conforms with all rules and regulations of all governing bodies and agencies having jurisdiction over the work, including but not limited to the HOA, city, county, and CVWD.

13. Can I install concrete patios, curbing, walkways, and driveways?

CVWD will not provide turf rebates for putting in a concrete patio, curbing, walkways or an extension to a driveway.

14. I don’t know anything about landscaping. Can someone from CVWD assist me?

At your request, CVWD will schedule a visit to offer assistance regarding landscaping options.

15. How can I find a good landscaper?

CVWD's website lists the names of landscapers who have completed CVWD water-use efficiency training. Other resources include personal referrals and the Internet.

16. Can I remove my turf and leave it dirt?

The final design cannot be only dirt and instead must include desert landscaping such as plants and rocks.

17. What plants can I use in my water-smart landscape?

A great resource for plant ideas is Lush & Efficient Landscape and Gardening in the Coachella Valley which is available on our website.

18. Why do I need a filter and pressure regulator?

A filter and pressure regulator is an inexpensive device that will prolong the life of your emitters or spray heads.

19. What is mulch and why do you require it?

Mulch is a material that is spread over the top of soil. Mulch will restrict the growth of grass and weeds if you choose this approach.

20. Do I need a weed barrier?

CVWD does not require a weed barrier.

21. Are there any additional requirements if I live in an HOA?

You must submit a written HOA approval of your design to CVWD with your application for it to be considered complete and approved.

22. Do I need a new irrigation controller?

CVWD requires a smart irrigation controller. CVWD will install one of these at no charge to you when we complete your final inspection.

23. What if my HOA requires me to keep grass in my yard?

HOAs are no longer allowed to require grass.

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New Payment Portal (Paymentus) FAQs

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1. I currently use Click2Gov to access my CVWD account information. How will I switch to Paymentus?

You will receive an e-mail from Paymentus Corporation, the new vendor for online payment services.  The e-mail will come from billNotif@paymentus.com and will contain the following information you need:

1. The link to the new customer payment portal;
2. Your user name (which will be the e-mail address you use to log in to Click2Gov or your e-bill notification e-mail address ); and
3. A temporary, one-time use password.

Once logged in with the temporary password, you will need to update your password. The CVWD account(s) currently associated with your Click2Gov profile will be in your Paymentus profile, along with AutoPay information, and paperless billing options.  For security purposes, customers will be required to enter any payment methods stored in the wallet feature.

2. When will this change take place?

CVWD plans to switch to Paymentus on July 25, 2017.

3. What services will be provided by CVWD’s new online payment service?

CVWD’s new service is an all-in-one, user-friendly system providing a number of convenient services. CVWD will offer secured payments through the Paymentus payment portal using: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and eCheck as well as the following services:

1. AutoPay
2. Pay by text
3. Pay by phone
4. Stored Payments methods
5. Paperless billing via email and text
6. Copies of bills and payment history
7. One time payments without logging in

4. I am currently on e-billing. Will I continue to receive e-bills?

Yes.  The main e-mail address on each account receiving e-bills currently will continue to receive e-bills. During the transition period, you will receive e-bills from the new service (Paymentus) and the outgoing service (Click2Gov) to ensure you are receiving their bills from the new system.

5. What are the charges to use this service?

Customers do not pay a fee to use this service. The system is free. While many utilities have contracts that permit the credit card processor to charge up to $3.95 per credit card transaction, CVWD will absorb the cost and has negotiated a far lower rate that will save our customers over $300,000 annually in credit card transaction fees.

6. Will I still get the information that used to come with my paper bill?

Yes. A duplicate of your bill in PDF format, including bill inserts, is available as part of your account profile.

7. Is my personal data secure?

Yes. Data and credit card information are secured with full Payment Card Industry (PCI) data security. Your credit card information is not stored by CVWD or accessible by our staff.

8. Why is CVWD making this change?

CVWD is pleased to offer our customers an easier way to pay bills and manage your account as part of our ongoing efforts to provide excellent customer service. Many customers have expressed a desire for a new payment portal that includes a more user friendly format, online copies of bills, cleaner e-bill messages, and improved e-billing options. This new service meets those needs.

9. How do I get additional information?

For additional information, or if you have any questions, please e-mail CustomerService@cvwd.org or call our Customer Service Department at (760) 391-9600 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Rate Changes

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1. Why is CVWD proposing to raise rates?

CVWD is proposing rate increases and changes to the rate structure that are fair, reflect the true cost of service and promote financial stability. This takes into consideration reduced revenue and increased costs, including the largest capital improvement project in District history.

2. Is CVWD planning to raise rates for the next five years?

CVWD is proposing five-year plan that includes rate increases and changes to the rate structure that are fair, reflect the true cost of service and promote financial stability. This takes into consideration projected cost increases over the next five years. The future proposed rates will need to be re-evaluated and approved each year by the Board of Directors, following additional public input, before going into effect.

3. How is my money spent?

CVWD is a government agency legally required to limit rates only to what is needed to provide water-related services. Domestic rates fund the operation and maintenance of the domestic water system, which includes pumping, testing, treating and delivering reliable, high quality drinking water. It also includes the operation and maintenance of nearly 100 wells and 2,000 miles of pipes, a robust conservation program and administrative costs.

