Utilities Frequently Asked Questions
WATER
What is our water source?
The District diverts water from the Cosumnes River between November and May of each year to Calero, Chesbro and Clementia Reservoirs. All of the District's drinking water is treated before it is supplied to the customer.
Is there Fluoride in our drinking water?
No. The District does not add fluoride and there is no naturally occurring fluoride in the water.
Is my water of high quality?
The District regularly monitors and tests the water quality. Our tests indicate our water quality is of very high quality. Annually, the District is required by law to complete a water quality test report which is mailed to every customer in June.
How do I turn my water off in an emergency?
There are two locations to turn off your water. Most houses have a "house valve" which allows the water to the house to be shut off. The house valve is normally located at the front of the house usually near a hose bib. Look for a pipe coming out of the ground and going into the house with a shut off valve on it. If you cannot find a house valve or the house valve does not work, the District also has a valve that can shut off the water to your home. If you call us at 354-3700, a District technician will turn the water off at the meter for you.
Although you may be tempted to just turn the water off at the meter yourself, this is not allowed. The water meter and valve at the street are the District's property and can be damaged if the valve is not operated properly. Only District trained technicians are allowed to work on or use this shut off valve. Call the District for assistance if you have a water problem emergency @ (916) 354-3700 and after hours and weekends @ (916) 354-3743.
How can I reduce my water usage and decrease my water bill?
In most cases, a high water bill is directly related to your landscape irrigation practices. Do not over water and do not water too frequently. Step on the grass: if it rebounds, wait another day to water it. In addition, the following are major uses of water:
Outdoor watering 10 gallons per minute
Washing machine 60 gallons per minute
Tub bath (full) 36 gallons
Shower with water running 25 gallons
Shaving with water running 20 gallons
Automatic dishwasher 16 gallons
Our water smells musty or has too much chlorine in it, what is wrong with it?
A musty odor or water that smells like chlorine, usually indicates low usage areas need to be flushed. Other factors which cause the odor are naturally occurring minerals and/or algae. The California Department of Public Health requires the District to maintain chlorine in the water to ensure that it is safe from pathogens.
My water has been turned off. How long before it will be turned on again?
As soon as the repair is made or the preventive maintenance is complete. We make an effort to contact you and leave a note on your door. If your water was turned off for non-payment, please contact the Administration Office.
WASTEWATER
The sewer box in my yard has sewage coming out of it, who has to fix it?
Please call us and we will come out immediately to check the problem, try to clear the plug and determine who will be responsible for the repairs. Call the Administration Office during office hours @ (916) 354-3700. After hours and weekends call the south gate @ (916) 354-3743.
Where does the District's responsibility for the sewer line stop?
At the clean out at the property line or connection to the sewer main. The line from that connection to and including the house are the responsibility of the homeowner. If you have a plugged sewer call the District first to see if we can clear it before you call a plumber.
Where does all of our wastewater go?
Wastewater goes to the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Highway 16, south of the District's administration building, where the water is treated, recycled and sent to the golf courses for irrigation.
Why is there a sewer manhole in my backyard or a ditch behind my house?
During design of the wastewater system, the sewer lines were placed to insure gravity flows and to follow land contours.
Why is the pipe purple?
Nonpotable reclaimed water is often distributed with a dual piping network that keeps reclaimed water pipes completely separate from potable water pipes. In the United States and some other countries, nonpotable reclaimed water is distributed in lavender (light purple) pipes to distinguish it from potable water.
DRAINAGE
Where does the water go when it goes into the catch basins?
In the north area, runoff water goes to Laguna Joaquin and then into the Cosumnes River through the ditch behind Murieta Plaza. In the south area, runoff water goes into Lost Lake on Reynosa Drive and into the Cosumnes River through the pump station on the third tee of the south course.
When will the ditch near my home be cleaned or cut?
Ditch maintenance is on a routine schedule and will be cleaned or cut as scheduled.
Why has my drainage ditch not been cut all winter?
As part of the Best Management Practices (BMP's) for storm water protection, drainage ditches are to be left in their natural state to catch, filter and reduce the flow velocity of storm water run-off during the rainy season, typically October thru May.
Will the District, or can I, rock or pipe the ditch?
The District's policy is that all ditches are to remain as natural as possible and piping or rocking is only done to protect the integrity of the ditch.
Who takes care of the areas outside the drainage ditches?
The District takes care of the ditches from its bottom up to the top of the ditch side walls and Rancho Murieta Association handles the areas known as Common Area.
Why does Laguna Joaquin water look so dirty?
Laguna Joaquin is a relatively shallow drainage basin with an accumulation of soft, silty sediment. Water is fed into it from natural and over irrigation runoff. As runoff flows through the community, it picks up clays, nutrients and fertilizers. The Ione clay stays suspended causing the dirty color. The nutrients from lawn and shrub fertilizers add to algae growth.