A.Water is used in seasonal patterns. In order to determine whether or not you have an abnormal increase in water consumption, look at the current amount of water you used and compare it to the amount you used at the same time last year. This information is displayed on your billing statement. If there is a significant increase over last year's consumption, examine your activities over the last few months. Did you have visitors, add a new lawn or landscaping, plant a garden, fill a pool or do anything else that could affect water usage? If so, this would explain the increase in consumption and corresponding dollar amount. If not, check your toilets and other fixtures for leaks. If you have had a leak, PWC can offer you a one-time discount on your water bill.

Next, if there has been no increase in your consumption and no leaks, let's talk about the water rate. Park Water Company rates and services are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). As a regulated utility, we may not change any rate or charge without CPUC authorization. The CPUC sets our rates by estimating our reasonable expenses and revenues, then adding a "fair and reasonable" return on our investment. Park Water Company's water rates reflect the true cost of producing, treating, and delivering tap water. The water rates are not subsidized by property taxes or other outside funds.

Q. What should I do if I can't pay my bill?

A. Payment is due and payable when you receive your bill. We allow every customer at least 19 days from the date the bill was mailed to pay the bill. If you are unable to pay your bill within 19 days after receiving it, please call our office and an extension of time may be granted to allow more time to pay.

Q. Can you tell me where I have a leak?

A. The customer bililng system flags high or unusual water bills. Customers are notified if they have a high bill consumption and are asked to check for leaks. Park Water Company personnel are not licensed plumbers, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the condition of your plumbing. However, it has been our experience that most often the culprit is a leaking toilet.

Q. Why is my neighbor's meter in my backyard?

A. When housing tracks were built in your neighborhood, the water piplines and meters were put in backyards because it was thought to be cost-effective. The meters were placed in the pipeline easement. Therefore, your neighbor's meter was installed next to your meter. Having the two meters together also make it easier to read the meters. As Park Water Company makes water system improvements, piplines are placed in roadways and meters are placed in front yards.

Q. How much water does it take to fill my pool?

A. Use the following formula to approximate the amount of water needed to fill a pool:

Length x Width x Depth x 7.48 = Number of gallons

The equation for a circular pool is:
3.14 x R2 x depth (in feet) x 7.48
R2 = ½ Diameter x ½ diameter

Q. How many gallons are in a cubic foot of water?

A. 7.48 gallons. 748 gallons = 100 cubic feet (1 CCF)