FAQs

The questions asked most often by our customers.

For any Engineering questions not answered here, please email us at (redacted) or call us at (760) 728-1178 x143.

Is the District providing relief for the victims of the 2017 Lilac Fire

On February 27, 2018 the Rainbow MWD Board of Directors establishing a policy to provide conditional temporary relief to persons who have suffered a loss of their homes including complete loss of use of their water service or wastewater service to the property due to the 2017 Lilac Fire. For more details and an outline of terms and conditions please download the Lilac Fire Fixed Fee Waiver Form…

Am I in the Rainbow Municipal Water District?

Use our mapping tool to find out if you're in our district!

How do I get as-built or facility map information?

Please email (redacted) with the location, address, street names or delineated Thomas Bros map and facilities you are inquiring about

How do I obtain a new water or sewer service from Rainbow Municipal Water District?

Contact the Engineering Department with the address or Assessor’s Parcel Number to determine if there is water or sewer available for the parcel. If water and sewer is available, the property owner must fill out a new service form for a new water meter and sewer connection. Once the forms are submitted with fees paid, the owner must hire a private contractor with a Class A: General Engineering…

How much does new water service cost?

The fees vary depending on the Capacity Class chosen. Refer to the New Water and Sewer Service Rates Chart below:

Who can I call for backflow testing and repairs?

If you are wanting to have your backflow device tested or repaired, please see the attached list of certified testers.

What is the static pressure at my property?

Contact the Engineering Department with your address or Assessor’s Parcel Number to determine which pressure zone you are in and use the following equation to obtain an approximate static water pressure: (Pressure zone elevation – site or meter elevation) X 0.433 psi/ft = static water pressure in psi To determine the exact static water pressure at your property, you can purchase a pressure gauge…

How do I apply for a construction meter?

Construction meters are used for short term construction purposes only. Please submit the Construction Meter Application and fees for installation and deposit (cash or check only) to the District with the location the meter will be installed. Construction meters are installed on Fire Hydrants and Wharf Heads only. Installation or relocation requests require 48 hour advance notice.

What makes my water bill so high?

We get this question a lot: “My friend in Temecula (or San Diego, or any other urban area) has a water bill that is lower than mine. Why are RMWD’s fixed water fees higher than theirs?” It is a valid question for which there is no simple answer. Here are some of the reasons our rate structure is different than other areas:

What is the District doing to mitigate increasing rates?

First, this fall we will be performing a comprehensive Cost of Service study to analyze our costs and ensure that fees are set at the appropriate level based on a customer’s use of the system. Every customer owns a share of the entire water system and we try to base our fees on how much of an impact their use has on our systems. We think everyone could agree that it makes sense that larger…

There isn’t a water line or sewer line on the frontage of my parcel; what are my options on obtaining service?

The property owner may be required to extend the facilities to the frontage of the property. The design, construction and associated costs are the responsibility of the property owner. The property owner may also apply for a remote water meter.

What are the requirements for downsizing my meter?

A Memorandum of Understanding must be completed and submitted for approval Staff will evaluate the water usage history to determine if the smaller meter can handle the water usage. Capacity Class B or a reference meter size of 3/4-inch are only available to properties with a lot size less than 0.5 acres.

How much is a sewer permit for my house?

Sewer capacity fees are dependent on the square footage of the residence. Refer to Sewer Capacity Fee Chart below. Please note that sewer permits will expire after two years unless they are renewed before the expiration date.

How do I apply for a remote meter?

A water meter installed on a waterline not abutting the property it serves is called a Remote Meter. In order to apply for a remote meter, you must fill out a Remote Meter Application and submit it with the following:

I have a water or sewer easement on my property; can I plant trees on this easement?

No, easements protect the utility on your property and are our access to the utility for preventative maintenance, repair and emergency situations. Tree roots can impede on the utility causing damage and eventually a line break. Trees, shrubs, fencing and any structures are not allowed in the easement without written consent of the District.

What are the requirements for installing a well or a septic tank?

Requirements for installation of wells or septic tanks are regulated by the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health Land and Water Quality Division at 1-800-253-9933.

I am planning on erecting a fence or building; how do I know where the utilities are?

Before any kind of excavation, call Dig Alert at 811. This is a free service that will contact agencies to mark any utilities in the area that you delineate. If your project lies within a water or sewer utility easement, you must fill out an Encroachment application for District approval. Once reviewed an Encroachment Permit may be granted. Once completed and recorded, you may proceed with your…

What engineering projects are going on right now?

You can see current engineering projects using our mapping tool.

Public Records Request

Use this form to request public records information.