Frequently Asked Questions

Bill's consists of two components, a Fixed Service Charge and a Usage Charge.

• Service Charge - This charge is for one month of water service based on your meter size and is billed monthly. This charge covers the projected fixed costs for the operations of the CWD. The service days for which you are billed the fixed service charge are displayed on your water bill under the billing period.
• Usage Charge - This charge is based on actual water use. It is measured in CCF (hundred cubic feet) that has passed through your water meter during the billing period and is billed monthly. You are charged for consumption on your water meter using the current read on the meter (just prior to billing) and subtracting the read on the meter from your previous billed meter read. This charge covers the projected variable operation costs in the water treatment process.

Example: 1-inch meter with 20 CCF water usage in one month (using 2021 rates)

Charges

• Service Charge for one month is $45.79
• Usage Charge for water used is $34.40
• Water Bill is $80.19

View the current water rate and the rate studies. 

All customers are billed on a monthly basis, which means you will receive your bill each month. Bills are typically processed on the first of the month. You can expect your electronic bill notification by the next day, and for paper bills around the 5th day of the month, depending on the mail service. For more detailed information about the billing schedule, or for specific details about your account, please contact Customer Service at 916-483-2452.

Bills are due and payable at the time of presentation and are delinquent if not paid by the due date printed on the bill (which is the last day of the month the bill is prepared).

No, under normal circumstances bills will be generated on the first of the month for the water used the previous month, and will be due the last day of that month.

The CWD ratepayers are charged for water based on the cost of providing service to our customers. Revenue from water rates covers the cost of operations, maintenance, infrastructure replacement, customer service, and other necessary programs. The money collected from rates is used to pay for expenses directly related to providing water to your home or business.

The current state law, as modified by Proposition 218, prohibits us from collecting from any customer more than the amount required to provide water service. By providing a reduced rate other ratepayers would subsidize the low "reduced rate" ratepayers. Those paying the subsidy would be paying in excess of the cost of service to their parcel, which is in violation of Prop. 218. This prevents CWD from offering a low-income rate program or a Customer Assistance Program (CAP).

CWD offers assistance to military families of service members who are called to active duty. Contact the office and ask about the Military Families Financial Relief Program.

Upon request, the District will consider an Alternative Payment Arrangement with a delinquent customer to avert discontinuation of residential service for nonpayment. We encourage our customers to call our office at (916) 483-2452 for more details about the Alternative Payment Arrangement.

I purchased or sold a home:

Water service will be transferred to the new property owner of record as of the close of the escrow date if the District has been provided proof of the sale. A final bill will be generated for water use and billed through the close of the escrow date or upon notification of the sale. Final bills will either be collected in escrow or billed directly to the seller. If a seller is renting back the property, any payment for water use will need to be negotiated between the seller and the new owner, as the District transitions ownership at the close of escrow. The District makes every attempt to work closely with respective title companies to ensure a seamless transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. However, if the District is notified after the close of escrow date that a property sold, a final meter reading will be taken at the time of notification and the final bill will be sent to the seller. If the bill remains unpaid, the final bill will be transferred to the buyer's account.

One of the following items is required for a transfer of service:

• Seller:
  • Customer Move-Out Form
  • Closing of Escrow Statement
  • Title Company Escrow Payment
• Buyer:
  • New Customer Account Application

State law (AB 2572) enacted in 2004 required all water suppliers to install water meters on all customer connections by January 1, 2025. All service connections within the District have meters installed.

Your water meter is read every month, typically within one week prior to the scheduled bill date.