Did you realize that Truckee is required by the State of California to install water meters and volumetric billing by 2010?  In layman terms, this means that to comply with State requirements, Truckee resident’s water consumption will now be monitored. The good news is that most residents will pay the same, or potentially less, if they are water conscious.

Today, Truckee residents are billed based on a flat water rate per parcel averaging approximately $65 per month and it is included in our utility bill. Regardless of how much, or how little you use, the rate is the same. Now, the State has stepped in and determined that we all participate in our usage and will contribute accordingly. Remember though, Truckee has some of the lowest water rates in the State and if you’ve had Truckee water straight from the tap, you know it’s some of the finest available. Who needs Pellegrino anyway.

Here’s a few of quick facts about our local water program:

• ALL treated water accounts in the District are included and ALL customers will be required (and receive) a new register and water meter reading technology.
• The year your water was connected dictates when the meter will be installed.  If your water connection was January 1992 or later, meters were installed by January 1, 2010.  If your connection was prior to 1992, your meter will be installed no later than January 1, 2013.  Visit online for your property’s timing.
• Your water may not cost anymore and potentially it may be less than it costs today.  Through careful planning, our PUD is monitoring water usage for a full year to ensure the project is fair and successful for all. Side by side comparisons during the billing period will highlight the “old” and the “new” – helping residents to understand the financial impact of the new program. Projections indicate that most full and part time residents will not pay more for their water consumption.
• The experts set the water rates.  HDR is the company who specializes in designing new water rates. This company has extensive regional experience. CA Proposition 218 provides full details of the new water rates.  Click here for more information.   
• Your Pump Zone helps determine your rates.  Have you wondered how your water gets to you? The Pump Zone is determined by the number of pumping stations the water must flow through to reach your home. Here’s a link to your pump zone. Those higher in altitude require more pumping stations to access water than those lower in elevation. 

Conservation and awareness are the name of the game. Do you know how much water a nice, hot long shower uses following a fabulous afternoon at Northstar or Squaw Valley? Click here and take a look!

What’s the message?  A little attention and care goes a long way to conserve our valuable Tahoe area resources. Especially in an El Nino year where snow pack is barely normal and our Lake levels are low following several light snow pack seasons. Take a minute, think about our beautiful and precious Tahoe area and shorten that shower. Everyone wins!