Water Service and Meters

Is Del Mar's water fluoridated?
The City of San Diego treats the water used in Del Mar.  On February 1, 2011, San Diego began fluoridation at the Miramar Water Treatment Facility and Del Mar's water began to contain fluoride. 

How can I lower my water bill?  
Install water saving showerheads, ultra low-flow toilets, water efficient washing machines, and use water-wise gardening (such as Xeriscape).  Please contact the San Diego County Water Authority at (800) 986-4538 for information on eligible cost saving discount vouchers before purchase.
  
Is Del Mar's water considered hard? 
Water supplied in San Diego County is considered moderately hard with total dissolved solids from 214 to 276 parts per million. 

Should I purchase a water softener?
Installation of a water softener is a personal choice, but we recommend against the recycling type, which discharges high amounts of salt into the sewer system.  Consider having a water treatment company provide treatment canisters, which do not recycle into the sewer.  This will allow beneficial use of reclaimed water for irrigation at a lower cost.

My water pressure is fluctuating.  Can you help?
Fluctuation in water pressure is due to pressure changes in the source water that comes from San Diego.  As water levels in our reservoirs vary, pressure sometimes will change.  This fluctuation is not usually noticeable.  Although not required by law, it is recommended that all homes have a pressure regulator.  If the problem persists, a plumber can check to see if your regulator is functioning properly.

How do I get a construction meter?
A completed application for a construction meter needs to be submitted to the Finance Department along with a deposit. Once the application and deposit are turned in you may obtain the meter at the Public Works Department.

How do I cancel my water service?
To cancel your water service, please contact the City of Del Mar Finance Department at (858) 755-9354.

What is the difference between a sub-meter and an irrigation meter, and which is best for me?
A sub-meter is a secondary meter placed on your private line beyond your primary meter.  It is intended to precisely calculate in-home water use, and must be installed by your private plumber.  An irrigation meter is a separate meter installed on the City of Del Mar water main and is recommended for irrigation systems and eliminate charges for sanitary sewer use.  The City will install an irrigation meter, but there is a fee.  For further information, please contact the Public Works Department at (858) 755-3294.

Why cant I shut off my own meter?
Please do not attempt to shut off your water meter. Meters are very easy to damage and extremely expensive to repair. The City of Del Mar Public Works Department will be glad to turn your meter off without charge with a four-hour notice (normal work hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm and the office is closed from 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. for lunch).

The City encourages residents to install a separate valve on your side of the meter to turn water off without having to risk damage to a City meter.  If interested, please contact a local plumber for an installation estimate.
 
Where is my water meter?
Most meters are located between your home and the edge of the street in a small utility vault.  However, the meters are located on your private line connection to the public water main and sometimes these services are installed from side or rear of properties due to location of the water main.  If you are having problems locating your meter, please contact Public Works and they will be glad to assist you.

When do they read my meter?
Meters are read once every other month (usually the last week of the month). 
 
I don't think my meter has been read recently.  What can I do?
If you feel your water meter has not been read recently, call the Finance Department at (858) 755-9354 to review your records; a member of the Public Works staff will be glad to visit with you at your home and show you the meter reading.  Please have your most recent water bill in hand.

My water is cloudy.  What can I do?
Call the Public Works Department at (858) 755-3294 and we will inspect the system for problems. In many cases, the problem is within the residence and is the responsibility of the owner.   If this is the case, a plumber may be necessary.  Certain times of the year, water is delivered with a slight turbidity and odor due to lake conditions where the water is stored prior to treatment.  However, it is safe to drink and is tested on a regular basis according to the Department of Health Services guidelines.  The City of Del Mar annually sends a copy of the Water Quality Report to all residents.  You may request a copy of the
Annual Water Quality Report  or the City of Del Mar's Annual Water Quality Newsletter from Public Works at (858) 755-3294

What water conservation incentives does the City of Del Mar offer?
The City of Del Mar offers the Ultra Low-Flow Toilet Voucher Program, High Efficiency Washer Voucher Program, and Landscape Assistance Program for businesses and residences.  For additional information regarding water conservation programs, please contact the Finance Department at (858) 755-9354 for a brochure or the San Diego County Water Authority Voucher Incentive program at 1-800-986-4538.

I am building or remodeling my home in Del Mar.  What is the cost to install a new water meter and/or sewer service?
On average, the total cost to install a new meter is about $7,500.  The costs include the San Diego County Water Authority capacity charges, connection fees and the time and material costs for Public Works to install the new meter.  The time and materials portion of the installation requires a $1,000 deposit out of which the Public Works fees are charged.  The other two fees are based on the size of the meter being installed. 

The cost to install a new sewer connection is based on the number of bedrooms and the number of plumbing fixtures.  The minimum sewer connection charge is about $1,650 for a three-bedroom house with 20 plumbing fixtures or less.

If you are planning on installing new water and/or sewer service, please come by the Finance Department for a new water/sewer packet, or call and we will mail you the information packet, which includes the required forms and a detailed description of the associated fees.