▼

Account & Billing

Show All Answers

1. When is my payment due?

The due date for bill are 20 days from the bill creation / mailing date. If payment is not received by the the due date, a reminder notice will be sent.  If a bill should remain unpaid 15 days past this due date, a 10% penalty will be charged and a call will be placed to the phone number provided to customer service.  A final reminder notice will be sent to the service address 48 hours prior to shutoff, which incurs an additional $43 fee. 

Please call our office at 858-756-2424 to make payment arrangements or if you should have any questions.

2. How do I sign up for water service or make billing changes to my existing service?

Call our office at 858-756-2424 to transfer an account into your name or to make any changes in billing information on an existing account. Please notify the District promptly in the event of any change in ownership, tenancy or billing address.

▼

Automated Meter Infrastructure

Show All Answers

1. Will there be a change in billing frequency?

There currently is no plan for the District to switch customers that are currently on bi-monthly billing to monthly billing. 

2. How will customers be informed prior to the new meter installation?

First, a letter will be mailed to the owner at least two weeks prior to the installation of the new meter. Then a notice will be placed at the entrance to the property (front door, side door, garage door, gate, etc.) no less than 2 days prior to work being performed in the neighborhood. Given that the District will be replacing multiple meters within a neighborhood, most notices will give information of the week when the meter is to be replaced.

3. How will customers be able to review their water usage?

The District is currently in the process of installing Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for all customers in six separate phases.  Currently the District is anticipating to complete installation for all customers by July 2021.  Customers will be notified when they have been transitioned to AMI and can utilize this technology to view their water use.  If you have been notified that your service has been transitioned to AMI, please follow this link to sign up and view your usage. 

https://www.sfidwater.org/276/NEW-View-My-Water-Use

▼

Water Quality

Show All Answers

1. What is done to purify the water before it comes out of the tap?

Water that comes from rivers, lakes and streams goes through many steps of treatment and checkpoints before it is ready to drink. The water is screened to remove larger materials, run though very fine filters and then disinfected to kill germs. The water is checked throughout the system to make sure that it meets all regulations.

2. Who is making sure that my water is safe and healthy to drink?

California has very strict laws regulating the quality of tap water. Local utilities must made sure that your water meets these requirements. Southern California utilities have an excellent record for delivering water that is as good as or better than required. If for some reason your water does not meet the health and safety regulations, you will be notified immediately. Each of us also has a responsibility to take care of the drinking water on our property. For example, if you use a water filter, make sure you change the filter often so bacteria does not grow inside and spoil the water. Clean out your older plumbing or drains properly so that your water doesn't collect odd smells, tastes or colors. While a funny color, taste or smell usually doesn't mean your water is unsafe, you still may want to correct the problem.

3. Who should I call if I have a problem with my tap water?

Contact the Santa Fe Irrigation District at 858-756-2424.

4. How do I treat water during an emergency?

Get information on how to treat water during an emergency.

5. How do I handle water emergencies?

Water is vital to everyday life, necessary for health and should never be taken for granted. It is very important to be prepared for water emergencies before they occur. Earthquakes, floods, high winds, droughts and forest or brush fires are events that can create water emergencies. Likewise, broken water mains, power outages, treatment plant breakdowns, and failure of storage tanks or equipment are considered "water system" emergencies.

Learn how to shut off the main water valve to your house. Make sure you know the location of the valve; have the necessary tools to operate it; and mark it with fluorescent paint or tape for locating the valve in the dark.

Purchase bottled water or store water in clean, unbreakable containers that can be properly sealed or capped after filling. It is recommended to have at least one gallon of water per person and per pet per day, and store enough water for three to five days.

Keep water stored in a cool areas away from direct sunlight. Water should be replaced every six to eight months.

If you must use tap water during an emergency, make sure your water has been disinfected by boiling it for 5 minutes or you can use water-disinfecting tablets (4 per gallon), tincture of iodine (12 drops per gallon) or liquid chlorine (8 to 10 drops per gallon). After treatment, mix the water thoroughly and let it stand for 30 minutes before use.

6. How do I flush my household pipes?

A bleachy or chemical taste and odor in the water in your home or business is often caused by accumulation of organic material in the plumbing. This organic material can be eliminated by flushing your water pipes. This procedure is outlines in the following steps:
1) Remove the screens (aerators) from the ends of the indoor faucets and run all of the faucets wide open and simultaneously for 3 to 5 minutes.
2) Flush the toilets 2 or 3 times each while faucets are running. Running all the water faucets and toilets simultaneously generates a large flow of water through the pipes and will hopefully dislodge any buildup of organic material that is causing the taste and odor problem. Removing the aerators before flushing the plumbing will prevent anything dislodged from plugging the screens.
3) After 3 to 5 minutes of flushing, turn off the water faucets, clean the aerators, and reinstall aerators on the ends of the faucets.

