Vacaville, CA
HOME Main MenuUtilities Administration
6040 Vaca Station Road
Elmira, CA 95625
Administration Phone
(707) 469-6400
Utility Billing
(707) 449-5128
Fax
(707) 469-6480
Email Utilities
Utilities FAQ
2025 Water and Wastewater (Sewer) Rate Update
- By law, rate revenues cannot fund discounts. Proposition 218 prohibits charging customers more than their proportional share of service costs, and one group cannot be charged more to reduce costs for others. Vacaville’s low-income program is supported by non-rate revenues like lease agreements, late fees and hydropower from Monticello Dam.
The new water & sewer rate increases are paying for the City’s Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant solar project.
The solar project is not funded by rate increases.
- Built through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with minimal upfront cost to the City.
- The City simply pays for the electricity the panels produce at a locked-in rate.
- This project is projected to save about $460,000 in the first year and millions over 20 years by reducing PG&E costs.
- Utility ratepayers do not subsidize new development’s water and sewer connections, these expenses are funded by the developers through Development Impact Fees. Instead, rates fund ongoing operations, maintenance, repairs, and citywide capital improvements (like the Chromium-6 treatment, replacement of aging pipelines, and regulatory compliance).
- Water rates haven’t been adjusted since 2020 and sewer rates since 2014. Meanwhile, costs have continued to rise, and previously deferred increases have resulted in significant infrastructure needs. The updated rates are being phased in over 5 years to keep the utilities sustainable.
The 5-year plan funds $81 million in water projects and $58 million in sewer projects, using a combination of rate revenues, development impact fees and approved grant funding. These projects include:
- Chromium-6 treatment facilities (state-mandated in April 2024, ~$36 million)
- Improvements to water and sewer facilities such as well sites, water booster pump stations and sewer lift stations
- Ongoing repair & replacement of existing aging system pipelines and water meters to maintain reliability
To balance the need for financial sustainability with customer concerns about affordability, rate increases have been implemented below the recommended levels. This approach aims to reduce the immediate financial impact on ratepayers, but as a result, not all future system costs will be funded.
- Proposition 218 requires utilities to set fees that cover the cost of service to a parcel. Rates are established based on cost-of-service projections and adjustments are needed to cover rising costs (equipment, treatment, water supply, labor, and power) and to fund critical infrastructure projects. Without them, Vacaville cannot keep up with the required water quality and reliability standards.
Drought
A letter was sent out to all residents who were in the top 20% of residential water users in Vacaville in 2016 to inform them about the free residential survey program offered in partnership with the Solano County Water Association (SCWA). This same program is also available to any resident in the City.
For any additional questions or concerns regarding the residential letter or your water use, you may call (707) 469-6400. To schedule an appointment for a free residential survey, please call (707) 410-5469.
The City currently does not have a greywater program but is looking into the possibilities of establishing a pilot program. Because there are public health issues associated with the use of greywater, it will be important to ensure that the right plumbing components are utilized to transport the gray water from the washing machine inside the home to an outdoor garden that can receive the water. Also, the resident will be required to undergo specific training in the installation and usage of the greywater system.
We will continue to provide the latest information as it becomes available on the possible use of greywater on outdoor gardens and landscapes.
The Water Efficient Landscape Rebate program is funded through a state and federal grant that currently does not support the installation of artificial turf as a qualifying replacement for lawn. Accordingly, artificial turf is not eligible for the Water Efficient Landscape Rebate Program.
You may review this artificial turf information sheet for more information.
Easterly Solar Project
- Our buildings are not considered 'off the grid', but solar power directly powers and benefits the Water Treatment Plant. The solar energy portfolio feeds solar electricity into the grid, and our buildings draw power from the grid. The solar project allows the City to be powered with renewable energy as an alternative source of energy during daylight hours.
- Electricity is a fungible resource like money. The solar energy portfolio helps to offset our own annual electricity demand for multiple government buildings, which is equivalent to offsetting the annual electrical consumption of approximately 460 homes. One more renewable energy resource coming online means one less fossil fuel-derived energy resource that must be tapped to meet the State of California's electrical demand.
- The City is paying a flat rate for electricity, which is far lower than the rising rates from the utility, and is fixed for the duration of the 20-year agreement with ForeFront Power.
