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1. What are the requirements for establishing utility service?

Single-Family Residential Accounts

All utility accounts are established by completion of a signed credit application and placement of any deposit that may be required. Contact the Utility Billing Department at 951-765-2350 to inquire if the address of service is within our district & how you can obtain the required documents.

Based upon the creditworthiness of an applicant, the Utility Billing Department may collect a deposit of not more than three times the estimated average of a bill. Such matters may determine creditworthiness; including but not necessarily limited to, prior history with the City, favorable letters of credit from other metered utility agencies (i.e., gas, electric or water) or home ownership. A favorable letter of credit must state the applicants name and history that reflects the past 12 consecutive months with zero delinquencies.

Multiple Dwellings and Non-Residential Accounts

All utility accounts are established by completion of a signed credit application and placement of a deposit. In addition, you may request to have authorized agents that may transact on your account, as well as, the option to have any shutoff notice faxed directly to you. Contact the Utility Billing Department at 951-765-2350 to inquire if the address of service is within our district & how you can obtain the required documents.

On all new multiple residential accounts, wherein more than one unit is serviced by a single meter and all non-residential accounts a deposit of not less than one and one-half times the average periodic bill is required.

2. When do I get my deposit back?

The City retains the deposit as long as the account is active (exceptions are made for existing residential single family accounts that have had zero late payments in the most recent 12 consecutive months of service). The deposit accrues interest and if not refunded previously, when the utility account is closed, the deposit is applied to the final bill and any other outstanding charges. A refund will be issued for the balance of any funds left over.

Refunds are issued twice a month and depending on the accounts last payment and closure dates it may take up to 2-4 weeks to receive the refund. Please be sure to call the Utility Billing Department at 951-765-2350 with your end of service request and forward address when closing your account.

3. Why is my bill so high?

Due to the City’s billing structure, accounts are billed every four weeks; therefore, the bill may seem high upon initial receipt. However, keep in mind that your bill includes base charges for water, sewer and storm drain fees that will be no less than $68.75 in your monthly billing period even before water is consumed. See our rate sheet for more details.

In some instance you may have an onsite water leak. There are several ways to check for a leak. One way is to check the flow indicator on your water meter. Make sure you have nothing inside using water when you perform this check. If the indicator is turning, then water is flowing through the meter. This could indicate a leak in the water service line between the meter and your home or building or it could indicate that water is being used inside the home or building. To determine if you have a leak in your water service line, close off the main valve to your home or building. If the indicator on the meter is turning, this is an indication that you have a leak in the pipe between your water meter and the main valve (though it could also mean that the main valve is not shutting off the water completely).

If the indicator on you water meter was turning but stopped when you shut the main valve, this indicates that something inside is using water. With the main valve open (and the indicator on the meter turning), turn off the valve to individual fixtures (toilets, sinks, etc.,) one at a time. Check the indicator each time you turn off a fixture valve to see if it stops turning. If it does, the last fixture turned off is the culprit!

Toilets can often be the cause of a water leak. Open the cover on the tank. If the water level is above the overflow tube, there is a problem. The water level should be approximately ½ inch or so below the top of the overflow pipe. Adjust the float level so that the water is turned off at that level. If the valve controlled by the float is leaking, it may need to be replaced.

Toilet leaks can also be due to a leak at the flapper valve that lets water flow into the toilet bowl. To test for this, put a drop or two of food coloring into the tank (not the bowl). Wait for about 10 minutes and see if the colored water shows up in the bowl. If it does, your flapper valve may need to be replaced.

If you have an irrigation system, check your settings. Customers have said that they have had more than one program on at the same time or had it running for too long of a time frame and didn’t realize it until they checked their program.

4. How can I pay my utility bill?

By Mail / In Person:
Payments in the form of cash, check, money order, Visa or MasterCard can be made directly to City of Hemet at:
445 E. Florida Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Drop box:
There is also a Utility Payment Drop located in the parking lot of City Hall at:
445 E. Florida Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Online:
This option allows you to pay your utility bill with a Visa or MasterCard. Sign up is quick and easy. Learn more about our online payment option!

Phone:
We can accept payments over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling our Utility Billing Department at 951-765-2350.

Fax:
We can accept payment via fax by completing our credit card authorization form with your Visa or MasterCard information and fax to: 951-765-2336

Automatic ACH:
With this option, your bank account will be automatically debited on the due date for the amount of your current balance. If you would like to take part in this service, please complete our Authorization Agreement for Automatic ACH Payments and send it along with a voided check to the:

City of Hemet
Attn: Utility Billing Department
445 E. Florida Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

5. What if I have an emergency after the Utility Billing Department is closed?

Normal business hours are 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Should a water or sewer related emergency occur after those hours, call the police’s non-emergency number at 951-765-2400 and they will dispatch the individual(s) on call.

6. Where is my main water valve in case I need to turn my water off?

Usually the main water valve is located where the water supply pipe enters your home or office. Normally it is a lever or dial that you twist or turn. In some cases, it may be near your clothes washer or hot water heater or may be located under the house in the crawl space. Be sure to locate and mark the main water valve before you need it. That way, you will be able to find and close it quickly should a water leak occur.

7. Are adjustments made for water leaks between my meter and my house or due to a leaky toilet?

Upon approval of the Utility Billing Supervisor and with proof of water leak repair, we may defer the water consumption portion of your bill across the future 3-4 billing periods. It’s important to understand that any water that passes through the meter is the responsibility of the customer.

8. When is my bill due?

You’re billed monthly (every four weeks) but because we bill different cycles each week, your bill may be generated and due at different times of the month. Your billing schedule is mailed out toward the end of the year for the year in advance and is always provided to new customers at the time of sign-up. However, they are always available with the Utility Billing Department.

9. Can I change the due date of my bill?

Unfortunately, no. The due date of the bill is determined by your service address.

10. Are there any water restrictions?

No. At this time the City of Hemet has no water restrictions.