Monitoring Water Usage In Hillsborough, California: A Guide

If you're looking to monitor your water usage in Hillsborough, California, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can take advantage of the town's advanced water meter system, which provides hourly meter reads on a daily basis. This system allows residents to access their daily water usage data through the WaterSmart customer service portal. By registering for an account, you can track your real-time water usage, set alerts, and view up to three years of historical water use. Additionally, Hillsborough offers various water conservation resources and programs to help residents reduce their water consumption. These include water-efficient landscape classes, a free Water Wise Gardening web resource, and a Water Conservation Garden that showcases low-water landscaping concepts.

Water and sewer services billing

The Town of Hillsborough bills for water and certain sewer services. Residential sewer accounts are billed and collected by the San Mateo County Controller's Office through property tax billing. Most residential customers are billed bi-monthly, while some residential and all commercial customers are billed monthly. Bills are due upon receipt and will be considered delinquent after 30 days of mailing the invoice, after which a penalty of 10% and interest will be applied to the account.

To request water service, you must fill out an application and sign up for water services. This can be done by mailing in the application or by returning it in person to the office, along with the required deposit. Check payments can be mailed or made in person, while cash or credit card payments are only accepted in person at the Finance counter.

To report a change of billing address or for other billing inquiries, you can email finance@hillsborough.net or call the Finance Department Water Billing line at 650-375-7402. For all other water service calls, you can call Public Works at 650-375-7444 during regular hours, or 650-375-7470 after regular hours, nights and weekends.

The Town of Hillsborough offers a range of helpful links and resources related to water and sewer services on its website, including images of water meters, information on water units and cubic feet to gallons conversions, and tips on manually reading your iPerl water meter. The town also provides water conservation resources and programs to help residents reduce their water usage and promote sustainable practices.

Water application and cancellation

To apply for water service in Hillsborough, California, you must fill out an application form and sign up for water services. You can submit your application by mail or in person, along with the required deposit. Check payments can be made by mail or in person, while cash or credit card payments are only accepted in person at the Finance counter.

You can find the application form on the official website of Hillsborough, CA, under the "Starting/Stopping Water Service" section. Alternatively, you can visit the office at 1600 Floribunda Ave, Hillsborough, CA 94010.

To report a change of billing address or for other billing inquiries, you can contact the Finance Department Water Billing line at (650) 375-7402 or email finance@hillsborough.net.

For all other water service calls, you can contact Public Works at (650) 375-7444 during regular hours or (650) 375-7470 after regular hours, nights, and weekends.

To cancel your water service, you can complete an online request via the link provided on the official website. Be sure to keep a copy of the request emailed to yourself as confirmation.

Water quality

Obtain a Water Quality Report

Local municipalities are responsible for regularly testing water quality and making the results accessible to the public. Contact the Hillsborough Department of Public Works (DPW) or refer to their website to obtain the Water Quality Report for your area. Additionally, you can visit the website for your town or city, as these reports are often available online.

Use Your Senses

You can also use your senses of smell, taste, and sight to assess water quality. A distinct smell, such as bleach, rotten eggs, or a musty odour, can indicate the presence of chlorine, bacterial growth, or decaying organic matter. Similarly, a foul taste or a metallic or salty flavour can suggest issues with excess minerals, chlorine, or industrial waste. Cloudy or coloured water may be a sign of rust, pipe deterioration, or excess minerals.

Home Testing Kits

Purchase a home water quality test kit to check for bacteria, lead, pesticides, nitrites/nitrates, chlorine, hardness, and pH levels. Follow the instructions provided with the kit, and compare the colour of the test strips to the colour chart to determine the quality of your water. If hazardous results are indicated, retest to ensure accuracy and then contact the appropriate authorities.

Check Pipes for Corrosion or Build-up

Inspect your pipes for corrosion or mineral build-up, as this can indicate that rust or excess minerals are contaminating your water. Look for blue, white, or rust-coloured sediment, especially if your pipes are above ground or accessible during plumbing work. Check inside your toilet bowl and around the base for signs of rust or blue stains.

