More Frequently Asked Questions

OK, I know it is Wednesday, but since I had to take Monday off, I am a day late on all my postings.  So let's get back to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Q.  Are we still in a drought and in a conservation stage?

A.  We are no longer in Stage I conservation because we currently do not meet the criteria set forth by the board of directions.  It is difficult to say if we are still in a drought.  Water levels are up everywhere.  Area lakes are full and natural springs are popping up everywhere.  So it "looks" like the drought is perhaps over or at least easing up.  However, we are never out of the woods when it comes to water.  Conserving water should be a way of life for everyone because the less we use today, means the more we will have for tomorrow.

Q.  I am renting out my cabin.  Why won't you put the water bill in the renter's name?

A.  All water accounts are put in the name of the property owner.  When it comes to rentals, people move in and out and often times do not leave a forwarding address.  Some have left without paying the water bill and the property owner does not want to pay the water bill for their tenant.  That left us holding the bag.  We provided water service, but received no payment.   So, due to a few bad apples, we had to change our policy and we can now only put a water bill in the owner's name.  It is up to the owner to work out a payment agreement with the renter and decide who will pay the bill. If the owner doesn't send the bill to the renter, they are welcome to stop in and we will be happy to give them the information they need to pay the bill.

Q.  Where does our water come from anyway?

A.  Our water comes from a series of ground wells.   We are not connected to the Colorado River or any other water source.  We provide water to Pine Cove residents from Pine Cove wells.  That is why conservation is so important.  There is not an infinite supply of ground water and during times of drought when we continue to remove it without it being replenished, levels can get low.  Hence the 3 Conservation Stages.  Wells are currently rising due to all the moisture we received this past winter, so that means the aquifer is being replenished.  That is a good thing.

Q.  Why is there a $2.50 fee to pay with a credit card?

A.  In order to provide this service without incurring the costs of having a merchant account, we use a company that processes credit card purchases for us for a fee of $2.50.  Pine Cove Water District does not get a single cent of that money.  It goes directly to the credit card processor.  If we were to establish a merchant account, we would be charged a percent of each purchase as well as other fees.  We felt it was best not to take on this type of debt at this time.

Q.  Are you ever going to have automatic payments?

A.  We don't know.  At this time, our billing program is not online, which we think is very smart.  In order to have automatic payments, we would have to put it online and then worry about internet security.  As it stands now, no one can hack into our computer and steal any one's information.  We think this is a good thing!

Well I think that is enough for this week.  I know enquiring minds want to know, so we are here to answer.  If you think of any questions that I have not addressed, please feel free to drop me an email at pcwd2675@yahoo.com  and I will be happy to address them.

Paying by Credit Card

There seems to be some confusion when it comes to paying your bill by credit card.  Yes, you can pay it using a Visa card, Mastercard or Discover card.  You can do this over the phone or in person here at the office.  There is a $2.50 convenience fee that goes to the company that processes these payments for us.  We do not get that money.  We do not have a merchant account to process these payments as they are too expensive and we would have to pass the cost onto our customers.  It is up to you to decide if you want to use a credit card and pay the fee or not.  We are happy to accept checks, money orders and cash.  Many people pay us through their online banking system which is fine also.  We try to give you as many options as possible.

Our billing system is not online.  We cannot set you up on automatic payments at this time and we do not keep any of your credit card information on file anywhere.  Once the payment is processed, the paper work gets shredded.  This may become an option down the road, but at this point in time, it is not available.

If you have any questions regarding paying your bill, please call us at 951-659-2675 and we will be more than happy to answer your questions.

 

Billing

Just a quick reminder that water bills will be hitting the mail on Tuesday, Aug. 3. You should have yours by the 4th or the 5th. If you do not receive your water bill, please call Becky at 951-659-2675 and she can tell you what the amount of your bill is. You can also stop into the office at 24917 Marion Ridge to request a copy of your bill.

It has come to our attention lately that some landlords are not providing their tenants with the water bill. If you are in this situation, please give us a call or stop in. Again, Becky can give you the amount of the bill that is due. You do not have to wait for your landlord to give you the bill in order to pay it. Bills sent out this week are due on Aug. 25th. Not receiving a bill does not absolve you from the responsibility you have to pay it. The water district cannot be held responsible for what the post office or property owners do or don't do. Bills that are paid past the due date are subject to a late fee.

If you have any questions at all, please call us. We are happy to help with any questions you have regarding your water service, water bill, etc. Remember that we bill only on the even months, so the next billing will not be until Oct.

We are now accepting credit cards for those who prefer to pay their bills that way. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards at this time. You may do this in person at the district office, or via the phone. We hope this service is helpful.

Remember to check this blog regularly for information and updates regarding the water district as well has helpful articles and tips on a variety of subjects such as gardening, water conservation or just happenings here in Pine Cove. You can also check our website at www.pcwd.org for more information on the board meetings, our weather station, billing procedures and so on.

June Billing

Water bills were sent out last week and are due by the 25th of this month. For your convenience, we now accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards. You can use them in person or over the phone. There is $2.50 convenience charge that goes directly to the credit card processing company. This is a quick and easy way to pay your water bill and is especially handy for those who live off the hill. Please call Becky at 951-659-2675 or email her at Becky@pcwd.org for more information on this matter. We hope this helps to make paying your water bill easier.

As usual, we still accept payments at our office at 24917 Marion Ridge Rd. Our hours are 9 to 12 and 1 to 4, Monday through Friday. If you arrive at the office after hours, please feel free to slip your payment through the slot in the door. Of course you can also mail your payment into us if that is easier for you.

Please remember that bills that are not paid by the 10th of July will be charged wtih a late fee. If you are having difficulties paying your water bill, please call Becky at 951-659-2675. Thank you.