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1. What is AMI?

AMI stands for Automated Meter Infrastructure. It is a method of using technology to automatically read meters without spending staff time walking meter routes and accessing a meter boxes.

2. How does it work?

Our AMI system uses a small radio transmitter in the meter. That reading is sent via the transmitter to a receiver in or near your neighborhood. The readings are then sent electronically to Padre Dam’s main database.

3. How does AMI benefit customers?

AMI allows customers to see daily water use online. Usage graphs show when high use occurred and use that may indicate a change in irrigation or a leak. This system minimizes the need to access customer property to read meters. 

4. Is my account information secure?

Yes. The only data transmitted is your radio number, meter number and your meter reading. Personal customer information is not transmitted.

5. Will the radio frequency interfere with my television or phones?

No, the AMI frequency is on a different frequency than your household devices and will not interfere.

6. Are there health concerns with this type of transmitter?

No, the AMI transmitter falls into the low frequency, non-ionizing electromagnetic field range. The power output is approximately 10 milliwatts, which is equal to or less than today’s cell phones.

7. How do I know my water bill is accurate?

Your water use is still measured by a water meter that works the same way your old one did. If the automated meter reading unit attached to your water meter is detached or malfunctions, your meter continues to record your water use. If Padre Dam does not receive your meter read automatically, we will read your meter manually. If you like to check your meter to confirm that your water bill is accurate, you still can. Learn how to read your water meter here. 

8. Can a customer still appeal their bill?

Yes. The customer appeal process will still be available. However, you can now look at your daily and hourly water use to investigate high water use. We are often able to help a customer establish when high use occurs and even see how long a leak has been running. To view your water usage, sign-up for the free online portal Aquahawk. 

9. Is there any danger from the wires if there is water in the meter box?

No. The wires are safe. However, if you are planning to read your meter manually please use caution when removing the meter lid so the wires do not become disconnected from the meter lid.

10. The read on my meter doesn't match the read on my bill.

The read on your meter will likely be more than the read on your bill because you have been using water since the time your bill was generated. If your meter appears to be showing a number less than the number generated on your bill please contact Customer Service and we can research the issue. Remember the reads on a bill are shown in hundred cubic feet.

11. How will I know that you have my meter read and not someone else's?

Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is associated with each meter. The unique number is compared to your account record to ensure a match. You can also look at your meter to compare the read on your bill. For more information on how to read your meter, click here.

12. Who is responsible for finding and fixing leaks on my property?

It is the customer’s responsibility to find and fix leaks on their property. Our new system may help identify possible water leaks and warn customers prior to their bill. You can call Customer Service at 619-448-3111 to ask questions about your water use or go to www.padredam.org and click on 'My Water Use'.

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1. Why do I need to install a Backflow Assembly?

Backflow assemblies are required to protect the potable water system. The District is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act, State Department of Public Health and Uniform Plumbing code to be install backflow assemblies where there is a potential cross-connection hazard.

2. Why do Backflow Assemblies have to be tested on an annual basis?

Backflow assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Because of this, all backflow assemblies must be tested on an annual basis with a calibrated test gauge to ensure that they are functioning properly.

3. What is a Backflow Assembly?

Backflow assemblies are designed to prevent water and potential contaminants from flowing back into the public water system.

4. Who is responsible for the test and any fees associated with the test?

The customer is responsible for scheduling the test with a certified tester as well as any fees associated with the test, repair and or replacement.

5. Where do I install the Backflow Assembly?

The backflow assembly needs to be installed just behind the water meter and must follow the AWWA installation standard. If there is a situation where a backflow assembly cannot be installed just behind the water meter please call Padre Dam's Compliance Department at (619) 258-4731.

6. Do I need to have the installation of the Backflow Assembly inspected by the Compliance Department at Padre Dam?

Yes, all new installations must be inspected prior to the water service being turned on. Please contact the Compliance Department at (619) 258-4653 to discuss installation requirements and to schedule a time for the inspection.

7. Will I be notified prior to my required Backflow Assembly annual test date?

Yes. Padre Dam will mail a reminder notice and test form 30 days prior to the required test date.