- PG&E's Net Energy Metering (NEM) provision allows the City to 'bank' any excess energy produced by the system during periods of extended sunshine. The City can then tap this banked excess energy at night or on cloudy days, or whenever daily electricity demand exceeds the production by its solar energy system.
- The solar portfolio will offset the electrical load of Vacaville's City's Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities, helping provide power to any electrical device that uses AC electricity, such as equipment, air conditioners, security equipment, electric vehicles, and computers.
- This 4 MW of solar energy and battery storage for Vacaville is expected to be online by 2025.
Hexavalent Chromium
- Yes. Your water is currently in compliance with all current state and federal standards. You can continue using your water as normal for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Hexavalent chromium, or Cr+6, is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless and tasteless metallic element often found in rocks, soil and groundwater. In some areas, natural geologic conditions can cause it to dissolve into drinking water sources.
- Cr+6 is a known carcinogen that primarily enters the body through the lungs, inhaled as dust or in a vapor form due to high heat industrial processes. Scientific studies now suggest Cr+6 can be a carcinogen when ingested by drinking water containing traces of Cr+6 over many years, therefore California has added a 10 ppb MCL (maximum contaminant Level) to the amount allowable in drinking water.
- A new Hexavalent Chromium MCL of 10 ppb became effective in California on October 1, 2024.
- The federal EPA currently has set an MCL of 100 ppb of total chromium, not specific to hexavalent chromium. This MCL was developed based on assuming hexavalent chromium made up all of the total chromium.
- Water Systems the size of Vacaville will have 2 years to get into compliance and meet the new MCL with all water sources, making October 1, 2026, our compliance date.
- We are evaluating treatment options and making any needed improvements to ensure our water remains in full compliance with the new standard. Protecting public health is our top priority. Once approved by the State Water Boards’ Division of Drinking Water, we will post our compliance plan here on this website.
- The City is required to notify the public when the annual average of quarterly samples is over the MCL for Cr+6. The public will be
given quarterly notices until the city has all water sources within compliance of the new 10 ppb regulation. - Only 4 of the 9 wells currently supplying water have values greater than 10 ppb.
- No. The groundwater wells with elevated Cr+6 levels are located too far from the Vacaville Water Treatment Plant, and therefore, must be treated at the wellhead.
- Cr+6 was first detected in Vacaville well water about 20 years ago. Prior to that, the City was unable to test for it. As science has improved, so too has the testing. Since the Cr+6 in Vacaville's groundwater is from the naturally occurring Cr+6 in the soil, it is believed that Cr+6 has always been in the groundwater in Vacaville.
- The City's water system produces about 25.9 million gallons of water per day during our busiest times. Of that amount, the North Bay Regional Water Treatment Plant produces approximately 51.4%; the Vacaville Water Treatment Plant is producing 11.9% ; and City wells make up the balance, about 36.7%, of the water produced. An estimated average of Cr+6 in the distribution system, based on water source and production levels from 2024, was 5.1 ppb.
- You do not need to do anything. There is no need to use an alternative water supply (e.g., bottled water). If you have other health issues concerning the consumption of this water, you may wish to consult your doctor.
- Home water carbon-based filtration systems and water filter pitchers are not specifically designed to remove Cr+6. However, reverse osmosis point-of-use water treatment is an effective, but pricey solution.
For specific questions, you can call Mindy Boele, the Utilities Water Quality Manager at 707-469-6430. The City of Vacaville’s most recent Water Quality Report can be found: Reports and Plans | Vacaville, CA
There is additional information available at the State Water Resources Control Board website: Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6) | California State Water Resources Control Board
Smoke Testing
What if a resident in the area to be tested is an elderly person, a toddler, or has respiratory difficulties?
While it is highly unlikely that smoke will enter your home, for your peace of mind, you may consider making other arrangements prior to the test to help avoid any confusion or alarm to elderly people with the respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. The smoke is non-toxic and is most often used in testing household plumbing. The manufacturer’s safety sheets for the smoke are available to all upon request. Use the number listed on the notice to request notification immediately prior to the test.
- No. Inspection crews will not need to enter your home.
When you receive notice that smoke testing will take place, you should:
- Check to see that all drain traps under basins, washing facilities and floor drains contain water; simply flush toilets and run or pour water into all drains, including unused fixtures and floor drains.
- Plug the floor drains if you are remodeling your bathroom and the toilet is not connected. Also, tightly seal the washing machine drain line with a wet or damp rag.
