FAQ

Walnut Creek Special Utility District has put together a list of most frequently asked questions pertaining to billing, pressure, and water quality.  Please take a moment to read through these FAQs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my water bill so high and I don't have any leaks?

If you have an irrigation (sprinkler) system you may want to check your setting to make sure you're not over watering.  On average irrigation systems use between 1,000 - 3,000 gallons each full cycle depending on number of zones, time limit of each zone, number of heads, and type of heads. example:1,000 gal. per cycle, 2x a day, 3x a week = 24,000 gal. per month in addition to normal usage.

How could I have used this much water?

You might have a leak that is hard to detect. You can go to our leak detection advice page or call the District's office for help in resolving this matter.

 

How do I find out how much water my irrigation system uses each time it runs?

  1. Locate your meter and take a reading.
  2. Run your irrigation system a normal full cycle.
  3. Take a final reading from the meter.
  4. Subtract first reading from final reading and providing nothing else was running during this time you'll know exactly how many gallons your irrigation system consumes.

The District recommends performing this evaluation everytime the settings are changed.

What do I do if I am experiencing low pressure?

Check your meter and the surrounding area for possible leaks. Next, you'll want to check the water pressure at your house.  If the pressure is considerably lower than 60 of higher than 65 you might want to replace your pressure regulator (PRV).

 

Why is my water discolored?

A repair could have been completed recently allowing air to enter the line, causing the milky look.

 

My water tastes, looks, and smells funny. Is it safe to drink?

All public water systems are required to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 mg/L (tested at the end of each line) by state law. Systems that use chloramine as a disinfectant must maintain a level of 0.5 mg/L by state law. Our disinfectant levels are tested daily to ensure safety.

 

What chemicals does our utility district add to the water?

Only chemicals that are approved by the National Safety Foundation for treatment of drinking water.

 

Why does debris come out of the faucet when running hot water?

Most likely your water heater needs to be flushed. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional to flush your water heater. If you plan on doing this yourself, read the owner's manual to keep from being hurt and or damaging the water heater.

 

Why do I have a previous balance when I know I sent in my payment?

We may have received it after the due date or we may not have received it at all. Call our office and we will help you solve the problem.