4. When would the new rates go into effect?

If the Board of Directors approves the changes, the new rates and rate structure will go into effect July 1, 2016. The long-term plan outlines five years of increases to accommodate increased costs, but those proposed rates will need to be re-evaluated and approved each year by the Board of Directors following additional public input.

5. Didn’t CVWD just increase rates last year with the drought penalties

CVWD has not increased its domestic water rates since 2010. The drought penalties that went into effect in 2015 are a temporary tool to encourage additional conservation and help fund conservation programs. Only 25% of our customers pay a drought penalty, on average, and anyone can avoid them by reducing water use. CVWD’s Board has stated that drought penalties will go away when the state lifts the conservation mandates.

6. Why is CVWD proposing five years of rate increases?

CVWD is facing two major financial challenges right now. First, short-term mandatory conservation is resulting in reduced revenue and the long-term effect of the drought is likely to result in permanent conservation. This is great news from a water management perspective, but CVWD needs to find ways to meet the same level of service in providing high quality water with less revenue.

In addition, CVWD is facing an estimated $250 million in capital costs associated with the state’s new chromium-6 drinking water standard. CVWD is pursuing low-interest financing (State’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) to help keep costs and rates as low as possible. Successfully obtaining this type of financing requires a long-term revenue plan. Although the long-term plan outlines five years of increases, those proposed rates will need to be re-evaluated and approved each year by the Board of Directors following additional public input.

7. How will this impact my bill?

Residential customers, businesses and large irrigation customers will be impacted differently. A typical homeowner use uses 20 CCF of water and meet their water budget will see their monthly water bill increase by approximately $6, under the proposed changes.

8. How can I provide input?

CVWD welcomes participation and input throughout the process as the Board of Directors considers the proposed rate increases and changes to the rate structure. You are welcome to attend any public meeting of the Board of Directors or several public workshops to provide input.

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Replenishment Assessment Charge

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1. What is the purpose of the RAC?

The RAC covers an important portion of the costs of replenishing the aquifer, including the cost of importing water for that purpose. CVWD’s groundwater replenishment program is a key element of both the Coachella Valley Water Management Plan (PDF) and the Mission Creek Garnet Hill Water Management Plan developed to reduce the overdraft and provide a dependable long-term supply of high quality water for water users within the Coachella Valley.

2. Who pays the RAC?

RAC payers are those entities that use a well or multiple wells that collectively pump more than 25 acre-feet of water from the aquifer in any year. This is the equivalent of 8,146,275 gallons of water in any year.
Examples of RAC payers include public water system purveyors including the Coachella Valley Water District, and entities that own, lease or operate farms, nurseries, golf courses or large irrigated areas (about 5 acres) where their wells produce more than 25 acre-feet of groundwater in any year.

3. If I don’t use this amount of water, how does this apply to me?

If you don’t have a private well, or you pump 25-acre feet or less of water from the aquifer in a year, you don’t pay the RAC. You would be required to pay the RAC in the future if you begin to use a well or other facility to produce that much water.

4. Why is it important to replenish the aquifer?

For many years, the amount of water used from the aquifer has exceeded the natural replenishment of the aquifer. This imbalance caused an “overdraft” of the Coachella Valley groundwater basin. Overdrafting a groundwater basin causes water levels to drop and can have serious consequences, including increased pumping costs for all water users, land subsidence and water quality issues. The comprehensiveCoachella Valley Water Management Plan (PDF) developed in 2002 and updated in 2012, and the Mission Creek Garnet Hill Water Management Plan developed in 2013 guide CVWD in its efforts to eliminate overdraft. Replenishing the aquifer with imported water is one of the means for doing this.

5. What is the RAC?

East Whitewater River Subbasin The East Whitewater River Subbasin Area of Benefit RAC, effective July 1, 2016, is $66 for each acre-foot of water pumped in that subbasin by large water uses (those pumping more than 25-acre-feet of groundwater in any year). The RAC reflects an 11.9 percent increase from the RAC in the previous fiscal year. West Whitewater River Subbasin The West Whitewater River Subbasin Area of Benefit RAC, effective July 1, 2017, is $143.80 for each acre-foot of water pumped in that subbasin by large water uses (those pumping more than 25-acre-feet of groundwater in any year). The RAC reflects an 12 percent increase from the RAC in the previous fiscal year. Mission Creek Subbasin The Mission Creek Subbasin Area of Benefit RAC, effective July 1, 2017, is $135.52 for each acre-foot of water pumped in that subbasin by large water uses (those pumping more than 25-acre-feet of groundwater in any year). The RAC reflects an 10 percent increase from the RAC in the previous fiscal year.

6. What was the reason for the latest increase?

The cost to CVWD of replenishing the aquifer with supplemental water supplies has increased. In the East Whitewater River Subbasin Area of Benefit, the increase is largely attributable to operational and maintenance costs related to the Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility and to implementation of in-lieu groundwater replenishment programs. In the West Whitewater River Subbasin Area of Benefit and the Mission Creek Area of Benefit, the increase is due to increasing State Water Project Water and Supplemental water costs.