Humboldt Bay MWD

Understanding Water Quality Terms:

Detection Limit for Reporting Purposes (DLR): A state-regulated parameter for each reportable contaminant. The presence at DLR levels doesn't necessarily indicate health risks and remains below MCL standards.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest permissible level of a contaminant in public water systems. Primary MCLs are established as close to PHGs or MCLGs as technically and economically feasible. Secondary MCLs focus on aesthetic qualities like taste and appearance.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The contaminant level below which no known or expected health risks exist, as determined by US EPA.

Public Health Goal (PHG): Similar to MCLG, this is the level below which no known or anticipated health risks exist, established by California's Office of Environmental Health Risk Assessment.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): Highest allowable disinfectant level, with evidence showing disinfection is necessary for microbial control.

Minimum Reporting Level (MRL): The smallest measurable concentration reliably detectable using specific analytical methods, as defined by USGS National Water Quality Laboratory.

Treatment Technique (TT): Required processes intended to reduce contaminant levels in municipal water.

Technical Measurements: mg/L as CaCO3 (hardness measure), microsiemens/cm (conductance), NTU (turbidity), ppm (parts per million), ppb (parts per billion), ppt (parts per trillion), ppq (parts per quadrillion), pCi/L (radiation measure).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will I receive my first invoice? After your account has been active for approximately 30-45 days.
2. When is my bill due? Bills are issued monthly with payment due within 15 days of the bill date.
3. When is my bill considered delinquent? Delinquent notices are issued if payment isn't received by the day after the due date.
4. What penalty applies for late payment? A 10% penalty is added to the outstanding amount for late payments.
5. How is my usage calculated? Each property has an electronic meter that's read monthly. The system calculates consumption by comparing current readings with previous ones, and all accounts undergo multiple reviews for accuracy.
6. What payment methods are available? You can pay online, by phone, through automatic drafting, by mail, in person, at our drive-through window, or using our night depository.

About Automatic Bank Drafting: This convenient payment method comes at no additional cost. Simply log into your account or complete the authorization form with your banking information. Your bill will be automatically drafted on the due date (or the previous business day if the due date falls on a weekend/holiday).

Viewing Past Bills: The online payment system displays your last 13 months of billing history. For older records, contact Water Customer Service at 972-744-4120.

Service Interruptions: Water service may be terminated for non-payment, failure to pay deposits, returned checks, unauthorized connections, or meter tampering.

Winter Average Calculation: Residential customers without separate irrigation meters have sewer charges based on 98% of their average winter water consumption, calculated from November through February bills for the past three years.