DSRSD Water Rates To Increase Amid Drought: What To Know

SAN RAMON, CA — Dublin San Ramon Services District customers must cut water use 15 percent and will see increased rates as Californians continued to grapple with unprecedented drought.

Beginning Nov. 5, rates will increase to $1.66 from $1.32 per 748 gallons, or 100 cubic feet. The average single-family household would see their water bill increase $3.40 each month if they do not conserve water, the district announced Thursday.

“The District is ramping up water conservation because we are concerned about water supply for next year,” district General Manager Dan McIntyre said in a statement. “The drought is serious, and anything we can do to save water now is essential.”

The district board of directors voted to approve the new rates Tuesday after voting Sept. 21 to mandate water conservation and place restrictions on water use. Similar cuts have been approved elsewhere in Tri-Valley.

Here are some other requirements that Dublin San Ramon Services District customers must follow.

• Repair or stop leaks as soon as you find them or within 24 hours of notifying the district.
• Do not wash buildings, cars, fences and other hard surfaces with potable water, unless you are repainting or making repairs.
• Equip pressurized washers with a quick action shutoff nozzle.
• Do not clean windows by using a direct connection to potable water.
• Restaurants, cafes and other food establishments may only serve water by request.
• Outdoor irrigation may only take place from 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to limit evaporation.
• Outdoor irrigation cannot take place more than three non-consecutive days per week.
• Outdoor irrigation is limited to one day per week from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28.

Additional restrictions apply to businesses such as commercial kitchens, hotels and construction companies.