Frequently Asked Questions
Water Quality
Q: Is there fluoride in my water?
A: All drinking water naturally contains some fluoride. Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the naturally occurring fluoride level to the optimum level for preventing tooth decay. The Evergreen, North San José and Alviso communities all receive fluoridated water supplies, in which the fluoride levels are maintained within a range of approximately 0.7 to 1.3 parts per million (ppm). For further information on the specific levels of fluoride in your area, please refer to the most recent Water Quality Report.
Q: What is fluoride, and why fluoridate drinking water?
A: Fluoride is an abundant naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil and fresh and ocean water. When fluoride is present in drinking water at optimal levels, it has been shown to dramatically improve oral health in people of all ages by preventing tooth decay. It makes teeth stronger and harder, so they last longer.
The amount of natural fluoride in some water sources is not enough to provide oral health benefits. Water fluoridation is the addition of small amounts of fluoride to a water supply to achieve the optimal fluoride level that helps prevent tooth decay.
California law requires larger water distributors to fluoridate the water supply, as funding becomes available.
Q: If I have a water filter, is it removing the fluoride?
A: To find out if fluoride is removed, check with the filter manufacturer. However, most water filters do not remove fluoride. The most effective way to remove fluoride from a household supply is by reverse osmosis filtering with up to 80 to 90 percent efficiency. Water distillation systems remove up to 100 percent of fluoride, and bottled water does not generally contain fluoride.
Q: Can you give an example of "parts per million" (ppm)?
A: One ppm, also equal to one milligram per liter (mg/L), is one drop in one million drops, or 50 liters of water. Because there are 3.78 liters in a gallon, one part per million is also the same as one drop of a substance in about 13.2 gallons of water. It is also the same as one inch in 16 miles; one cent in $10,000; one ounce of salt out of 62,500 pounds; one ounce of oil out of 7,812.5 gallons.
Q: Why is my water brown?
A: One way to determine where the problem is originating is by observing the water at the hose bib closest to your water meter. If the water coming from this location is clear, this indicates that the problem is occurring with the interior plumbing, possibly due to sediment in the pipes or an aging plumbing system. To flush your lines, remove any aerators on your faucets and let the cold water flow until the water is clear again. If the problem persists, a plumber will be able to inspect your plumbing and determine what may be causing the problem.
For further guidance, or if the water coming from your hose bib is colored, please call the San José Municipal Water System’s Engineering section at (408) 277-3671.
Q: Why does my water smell?
A: In the Evergreen, Alviso, and North San José communities,
water is disinfected using chloramine. Except for a slight chlorinous
taste or odor, chloramine is not harmful to the general public,
and is necessary to destroy disease-causing organisms for the protection
of public health. To remove the chloramines and the associated
odor, fill a pitcher with water and let it sit on the counter or
in the refrigerator to allow the chloramine to dissipate.
For other odors or for further guidance, please call the San José Municipal Water System’s Engineering section at (408) 277-3671.
Q: Can I get my water tested?
A: In order to ensure that tap water is safe
to drink, the US Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) and the
California
Department of Public Health (CDPH) prescribe regular monitoring
requirements for all public water systems. San José Municipal
Water System performs this testing within our service areas on a
routine basis, and will inform you if the water is ever fails to
meet drinking water standards.
For any additional testing that you may want done on the quality
of your water, please contact a private laboratory to assist in
taking and analyzing a sample. The USEPA or the CDPH can provide
further guidance on testing your water or selecting a private laboratory.
Q: What is my water hardness?
A: Hardness consists mainly of calcium and magnesium
salts. Although it does not pose a health risk, it may be considered
undesirable for other reasons. The level of hardness in the water supply varies by service area.. For information on the specific hardness
levels in your area, please refer to the Water
Quality Report (Note: to convert hardness from ppm to grains per gallon,
divide by 17.1).
Q: Do I need a water softener?
A: Installing a water softener is a way to remove some of the hardness that may be in your water. Some benefits in water softening are reductions in soap usage, longer life for water heaters, and a decrease in incrustation of pipes. Some disadvantages are an increase in sodium intake (depending on type of softener used), maintenance/servicing requirements, and potential adverse affects on plants and landscaping. A local water softener vendor can evaluate your specific circumstances and recommend whether a water softener is right for you.
Q: What water softener do you recommend?
A: San José Municipal Water System does not have a list of recommended water softeners or vendors. Please refer to your local yellow pages for a listing of local vendors, who can evaluate your water softener needs and, provide a recommendation specific to your circumstances.
Return to top
Water Conservation
Q: How do I learn more about conserving water and using water more efficiently?
A: Visit 2009 Water Shortage Alert web page for information on suggested water usage budgets for customers in Evergreen, Coyote and Edenvale service areas. You can also visit the City’s Water Conservation website for information on why we need to conserve water, how to reduce your water usage, and what rebates are available if you make water efficient improvements to your home or business.
Q: Where can I get water saving devices such as low flow shower heads and faucet aerators?
A: You can contact your water retailer to obtain these devices at no cost.
Q: Is there a toilet rebate program?
A: Yes, the Santa Clara Valley Water District
offers rebates through their High
Efficiency Toilet (HET) Program.
Q: Is there a washing machine rebate program?
A: Yes, the Santa Clara Valley Water District
offers rebates through their Water-saving
Clothes Washer Program.
Q: How do I report someone wasting water?
