 State Law and the Water Meter Retrofit Plan
Since 1992 State law requires water meter installation as part of all new construction. State law (AB 2572) enacted in 2004 requires all water suppliers to install water meters on all customer connections by January 1, 2025. California law states that beginning in January 2010, all metered services must be billed at a metered rate, but does allows for a short adjustment period after the meter is installed.
The Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) Board of Directors adopted a District-wide Water Meter Retrofit Plan in February 2004. SSWD is retrofitting approximately 1,300 – 1,500 existing services annually. Generally meter retrofitting takes place on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.
Sacramento Area Water Forum Agreement
SSWD, along with other water districts, signed the Sacramento Area Water Forum Agreement. Signatories agreed to implement water conservation measures, including metering, to ensure sufficient water supplies and to protect environmental and recreation values of the lower American River.
While water metering is new to some areas of Sacramento, it is a common and long standing practice in almost every city and region of California. In some communities, meters have reduced the demand for water by as much as 20%. This delays the need for new water sources.
Future growth will continue to stretch the supply of safe and reliable water. Through the Water Forum Agreement, SSWD made a commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship of water resources.
Water Meter FAQs
1. Is everyone going to get a water meter?
Yes, every customer within the SSWD service area will have a water meter by 2025. In February 2004, the Board approved a Water Meter Retrofit Plan which outlines the criteria used to determine when an area within the District will receive water meters. State law mandates that all water services will be metered by 2025. Find our more about the Water Meter Retrofit Plan.
2. How long before I get a water meter?
The Water Meter Retrofit Plan uses specific criteria (e.g. age of pipe, size of parcel, backyard locations) to determine when an area will receive meters. Contact the Customer Service Department to learn when your area is tentatively scheduled for metering.
3. Do I have to pay for the meter and meter installation?
That cost of retrofitting meters is spread among all District customers. The full cost for the meter installation is not billed specifically to each customer. The line items on your bill entitled Meter/Flat Service Charge and Capital Facilities Charge covers the costs of all the District’s meters and meter installation.
4. If I have a meter, am I paying for other meters being put in areas currently not metered?
Retrofitting meters for residences and businesses is part of the capital improvement plan, which is the largest component of SSWD’s budget each year. The cost of retrofitting meters is spread among all District customers.
5. When will my bill be changed from a flat rate to a metered rate after my meter is installed?
Your flat rate billing will be changed to metered rate billing in November of the following calendar year your meter was installed (e.g. a meter installed in June 2009 converts to a metered rate in November 2010). Shortly after your meter is installed, your water bill will include: 1) a consumption graph showing how much water is used each month and 2) a message (located under the graph) noting what your metered bill would be based on that month’s consumption.
6. Why will my bill be changed to a metered rate before the entire District is retrofitted with meters?
Beginning on January 1, 2010, to remain in compliance with State law and the conservation element of the Water Forum Agreement, all metered customers will be billed based on the actual volume of water used. State law and SSWD’s Water Meter Retrofit Plan provides an adjustment period in metered billing after the meter is installed. Water bills during this time period will show monthly water usage and seasonal pattern. This information will provide the customer time to adjust their monthly usage to best optimize their water use.
7. Can I lower my water bill by having a meter?
Flat Rate Customers - You could see savings in your monthly water bill by changing to a metered billing rate if you are:
- A customer who irrigates only a small portion of a large lot.
- A customer with a small lot and minimal water use.
- A customer who owns a condominium and minimal water usage.
- A customer who is conscientious of water consumption and uses less water than the “average” customer. (Flat rates are based on “average” consumption.)
Additionally, there is no direct cost to you when you request to have a meter installed at your residential property.
Metered Rate Customers - The best way to lower your water bill is to reduce your water usage. The less you use, the less you pay. Also the District offers a Water-Wise House Call program, which is a personalized evaluation of your property to identify potential water savings indoors and outdoors, at no direct cost to you.
Figure 1 - Typical residential water meter installation (meter box lid open to show water meter) 8. Why would my residence have a water meter?
A residence could have a water meter (See Figure 1) for any one of the following reasons:
- Since 1992, State law requires a water meter as part of all new construction.
- A meter was requested by the property owner.
- The property owner requests a change in service size.
- A water meter was installed prior to February 2004, when the SSWD Meter Retrofit Plan was adopted (e.g. a meter was installed at a property during the same time as a service line repair to save labor costs).
- A water meter was installed per SSWD’s Water Meter Retrofit Plan. (See figure 1.)
- SSWD’s Water Main Replacement Plan (meters are installed at the same time the main is replaced to save labor costs).
- Repeated water waste violations.
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