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1. When are board meetings?

Board Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 8:30 am in our board room. All Board of Directors meetings are open to the public. Any member of the public who wishes to address the directors at a board meeting may do so during the portion of the meeting set aside for public comment.

2. How often are board members elected?

Our board members serve four-year terms. General District Elections will be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the even-numbered years, and held with the Consolidated Election on the same date. The next regular election is scheduled to occur in November 2020.

3. Are board members compensated?

Yes, board members are paid per meeting attended. The compensation is $200 per meeting with a maximum of ten meetings per month. Ordinance No. 2014-4-1

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1. Why do I need a backflow device?

A backflow device would be needed if there is an auxiliary source of water on the property. Commercial, industrial, agricultural, and ag-domestic properties also require backflow protection, or the District can require one to be installed if there is cause to.

2. What regulations govern backflow devices?

Title 17 of California Code of Regulations and the Universal Plumbing Code outline the regulations for backflow devices.

3. Where do I get a backflow device?

Contact a plumber or a backflow tester who has been certified by the County of Riverside and has submitted their certification to the District.

4. What type of device do I need?

The device needed will depend on the degree of hazard determined by the District through a site survey.

5. Who can install a backflow device?

Anyone can install a device; however, District approved Riverside County Certified Testers are responsible for performing accurate tests, and repairing or replacing devices that fail. Additionally, testers must report all repairs and test results to RCWD. The tester is required to give a copy of the completed test report to the customer and faxed to (951) 296-6865 or send the original to Rancho California Water District:
42135 Winchester Road
Temecula CA, 92590

6. How can I protect the backflow device against theft and vandalism?

By installing cages, decorative rock covers, or blending it with shrubbery around the device. Be sure to leave 24 inches of clearance for annual testing. Painting the device may be an option. This can deter thieves since it devalues the metal.

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1. How do I pay my water bill?

There are several ways that you can pay your Rancho California Water District bill. View the how can I pay my bill? page for information.

2. How do I apply for water service?

The requirements for applying for water service differ depending upon the intended use and area covered, and whether you are a domestic, commercial, or agricultural user.

For existing accounts, only wherein the owner / tenant is moving and is requesting service be turned on or turned off, please contact our Billing Department at (951) 296-6930.

For new water and sewer connections, and/or fire hydrant use, please visit our offices to meet with an engineering services representative who will help you with your unique needs. You may reach our Engineering Services Department at (951) 296-6900.

3. How do I turn off water at my house?

In front of each meter box is a small round box that contains the customer service valve. When the water is on, the handle for the valve is running parallel with the pipe. To turn the valve off, turn the handle 90 degrees. You may also follow the link to watch a helpful video:

How to Locate Your Water Valve

4. Does the District offer rebates?

Yes. Administered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, residential conservation rebates are now available. Check out the Rebates page by clicking the following link. Rebates

5. Does RCWD offer discounts for water rates (such as a senior discount, low income, etc.)?

RCWD has not historically elected to implement discounts out of an effort to maintain equality in rates. The District's rate structure is designed to promote two fundamental values: first, to allocate costs fairly and equitably to all customers so that each customer pays his, or her, fair share and no more; and second, to manage inappropriate over-consumption of water and conserve resources. RCWD has continuously refined our cost allocation methods and have implemented an allocation-based conservation rate structure. If RCWD were to implement a low income or senior discount rate, it would effectively shift these costs to other customers, an outcome that would be inconsistent with our fundamental cost allocation objectives. Such programs could potentially be reviewed in the future, should additional other revenues be available.

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1. How do I begin the plan check process?

Contact the Engineering Service Department.

2. What does the plan check process entail, and how long does it take for plans to be approved?

Refer to Section II of the Water / Sewer System Facility Requirements and Design Guidelines.

3. Does my plan approval expire?

Yes. If construction has not commenced within one year from the date of plan approval, the plans must be re-submitted for subsequent plan check.

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1. California is out of a drought. Why are you saying we have a water shortage?

We finally had a wet winter and there is snow in the mountains.  Everywhere you look you see a story about the drought being over and reservoirs filling up.  Unfortunately that message is not the same in Rancho California Water District’s service area.  In short, one year of heavy rain won’t erase the many years of drought that have severely impacted our local water supplies. 

