Water Rate Schedule
Effective March 1, 2020

In the fall of 2019, South Mesa Water Company concluded a six-month review of our rate structure. Starting January 1, 2020 and continuing annually until January 1, 2024, rates will be adjusted to ensure South Mesa Water Company remains financially stable heading into the future.

It is no secret California has gone through some worst droughts in history. We would like to say “thank you” to all our customers for doing their part in water conservation. In order to assure we have adequate water for the future we all need to continue to reduce our water consumption. South Mesa Water Company would like to remind our customers they can control how these new rates will affect their bill through conservation and reducing their non-essential water usage.

Stock Allowance

• 1 share of water stock – 14,500 cubic feet in Tier 1 and 650 cubic feet in Tier 2 monthly
• 2 shares of water stock – 2,900 cubic feet in Tier 1 and 1,300 cubic feet in Tier 2 monthly
• 3 shares of water stock – 4,350 cubic feet in Tier 1 and 1,950 cubic feet in Tier 2 monthly
• Each additional share of water stock – an additional 1,450 cubic feet per share in Tier 1 and an additional 650 cubic feet in Tier 2 monthly

Annual Stock Assessment

On March 1st, an assessment of $50.00 is levied on each share of stock. This assessment maintains the assets of the Corporation. The assessment becomes delinquent on the 1st Friday in September and subject to a 100% penalty. If the assessment and penalty are not paid by the 1st Monday in November, the stock is forfeited to the Corporation and the property loses its right to water. The water stock must be re-purchased to restore water service to the property.

Miscellaneous Charges

• Late fee – $12.00
• Door hanger fee – $30.00
• Meter profile fee: First one is free, $35.00 for each additional one
• Reconnection fee – $50.00 (for reconnection after hours, an additional $50.00 will be charged)
• Fire service line fee – $10.00 to $100.00 monthly based on fire line size
• Backflow administrative charge – $20.00 annually
• Backflow administrative charge for 2nd notice – $50.00
• Backflow non-compliance – $75.00.
• Department of Health Services pass-through charge for water quality monitoring – amount varies depending on actual cost but generally falls between $4.00 – $6.00 per meter per year
• Returned check or ACH charge – $35.00
• Stolen water fee – $750.00

Meter Connection Fees

* Includes one (1) share of stock, stock assessment fee, water meter, connection fee and basic installation. Installation fee may increase at the discretion of the General Manager based on the complexity of the install, distance from the water main, etc.

** Includes water meter, connection fee and basic installation. Installation fee may increase at the discretion of the General Manager based on the complexity of the install, distance from the water main, etc.

*** Includes one (1) share of stock, stock assessment fee, water meter, connection fee, fire sprinkler y-branch and basic installation. Installation fee may increase at the discretion of the General Manager based on the complexity of the install, distance from the water main, etc.

Other Meter Connection Fees

• Meter Upgrade Fee for Fire Sprinklers (5/8″ to 1″): $7,304.47
• Fire Sprinkler Y-Branch: $755.03
• Basic Installation: $1,000.00
• One (1) Share of Water Stock: $1,500.00
• Annual Water Stock Assessment: $50.00 per share of stock

Construction Meters

Construction meters are allowed to be placed on approved hydrants for construction and emergency water only. Any prolonged use, for other than the above uses, is not permitted. The length of time a meter for construction can be used will be determined on a monthly basis. All permanent uses of water require the installation of an appropriate-sized meter to be installed at the prevailing fees of SMWC. It is a crime to take water from a fire hydrant without prior written permission from SMWC. The water taken from a SMWC construction meter can only be used within SMWC’s service area.

Construction meter fees are as follows:

• $1,800.00 deposit for the meter and backflow prevention device
• $50.00 fee each time meter needs to be moved to another hydrant
• $4.29 for each 100 cubic feet, equal to one unit, of water used
• $2.00 rental fee per day
• $750.00 fine for water removed from a hydrant without a flow meter attached

Please contact our office at (909) 795-2401 to arrange for a construction meter.

Feasibility Study for New Construction

A deposit will be required for a Feasibility Study by our engineering firm to determine South Mesa Water Company’s capabilities of providing water service and fire flow for a given development.  This will include a hydraulic analysis and modeling of our distribution, production and reservoir capacities and if any upgrades to our system by the developer will be required to meet the water demands of a given development.  Deposits start at $7,500.00 and increase from there depending on the size and scope of the project.  Deposits are due prior to the commencement of the study.  Any excess funds will be refunded upon completion of the study.  If required, additional costs for engineering will be due and payable upon completion on the study.

Fire Hydrant Flow Tests

Hydrant flow tests are often required by the city when improvements are made to property. A flow test is conducted on the hydrant closest to the property. To obtain a fire hydrant flow test, stop by our office to complete the necessary paperwork and pay the fee. Currently, fire hydrant flow test fees are $125.00.