Los Osos

Los Osos

Overview

Golden State Water has proudly served the Los Osos area since 1976, providing high-quality and reliable water to approximately 3,300 customers in Edna Road and Los Osos.

Two water systems serve the Los Osos Customer Service Area. Water delivered to customers in the Edna Road System is groundwater, which is pumped from the Edna Valley Basin through wells operated by Golden State Water. Water delivered to the Los Osos System is groundwater pumped from the Los Osos Valley Groundwater Basin through wells owned and operated by Golden State Water.

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Conservation

While Los Osos and Edna Road areas experienced historical precipitation in 2023, the rainfall did not sufficiently recharge local groundwater basins, the area’s primary water source. Until conditions improve, communities dependent on groundwater remain in Stage Two, and mandatory restrictions with surcharges for water use above allocations remain in effect. Surcharges are the most effective tool to protect local groundwater supplies, especially during summer.

Important Drought Notice:

Golden State Water Company’s Edna Road and Los Osos customers are required to reduce water use by 20% compared 2020. 

System Reduction goal Actual reduction *
Edna 20% -9%
Los Osos 20% 6%

*Actual reduction (compared to 2020 usage)

In order to achieve the mandatory reductions, the following Staged Mandatory Conservation and Rationing plan has been filed for the local water system.

Golden State Water has activated its Staged Mandatory Water Conservation & Rationing (Schedule 14.1) filings that outline restrictions, water allocations, enforcement measures and surcharges designed to achieve reductions due to water supply shortages or to achieve identified water usage goals established by an authorized government agency or official. 

The Los Osos community is in Stage 2. Under this stage, all outdoor irrigation is limited to two days per week. Outdoor irrigation is allowed only after 7PM and before 8AM, according to the schedule below.

Golden State Water customers who do not meet the Stage 2 mandatory 20% reduction in water use may be charged a drought surcharge of up to $2.50 per Ccf (or 748 gallons) for all usage in excess of the customer’s usage allocation. Golden State Water is implementing surcharges in Edna Road but not Los Osos. While Golden State Water is not currently implementing surcharges in Los Osos, we are closely monitoring water supply conditions and customer water usage and may implement surcharges if it becomes necessary to spur action and additional conservation.

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Rates

As a regulated utility, every three years Golden State Water’s rates are determined by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) through a General Rate Case (GRC) to ensure customers receive a fair rate for reliable, quality water service. New rates allow for investments to avoid the costly and sometimes dangerous effects of deferring maintenance or delaying the replacement of aging infrastructure.

2020 GRC (2023 Rates)

Effective July 31, 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the 2020 GRC which includes new rates to ensure the safety and dependability of your local water system. Click here to learn more. Learn more about the rate-making process and localized information on new rates and investments in the 2022-24 Investments/Rates Fact Sheet .

  • The average residential customer in the Los Osos Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 4,488 gallons (500 cubic feet or 5 Ccf) per month will see their monthly bill increase from $75.18 to $88.08 (excluding any applicable surcharges).
  • The average commercial customer in the Los Osos Customer Service Area with a 5/8 X 3/4” meter using 15,708 gallons (2,100 cubic feet or 21 Ccf) per month will see their monthly bill increase from $256.39 to $299.91 (excluding any applicable surcharges). 

2023 GRC (2025 Rates)

As required by the CPUC every three years, in August of 2023, Golden State Water Company filed its 2023 General Rate Case (GRC) with the California Public Utilities Commission. This rate plan proposes local infrastructure investments and water rates for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027. Any adjustments to current rates will not go into effect until January 2025, at the earliest. Click here to learn more. Learn more about the rate-making process and localized information on new rates and investments in the 2025-27 Proposed Investments/Rates Fact Sheet.

  • The average residential customer in the Los Osos Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 3,740 gallons (500 cubic feet or 5 Ccf) per month will see their 2023 monthly bill increase from $88.08 to $108.75 in 2025, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges). 
  • The average commercial customer in the Los Osos Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 16,456 gallons (2,200 cubic feet or 22 Ccf) per month will see their 2023 monthly bill increase from $312.21 to $386.79 in 2025, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges). 

Learn More

Understanding Your Tariff Sheet

Review All Rates, Tariffs and Advice Letters

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Capital Projects

GRC 2020 General Case (2022-24)

The General Rate Case approved June 29, 2023 invests over $3 million in the Los Osos Customer Service Area. The new rates are being invested in your service area’s reservoir coating upgrades, pipeline replacements, manganese filtration systems and backup power equipment.

GRC 2023 General Case (2025-27)

The rates proposed for 2025-2027 will provide customers with long-term value by investing over $5.2 million in proactive capital investments and maintenance of local water infrastructure essential to the delivery and treatment of reliable, quality water. Investments in the Los Osos Service Area include but are not limited to water distribution infrastructure improvements, rehabilitation of wells, and the replacement of aging mains and meters, pumping and purification equipment.

Current & Upcoming Projects

Water Main Improvements

Location: The new pipeline will be installed on Doris Avenue from Woodland Drive to Mar Vista Drive.

Project Timeline:
February 2024 – May 2024

Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Construction crews will work to:

  • Replace approximately 1,200 feet of water main.

This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.

View the Construction Notice.

Recently Completed Projects

Water Main Replacement

Location: Los Osos Valley Road from 10th Street to 9th Street, Bayview Heights Drive to Bay Oaks Drive.

Project Timeline:
September 11, 2023 – February 9, 2024

Working Hours:
Monday – Friday (No weekends or holidays)
7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Construction crews will work to:

  • Replace approximately 1,200 feet of water main.

This project will ensure Golden State Water can continue providing reliable water service to local customers.

View the Construction Notice.

View the Project Map.

outline of San Luis Obispo County Project

San Luis Obispo County
Bayview Heights Dr. from Highland Dr. to North of Ocean View Pl.; and on Highland Dr. from Bayview Heights Dr. to Palisades Ave.

Project Timeline:
October 2, 2017 – March 2018

Working Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Construction crews will work to:

  • Install 2,000 ft. of water pipe

The new pipeline will improve the hydraulics of the system and provide more reliable service to our customers.

View the construction notice.