Unlike many of our neighboring agencies who rely extensively on imported water, a significant portion of the District’s water supply comes from local water.  Local water can range from approximately 30 to 40% of the entire District’s water supply.  This is a huge benefit for our customers as it keeps our rates lower.  Imported water costs over five times as much as what the District from its local groundwater and water from Vail Lake which is used to replenish groundwater.   During the last several years of drought RCWD customers benefited greatly from the District’s use of local water from the ground and from Vail to offset the rising costs of imported water, all the while these sources were significantly reduced due to the minimal rainfall.  Even after all of the recent rains this winter, our groundwater supply is 30% lower than normal and Vail Lake is only at 35% capacity. 

2. How Does Groundwater Storage Work?

Groundwater storage works like a large bank account.  We run deficits in dry times, taking out more than we deposit (more pumping than recharge); and we run savings in wet times, depositing more into the account than what we withdraw (more recharge than pumping).  Ideally, over the longer term, the savings match the withdrawals.  But during the last several years of drought RCWD customers benefited greatly from the District’s use of local groundwater to offset the rising costs of imported water, all the while these sources were significantly reduced due to the minimal rainfall.  We need many years of wet weather for our “account” to catch up.

3. Does RCWD capture rainwater?

The District captures as much rainfall as we can. Heavy rains behind Vail Dam in Vail Lake are later slowly released into large, sandy, spreading basins to help refill the groundwater, just like Mother Nature does. All the other storm water that the District can’t capture from heavy rains makes its way downstream to be used by other agencies along the way.

4. What is RCWD doing to help manage our groundwater supply?

Our groundwater supply offers the community so many benefits and managing it is our top priority. We are finding new ways to bring in more imported water when it is available to put into the ground. We are also implementing projects to more than double the amount of raw water we help treat through a soil filtration process to offset having to buy more costly pre-treated imported water. And we continue to put to use all the recycled water that is available to us.

5. We had a wet winter, when will we get Tier 3 back?

In order to protect our groundwater supply, the District currently anticipates it will remain in Stage 3c of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan until further assessment of the groundwater and other local water supplies can be made at the end of the year. The Board of the Director’s will carefully review the results of the groundwater assessment and determine how to move forward in 2020.

6. How does Stage 3c affect me?

Stage 3c gives residential and landscape customers their full Tier 1 and Tier 2 efficient budgets and Tier 3 (the inefficient tier) is eliminated. Therefore, customers who go over their efficient budget will go directly into Tier 4 and pay the highest price for water. The additional funds being paid at the Tier 4 rate go directly to capital projects that enhance and build resiliency in our local water supply and water storage capacity that help protect us against the next drought.

7. I stay within my water budget, what more am I supposed to do?

The District appreciates your efforts to use water efficiently. RCWD encourages customers to continue being water efficient and conserve by staying within their budgets.

Water is a finite resource and needs to be used efficiently in order to ensure a continued reliable supply. Water budgets are customized to each individual property to give each customer an appropriate amount of water to meet their needs and to encourage water efficiency. Only customers wasting water will pay the higher tiered rates. What YOU Can Do to Save H20

8. I thought tiered rates were illegal?

The City of San Juan Capistrano rate case found that San Juan Capistrano's tiered rate structure was unconstitutional because it charged more for water than it cost the city to provide the service. Water providers must demonstrate that fees correspond to the cost of providing the service. If heavy water users cause a water provider to incur additional costs, it would then be legal to charge the users for those increases. Rancho California Water District's budget based tiered rate structure sets costs at different tiers based on the cost of the water service being provided. RCWD has groundwater as one source of water that is significantly less expensive than imported water therefore the first tier of water is charged less as it represents the cost of service for groundwater. Moving up in the tiers customers are paying for the higher imported fees that the District has to pay.

9. Where does RCWD's water come from?

RCWD has one of the largest natural underground water sources in Southern California. The Temecula area aquifers supply the district with 30% of its water.

Imported Water: RCWD also purchases water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This agency imports water from Northern California and the Colorado River. Water delivered to homes and businesses is a blend of well water (30%) and imported water (65%).

Water Recycling: Highly treated wastewater (5%) is used to irrigate some golf courses and large landscaped areas. Thirsty Southern California is using more and more recycled water for irrigation in order to save its precious well water and imported water for drinking and household use.