A: Chapter 15.10 of the San José Municipal Code stipulates that no person shall waste water from any source nor shall any person allow such water wastage. If you think someone is wasting water, you can call the City’s Customer Contact Center at (408) 535-3500, or send us an email.
Return to top
Water Supply
Q: Who is my water service provider?
A: Please refer to the San José Municipal Water System service area map to determine whether the Municipal Water System is your water retailer. If you live in San Jose but are not in the area shown as Municipal Water System service area, you can contact San Jose Water Company or Great Oaks Water Company to determine who provides the water service in your area.
Return to top
Accounts and Billing
Q: How can I set up an account for water service?
A: To establish water service in the San José Municipal Water System area, please contact Customer Service at (408) 535-3500.
Q: What does HCF mean?
A: HCF (Hundred Cubic Feet) is a measure of water
volume that passes though your water meter. There are 748 gallons
in each Hundred Cubic Feet of water. To convert from HCF to gallons
multiply the number of HCF on your bill by 748.
Q: What is my meter size?
A: Meter sizes vary depending on the amount of
water needed from the service. Single family residential meters
are typically 5/8-inch, ¾-inch or in some cases, 1-inch.
To determine the size of your meter contact Customer Service at
(408) 535-3500, have your account number ready and the representative
can look it up for you.
Q: Can I upsize my meter?
A: Yes, you can have your meter upsized. Generally, the customer
is responsible for paying the cost of the change, including, parts
and labor. Contact Municipal Water System Engineering at (408)
277-3671 for further information.
Q: How can I pay my water bill?
A: There are several options available to pay
your water bill:
- Automatic Payment Service set up with the City of San José
- Payment On-line through Customer Service Online or your bank
- Payment
over the phone to a Customer Service Representative
- Payment by
mail
- Payment in person at the Customer Contact Center, first floor,
City Hall
- Payment via a drop box at City Hall
For more information, see Bill Payment on the Customer Service web page.
Return to top
Troubleshooting
Q: Who do I call about creek problems?
A: The Santa Clara Valley Water District is the primary caretaker of streams, rivers, and creeks within Santa Clara County. Their phone number is (408) 265-2600.
Q: Who do I report a broken fire hydrant to? If I see water flowing in the street and suspect a broken water main, who do I call?
A: For either of these questions please call the appropriate water company which serves the area where the problem occurs. To see the water retailer which serves the area refer to the San José Municipal Water System service area map. If the water retailer is known, you can call the following phone numbers:
San José Municipal Water System (408) 535-3500
San José Water Company (408) 279-7900
Great Oaks Water Company (408) 879-8246
If you don't know the water retailer for the area where the
problem occurs, call (408) 535-3500. Q: What part of my water service am I responsible for?
A: Typically, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance of water pipes inside the building and any pipes outside the building down to the meter box in the street. The meter box and meter inside are owned and maintained by the water company. If a leak or other problem occurs on the property owner's side of the meter, it is the responsibility of the property owner. If the leak or problem occurs from the meter or street side of the meter, the water company is responsible. To report leaks in the meter box or street call the water company serving the area. In San José Municipal
Water System's area call (408) 535-3500.
Q: How do I determine if I have a water leak?
A: The quickest way to determine if there is water leaking from piping inside the building or on the owner's side of the water meter is to do the following:
- Turn off all faucets on the property;
- Read the water meter;
- Read the meter 15 minutes later.
If the meter reading has changed then, water is running somewhere in the property's piping.
Q: How do I shut off water to the building?
A: Most buildings have a "house valve" which allows the water to the building to be shut off. The house valve is normally located at the front of the building usually near a hose bib. Look for a pipe coming out of the ground and going into the building with a shutoff valve on it. If you cannot find a house valve or the house valve does not work, the water retailer has a valve which it can shut off. You will need to call the water retailer for this. In San José Municipal
Water System's service area, call (408) 535-3500.
Q: How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?
A: When the outside air temperatures dip into the 20's for several days, exposed water pipes (above ground outside buildings) are susceptible to freezing. When the water freezes it expands and can cause piping to break at weak points such as bends and joints. To help prevent this from occurring, an insulating wrap can be placed around all exposed piping. Various types of insulating wrap are available at hardware and home improvement stores. Normally, pipes inside or under buildings are not in danger of freezing.
Q: What is the water pressure at my location?
A: Water pressure is based on the vertical difference
between your location and the water storage facility. For every foot
difference the pressure changes 0.433psi. Thus, a storage facility
100' above your location will give a pressure of 43psi at your water
faucet.
Water pressure can be measured at any faucet in the building but
is usually taken at the spigot in front of the building. A pressure
gage, which screws onto the spigot, will register the pressure once
the spigot is turned on. Gages can be borrowed at most hardware and
home improvement stores, or from the water retailer.
Q: Can you recommend a good plumber?
A: Plumbers can be found in the "yellow pages" of the phone book under "PLUMBING CONTRACTORS".
Return to top
Recycled Water
Q: How can I get recycled water?
A: Information regarding recycled water, including procedures
for connecting to the system, can be found at the South
Bay Water Recycling website. Prior to receiving recycled water, the site
must be permitted by South Bay Water Recycling.
Q: Who is my recycled water retailer?
A: The water company that bills for potable water at your address will also bill for recycled water used at the same address. To see the water retailer for your area refer to the San José Municipal Water System service area map. Regardless of whom the water retailer is, connecting to and using recycled water is administered by South Bay Water Recycling.
Return to top |
