Listed below are frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the following departments:
Water | Wastewater | Drainage | Security | Admin

Water

Q. Is my water of high quality?

A. CSD regularly monitors and tests the water quality. Our tests indicate our water quality is of very high quality. Annually, we are required by law to complete a water quality test report which is mailed to every customer in April. (back to top)

Q. How do I turn my water off in an emergency?

A. There are two locations to turn off your water. Most houses have a "house valve" which allows the water to the house to be shut off. The house valve is normally located at the front of the house usually near a hose bib. Look for a pipe coming out of the ground and going into the house with a shut off valve on it. If you cannot find a house valve or the house valve does not work, the CSD also has a valve that can shut off the water to your home. If you call us at 354-3700, a CSD technician will turn the water off at the meter for you.

Although you may be tempted to just turn the water off at the meter yourself, this is not allowed. The water meter and valve at the street are CSD's property and can be damaged if the valve is not operated properly. Only the CSD's trained technicians are allowed to work on or use this shut off valve. Call CSD for assistance if you have a water problem emergency @ (916) 354-3700 and after hours and weekends @ (916) 354-3743. (back to top)

Q. What is our water source?

A. We divert water from the Cosumnes River between November and May of each year. All of our drinking water is treated before it is supplied to the customer. (back to top)

Q. How can I reduce my water usage and decrease my water bill?

A. In most cases, a high water bill is directly related to your landscape irrigation practices. Don't over water and don't water too frequently. Step on the grass: if it rebounds, wait another day to water it. In addition, the following are major uses of water:

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Q. Our water smells musty or has too much chlorine in it, what is wrong with it?

A. A musty odor or water that smells like chlorine, usually indicates low usage areas need to be flushed. Other factors which cause the odor are naturally occurring minerals and/or algae. The California Department of Health Services requires the District to maintain a certain level of chlorine in the water to ensure that it remains bacteria free. This small amount of chlorine is harmless to people. (back to top)

Q. My water has been turned off. How long before it will be turned on again?

A. As soon as the repair is made or the preventive maintenance is complete. We made an effort to contact you and left a note on your door. If your water was turned off for non-payment, please contact the Administration Office. (back to top)

Wastewater

Q. The sewer box in my yard has sewage coming out of it, who has to fix it?

A. Please call us and we will come out immediately to check the problem, try to clear the plug and determine who will be responsible for the repairs. Call the Administration Office during office hours @ (916) 354-3700. After hours and weekends call the south gate @ (916) 354-3743. (back to top)

Q. Where does the CSD responsibility for the sewer line stop?

A. At the clean out at the property line or connection to the sewer main. The line from that connection to and including the house are the responsibility of the homeowner. If you have a plugged sewer call CSD first to see if we can clear it before you call a plumber. (back to top)

Q. Where does all of our wastewater go?

A. To the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Highway 16 south of the CSD office, where it is treated, reclaimed and sent to the golf courses for irrigation. (back to top)

Q. Why is there a sewer manhole in my backyard or a ditch behind my house?

A. During design of the wastewater system the sewer lines were placed to insure gravity flows and to follow land contours. (back to top)

Drainage

Q. Where does the water go when it goes into the catch basins?

A. In the north area, runoff water goes to Laguna Joaquin and then into the Cosumnes River through the ditch behind Murieta Plaza. In the south area, runoff water goes into Lost Lake on Reynosa Drive and into the Cosumnes River through the pump station on the third tee of the south course. (back to top)

Q. When will the ditch near my home be cleaned or cut?

A. Ditch maintenance is on a routine schedule and will be cleaned or cut as scheduled. (back to top)

Q. Will the District or can I, rock or pipe the ditch?

A. The District's policy is that all ditches are to remain as natural as possible and piping or rocking is only done to protect the integrity of the ditch. (back to top)

Q. Who takes care of the areas outside the drainage ditches?

A. The District takes care of the ditches from its bottom up to the top of the ditch side walls and RMA handles the area known as "Common Area". (back to top)

Q. Why does Laguna Joaquin water look so dirty?

A. Laguna Joaquin water is natural runoff. As runoff flows through the community it picks up suspended clays and nutrients. The Ione clay stays suspended causing the dirty color. The nutrients add to algae growth. (back to top)

Security

Q. Can I call the gate to find out what the road conditions are like?

A. We do not routinely monitor road conditions, so please refrain from calling the gate requesting this type of information. The number for current road conditions is 1-800-427-ROAD. Road Condition Info
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Q. Can I call the gate to get another resident's phone number?

A. No. Department policy forbids the officers from giving out that type of private information. (back to top)

Q. If I receive a RMA citation for a C.C. & R. violation, what should I do?

A. Call the RMA Office at 354-3500 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and speak to the RMA compliance officer. (back to top)

Administration

Q. Who do I contact regarding questions about my bill?

A. Customers with concerns or questions about their bill should contact the Administration Office @ (916) 354-3700 and ask to speak to the accounting department. (back to top)

Q. If I'm going on vacation, what should I do about paying my bill?

A. Plan ahead and pay your bill in advance. Use your prior bill as a guideline and round up to the nearest dollar. When you come back from vacation, call the Administration Office to make sure the amount you paid covered your bill so you receive no late charges. (back to top)

Q. When are billing payments due?

A. The bill you receive around the 28th - 30th of the month is for services provided during that same month. Payment for services must be received in the Administration Office by the 25th of the following month or a late charge will be incurred. (back to top)

Q. Why is a "transfer fee" listed on my bill and what is it?

A. The transfer fee is charged to all owners whenever a property changes ownership. This fee covers the cost of staff time corresponding with title companies, taking closing meter reads, and processing the necessary paperwork to complete the ownership change. It also provides the new owner with 3 vehicle bar codes. (back to top)