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1. What days does the Engineering Committee meet?

The Engineering and Operations Committee meetings are held the last Thursday of the month at 8:30 am. The public is welcome to attend all meetings.

2. Who are the committee members?

There are four members. Danny Martin is the Chairman and Carol Lee Brady and William Plummer are members, and John Rossi serves as an alternate.

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1. How do I turn my water off?

In front of each meter box is a small round box that contains the customer service valve. When the water is on, the handle for the valve is running parallel with the pipe. To turn the valve off, turn the handle 90 degrees.

2. How do I apply for water service?

The requirements for applying for water service differ depending upon the intended use and area covered, and whether you are a domestic, commercial, or agricultural user.

For existing accounts, only wherein the owner / tenant is moving and is requesting service be turned on or turned off, please contact our Billing Department at (951) 296-6930.

For new water and sewer connections, and/or fire hydrant use, please visit our offices to meet with an engineering services representative who will help you with your unique needs. You may reach our Engineering Services Department at (951) 296-6900.

3. How much water is in a billing unit?

Billing units are expressed in Hundred Cubic Feet (HCF). One HCF is equal to 748 gallons of water. 748 gallons ( or 1 HCF) is equivalent to 150 (5) gallon water bottles.

4. What is Evapotranspiration, or ET?

ET is the loss of water from a vegetated surface through the combined processes of soil evaporation and plant transpiration. In short, this is the amount of water that plants lose that needs to be replaced. It is expressed in inches of water needed to replace what was lost to the atmosphere in a given time period.

RCWD tracks ET for 319 microzones within the District on a daily basis as a factor in determining an outdoor water budget specific to your property.

5. Where does RCWD's water come from?

RCWD has one of the largest natural underground water sources in Southern California. The Temecula area aquifers supply the district with 30% of its water.

Imported Water: RCWD also purchases water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This agency imports water from Northern California and the Colorado River. Water delivered to homes and businesses is a blend of well water (30%) and imported water (65%).

Water Recycling: Highly treated wastewater (5%) is used to irrigate some golf courses and large landscaped areas. Thirsty Southern California is using more and more recycled water for irrigation in order to save its precious well water and imported water for drinking and household use.

6. Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

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1. How do I turn my water off?

In front of each meter box is a small round box that contains the customer service valve. When the water is on, the handle for the valve is running parallel with the pipe. To turn the valve off, turn the handle 90 degrees.

2. Can I plant shrubbery near fire hydrants or other water appurtenances?

All shrubbery must be kept at least 2 feet away from above-ground water appurtenances and fire hydrants must be visible from the street.

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1. When and how are my rates set?

Rates are set each year as a result of an annual budget process that involves many public meetings. Rates are set to recover the cost of operating the District and usually become effective July 1 of each year. You can check the agenda and meetings link to stay abreast of this process, which usually takes place from February to June each year.
Cost of Service Report(s)

2. Where can I find copies of your fiscal policies?

RCWD has formal policies related to investments, debt, purchasing etc. These may be found in the Document Center. Just enter the name of the policy in the search box in the document center to retrieve the results.

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1. What days does the Finance and Audit Committee meet?

The Finance and Audit Committee meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 8:30 am. The public is welcome to attend all meetings.

2. Who are the committee members?

There are four members. Angel Garcia is the Chairman and Danny Martin and William Plummer are members, and Lisa Herman serves as an alternate.

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1. How do I get involved?

Join the USMW IRWM Region email list. Participate in stakeholder meetings, submit comments on draft planning documents, or develop integrated projects for inclusion in the IRWM Plan. Be sure to monitor the Region's progress by checking the website for news and updates as well as to registering on the stakeholder email list. Your involvement is important, and your input is always welcomed through any form of communication.

2. How do I get my project on the USMW IRWM Plan Project list?

Complete the Project Nomination Form and submit to the USMW IRWM Program Manager at irwm@ranchowater.com. The PNF includes instructions on Implementation and Conceptual projects, as well as how to complete and submit the PNF. Your project, partnerships, and funding should be somewaht developed to be able to complete the PNF, but feel free to submit conceptual projects. You may submit projects any time for consideration or through a Call-fo-Projects, which occur prior to preparation of grant applications.

