Why is my bill higher than normal?
Ninety-nine percent of high bills are caused by internal plumbing problems and leaks in your house on your property. Golden State Water Company representatives are happy to give you helpful hints to find leaks or you can call a certified plumbing contractor to inspect your pipes.
Why is my water turned off?
Water may be turned off due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Non-payment or a bad check received for payment
- No name on the account
- Construction or repair of waterlines nearby or at your house
- Other work being performed in the area
NOTE: If you are a tenant, first check with the resident manager or owner of the apartments to see if they know the reason the water is turned off.
How long will it take to get a refund or an adjustment?
Golden State Water Company works to ensure all billing is accurate and has customer service representatives available to discuss your account 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. In the event of account adjustments, Golden State will make them directly to your account. If a credit balance occurs, customers have the opportunity to request a refund or the credit balance can be applied towards the bill.
Is a leaking fire hydrant going to affect my bill?
No. Although they share a common water main, fire hydrants are on a separate service line from the water meters. Only a leak on the customer's side of the meter would be reflected on the bill since the water would have passed through the meter before leaking within the customer's property. Main leaks, leaks on the service-line before the meter, and fire hydrant leaks will not affect the bill.
Why is disinfectant added to the water?
Disinfectants, such as chlorine, stop bacteria from growing in water pipelines. Golden State Water Company uses disinfectants where necessary throughout the water system. If the slight chlorine taste or smell is bothersome, you can chill your water overnight in the refrigerator. The chlorine compounds will dissipate, reducing the smell and taste.
How do I contact Golden State Water Company regarding problems with my drinking water?
If you are experiencing difficulties with your water quality, please call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at (800) 999-4033 or email us at customerservice@gswater.com.
What causes white spots on glassware or silverware?
"Hard" water, which contains more minerals than "soft" water, can cause spots on glasses or silverware. Locally, water from imported sources is much harder than our groundwater. It is best to read the owner's manual for your dishwasher and follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding hard water. Some other tips that may reduce spotting include using hotter water, varying the brand and type of rinse agent and detergent, and adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle of the dishwasher.
What if my pipes freeze?
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE DIRECT FLAME OR BOILING WATER. This can cause the pipes to break and open flames can cause fires. Caution: If you have a portion of your house without water due to a frozen pipe, you should advise all household members where the master shut off valve is located. The frozen water pipe may have split and when the temperature moderates, your pipe may start to leak. You should be prepared to shut your water off immediately.
How would I know where the master water supply valve is?
If there's an emergency, family members should know where the master water supply valve is to protect against water leaks and damage to your home from possible flooding.
These are the most likely locations for your master water supply valve:
- Where the water supply pipe enters your home
- Near your clothes washer hook-up
- Near your water heaters
Every home, apartment, and business has a master water supply valve. Be sure you've found the right one. Don't make a mistake! Try turning it off and see if all the water faucets in the building are shut off. If they aren't, try again. Once you've found the right valve, mark it with a tag, a bright ribbon or colorful paint. Make it easy to see.
