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1. Why did I receive a Custom Water Report and what does it mean?

You have received a water report for your property as part of the City’s educational outreach efforts to encourage residents to conserve water. The reports provide the property’s 2013 water use, an estimated water target (32% of the property’s 2013 water use) and your 2015 water use. This information can be used to compare your current water use against Poway’s state mandated conservation target.

2. What does “Estimated 2015-16 Water Target” mean? If I go over this target, will I be charged? Will my water be shut off?

The “Estimated 2015-16 Water Target” is based on a 32% reduction from the water used at the property in 2013. The target can be compared to your 2015 and future water use to help with your conservation efforts.
Water targets are calculated by subtracting 32% from your 2013 water use, then dividing that amount by the number of days in the 2013 billing cycle. This daily average is then multiplied by 60 days to create the estimated water target. Actual targets will vary based on longer and shorter billing cycles.
There are no fines for exceeding water targets and your water will not be shut off.

3. Why is my conservation target the same amount as I used in 2013?

If your water target for 2015-16 is the same as the amount you used in 2013, then you are already doing a great job and using 22 units or less in a billing cycle. The American Water Works Association considers 22 units to be essential indoor/outdoor water use for an average single-family home. If you are below this level, we ask that you keep your water use at the same level as it was in 2013.

4. I moved here after 2013; what will my target be based on?

Your target is based on your property’s 2013 water consumption.

5. What if I have more/less people in my household since 2013? Will my estimated target be different?

These reports are informational only and don’t require adjustments. They are provided as a tool to help conserve water and do not have penalties associated with them.

6. If Poway is fined $10,000 a day for not conserving 32%, how much will I be charged?

State issued fines will be paid out of the City’s water fund (where water revenues are deposited and water expenses are paid). If current water rates don’t cover the cost of fines and operations, then higher rates may be needed.

7. Why is the City raising water and sewer rates even though residents are conserving?

Water and sewer rate increases were necessary to pay for regional water projects, the higher costs of buying water, and declining water sales.
• The San Diego County Water Authority, who we buy our water from, has invested heavily to increase the region’s water supply. These investments include raising the San Vicente Dam, building the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, and lining the All American and Coachella canals. While these efforts have greatly increased the region’s water supply, it has also increased the cost of water.
• In addition, the Water Authority’s rates include price increases from the Metropolitan Water District, where the Water Authority receives half of its water.
• Declining water sales caused by the drought no longer generate sufficient revenue to cover the costs of maintaining pipes and operating the treatment plant. In order to maintain safe and reliable water service, rates had to be increased to cover these costs.
• Several years ago the City lowered sewer rates and began using sewer reserve funds to cover sewer operating expenses. As planned, the City is incrementally increasing sewer rates to get back to full cost recovery.

8. Why aren’t higher water users charged more for water?

Revenues from water sales are used exclusively to pay for the costs of providing water and necessary system maintenance and improvement projects. The City sells water by the unit with a higher price per unit for water use above 200 units in a billing cycle.

In January the City began charging a $0.75 per unit Drought Recovery Surcharge. All water customers will see this surcharge on their bills.

9. Why should I be fined when I see the City watering all the time?

City parks serve an important role, especially during drought conditions when residents are asked to let their lawns go. Parks provide places to host parties and weddings, play sports, recreate and relax. Community events such as fundraising runs, concerts in the park, holiday celebrations and festivals are also held in parks.

While the City is committed to maintaining parks, we also have a commitment to reducing water consumption in our facilities. Since June 2015, the City has reduced water use at parks and facilities by 45% and in landscape maintenance districts by 67%.

10. My street’s average is really high; can you make my neighbors lower their usage? Why should I conserve when they’re not?

Every resident in Poway has a responsibility to conserve water during this historic drought. Although the City cannot force anyone to reduce their use, we are asking residents to report water waste by calling (858) 668-1215 or by email at customerservices@poway.org. If water waste is documented and it continues after a warning, the City will fine the customer.

11. What is the City’s plan if they continue to not meet the goal? Will there be further restrictions?

On September 15, 2015 the Poway City Council passed an ordinance which created the framework for implementing water allocations. If enacted, this would entail a mandatory conservation target, with associated fines for customers exceeding their target. The lowest target for allocations would be 22 units per billing cycle, as this is considered the amount necessary for basic indoor/outdoor water use for an average household. Allocations are not in place at this time and the City is relying on its residents to meet the goal without them.

12. Why is the lowest water target 22 units?

22 Units is considered the amount necessary for basic indoor/outdoor water use for an average household.

13. What if I have a pool/spa?

You are encouraged to purchase a cover for your pool and/or spa. Residents are also urged to only fill their pools to a level necessary for the filter to properly function.

14. Are there any rebates to help reduce my usage?

Yes, rebates are available for high-efficiency washing machines and toilets, rotary sprinkler heads, rain barrels and cisterns, weather-based irrigation controllers, and soil moisture sensors. For more information, visit the SoCal Water Smart website.

15. Will El Niño end the drought?

El Niños are difficult to predict, so no one knows for sure how much rain we will receive this winter. But, due to the past four years of drought, California has a severe rain deficit which one season of heavy rain is unlikely to fix. The higher temperatures El Niños typically bring could hamper the snowpack which we rely upon, and heavy rains mean large amounts of water will simply flow into the ocean. So even though we will likely see increased precipitation from December – March, it probably won’t end the drought.