3. Who leads the USMW IRWM Region?

A multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional framework forms the basis for the Region's governance structure. This structure provides for management of project implementaion, grant funding communiction, Plan revisions and updates, and general coordination among stakeholders. The Region's governance structure features an inclusive process that encourages stakeholder involvement in the IRWM planning process. The Region's governance structure is comprised of three key groups that work together to provide the region with focused direction while allowing for effective and comprehensive inter- and intra-regional collaboration. The Regional Water Management Group (IRWMG) selected RCWD as its program manager who lead the region's IRWM Program, including funding and contracting for planning, applying for funding and implementing funded efforts on behalf of the RWMG.

4. How often is the IRWM Plan updated?

The IRWM Plan is required to be updated at least every five (5) years or more often if needed.

5. More Frequently Asked Questions

Complete FAQ Sheet available via FAQ Fact Sheet

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1. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. How can I be sure there is enough water now and for the future?

The district has established a diverse water supply portfolio that works to reduce dependence on imported water and maximize local water supply, including groundwater and recycled water. The district prepares various water planning documents that evaluate reliability of water supplies, including an Urban Water Management Plan, every five years, which identifies water demand, supply and reliability for a 20-year planning horizon.

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1. What days does the Planning and Administration Committee meet?

The Planning and Administration Committee meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 8:30 am. The public is welcome to attend all meetings.

2. Who are the committee members?

There are four members. Carol Lee Brady the committee chairman, Lisa Herman and John Rossi are members, and Angel Garcia serves as an alternate.

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1. Where does RCWD’s water come from?

RCWD has one of the largest natural underground water sources in Southern California. The Temecula area aquifers supply the district with 30% of its water.

Imported Water: RCWD also purchases water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This agency imports water from Northern California and the Colorado River. Water delivered to homes and businesses is a blend of well water (30%) and imported water (65%).

Water Recycling: Highly treated wastewater (5%) is used to irrigate some golf courses and large landscaped areas. Thirsty Southern California is using more and more recycled water for irrigation in order to save its precious well water and imported water for drinking and household use.

2. How much water exists on, in, and above our planet and how much is available for drinking?

About 70% of the Earth’s surface is water covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5% of all Earth’s water. Less than 1% of water is available for drinking.

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1. How do I become a vendor for the District?

Click on the link provided to complete the Vendor Interest Form and submit to procurement.  This will identify you as a potential vendor when District staff is looking for materials or services that your business may provide.  Please note that your submitted form does not guarantee that you will be called in reference to any purchase. For further information please refer to the Policies Procedures and Practices for Vendors.

2. How do I sign up for the district’s annual surplus auction?

To be added to the Annual Auction signup mailing list, please send an email to procurement with your name, mailing address, and contact information.

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1. Is recycled water safe to use?

Yes! Recycled water is made by purifying wastewater. It is given additional disinfection and filtration processes that make it safe for irrigation. Recycled water is carefully monitored to protect public health and safety, and is strictly regulated by the local and state health departments and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. It is safely used at hundreds of parks, schools, greenbelts, agricultural operations, and golf courses throughout California. The recycled water pipeline system is completely separate from your drinking water system.

2. Is recycled water is reliable?

Even in times of drought when restrictions are placed on the use of potable (drinking) water for non-essential uses like landscape irrigation, recycled water is readily available. During periods of mandatory cutbacks and water rationing, recycled water can save an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of landscaping.

3. Who benefits from recycled water use?

Everyone benefits from recycled water. As the population in California continues to grow from the current 32 million to an estimated 52 million people by the year 2030, so does the demand on our limited water supply. Since our drinking water supply is limited, finding ways to conserve our supply is critical. By using recycled water for irrigation, we can conserve our precious drinking water supply while providing a reliable, growing, and drought-proof source of additional water.

4. Does recycled water’s nutrients reduce fertilizer costs?

Some harmless nutrients survive the wastewater treatment process, giving recycled water an added benefit. Many recycled water customers have discovered that fertilizer costs are reduced for landscaping irrigated with recycled water.

5. What will happen if my pet accidentally drinks recycled water?

Recycled water is almost as pure as drinking water. It has been carefully treated and has been disinfected to kill microorganisms. As a result of this treatment, recycled water is perfect to use as a supply of landscape irrigation. Even if you or a family pet swallowed recycled water, it should not make you sick. It may still contain some nutrients or dissolved metals and salts that keep it from meeting our strict drinking water standards.

