Frequently Asked Questions
Water Budget-Based Tiered Conservation Rate Structure

Q. Why did El Toro Water District (“ETWD”) transition to a Water Budget-Based Tiered Conservation Rate Structure?

A. Like many water districts across southern Orange County, El Toro Water District imports nearly 100% of its annual water supply. The reliability of our imported supply is at risk due to a confluence of issues, including two years of below-average rainfall, very low snowmelt runoff and the largest court-ordered water transfer restriction in state history. As a result, our water supplier, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, reduced our water allocation and forced ETWD to follow suit and implement a water allocation plan in April 2009.

In an ongoing effort to comply with state mandates and the findings of the Orange County Grand Jury, to encourage water efficiency and to promote fairness, ETWD implemented a tiered rate structure in July 2010. Our Water Budget-Based Tiered Conservation Rate Structure rewards customers who use water efficiently and discourages inefficient water use.


Q. How are my indoor and outdoor water budgets calculated?

A. Indoor water use budgets are calculated based on the number of people living in the home and an average use of 60 gallons of water per person, per day. To verify the occupancy that was used to calculate your budget look in the upper right corner of your water bill, under Account Information. If the occupancy number is incorrect, please contact Customer Service at (949)837-7050 as soon as possible.

Outdoor water budgets are calculated based on the size of the property’s estimated irrigation area and current weather data.


Q. What if I need more water than my water budget provides?

A. Customers who have extenuating circumstances may apply for a variance to increase their water budgets. Acceptable circumstances may include additional people living in the household, medical needs or establishing new landscape. Variance/Adjustment Request Forms are available on the District’s website at www.etwd.com.


Q. Why does the water in Tier II cost more than the water in Tier I?

A. The Water Budget-Based Tiered Conservation Rate Structure acknowledges that not all water uses are equal in their benefits to the community. The first priority for water use is indoors for health, safety and sanitary purposes. Tier I reflects indoor water needs. Since outdoor water uses generally do not satisfy a health or safety benefit, the cost of Tier II water or water designated for outdoor use is more expensive.