7. Is there lead in my water?

Santa Fe Irrigation District has sampled selected sites in its distribution system as well as the treated water it receives from the Metropolitan Water District and the R. E. Badger Filtration Plant. Lead levels in collected samples have been very low and therefore comply with state and federal drinking water standards. Lead solder was banned in 1986. This change means that inside plumbing in newer houses and apartments should not have a lead problem. Santa Fe Irrigation District does not have lead connections in its water delivery system, and follows regulations that prevent lead from leaching into the water supply.

Lead may be an issue for customers with brass or bronze faucets, or for those living in older houses and apartments where lead solder was used in the plumbing system. Both brass and bronze contain lead, which can leach into water. Lead levels are highest when the tap is first turned on, as that water has the most contact with the faucet, pipe and fittings. Letting the water run for a few minutes will help flush any water that may have higher levels of lead.

8. Is there fluoride in my water?

Fluoride occurs naturally in sources of tap water. Many water utilities in other parts of the country add more fluoride to their water. It is not as common in California. Drinking water with the right amount of fluoride has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children. The District does not add fluoride to the water supplied to customers.

9. Can pregnant women drink tap water?

If you are pregnant and have any questions about drinking water straight from the tap, talk to your doctor. You can refer to our consumer confidence report for specific information on the quality of water you receive.

10. Can people with HIV/AIDs or weakened immune systems drink tap water?

Water utilities must meet over 120 different drinking water requirements for tap water. People with severely weakened immune systems are not always protected by these standards because requirements are based on reducing risks for people in good health. For example, a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium can cause a life-threatening illness for people with weakened immune systems. The chance of finding Cryptosporidium in water served by Southern California utilities is quite small. However, people with severely weakened immune systems should talk to their doctor about possible alternatives to tap water.

11. Do I need to purchase a home treatment device to make my tap water safe?

Learn about purchasing a home treatment device.

12. Should I boil my water?

It is not necessary to boil tap water as it already meets strict state and federal regulations for quality. On very rare occasions, the local health department or Santa Fe Irrigation District may issue a notice to boil water after an earthquake or other emergency. Customers with severely weakened immune systems or those advised by their doctor may also need to boil their tap water.

13. Do I need a water softener?

Water softeners do not make tap water safer–they simply remove the dissolved minerals that make water hard but not harmful. The hardness of water is different throughout Southern California and depends on the water source. Before purchasing a water softener, make sure it has a salt efficiency rating of no less than 4,000 grains of hardness removed per pound of salt used in regeneration. Softer water has both good and bad features. Benefits include a softer feel to hair and skin, the need to use less dish soap and laundry detergent (because soap lathers more quickly in soft water), and less mineral deposits in pipes and on pots and pans, glasses and cars. However, water softeners add sodium to the water, which may be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets.

14. Should I buy bottled water or water at vending machines or water stores?

Bottled water sold in stores or from vending machines costs many times more per gallon than tap water and it is not necessarily any safer to drink. Every source of water, whether it is tap water or bottled water, must meet very strict health requirements. Customers who choose to purchase bottled water should ask about the source of the water and the bottler’s treatment system. Those with health concerns should ask what specific contaminants the treatment process removes.

15. Why does my water sometimes look dirty, cloudy or have a strange color?

Learn why your water may appear dirty, cloudy, or a strange color.

16. Why does my water leave spots on my glasses, coffeepot and showerhead?

When water is heated, cooled, or evaporated, minerals in the water may leave harmless white spots on glasses, coffeepots, and showerheads. Vinegar can be effective in removing these spots - soak showerheads in a bowl of vinegar and fill coffeepots with vinegar and soak overnight. Be sure to rinse well before using. There are also store products that can be purchased for preventing spots on glasses.

17. How can I find out what's in my water?

Every year the Santa Fe Irrigation District publishes and mails to all customers an Annual Customer Confidence Report. This free report provides the results of tests conducted by the District to assure that your water meets federal and state drinking water regulations. It also explains where your water comes from and includes other useful information. The report is available in English and Spanish. To request a hard copy, please call 858-756-2424, or download a copy from our Documents section of this website.

▼

Water Service

Show All Answers

1. How do I shut off my water to make repairs?

SFID recommends that all customers have a shut off valve on the property side of the meter. The valve on the street side of the meter is SFID's responsibility and should be operated by District personnel only. If you do not have a valve on the property side of the meter and need your water shut off, call 858-756-2424, and we will set up an appointment to do so during our regular business hours.

2. Where can I call if I have an emergency and SFID is closed?

In the event of an after-hours emergency, call 858-756-2854 or 858-756-2424 to reach an answering service after normal business hours.

3. Should I have a pressure regulator?

SFID recommends that all customers have a pressure regulator to guard against damage to pipes and fixtures in the event of a fluctuation in water pressure.

