2009 Water Shortage Alert
On May 19, the San José City Council declared a water shortage of 15% and approved a Water Use Guidelines program for Muni Water customers. This page provides information on this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Water Use Guidelines program?
A. This program provides customers in the Evergreen, Coyote and Edenvale service areas with guidelines in the form of a water usage budget. Your water usage budget is a suggested monthly limit on your water use, and the equivalent in gallons per day. We calculated your monthly totals based on your typical monthly use in prior years. By following your water budget, you will help us reach the community-wide water conservation target to reduce water use by 15%.
Q. Are there any penalties if I exceed my water usage budget?
A. No. This year, there will not be any excess use charges for exceeding your water budget. Your billed amount will be based on the tiered rate structure as published by Muni Water.
Q. Why are the Evergreen, Coyote and Edenvale service areas on a Water Usage Guidelines program?
A. For these communities, Muni Water supplies water from the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and their supplies from state and federal reservoirs are severely reduced this year.
Q. Is there a water bank?
A. No. We are not using a water bank in this year’s program.
Q. I’ve already been conserving water. Will I be penalized?
A. If you already use water efficiently, thank you! As a whole, Muni Water customers are conserving. As a result, we are asking you to continue to use water wisely and conserve a little more. Residents with a history of very low water usage will receive a water budget that protects them from having to conserve even more. Residents and businesses that have completed specific water conservation measures may fill out a form to request an increase in their water budget for past conservation. Links to the forms are located in the Forms & Documents sidebar on this web page.
Q. How do I find out what my water usage budget is?
A. Customers in the affected area will receive a letter in the mail starting in June and July 2009 which shows their water usage budgets for the months of June 2009 to May 2010. If you need another copy of your water usage budget, call the Customer Contact Center at (408) 535-3500. |
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