Billing Information

1. What do people pay for water service? Rio Linda Water District sends each customer a bill every two months. The current rate structure was established in September 2001.

2. When do bills come out and when are they due? Below is the District's billing calendar. Bills are sent on the first of the month. The due date for payment is normally the 19th of the month (the due date will be printed on the bill). If not paid by that date, a late fee is added and a second bill is sent. If bills are not paid on the date indicated on the second bill, a 48-hour turnoff notice will be posted on the property and a fee is added. If the bill is not paid in 48 hours, the water service will be discontinued and additional fees will be added.

3. If a customer cannot make payment before the turnoff date, can arrangements be made for later payment? If a customer contacts the District Office, arrangement for late payment can be made. A late charge will still be added to the bill but 48-notice fees and turnoff fees can be avoided.

4. Why does the District charge late fees and turnoff fees? The District operating costs are paid from charges collected from all customers. If a customer does not pay a bill, those funds are not available to pay for the cost of pumping and delivering water. Charges from other customers must be used to cover the uncollected funds. If the number of uncollected accounts increase, rates must be increased to cover those unpaid funds. In order to assure payment and protect the interest of most of the customers who pay on a timely basis, the District has a collection process. The cost of the collection process must be charged to those who do not pay on time.

5. How was the rate structure developed? The Board of Directors appointed a Rate Committee of citizens who had expressed concern about a proposed new rate structure. The Committee worked for several months to create an equitable rate structure and made a presentation to the Board. The recommended rate structure was adopted by the Board following a public hearing.