RCA received an answer from CalAm to an inquiry regarding the water meters currently being installed. Terry Dugan wrote an article for the February 2010 newsletter based on their response. The full article is posted here because of its ongoing interest.
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Several people have asked questions about the coming installation of water meters in the Rosemont area. The information below is directly from CalAm, and should answer most people's questions.
The Meter Retrofit Program begins in a given area with the installation of meters at each premise until a full route is completed. Once this route is completed, the billing conversion begins the following year. It does not begin at the time the meter is actually installed. Once the billing conversion begins, you will be given a grace period of two billing cycles before being converted to metered billing. During this time, you will continue to be billed the flat-rate and also receive a "comparison" statement, showing what your bill would be if based on actual water consumption. This process is in accordance with the California Public Utilities Commission.
It is difficult to predict how much your bill will be. For low water users, there should be a reduction in the bi-monthly amount they pay for service. For normal water users, there may be little or no change. For high water users or those who have large landscape areas, or leaks in toilets, plumbing or faucets, water bills will increase.
California American Water is giving customers as much advance notice as possible in order to help them adjust their water-use habits, fix leaks, and install water-saving devices such as low-flow shower heads, hose nozzles, toilets and washing machines. The company offers rebates for high-efficiency toilets and washing machines and Home water use surveys. For more information visit our website www.californiaamwater.com or call the conservation hotline (916) 568-4201. Free home and commercial water audits are available to customers to help them identify water-saving opportunities. Participants additionally receive a free water efficiency pack with water-saving shower heads, faucet aerators, and garden spray nozzles. For more information visit our website www.californiaamwater.com or call the conservation hotline (916) 568-4201.
California American Water will be doing the work. The customers will not need to do anything. We will not be moving our mains. We will attempt to place the meters in an area that is accessible to us. The longest you should be without water during the installation is 15 minutes. If there is any damage done to your property, we will take the necessary steps to repair.
Should you have any other questions or concerns, please contact CalAm by phone at 1-800-794-7350.
