Who provides water and sewer service in Vacaville?
The City of Vacaville owns and operates the water and sewer utilities. Customers receive one utility bill for both services, bimonthly.
How do I get water and sewer service put in my name?
Just call 449-5128 and sign up with one of our representatives over the phone. It only takes a few minutes. You can also sign up for service at the Finance Division, City Hall, 650 Merchant Street.
Where can I pay my utility bill, and what sources of payment do you accept?
You can pay your water and sewer bill at the City Hall (Finance Division), Ulatis Community Center and McBride Senior Center. You can also pay over the phone with Mastercard or Visa by calling 449-5128. The easiest way to have your bill paid always on time is to sign up for DIRECT PAYMENT through the City's web site or by going straight to www.directpaymentplan.com. You may also call us and we’ll send you an application.
How much do I pay for water?
Your rate for water service is made up of two components: a basic service charge and a consumption charge. Your residential water use is billed bimonthly as follows: $.90 per unit for the first 12 units and $1.23 per unit for all water consumed thereafter per two month billing cycle. (One water unit equals 748 gallons). Senior Citizens (65 and older) are eligible for reduced rates, $0.77 for the first 12 units and $1.06 for all units thereafter. Senior Citizens can call 449-5128 to sign up for reduced rates. Non-residential customers are billed $1.23 per unit for all water consumed.
What is the Basic Service Charge for water?
Some costs are ongoing regardless of the amount of water consumed. These are “fixed costs”. The basic service charge is to help cover the fixed costs of our water system which include customer service, facilities maintenance, system readiness, distribution system upkeep and water quality. Your basic service charge is determined by the size of your water connection.
What is the Sewer Treatment Fixed charge on my utility bill?
Your bill for sewer service is made up of two components: a fixed and a variable charge. The fixed charge helps to cover ongoing costs for sewer collection, treatment, and discharge. The City of Vacaville’s residential fixed rate is $58.24 per household, bi-monthly.
What is the Sewer Treatment Variable charge?
The sewer treatment variable charge reflects your household’s actual sewer use. Your average “base period” is established for your residence by using your winter water consumption figures. The variable rate is $0.43 per unit. Your established sewer rate, a combination of fixed and variable charges, remains in effect for one year. Each Spring, base periods are recalculated.
Can I read my meter to check my water consumption?
Yes, you can. At most Vacaville houses the water meter is located near the curb in the front yard. Most meters have a single large dial resembling a clock, with a bar of either five or six digits that look like your car odometer. It reads like an odometer too. Meters measure water use in cubic feet, with each cubic foot equaling 7.48 gallons. Each revolution of the “clock hand” measures one cubic foot, which registers on the digital bar. The far right digit measures cubic feet, the next digit over measures tens of cubic feet, the next measures hundreds, etc.
Calculating Gallons Used – Pick a starting point, and record the number on the digital bar. Wait a week, then read it again. Subtract the previous reading from the current reading to get your water use in cubic feet. Multiply this number by 7.48 to calculate how many gallons you have used.
What is the Excise Tax?
In November of 1988 the voters of Vacaville passed Measure I, which meant approval of Ordinance #1362 adopted on August 9, 1988 by the City Council. This ordinance proposed the imposition of an excise tax known as the “Community Streets and Facilities Tax.” It shall be paid by all persons residing, doing business, or staying in a motel in the City of Vacaville. Proceeds are to be used to fund municipal improvements consisting of a new library, community center, municipal parks, recreational facilities, a community theater, and traffic and street improvements. You are billed bimonthly for $9.67.
Who can I call for help if I have a leak or a problem with my water or sewer utilities?
Click here for information from the Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department.
If you had a water leak on your property, but it has been fixed, you can send us a copy of the repair bill and/or a short letter explaining what happened and the date of repair. After we review the information, we will consider adjusting your bill to compensate for the excess water used.