- If there is an individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems and/or mobility limitations, or if you have any additional questions, contact Utilities Department at (707) 469-6400.
- While crews might be in your area for a few hours, each actual smoke test setup takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Most houses will only be within the testing area for one or two tests.
- Do Not Become Alarmed
- Open windows to allow ventilation and note the location of the smoke emission; smoke will clear within a few minutes
- Exit the building and notify smoke testing personnel in the area or call (707) 469-6400. Our staff will take your information.
Since plumbing fixtures in your home or business are connected to the sanitary sewer system, there is the potential for the smoke to enter if the drains are not connected properly. This happens particularly under the following circumstances:
- The vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective or improperly installed
- The traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective or improperly installed
- The pipes, connections or seals in the wastewater drain system in and/or under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or improperly installed
- If smoke enters your home during the test, it may indicate there are deficiencies in the plumbing that may allow potentially dangerous sewer gases to enter.
It is unlikely, provided that your plumbing is installed and functioning properly, and provided "traps" are filled with water. Drains that are used frequently should be okay.
It is recommended to plug the floor drains if you are remodeling your bathroom and the toilet is not connected. Also, tightly seal the washing machine drain line with a wet rag.
If you are not sure, simply run water down the drain for a minute to ensure that the trap is not dry. It is important to locate dry traps as they could allow sewer gases to enter the home. Dry traps are most commonly found in basement floor drains that are used only during rare flood events or in unused fixtures. Please thoroughly check your home.
If you have an alarm company, you may want to notify them as the smoke detector could be set off by the smoke.
No. The "smoke" is not true smoke. It will not harm your health or leave a stain and will disappear rapidly without leaving an odor.
If the smoke enters your home, it may make you cough, but the smoke is:- Non-toxic
- Non-staining with a distinct odor
- Harmless to humans, pets, plants, food and material goods
- Creates no fire hazard
- Smoke testing is the most efficient and cost effective way to locate and identify where unauthorized water is entering the public and private portion of the sewer system. The smoke is harmless and will disappear after only a few minutes. The testing is also a cost-effective way to find areas of the sewer system that need improvement. Smoke testing will also help identify plumbing leaks in buildings. Sewer gases from plumbing leaks can cause health problems for building occupants.
If there are defects in the sewer mains and laterals, you may notice smoke venting out of holes or fissures on the ground, the lawn, or the street. Our crews will investigate and log the source for future repair work.
At no time will field crews have to enter your home.
However, if our crews notice smoke on your property, a City of Vacaville employee may request access to your property (i.e. backyard, side yard) to investigate.
- During smoke testing, field crews blow air and smoke into the sanitary sewer system in the street and monitor where smoke escapes the system. The smoke, under pressure, will fill the main line as well as any connections and then follow a path of any leak to the ground surface, quickly revealing the source of the problem. Only enough force to overcome atmospheric pressure is required, and smoke should escape from building roof vents and sewer manhole lids in the street.
- A letter with a map and dates will be sent to affected properties approximately one week in advance. Public notification will be made through official social media outlets and the city's website. The Vacaville Fire Department and other fire agencies as well as Police, County Sherriff, and other City Departments will also be notified daily of the work.
- The smoke testing is being performed in the areas of the sewer system where storm drain and other types of connections that permit rainfall into the sewer system should not exist.
The purpose of smoke testing is to find potential points of inflow and infiltration (leaks) in the public and private portions of the sanitary sewer system that could lead to extreme high flows in the sewer system during storm events. Smoke testing can also help locate the following:
- Buildings that have downspouts, cellar, yard or basement drains
- Catch basins and parking lot drains
- Any cross connections between sanitary sewers and storm drains
- Defective sewer connections that could allow sewer gases into a building
Utility Billing
- For your convenience, requests for disconnecting service will be accepted online. You may also come in person to the Finance counter, City Hall, 650 Merchant Street to submit a request. The City of Vacaville requires two business days’ notice to disconnect service. In order to disconnect service in two business days, applications must be received by 12:00 pm Pacific time. When you request to have your service disconnected, you will be issued a confirmation number. This number serves as proof that you have requested to have your service disconnected. Please be advised that it is your responsibility to retain this number for your records in the event that a dispute arises with the closing date of your account.
Disconnect Utility Service Online - The Finance Customer Service division at (707) 449-5128.