Time Line as Follows:

First Notice Mailed - 30 days before due date of annual test
Second Notice mailed - After 30 day testing window, providing additional 15 days
Shut-Off Notice Mailed (Fees Apply) - After additional 15 days, providing additional 10 days
Water Service Terminated (Fees Apply) - After additional 10 days, providing additional 2 days

8. Where in Padre Dams Rules and Regulations can I find more information?

The Rules and Regulations Sections 5.4 contains information pertaining to the District’s Cross-Connection and Backflow Program. 

9. What are the most common cross-connections found?

• All commercial properties are required to have a Backflow Assembly
• Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Auxiliary Water Supplies (wells, storage tanks & pumps)
• Irrigation or Lawn Sprinkler systems (fertilizer injection systems)
• Hoses attached to pesticides, plant killer, fertilizer or to flush antifreeze
• Ornamental fountains  
• Hose bibs

10. What Testing Company should I pick? Is one better than the other?

The District does not endorse or recommend any specific backflow assembly testers.

11. Can I get an extension on my test?

Depending on the circumstances, an extension may be granted. If you need an extension please contact the Compliance Department. An extension must be granted prior to the backflow assembly test due date.

12. Where can I find more information about cross-connection control and backflow assemblies?

There are a number of references for backflow and cross-connection prevention. The American Water Works Association M14 Manual and the University of Southern California’s (USC) Manual of Cross-Connection Control are two of the most recognized sources of standards  in the industry.

13. Where will my annual testing notification be mailed?

A courtesy notice will be mailed to the billing address on file. It is the responsibility of the customer to notify the Compliance Department (619) 258-4653 of any address changes. 

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1. When do the Board of Directors meet?

Board meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm at the August A. Caires Customer Service Center in the boardroom located at:
9300 Fanita Pkwy.
Santee, CA 92071

Board of Directors

2. How long is the term of office for the Board of Directors?

Board of Directors serve a four year elected term. Election years vary depending on division.

3. What are the election procedures and deadlines?

Each director is elected for a term of four years, and assumes office at 12:00 noon on the first Friday in December following the election. The terms of office are staggered so that elections are held in November of each even-numbered year. Directors representing Divisions 2 and 4 are elected each leap year, and directors representing Divisions 1, 3 and 5 are elected in the intervening even-numbered election years. Individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors are invited to visit the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters for the latest information on how to file as a candidate, including filing deadlines.

County of San Diego Registrar of Voters

4. What if a District division has no candidates running for an election?

If no one has filed a declaration of candidacy within a division by the 83rd day before the election, the Board may request the County Board of Supervisors make an appointment prior to the last Monday before the last Friday in November in which the election is to be held; if only one person has filed a declaration of candidacy within a division, the County appoints that person for that division.

5. What if a vacancy occurs on the Board in the first half of a term of office and at least 130 days prior to the next general district election?

If a vacancy occurs the remaining Directors must appoint a qualified person from the division in which the vacancy occurs within 60 days of the vacancy.  The person appointed to fill the vacancy will hold office until the next general district election, and until the person who is elected at that election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term has been qualified.

As an alternative to making an appointment, the remaining Directors may within 60 days of the vacancy call an election to fill the vacancy.  If the Board neither fills the vacancy nor calls an election, the Board of Supervisors may fill the vacancy within 90 days of the date of the vacancy, or may order the District to call an election.  If the Board of Supervisors fails to act, the District must call an election.

6. What if a vacancy occurs on the Board in the first half of a term of office, but less than 130 days prior to the next general district election?

If a vacancy occurs the remaining Directors must appoint a qualified person from the division in which the vacancy occurs within 60 days after the vacancy.  The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall fill the balance of the unexpired term of office.

As an alternative to making an appointment, the remaining Directors may within 60 days of the vacancy call an election to fill the vacancy.  If the Board neither fills the vacancy nor calls an election, the Board of Supervisors may fill the vacancy within 90 days of the date of the vacancy, or may order the District to call an election.  If the Board of Supervisors fails to act, the District must call an election.

