The following information is provided to help you understand Atascadero Mutual Water Company’s (AMWC’s) procedures and requirements for water service. As a condition of service, each shareholder (property owner) must abide by the policies, rates, bylaws, and regulations of AMWC. (Administrative Policy 1.2.2 Application for Water Service)
Transferring an Existing Water Service to Your Name
If you purchase a home or business in Atascadero that currently has water service, call the AMWC office at (805) 466-2428 as soon as your escrow has closed to have the account put into your name.
Duplicate Billing
Because of AMWC’s status as a non-profit mutual water company, AMWC can only serve shareholders. If you wish to have a duplicate bill sent to another party, such as a tenant, you will need to complete a Billing Option Form. This form can be downloaded and completed, and then faxed, mailed, or delivered to AMWC’s office. Regardless of who receives the duplicate bill, the original bill will be sent to the shareholder and the shareholder is ultimately responsible for payment of all charges.
Meter Access
AMWC’s ability to access your water meter is critical, and shareholders have an obligation to maintain clear and unobstructed access to the water meter serving your property. Installing a fence or other obstruction between the water meter and the road is not acceptable.
Applying for a New Water Meter
In order for AMWC to provide service to your parcel, you will be required to complete an Application for Water Service (Residential Application or Commercial Application), have a current Will-Serve Letter on file, and provide a copy of the building permit for the parcel, prior to payment of the fees applicable to the parcel and installation of the water meter. It is up to you to determine the size of the water meter you will need for your project. (back to top)
Connecting Additional Dwelling Units to an Existing Water Service
If you wish to connect an additional dwelling unit to an existing water service, you will be required to provide AMWC with the City or County building permit, complete an Application for Additional Unit Connection Form, and pay a connection fee for each additional unit. Your water bill will be changed to reflect the number of units connected to the water service.
A separate water meter is not required for additional single-family residential units on the same parcel. A separate water meter, or meters, is required for service to each lot, condominium unit, or legal parcel.
If and when AMWC discovers additional dwelling unit(s) on a parcel where no connection fee was paid, AMWC will charge an additional 5/8-inch connection fee for each additional dwelling unit. Units constructed prior to September 7, 2004, will be subject to the rate in effect prior to September 7, 2004, plus interest and minimum monthly water rate charges from March 7, 2005, to the date the connection fee is paid. Units constructed prior to November 8, 1978 are exempt from the requirement to pay connection fees (before this date AMWC did not require the payment of connection fees for multiple dwelling units constructed on the same lot). The shareholder will be required to provide proof of the construction date, typically in the form of a residential building record available from the County Recorder’s Office.
Fees for New Water Service
Service Installation Fees: A service installation fee is charged for each water meter installation. This fee is based on meter size and is intended to reimburse AMWC for the cost of materials, equipment, and labor required to install the new meter. (Schedule of Rates and Charges)
Connection Fees:(Board Policy 1.2.4 Connection Fees) A connection fee is charged for each water meter connection. This fee is based on meter size, type of use, number of units, and fire sprinkler requirements. AMWC uses connection fee revenue to develop new water sources for its shareholders. Connection fees are based on the potential impact that a water service has on the water supply system. (Schedule of Rates and Charges)
Recovery Fees: Some parcels within AMWC’s service area are subject to payment of a recovery fee for each meter connected to the water main. On certain projects, a 10 or 15 year recovery period begins after the construction of a new water main. During this period whoever paid for the main extension, either the Shareholder or AMWC, has the right to recover a portion of the cost of the main extension for service connections that are made directly to the main extension. In order to determine whether or not your parcel is subject to a recovery fee, you will need to complete a Will-Serve Letter Form.
Will Serve Letters
A Will-Serve letter provides the conditions under which AMWC will provide water service to your property. During the building permit process with the City or County you may be asked for a Will-Serve Letter.
