Los Osos
Drought
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.
Rates
As a regulated utility, 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.
Effective July 31st, 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. The new rates allow for investments to avoid the costly and sometimes dangerous effects of deferring maintenance or delaying the replacement of aging infrastructure. Click here to learn more. Learn more about the rate-making process and localized information on new rates and investments in the Los Osos GRC 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).
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.
- On July 15, 2020, Golden State Water filed a GRC application for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Learn more: 2022-24 GRC Fact Sheet
- Effective Sept. 27, 2019, an average residential customer in the Los Osos Customer Service Area would see a monthly bill increase of $0.090 per 748 gallons (1 Ccf), or approximately 0.6 percent, during the 12-month amortization period.
- Effective June 8, 2019, an average residential customer in the Los Osos Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 6 Ccf per month would see a monthly bill increase of $1.55 from $77.11 to $78.66 compared to 2018 (excluding any applicable surcharges).
- On May 30, 2019, Golden State Water’s GRC was approved by the State of California to set water rates for 2019, 2020 and 2021 and authorize infrastructure investments for the local system. New rates were implemented effective June 8, 2019. Learn more here. (English| Spanish)
- On July 1, 2018, local water rates decreased by 4.37% to pass cost savings from the new lower federal corporate income tax requirement through to customers. Click here to learn more.
Learn More
- Rates - Residential
- Rates - Non-Residential
- Rates - Non-Residential Recycled Water Service
- 2022-24 GRC Fact Sheet
- Low Income Assistance
- System Map - Edna Road
- System Map - Los Osos
- Fire Protection - Public
- Fire Protection - Private
- Staged Mandatory Water Conservation and Rationing
- Schedule 14.1
Capital Projects
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.
The 2022 investments include water supply enhancements, distribution and ongoing improvements designed to replace old meters, mains and safety equipment. Click here to learn more and access a list of projects planned for 2022.
Current & Upcoming 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.
Recently Completed Projects
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.