6. How long has recycled water been used?

Water recycling is practiced worldwide. California has been a pioneer in water recycling for over 50 years. In California there are over 250 water recycling plants in operation. California's first water recycling project began in 1929 when the City of Pomona provided treated wastewater from its municipal sewage treatment plant for landscape irrigation. The first plant built solely for recycling and reuse was constructed in 1932 in San Francisco to irrigate Golden Gate Park.

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1. Who can receive education programs and materials?

RCWD provides programs and education materials to schools within the district’s service area. If you are not sure if the school you teach at is located in RCWD’s service area, you can send an email and we will be happy to respond to you.

2. Will RCWD send a representative to our classroom to make a presentation?

RCWD’s education programs do not include in-class presentations. We do have theater assembly programs and complete curriculum packets that teachers may use.

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1. What is the fluoride level of Rancho California Water District’s (RCWD) water?

RCWD does not add fluoride to its water; however, fluoride occurs naturally in RCWD’s groundwater. Our local water supplies are “blended” with water imported from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). RCWD’s range is 0.7 - 1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The maximum allowable level of fluoride at the state level is 2.0 mg/L.

2. Does Temecula and Murrieta have hard or soft water?

During the past year, RCWD’s water hardness averaged 184 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (equal to 10.7 grains per gallon, 1 grain = 17.1 mg/L). This is considered “hard” water.

3. What about water softeners?

There is more to water softeners than soft water. Softeners typically waste more water than they process because of the need to “flush” the softening system. In addition, softeners can release considerable salt by-products into wastewater treatment facilities and groundwater
supplies, resulting in increased mineral levels.

4. Who regulates drinking water quality?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) establishes and enforces national drinking water standards. In California, enforcement of drinking water standards falls under the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Drinking Water Division. Both agencies set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various compounds in water to provide safe drinking water supplies.

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1. How long should I water my grass?

That depends on your type of soil, what kind of sprinkler, and the time of year. Use the watering calculator for a personalized watering schedule. Be Water Wise- Water Calculator

2. What is My Water Footprint?

Please click on the link to view your results: What is My Water Footprint?

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1. What is Evapotranspiration (ET)?

ET is the loss of water from a vegetated surface through the combined processes of soil evaporation and plant transpiration. In short, this is the amount of water that plants lose that needs to be replaced. It is expressed in inches of water needed to replace what was lost to the atmosphere in a given time period. The Rancho California Water District (RCWD) tracks ET for over 300 microzones within the District on a daily basis as a factor in determining an outdoor budget specific to your property.

2. How many acres of agriculture does California irrigate a year?

In an average year, California agriculture irrigates 9.6 million acres using roughly 34 million acre-feet of water of the 43 million acre-feet diverted from surface waters or pumped from groundwater.

3. What is CIMIS

Please visit http://www.cimis.water.ca.gov/cimis/welcome.jsp

4. How do I use CIMIS?

Please visit: http://www.missionrcd.org/Tech%20serv%20-%20irrigation%20water%20mgmt/cimisinstruct.pdf

5. What is Emission Uniformity?

Please visit: http://www.ranchowater.com/DocumentCenter/View/356

6. What is Agricultural Water Use Efficiency?

Please visit: http://www.ranchowater.com/DocumentCenter/View/357

7. How can I request a change to my water allocation?

Agricultural customers who wish to request a change to their water allocation can complete a variance form, which can be found here: http://www.ranchowater.com/DocumentCenter/View/357

8. My water service account is currently under "Domestic" status. Can I change it to an agricultural account?

Domestic customers who believe their water service account qualifies as an agricultural account can complete an Application for Agricultural Account Status, which can be found here: http://www.ranchowater.com/DocumentCenter/View/373

9. Can I consolidate the allocations of my agricultural account into a single allocation?

Under many circumstances, the allocations of multiple agricultural accounts can be combined into a single allocation. If yo wish to explore this option, please complete the following Request for Consolidation: http://www.ranchowater.com/DocumentCenter/View/358

10. Ag Allocation Frequently Asked Questions

Click on Link Frequently Asked Questions Form