- The sewer treatment variable charge reflects your household’s actual sewer use. Your average “base period” is established for your residence by using your winter water consumption figures. The current variable rate is $0.84 per unit. Your established sewer rate, a combination of fixed and variable charges, remains in effect for one year. Each July, base periods are recalculated.
- Your bill for sewer service is made up of two components: a fixed and a variable charge. The fixed charge helps to cover ongoing costs for sewer collection, treatment, and discharge. The City of Vacaville’s current residential fixed rate is $113.22 for a single-family household and $90.58 for multi-family households, bi-monthly.
- Some costs are ongoing regardless of the amount of water consumed. These are “fixed costs”. The basic service charge is to help cover the fixed costs of our water system which include customer service, facilities maintenance, system readiness, distribution system upkeep and water quality. Your basic service charge is determined by the size of your water connection (meter).
You can pay your water and sewer bill at City Hall (Finance Division) located at 650 Merchant Street, Vacaville. You can also pay over the phone with MasterCard, Visa or Discover by calling 449-5128. The easiest way to have your bill paid on time is to sign up for E-Billing through the City's website or by clicking here:
For your convenience, requests for connecting service will be accepted online. You may also come in person to the Finance counter, City Hall, 650 Merchant Street to submit a request. The City of Vacaville requires one business day notice to connect service. In order to connect service the next business day, applications must be received by 12:00 pm Pacific time. Please be advised that basic service fees for water and sewer will apply effective the day your service begins. You are responsible for service until you request to have service stopped.
Connect Utility Service Online
- Your utility bill is due upon receipt and will become past due if not paid by the delinquent date on the bill. A delinquent fee of 10% or $10, whichever is greater, will be added to your account if it becomes past due.
Water Conservation
- Yes. The City has recommended outdoor irrigation times and days, based on zip codes, designed to save water. Customers may review additional tips for efficient irrigation on our conservation tips page.
- The recommendations do not restrict, and in fact encourage, customers to continue irrigating their trees efficiently. View more information on watering trees.
- In the event you have a leak on your property (customer side of the meter), City staff is unfortunately not authorized to assist you in repairing the leak or provide any contractor recommendations. We do recommend you reach out to friends, family, and social media for repair services and check back with us to see if you are eligible for a billing credit after the repairs are completed!
- The City currently does not have a greywater program but is looking into the possibilities of establishing a pilot program. Because there are public health issues associated with the use of greywater, it will be important to ensure that the right plumbing components are utilized to transport the gray water from the washing machine inside the home to an outdoor garden that can receive the water. Also, the resident will be required to undergo specific training in the installation and usage of the greywater system.
We will continue to provide the latest information as it becomes available on the possible use of greywater on outdoor gardens and landscapes. - Vacaville's average household water use is about 450 gallons daily, with higher use in the summer and lower use in the winter. This meets the State Water Conservation Act requirement to reduce our water use by 20% by 2020. However, due to the ongoing dry winter conditions, the governor is calling upon residents to further save water up to 20% from their 2020 water use. Present and projected water supply is such that it is not necessary to go beyond Stage 2 at this time.
- The City is not currently restricting water use per household. Should there be future reductions to the water supply, residential water restrictions could be implemented.
Why does residential and commercial building and development continue despite drought conditions? At what stage could development be restricted?
Commercial water use is considerably lower than household water use. Current development activity was approved prior to the current drought restrictions. New developments must conform to the City's water efficient landscape ordinance (WELO) which requires water efficient landscaping designed to restrict outdoor irrigation (the vast majority of household water use).
Restrictions on residential construction can be implemented at Stage 4 or higher depending on water supply conditions.The City may choose to issue fines for non-compliance with the water waste ordinance on a case by case basis.
Water, Sewer, Storm Drains
- If the section of water line that you need to repair is located between your house and the water meter, contact the Finance Customer Service Division at (707) 449-5128 to have your water turned off/on at the meter. If the leak is beyond the shut-off valve, located at the foundation along the front of your house, you can turn that valve off to make your repairs.
- Call the Maintenance Division at (707) 469-6500.
- The Maintenance Division at 469-6500 will clear your sewer lateral from the cleanout located behind the sidewalk to the main. The homeowner is responsible for the lateral from that clean-out back to the house.
- You can call the Maintenance Division at (707) 469-6500 where an attendant will take your information and route you to our after hours standby crewmember.