7. What if a Board vacancy occurs in the second half of the term?

If a vacancy occurs the remaining Directors must appoint a qualified person from the division in which the vacancy occurs within 60 days after the vacancy.  The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall fill the balance of the unexpired term of office.

As an alternative to making an appointment, the remaining Directors may within 60 days of the vacancy call an election to fill the vacancy.  If the Board neither fills the vacancy nor calls an election, the Board of Supervisors may fill the vacancy within 90 days of the date of the vacancy, or may order the District to call an election.  If the Board of Supervisors fails to act, the District must call an election.

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1. How often am I billed?

Padre Dam issues your bill monthly, much like other utilities.

2. Is there a fee to pay by phone?

Padre Dam accepts payment by phone free of charge. To make a payment via our automated phone process please see Payment Options or dial 1-877-MY-PADRE (1-877-697-2373). During the phone call, you will need to enter your 14-digit account number and the amount you'd like to pay.

3. Do you offer AutoPay?

Autopay is available to customers through our "My Account" program. Please sign up for My Account for automatic payments. Please note that when you enroll in AutoPay, you are agreeing to paperless billing.

4. I think I might have a leak. What now?

Customers are responsible for all infrastructure beyond the customer side of the meter, including leaks. Find out how to check your meter for a leak manually here. You can access your hourly, daily and weekly water use and check for leaks online by signing up for Aquahawk. 

5. How do I start or stop service?

If you would like to start service with Padre Dam, please call our office 619-448-3111 between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday; 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Friday. Please call to submit your request at least 24 business hours in advance of the date you wish service to begin. Padre Dam is unable to establish service online at this time.

Please note, we cannot accommodate same-day, holiday or weekend service requests.

Click here for more information on starting service.

To stop water service, please use our Disconnect Service Request Form or call our office at least 24 business hours in advance.

Please note, we cannot accommodate same-day, holiday or weekend service requests.

Click here for more information on stopping water service.

6. How do I read my water meter?

To calculate your water usage, read and record the first four numbers to your left. Subtract your previous reading from this reading to determine your usage in HCF. To convert your usage to gallons, multiply the number of units used by 748. For example, if your current read is 055 and your previous read was 052, then you would have used 3 HCF or 2,244 gallons of water. (example: 055 - 052 = 3 HCF; 3 HCF x 748 = 2,244 gallons). 

Click here to learn more about how to read your water meter.

7. How can I monitor my water use more closely?

By signing up for Aquahawk. Padre Dam's Aquahawk customer portal allows you to monitor your water use and view estimated/projected billing amounts. You can receive alerts via text, email or phone by setting up "My Thresholds" in the system based on water consumption or estimated dollar amounts. 

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1. How do I get a new water / sewer service?

Contact our Engineering Department to determine if the property is within the water or sewer district boundaries of Padre Dam Municipal Water Distrcit (PDMWD) or if an Annexation Procedure is required. Complete a Water/Sewer Service Application and submit it to Padre Dam with a site map showing lot area, buildings, irrigated area, designated open space, dedicated roadway easements and proposed location of water and/or sewer service. Also provide fire flow and building sprinkler requirements from the local fire department. The District will prepare a quote for the water and/or sewer service including installation fees, District capacity fees, and County Water Authority fees. All fees must be paid prior to scheduling the installation of the water or sewer lateral.

2. How do I obtain a construction meter?

Submit a Construction Meter Application along with a deposit as indicated in our Rules and Regulations. Provide a site map showing the location of the fire hydrant where the proposed construction meter is to be located.

3. What is the static pressure at my property?

The water pressure is calculated by taking the reservoir elevation minus the elevation of the water main in the street then multiplying by 0.433 to determine the pounds per square inch (PSI). 

To get a rough estimate of your static water pressure, contact our Engineering Department (619-258-4635) to determine which pressure zone feeds the property. Please provide the street address, APN, or account number. Please note that we will only be able to provide the calculated static pressure to the meter.

4. How do I re-activate an existing water or sewer service?

Contact the Customer Service Department. Provide them with the property address and/or meter number along with the new billing information (name, address, etc.)

