All Frequently Asked Questions
Why does water need to be disinfected?
Disinfectants are required because they prevent the spread of germs that cause diseases. Years ago, before disinfectants were used for drinking water, diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery were common. Drinking water disinfection has vastly improved the quality and safety of drinking water.
Why is there dirt or sand in my water?
Dirt or sand can occur naturally in groundwater or as a result of a water line repair. We try to reduce the instances of dirt or sand in the water through regular flushing, which improves water quality by increasing the circulation of water in the pipes and removing most of the sediment from the water.
Why does Cal Water sometimes flush water from pipes?
At Cal Water, we conduct periodic flushing as part of our ongoing water quality and water system maintenance program. By opening certain fire hydrants under controlled conditions, we remove minerals and sediment that build up in water lines over time. This improves water quality and increases the amount of water that can flow through the water lines.
Although it may seem wasteful to the casual observer, flushing is actually an important and necessary water utility activity that is endorsed by the American Water Works Association and conducted in accordance with guidelines set by the California Division of Drinking Water.
You will continue to receive water while we are flushing, but the pressure might be lowered temporarily. If you notice any discoloration and/or sediment in your water after we have flushed, please allow water to run from your outside hose bib until it clears.
What are trihalomethanes?
Trihalomethanes (chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and chlorodibromomethane) are commonly found in drinking water that has been chlorinated or chloraminated. Trihalomethanes (THMs) form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. THMs are found mainly in water that originally came from surface sources, such as rivers and lakes. THM levels are typically low in groundwater (produced by wells). THMs have been associated with increased cancer risk, at least in animals, and the EPA has for many years regulated the amount of THMs allowable in drinking water.
Why is drinking water chlorinated/chloraminated?
Drinking water is often chlorinated or chloraminated to kill microorganisms that could cause serious illnesses. Overall, chlorination of drinking water has benefited public health enormously.
There are other methods of disinfecting public drinking water, but they are often more expensive, and the potential health effects of using these other methods are generally less well understood. Additionally, some alternative disinfectants do not remain effective as the water is transported from the source to the tap through the distribution system.
Is there a regulatory standard for chlorine or chloramine in water?
Drinking water utilities that use chlorination or chloramination are required by law to sample water throughout their distribution system, average the total THM measurements, and report the results to the Division of Drinking Water. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) permissible for total THMs in drinking water by California and federal law is currently an average of 80 parts per billion (ppb) over four consecutive quarters. In other words, a utility has not violated the standard unless the average system-wide level over the past year is more than 80 ppb. There are no standards currently for the individual trihalomethanes.
What are the California Division of Drinking Water and EPA doing to look at the issue of THMs in drinking water?
In 2006, the MCL for THMs and HAAs was revised to ensure that the MCL was met at every location, and not just in the system as a whole.
How are water rates set?
Cal Water’s rates are set by an independent third party, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC’s job is to protect customers and make sure that rates are fair and reasonable. Oversight by the CPUC ensures that necessary improvements are made to the water system, that the system is operated efficiently, and that the company only earns a modest return on the funds it invests in water system infrastructure. Rates are based upon “cost of service,” which means that the majority of every dollar a customer pays to Cal Water is dollar-for-dollar what we pay to operate the system.
Infrastructure Improvement Plan/General Rate Cases
All large water companies regulated by the CPUC are required to file an Infrastructure Improvement Plan, formally known as a General Rate Case, every three years so rates reflect the current cost of service. In the General Rate Case process, the CPUC sets rates to cover the costs of providing water and allow the utility to earn a reasonable return on its investment in the water system. Major costs to operate a water system include purchased electric power, purchased water, treatment costs, groundwater pumping fees, labor, and chemicals.
The six steps in the rate-case process are as follows:
- Cal Water reviews its historical costs, projected costs, and planned water system improvements and prepares a General Rate Case application for the consideration of the CPUC staff.
- The CPUC Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) analyzes Cal Water’s application and makes a recommendation. DRA usually recommends a smaller increase than that requested by the utility.
- The CPUC hosts public hearings to receive input from customers on the application. Customers may also write to the CPUC.
- The CPUC holds a formal hearing, presided over by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which is similar to a court proceeding.
- The ALJ issues a proposed decision.
- The CPUC Commissioners vote on the proposed decision. New rates typically become effective five days later. The entire process can take 18 months or more.
Balancing Accounts
The CPUC requires that water utilities track certain expenses in “balancing accounts.” Balancing account expenses include electricity rates, purchased water costs, and pump taxes.
Once per year, the CPUC and the water utility will review the balancing accounts to determine whether these costs were higher or lower than forecasted in the utility’s previous rate case filing. If the costs are higher, the CPUC authorizes a surcharge on customers’ bills; if the costs are lower, the CPUC authorizes a credit to customers’ bills.
The purpose of balancing accounts is to protect both utilities and customers from unforeseeable—and uncontrollable—changes in costs, and to ensure that rates accurately reflect the cost of providing water service.
