Water Terminology

Added Facility Charge (AFC)
A fee that is collected from each new service based on meter size and pressure zone. It is used to fund major system improvements such as pumping plants, reservoirs, and large transmission mains.
North Area Improvement District's 1, 3, U-2, F
South Area Improvement District's 2, 4, U-3

Annexation
Properties that are outside Western's retail service area must go through the annexation process in order to receive water and/or sewer service. Parcels outside Western and Metropolitan Water District (MWD), but within Western's sphere of influence, must go through a more extensive annexation procedure, and Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and Western Board approval must be obtained.

Construction Water

When a commercial or residential property is under construction, the water rate used for construction is billed at twice the variable domestic water rate.

Fire Flow Test
Property owners/developers are required to obtain fire flow information from Western for their development. If the specific fire flow information is not available, it may be necessary for Western to field test the hydrant at owners/developers cost.

Full Meter Assembly
The physical water facilities from Western's water main to the customer's meter usually consists of the service lateral assembly. The service lateral assembly includes the tap to the main, connection valve or corporation stop, copper tubing, and curb stop or linesetter and the meter assembly, which may include the meter, meter box or vault, and customer shut-off valve.

Inspection
Western provides inspection services on all water and sewer system facilities that are installed by a developer's contractor to ensure that they are installed in accordance with Western's specifications. These facilities become Western owned and maintained upon completion and acceptance.

Jumpers
A jumper is a temporary unmetered connection for construction water only. It is available only for subdivision (tract) development in lieu of setting the service meter while street improvements are being completed. Jumpers will be allowed only after the water system has been pressure tested, chlorinated, and successfully tested for water quality.

Long Service
In some cases, a long service is allowed when a property does not front a pipeline. The parcel can be served by a pipeline some distance away, sometimes even on a different street. Upon payment of all fees, the meter is installed on the pipeline nearest the property and the customer is responsible for all costs associated with the installation of the private service line from the meter to the property and a Meter Relocation Fee. The customer is also responsible for any easements or encroachment permits if required by the local jurisdiction having authority.

When a "Long Service" is necessary in order to receive water service a Meter Relocation Fee is charged to relocate and hot tap the meter to a newly constructed water pipeline. This fee shall be paid with the meter installation fees.

Meter Relocation
Meters moved for the convenience of the customer will be relocated at the customer's expense. If the distance which the customer desires to have the meter moved exceeds eight (8) feet, the customer may be required to pay for a new service lateral assembly at the desired location. Also see Long Service definition.

Metered Service Connection
This is a temporary accommodation to the developer or home builder and is usually used in tract development. Western allows the meter to be installed in the developer's name prior to the transfer of the service to the individual homeowner. Developer pays a higher "construction" rate for this service.

Participation Agreement
Occasionally, a homeowner or developer is required to extend water or sewer facilities in order to serve their development. If applicable,Western enters into a "Participation Agreement" with the customer/developer. All of the costs incurred for the extension are compiled, which include Western costs for review of plans, Western inspection of facilities and contractor costs. An "area of benefit" is established and a per-lot charge is determined for all lots benefiting from the extension. The agreement is valid for 15 years. During the 15 years, Western collects participation from lots within the "area of benefit" when they pay for a new service and refunds the participation to the homeowner/developer. Any system improvement becomes the property of Western.

Plan Check
Western reviews and approves drawings for improvements to the water/sewer systems to ensure conformance of design and materials to Western's specifications.

Tract Service
Refers to a residential tract development where a developer installs the water pipeline system and service lateral assemblies and Western drops-in the meter.