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1. What job opportunities are currently available at Padre Dam Municipal Water District?

For a list of current opportunities, access our career page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/padredam. Follow the instructions to set up an account and submit an application.

2. What if the job I am interested in isn’t currently open? Can I still complete an application?

If you are interested in a job that isn’t currently available, you may sign up to be notified when the job does become available. You can sign up for multiple categories of jobs on our career page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/padredam/jobInterestCards/categories. We do not accept applications for positions that are not currently open. 

3. How do I apply for a position?

Visit our career page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/padredam.  Follow the instructions to set up an account and submit an application.

4. Why do all Padre Dam MWD jobs require a driver’s license?

All Padre Dam employees are considered Disaster Service Workers. A driver's license is required as you may be asked to operate a vehicle during an emergency.

5. Can I submit a paper application?

No, we do not accept paper applications. However, you may be able to access the internet for free using the services listed here.

6. Can I submit a resume in lieu of an application?

No, we do not accept resumes in lieu of an application. A complete online application is required. You are welcome to submit a resume as a complement to your application but we will be unable to move you forward in the process if your application is incomplete.

7. How can I check the status of my application?

You can view the status of your application at any time by logging into your account on the governmentjobs.com website. After the applications have been reviewed, testing and interview dates will be determined and we will keep you informed at all steps in the process. All candidates will receive an email notification for each job they apply for.

8. I want to apply for more than one position. Do I need to fill out a separate application for each position?

Yes. Every application is evaluated separately based on the position for which you are applying.

9. If I need an accommodation for the interview or testing process, how do I request one?

If you have a disability and require an accommodation for interviewing, testing or to otherwise participate in a recruitment, please call (619) 258-4656 and ask to be connected with the Human Resources Director.

10. Will I automatically be considered for other positions if I previously submitted an application?

No, it is necessary to submit a new application for every job posting.

11. I missed the deadline to apply. Can I still apply?

No, once the job closing date has passed no application will be accepted or considered.

12. What happens once I’m hired?

All of our job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug test.  If offered a position, we will provide you with the details of and work closely with you through the background process.

13. What is probation and how long does it last?

There is a probationary period of one year for employees. Upon passing probation, the candidate will be considered a regular employee.

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1. Does the Federal Government monitor water for lead?

Yes. In 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water, known as the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The EPA revised the regulation in 2000 and 2007.

Congress has also set limits on the amount of lead that can be used in plumbing products. These requirements were first enacted in 1986 and then reduced to lower levels in 2011.

2. Is there lead in Padre Dam water?

No. The main risk of lead in drinking water comes from old service lines leading from the water provider's water main to the individual property. Padre Dam water mains are predominantly cement pipe, ductile iron pipe and PVC with no lead pipe used in water mains. There are also very few properties within the Padre Dam service area that have lead used in the plumbing inside the property.

Unfortunately, in the Northeast and Midwest there are a number of lead service lines connecting older homes to water mains. If those pipes are exposed to corrosive water, or if water sits too long inside them, the lead could be released and may end up coming out of the tap. This appears to be the case in Flint, Michigan.

3. Has Padre Dam ever had issues with lead in drinking water?

No. Padre Dam has been monitoring the drinking water for lead since the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) went into effect in 1991. Specific homes within our service area are selected for testing every three years per EPA LCR guidelines. Water samples are collected inside each selected residence at the tap so that the customer's plumbing is tested along with the service line delivering water to the house. There are minimal lead service lines within the Padre Dam service area and Padre Dam has never taken a sample with results exceeding the allowable level set by the EPA LCR.

Padre Dam has a consistent record of either meeting or exceeding all state and federal drinking water regulations, which further highlights our commitment to providing our customers with exceptional quality drinking water.

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1. How do I sign-up for electronic billing, "My Account", so I can pay my bill online?

• Visit My Account and click "New? Register Now".
• On the Customer Enrollment page, enter your account number and service address.
• Read and check the box to accept the Terms of Service and then click on "I Agree."
• Provide and confirm your email address, check the acknowledgement box, then click "Continue."
• Enter a Username and Password (Remember to write it down for future reference).
• An activation email will be sent to you. Upon receipt, click on the link 'Complete Enrollment' in the email to activate your online account. You may now login and view your bills. 