Maintain Good Water Quality at Home

To maintain good water quality in your home, follow these tips:

• Flush faucets when returning home after several days or for guests staying in seldom-used rooms.
• Only drink and cook with water from the cold water faucet.
• Flush your water heater annually to prevent sediment build-up, which can cause bad tastes and odours.
• Ensure that any new plumbing fixtures meet state standards for lead content.
• Install anti-siphon fittings on hose faucets to prevent accidental chemical siphoning.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about water quality in your area, you can help ensure that the water you consume and use meets the required standards and promotes good health.

Water conservation

The Town of Hillsborough, California, provides water to its residents through a complex distribution system with 19 separate but interconnected pressure zones. The town purchases treated water from the San Francisco Water Department, delivered from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which meets all federal and state criteria for water quality.

• Outdoor Conservation: The town's residents use a significant amount of water for landscapes, with over two-thirds of all water used in Hillsborough dedicated to irrigation, pools, and other outdoor purposes. The town offers several programs to promote outdoor water conservation, including rebates on energy and water-efficient toilets, water-efficient landscape education classes, and a Water Wise Education Program that provides kits to students.
• Indoor Conservation: Traditional water conservation efforts have focused on indoor water use. The town encourages the use of water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and washing machines.
• Water Monitoring and Billing: Hillsborough offers resources to help residents understand and monitor their water usage. The town provides information on reading water meters and converting water units. Most residential customers are billed bi-monthly, while some residential and all commercial customers are billed monthly.
• Water Conservation Garden: The town maintains a Water Conservation Garden that demonstrates low-water landscaping concepts. Residents can visit the garden at Town Hall to learn how to incorporate water conservation into their landscaping projects.

Tips for Reducing Water Usage:

• Landscape and Garden: Avoid excessive runoff when watering lawns or ornamental landscapes. Use recirculated water in outdoor fountains or decorative water features.
• Vehicles: Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing your car to prevent water from being dispensed unnecessarily.
• General: Fix leaky faucets and install water-saving showerheads to reduce water usage.

Water distribution system

The town of Hillsborough, California, receives its water supply from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which meets all federal and state criteria for watershed protection, disinfection treatment, bacteriological quality, and operational standards. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and the Hillsborough Department of Public Works (DPW) work to ensure that the water delivered to residents meets the highest quality standards.

To monitor your water usage in Hillsborough, you can start by understanding the sources of water consumption. According to the town's website, over two-thirds of all water used in Hillsborough is for irrigation, pools, and other outdoor purposes. Therefore, focusing on outdoor water conservation can have a significant impact on overall water usage.

• Landscape irrigation: The majority of water usage in Hillsborough is attributed to landscape irrigation. To monitor and reduce water usage, consider installing smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions. You can also adopt water-efficient landscaping practices, such as drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation, and water-efficient sprinklers.
• Pools and water features: If you have a pool, invest in a pool cover to reduce evaporation and minimize the need for frequent refilling. For decorative water features, consider recirculating systems that reuse water instead of constantly replenishing it.
• Outdoor cleaning: When cleaning outdoor areas, use a broom or a blower instead of a hose to remove dirt and debris from driveways, walkways, and patios. This simple change can significantly reduce water usage.
• Vehicle washing: Instead of using a hose to wash your car, opt for a bucket and a sponge. This method uses less water and ensures that only the necessary amount is used.

For indoor water usage:

• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
• Fix any leaking faucets or pipes to prevent water wastage. Even a small drip can waste a significant amount of water over time.
• Be mindful of your water usage when brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or doing laundry. Simple habits like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or running full loads of laundry can make a difference.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively monitor and reduce your water usage in Hillsborough, California. Remember that every drop counts, and your efforts contribute to the overall sustainability of the region's water resources.

Frequently asked questions