Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I be charged more on my water bill if my meter malfunctions?
A: Malfunctioning water meters actually record less than actual water consumption so you will not be over charged for water service due to a malfunctioning meter.

Q: What should I do if I think my water meter has not been read correctly?
A: Call the Utilities Department (831) 678 - 3963 Ext. 123 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Q: Is City provided drinking water as safe to drink as bottled water?
A: Yes. The City water is actually tested more comprehensively than bottled water to assure that it is safe to drink. Some bottled water may "taste" better but it is not actually safer to drink than City drinking water.

Q: Why does my water pressure vary?
A: At the present time there are two separate water pressure zones in the City. These are the lower and upper pressure zones.

In the lower pressure zone, City water pressure varies according to gravity pressure created by the amount of water in the City water storage tanks and the number of City wells that are running at any given time. In the lower pressure zone, the water level in the storage tanks, and the number of well pumps running is determined by the amount of water being used at any given time.

In the upper pressure zone, City water pressure is supplied by a pump station, and varies according to the amount of water that is being pumped from the million-gallon tank. Like the lower pressure zone, the amount of water that is pumped in the upper pressure zone is determined by water consumption at any given time in the upper pressure zone.

The City is constructing additional one million gallon water storage tanks. The Utilities Department also plans to construct a third new one million gallon water storage tank in the next fiscal year. Water pressure should become better stabilized when these new storage tanks are completed.

Q: How important is water conservation?
A: Water conservation is extremely important. There is a greater water demand in the Salinas Valley than the water supply. Attention to sound water conservation practices could determine whether it becomes necessary to ration water use.

Q: How much am I paying for water?
A: Each month, the City is charging its customers sixty three cents for each 748 gallons of water. In an effort to promote conservation, that fee begins to increase slightly after a customer consumes 7,480 gallons.

Q: What should I do if I want to make a complaint about my water or sewer service?
A: Contact the City Superintendent of Utilities at (831) 678 - 3963 Ext. 123. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, contact the Director of Public Works at (831) 678 - 3963 Ext. 149.