***Enrollment in My Account means that you've committed to go paperless only. If you also decide to make payments through this program, your next step will be to create a Payment Profile.***

2. Will I continue to receive my bill by mail?

No. When you enroll in My Account you will receive an email notice that your bill is available for online viewing. You will no longer receive paper bills by mail. However, you can always view/print current and past bill statements when you are logged into My Account. In order for Padre Dam to provide online billing services as a free service to customer, we are not able to offer both a mailed paper bill and an electronic bill.

3. I can't log-in (Authentication Error)

The Authentication Error means you have entered an incorrect Username and/or Password or that you were previously enrolled in e-billing and had your account cancelled. You may want to try entering your information again. Remember your Username and Password are case sensitive, should be 7-30 characters long and include at least one number. Therefore, if there is a capital letter, number or special character included in your password, be sure you are entering it exactly as it should be. If you have forgotten your information, you may request a new password by clicking on the "Forgot Username/Password" button. Your username and a temporary password will then be sent to the email address you have listed with My Account. If your account has been previously cancelled, you will not be able to login as the customer/account number is now locked out of the program.

4. Why is the temporary password not working when I try to log in?

If you were previously enrolled in My Account and then removed for any reason, such as to receive paper bills again, you will no longer be able to enroll online. If you wish to re-enroll in My Account and stop receiving paper bills, please contact Customer Service (619.258.4600). 

If you began the process of enrolling your account but did not finish, your temporary password may not grant you access. In this case, please contact Customer Service (619.258.4600).

5. I see a balance due but I already paid my bill.

If you have already paid your bill and your account shows a balance due, the balance due may be for new charges. New balances are posted on the My Account site no later than Thursday. However, the new statements that explain the new balances aren't posted until Friday. To avoid a duplicate payment please be sure to check your "Payment History" to see if a payment has already been scheduled and/or call Customer Service at 619.258.4600 to confirm. Once payments have been made, they can not be cancelled.

6. I didn't get my bill.

Sometimes an email provider may block an email from being delivered to an Inbox. We have found this to be especially true for email providers with aggressive spam filters. We suggest adding onlinebiller@padre.org to your list of approved senders or contacts list for your email address. This will increase the likelihood of successful delivery of your bills. Contact your email provider if you are not sure of how to add an approved sender to your contacts.

7. How do I view my bill?

• Under the Customer Service heading, click on  "My Account", and log-in to your online account with your Username and Password.
• Click on "View Bills".
• From the View Bill list, click the appropriate View button for the billing period you want to review.

8. How do I set-up Auto-Pay?

• You will need to be enrolled for our paperless billing option, My Account. Log-in to get started.
• Click on "AutoPay", Under Action, select "Sign Up."
• Select the payment profile you want to link to the AutoPay. If there are no available options to choose from that means you have NOT added any profiles yet. Simply click on "Add New."
• Review the Terms and Conditions and check both boxes in item 4.
• Click "Sign Up."
• AutoPay will begin with your next bill. You must make a one-time payment for your current bill by clicking on "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment." Note: your bill will state "AutoPay - Do Not Pay" when AutoPay is in place on the account.

9. Why did my payment fail? I haven't changed anything.

There are various possibilities for why a payment may fail: 

1. Non-sufficient funds (NSF) 
2. Incorrect bank account and/or routing number 
3. Incorrect credit card number 
4. Expiration of credit card

10. How do I add a payment profile?

• Login to My Account.
• Click on "Payment Profiles".
• Click on "Add New" to add a new payment type.
• Enter your Bank Account or Credit Card information.
• Click "Continue".
• Confirm the information is correct. This step is very important and can result in additional fees should information be entered incorrectly. Click "Save."
• Your additions have been completed.

***Please Note*** If you are already enrolled for Autopay, you will need to "EDIT" Autopay to select the new payment profile you would like Autopay to use.

