How does the District know how much water I use inside or outside my home?

We don't! We estimate your water needs, and then charge lower rates for the water you use to meet your needs based on these estimates. Our estimates are based on State of California standards for efficient residential indoor and outdoor water use. The following is how we calculate your efficient indoor and outdoor water needs.

Residential Tier 1 - Indoor Needs

  • 4 people per household (Basis: U.S. Census Data)
  • 52.5 gallons per person per day (Basis: State of California Efficiency Standard for Indoor Use)
  • Calculates to 17 units per billing period (Billing unit equals 100 cubic feet equals 748 gallons)

Residential Tier 2 - Outdoor Needs

  • Irrigated Landscape Area (Basis: County of San Bernardino Assessor's Parcel Data)
  • 38 inches of water per square foot annually (Basis: State of California Efficiency Standard for Outdoor Use (80% local reference evapotranspiration rate)
  • Seasonally Adjusted (Summer more, Winter less) (Basis: State Data, Historical Usage Patterns)

Show All Answers

1. What are budget-based tiered rates?
2. How does the District know how much water I use inside or outside my home?
3. How does the district calculate my irrigated landscape area?
4. How does the District calculate Tiers 3 and 4?
5. I think the District's estimates are off for my home. Can I adjust my budget?