Some homeowners may have seen increases in their regular water bills from the San Dieguito Water District (SDWD). The district bills homeowners and other water users approximately every two months. It is important to understand that the billing cycles and the number of days shown on the bill will vary. It is never exactly sixty days.

There are a variety of factors that could potentially influence the size of an increase in water costs:

• SDWD announced a 6.5% increase in potable water rates, meter service charges, and fire meter service charges that became effective on May 1, 2019
• The amount of water used tends to fluctuate wildly during the year. In the winter months the water bills are typically lower and warmer weather in the summer months tends to drive up water usage. A good suggestion is to compare water usage from the summer of this year to last year. There should be a strong correlation.
• Additional water might have been used for unique situations; extra loads of laundry, washing off patio furniture, washing cars, power washing driveways, etc.

Lastly, there could be a water leak. If there was an “L” in the read center and shown on the bill when the water meter was read this means water was continuously flowing through the water meter for the 24 hours prior to SDWD staff reading the meter.  This could be something small like a faucet not turned off all of the way, a toilet running, drip irrigation, etc.

Here is a link to information that would allow you to determine if there is a water leak: https://vimeo.com/224892497

You can also call the water district and they will inspect your water meter and assist in determining if there is a water leak at 760-633-2650.