11. How do I change a payment profile? (ie. new expiration date)

•  Login to My Account.
• Click on "Payment Profile."
• Select the profile you want to edit or remove.
• Click "Edit or Remove."
• When editing a profile, make your changes and enter your password.
• Click "Continue."
• Your changes have been completed.

12. How do I setup a new payment profile for my Autopay?

• Login to My Account.
• Click on Autopay.
• Under "Action" click the Edit button.
• On the "Use Payment Profile" line, click the Add New button to add a new payment profile.
• Enter your new bank account or credit card information.
• Click "Continue".
• Confirm the information is correct and click on "Save" (the Payment account has now been successfully added).
• Under "Use Payment Profile," use the drop down arrow to select the NEW payment profile you want to link to AutoPay.
• Click "Save Changes" and "Continue."
• You will now see a new screen showing the summary of your changes and a message: "AutoPay Updated!"
• Your changes/additions are now saved.

13. How do I change a payment option if I'm set-up for Autopay?

If you don't need to add a new profile and simply want to link the AutoPay to a payment profile that is already listed in your Payment Profiles, then use the following instructions:

• Click on "Autopay."
• Under Action, click the "Edit" button.
• Under Use Payment Profile, use the drop down arrow to select the payment profile you want to link to AutoPay.
• Click "Save Changes and Continue."
• You will now see a new screen showing the summary of your changes and a message: "AutoPay Updated!"
• Your changes are now saved.

14. How do I cancel automatic payments?

• Login to My Account.
• Click on "AutoPay."
• Under Action, click on the "Edit" button.
• Click on the "Cancel Autopay" button.
• You will now need to make a one-time payment for each bill you want to pay through this system. Other payment options include by phone (877-MY PADRE), traditional methods of payment such as payment through the mail, our night drop box or in our office.

15. Can I cancel the payment I just made?

No, payments cannot be canceled once submitted. Please double check your information prior to clicking the "Submit" button.

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1. Does my water have fluoride added to it?

Yes, all of Padre Dam’s potable water has fluoride added to it before entering Padre Dam’s distribution system. Read more about Fluoridation.

2. Why does my water look cloudy / foggy?

Air in the water or pipes creates small bubbles in the water that are harmless. Try pouring some water into a clear glass and let it sit for a minute. As the bubbles leave the water, the water will become clearer. If cloudiness is still an issue call 619-448-3111.

3. Is my drinking water safe? Do I need bottled or filtered water for safety?

Padre Dam water meets all State and Federal water quality regulations and is absolutely safe to drink. Bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while Padre Dam's water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Public Health (DPH). Tap water is actually required to meet stricter reporting requirements than bottled water. Also, tap water costs a fraction of the cost of bottled water. The decision to drink bottled water or use a filtration system should be based on your particular taste preference.

4. Why does my water have a different odor than normal?

Generally, this smell is coming from the drain and not the water. The odor is probably coming from a drain with materials such as food or hair stuck to the walls of the drain pipe. If you have been away for a few days, you may just need to flush out the line by running the water for a couple minutes. To get rid of the odor, you can pour about a half cup of bleach down the drain. You will need to do this at every sink with the odor.

5. Granules and/or other small particles are clogging my faucets and shower heads. What should I do?

If the particles are not showing up in the bottom of your toilets (which are connected to the cold water pipes) this is probably a hot water heater problem. You may need to flush out your water heater. When draining the water heater you will probably see a lot of debris coming out. When the water is heated, the small particles precipitate out and will settle in the bottom of the water heater. These particles can become agitated and be swept into hot water fixtures in your home.

It is recommended that a water heater be flushed every six months. Use caution when flushing your water heater as sometimes the debris in the tank can prevent the drain valve from fully closing. A licensed plumber can be helpful in resolving any issues you may have with your water heater.

6. Is the water safe for my animals?

Yes, except for fish. Padre Dam's drinking water does contain chloramines which is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that serves as a disinfectant for your water. Chloramines kill bacteria and will be harmful to fish. When you use your drinking water for fish tanks, you will need to purchase water treating products from the local pet supply store that will neutralize the chloramines before putting your fish in the water. Chloramines do not affect other animals and is safe for them to drink.