4. When would I need to install a backflow device?

If there is a possibility of contamination of the public water supply by your water use, you will be required to have an approved backflow device. Backflow devices are required on all new commercial and agricultural accounts. If you are an existing account and fall into a "high risk" category such as chemical processing, medical and dental facilities, flower grower, etc., you are required to immediately install a backflow device to protect other water users on the system. Please call our office at 858-756-2424 if you have any questions regarding backflow devices.

▼

Watering Index

Show All Answers

1. What is a Watering Index?

The Watering Index (%) is a simple way to represent and understand plant water needs. It is based on weather conditions, such as: solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity, wind, and other factors. Summer represents 100% of maximum water needed for plants. Over the course of the year the Watering Index changes to reflect the landscape’s changing need for water as climatic conditions change. As new Watering Index values are published, the controller’s water budget adjustment feature should be changed to match the current Watering Index value.  The watering times for all valves controlled by one landscape controller will change by the same percentage when the water budget adjustment feature settings are changed.

Use the chart below, along with site conditions, to find the right watering index value for your yard! 

Many new(er) sprinkler timers have a seasonal adjust option (or % adjust) that you can use. To do so, first program your sprinkler times for summer conditions (100% seasonal adjustment factor). You can then just use the seasonal adjust feature to adjust the watering index to the appropriate percentage. For example, if it’s October, you use a watering index of 50-60% and your sprinkler runtimes will automatically be cut by about half based on your summer (100%) schedule.

2. How Do I use the Watering Index?

Most modern sprinkler timers have a feature that lets you use a Watering Index – it is often called a "Seasonal Adjust" or "Water Budget" feature. The Watering Index (%) modifies your sprinkler controller's watering runtimes. It does this by controlling the watering runtimes for all electric valves managed by your sprinkler controller. By adjusting the Watering Index on your sprinkler controller, all your watering runtimes are either increased or decreased. The adjustment is effectively a percentage (%) of the maximum watering runtime allowed by the sprinkler controller for each valve. As an example, if you water for 6 minutes in summer (at a 100% Watering Index), a 50% Watering Index setting would reduce sprinkler runtimes to 3 minutes.

3. What if my plants look stressed even though I'm using the recommended Watering Index?

The Watering Index (%) is a tool to help you adjust watering times for the current weather. The Watering Index is not  hyper dependent on local conditions. Watering run times will be different to reflect your particular climate, but the Watering Index generally goes up or down by the same percentage throughout region. The Watering Index (%) suggests when adjustments should be made, but you have to be proactive by paying attention to the health of your landscape. If your plants look stressed after setting your Watering Index (%) on your sprinkler controller (i.e. “Seasonal Adjust” or “Water Budget” feature), then make practical adjustments from there based on what your landscape is telling you. You may increase the Watering Index (%) slightly, or if the issue is specific to a certain sprinkler valve, go back to the sprinkler controller and adjust the runtime for that zone.

For help on how to program your sprinkler controller, consult your controller's instructions, view videos on how to adjust your specific type of sprinkler controller, or contact your landscaping professional

4. What is basis for the Watering Index?

The Watering Index is based on ET data (evapotranspiration) that measures the loss of water evaporated from the soil and transpired by plants. ET is calculated from specialized weather stations that measure such information as solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity. ET values are primarily dependent on the amount of solar radiation. A watering schedule should be designed to periodically replace the amount of water lost via ET.

The Watering Index compares current ET data with the highest average ET value recorded over the last 10 years. The historical high occurs in July and equals 100 percent on the Watering Index. The concept behind the Watering Index was developed by Mr. John Wynn, of the State of California Department of Water Resources.

 The graph below shows the amount of water that could be saved if the controller is adjusted to match the Watering Index instead of just twice a year, which is typical for many people.

5. Is there anything else I can do to improve my watering practices and reduce my use of water?

In addition to having a good watering schedule and adjusting it as the Watering Index changes, it is important to periodically (at least monthly) turn on each irrigation valve to see how it is working. Look for sprinklers that are not popping up properly, shrubbery or grass that is interfering with the watering pattern, broken or clogged nozzles, sprinklers that are spraying sidewalks and driveways, etc.

If your water pressure is high, use pressure regulation devices to bring the sprinkler operating pressure down to the optimal pressure range specified by the manufacturer. Pressure that is too high causes the water exiting the sprinkler to turn to mist, which, can be blown away by even a gentle breeze.

 Water in the early morning hours and when the air is still. Do not water in the afternoon, or much of your water will be lost to evaporation by the sun.

 Watch for run-off.  If you water for longer periods, water may run off and be wasted.  Many controllers have a feature that allows for multiple start times so you can “cycle and soak”.  Watering for shorter periods allows the water to soak in.  To prevent run-off, multiple start times of shorter duration may be set before and/or after any time restrictions in your area.  Avoiding runoff not only reduces your water use and improves the appearance of your landscape, but, equally important, it avoids runoff that carries pollutants into our storm drains and onto our beaches