Question 1

How can I start or cancel my water service?

Accepted Answer

AMWC does not collect/maintain tenant contact information, so there is no need for tenants to contact AMWC to start or stop service. Tenant bills are mailed to “Occupant” at the service address.

When escrow has closed on a property, the buyer or seller should call AMWC at (805) 466-2428 or visit www.amwc.us (http://www.amwc.us/)to complete and submit a “Start Service” or “Stop Service” form.

Question 2

Why can't I put the water account in my tenant's name?

Accepted Answer

AMWC is not a public utility, rather, it is a non-profit mutual water company. In order to preserve our exclusive water rights, AMWC can only serve its shareholders. If you own property in our service area, you are a shareholder.

AMWC does not collect and maintain personal information for residential tenants and does not read the water meter when tenants move in or out. Tenants will receive a copy of the bill addressed to OCCUPANT at the service address.

In all cases, however, the shareholder is ultimately responsible for payment of all charges.

Question 3

Why is my water bill so high?

Accepted Answer

• Possible plumbing leak
 • Higher water usage
 • Landscape irrigation running frequently or too long
 • Dripping faucets/running toilets
 • Possible misread
If you cannot determine a reason for your usage being higher than usual, call AMWC to open a service request for a leak investigation. In some cases, you may qualify for a high-use adjustment. Visit the High Use Adjustment section on the RATES & CHARGES page for more details.

Question 4

How long does AMWC wait before turning water off for non-payment?

Accepted Answer

-Accounts with three unpaid bills are sent a Shut-off Notice.
-The past due amount shown on the shut-off notice must be paid by the date indicated on the Notice to avoid the water service being shut off on the date specified on the notice.
-If payment is not received by the required date and the property owner does not contact the AMWC office to request a payment extension, the water will be shut-off on the specified date, and a shut-off fee applied to the account.

Question 5

How can I pay my water bill?

Accepted Answer

• Make a one-time payment with your credit/debit card (“Quick Pay” link at www.amwc.us)(http://www.amwc.us/)
 • Make a credit/debit card payment using AMWC’s automated telephone system at (805) 464-3111 (available 24 hours/day)
 • Mail a check or money order to AMWC at P.O. Box 6075, Atascadero, CA  93423-6075
 • Pay in person with check, money order, or credit/debit card at AMWC’s office during business hours (Mon. -Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), or use the drive-thru drop-box at AMWC’s office
 • Use the drop box in Perry’s Parcel Service (7395 El Camino Real)
 • Shareholders (property owners) can set up automatic payments using their credit/debit cards at www.amwc.us (http://www.amwc.us/)or enroll in AMWC’s ACH Program (payment is automatically deducted from your bank account) – You must complete an "Automatic Bill Payment Authorization Form" (available on AMWC’s website)

Atascadero Mutual Water Company

Serving the colony since 1913

Frequently Asked Questions