Q.: I always have a high SSC.  What can I do to reduce this charge?

A.: You can lower your SSCs by conserving water during the winter rainy period.  This period usually extends from October through April.  Since a customer's SSC is determined by their winter water use (WWU), their winter water consumption reflects as nearly as possible their indoor water uses that are tributary to the sewer.  Customers should also install water-conserving devices such as ultra-low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads.
For commercial customers: Install water-conserving devices and equipment.  The WWU does not apply because your SSC is simply the water use for the period times 90% times $3.27.  Example: A typical customer’s bill with 100 hcf read on the water meter would show 90 hcf (100 x 0.90) times $3.27 per hcf for a total SSC of $294.30.  See section E below.  For billing purposes, commercial also refers to governmental, industrial and multiple dwellings.

Q.: My water system sprang a leak during my winter low period.  Can I get my WWU corrected so that I don't have to pay SSCs for the leaked water throughout the year?

A.: Yes.  We need a basis for estimating the volume of the leaked water.  Our normal procedure is to perform a water balance analysis based upon the specifics of your case.  Please keep the repair receipts and submit a copy with the request for adjustment.
For commercial customers: The WWU basis does not apply for your case but a water balance analysis will be performed to see if you qualify for an adjustment.  Retain receipts also.

Q.: I had some visitors staying with me temporarily during my winter low period.  Can I get my WWU corrected so that I don't have to pay the additional SSC all year?

A.: No.  There is no provision for a reduction because over a period of years, the inequities will tend to cancel out. Some years you may have visitors during periods outside your winter low period (summer vacation, for example) and you will not be charged increased SSCs for their additional sewage.
For commercial customers: Your bill is generally based on 90% of the water volume because the WWU does not apply but other adjustments may still be available.

Q.: Can I get an adjustment under the WWU procedure based on my need to irrigate a large landscaped area? (Example: I had a permanent adjustment to the lower rate "D" under the old SSC system because of my large landscaped area.)

A.: Generally, no.  The WWU method eliminates the need for the complex system of adjustments that previously existed.  You can obtain an adjustment if you have a large proportion of your lot devoted to specific "water-needy" plantings on a list that we will supply.  The list does not include grasses, dichondra, and fruit trees.
For commercial customers: Not applicable.  See item below.

Q.: What is the most accurate way to be billed especially if I have a large landscaped area or other extensive exterior water usage.

A.: If you find it impossible to reduce your irrigation during the winter rainy season, consider installing a private water sub-meter to measure your irrigation water.  This device allows you to determine exactly how much water is for domestic use and what volume of water is not.  The amount of water not going into the sewer will not be billed for SSC for that billing period.  Call for more information.
For commercial customers: The same answer is applicable but call for more information on qualifications for adjustments.

1. Q.: My property was completely vacant throughout a certain billing period (other than the low winter period).  Can I get an SSC reduction for this period?

A.: Yes.  The SSC for the period will be reduced to 15% of the amount billed.  Your written request for adjustment must be submitted within one year.  We will need to examine your water and electricity usage to verify the vacancy.
For commercial customers: The same answer is applicable.

2. Q.:My property has been partially vacant during much of the year (other than the low winter billing period).  For example, my kids were away at school.  Can I get an SSC reduction for these periods?

A.: There is no provision for a reduction in SSC in such cases.  It would be extremely difficult for the City to keep track of how many people are occupying each property at a given time.  Further, inequities will tend to cancel out over a period of years.  For example, in some years you may have guests living with you during the summer vacation period who were not there during your low winter use period.  Consider installing a private water sub-meter.  See section E above.
For commercial customers: Your bill is generally based on 90% of the water volume because the WWU does not apply but other adjustments may still be available.

3. Q.:My apartment building has a unit vacant during the current billing period.  Can I get my SSC reduced?

A.: No.  There is no provision for a reduction unless the entire building is vacant for at least one whole billing period.  The reason for this is that, over a period of years, the inequities will tend to cancel out. In some years, a vacancy may occur during the winter low period that we use to determine how much of your metered water goes to the sewer.  If the unit is later rented, you would receive a benefit which would tend to offset your loss during the current period.
For commercial customers: See answer for previous question.

Q.: I replaced my lawn during my WWU period and needed a large volume of water to establish the new lawn.  Can I get my WWU reduced so that I don't have to pay for this additional volume?

A.: Yes.  We must estimate how much of the water you used was for interior uses and how much was for exterior uses.  We consider several criteria including, but not limited to, the number of people in the residence, previous water uses during similar time periods (if information is available), and size of landscaped area, to help us estimate the portion of delivered water used solely for establishing your new lawn.
For commercial customers: A water balance analysis will need to be performed after you submit a written request to our office.  See page 6.

Q.: I filled my swimming pool during my winter low period.  Can I get my WWU corrected so that I don't have to pay for this all year?

A.: Yes.  We will need the dimensions of your pool to calculate the volume of water required to fill it.  Please submit a copy of the repair receipt(s) along with your written request for adjustment.
For commercial customers: Generally, no.  The water removed from the pool must be discharged to the sewer so treatment costs will still apply.  Call for more information.

Q.: I have paid to rearrange my plumbing so that the City can charge my SSC based on the reading of my sub-meter.  What effect will the WWU procedure have on me?

A.: The WWU procedure will not affect you.  Your SSC will be based upon your private water sub-meter readings. 
For commercial customers: The same answer applies.

Q.: I have greenhouse plants that require watering during my low winter period.  Can I get my WWU reduced so that I don't have to pay for this additional volume?

A.: Yes.  We will need to estimate the water used in the greenhouse.  Our usual procedure is to ask you to keep a record of the periods during which you water your plantings over a week and to measure the volume applied per period. 
For commercial customers: The same answer applies for this situation and nurseries where there is some domestic use going to the sewer.