City of San Diego’s customer advocate shares water-saving tips

San Diego’s customer advocate in its Public Utilities Department says there are many ways locals can conserve water and potentially save money by identifying problems.

During Rancho Bernardo Community Council’s July 23 meeting, David Akin explained the department, provided tips on saving water and money, and said if customers have billing issues they cannot resolve, they can turn to him for help.

“I focus on the entire customer experience and help you navigate the complex procedures of the organization,” Akin said. He can be reached at DAkin@sandiego.gov or 619-533-4275.

Akin said reasons people might receive a higher than expected water/sewer bill are using more water, a leak in the customer’s water system or a meter reading error.

Among reasons for higher than expected water consumption are new landscape, overwatering, filling a pool or pond, guests, kids home for the summer, a hose left on and warmer weather.

Common leak locations are an irrigation system, running/leaking toilet, water heater, washing machine, hidden pipes and service line from meter. He said it is important to install and maintain a water pressure regulator since high water pressure can cause a pipe to leak.

“It is easy to see if you have a leak. ... (You have one) if there is movement on your meter when no water is running,” he said.

Akin said 99.6 percent of meter reads are accurate. But with each meter reader checking more than 500 each day among the 7,000 to 9,000 meters read daily, errors can occur. Therefore customers should check the meter themselves, compare it to their bill and if the reading is lower than billed, report it. The meter reports in hundred cubic feet, with 100 cubic feet equalling 748 gallons.

Because the sewer bill rate is based on winter water consumption, Akin said by decreasing water consumption from December to March, customers’ sewer rate will be lower when the figure is reset each July 1.

He spoke about the drought and restrictions, which limit most landscape irrigation to five minutes, two days a week. For details, go to sandiego.gov/water/conservation.

People are asked to report water wasters at 619-533-5271 or waterwaste@sandiego.gov. When reporting, provide a full street address for where the water is coming.

“Particularly if you see the city wasting water, let us know,” Akin said. “We want to set a good example. We rather you tell us than we see it on TV.”

Akin said staff can help people conserve water through a free residential water survey. Customers are shown how to read their meter; the property is checked for leaks; water fixtures are measured; low-flow shower heads, faucets and aerators are provided, if needed; the irrigation system is reviewed and irrigation schedule suggestions made. To obtain a free survey, call 619-570-1999 or send an email to watersurvey@sandiego.gov.

While the city’s recent rebates for turf removal were depleted within hours, Akin said there will be more in the future. People should draw up their plans now so they are ready when city rebates become available again. When they do, “Go on at midnight and send in that application, because that money goes fast,” he said.

City customers might be eligible for two rebates, because they can simultaneously apply for city and Metropolitan Water District funds. They should not commence work until after their rebate application is approved if they are counting on that to fund a project.

He said the Public Utilities Department has 28 water reservoirs and nine lakes for boating and fishing; and three potable, two recycled and three sewer water treatment plants, which are connected to 3,193 miles of water mains for potable water, 96 miles of mains for recycled water and 2,543 miles of mains for sewer collection.

For water and sewer issues, customers can call 619-533-3500.