Show All Answers

1. What if I suspect a water leak?

If you have a high water bill, it could be from a leak on your property.

Check for leaks:

Toilets: Open the back tank.  Examine the overflow and adjust the ball float if needed.  Place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank.  Wait about 30 minutes without flushing.  If the color appears in your toilet bowl, then you have a leak and need to replace the flapper valve or adjust the chain.  Replacement parts are easy to pick up at your local hardware store.  Turn off the water supply to your toilet while you are waiting for or conducting repairs.

Leaky faucets/showerheads/hose bibs: Check all of your faucets, shower or bathtubs, and hose bibs for drips.  Even small drips add up.

Irrigation: Check your control valves and irrigation lines for breaks or leaks.  If your system is on a timer, check that the timer is set correctly.  Other common causes of leaks are water softeners (stuck valves), leaks at the water connections to sinks, and leaks in a swimming pool or pump.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District offers helpful water conservation guidance and tips.  Visit their website at https://www.valleywater.org/saving-water/residential.

2. When is my bill due?

The bill is due upon receipt and must be paid by the last working day of the month to avoid delinquency charges.

3. Did the water rates increase?

Yes, the City’s water and wastewater service rates increased effective September 1, 2015. There are annual increases scheduled through July 1, 2019.

4. How are the water rates calculated?

Water rates are calculated by combining a monthly base fee dependent on meter size, and a tiered volumetric rate based on water consumption and elevation zone.

5. Will water rates go down if rain increases?

The City reviews its budget annually to determine if authorized rates are in line with calculated requirements. If the projected costs are less than previously anticipated in the scheduled rate increases, the City can implement a lower rate adjustment.

6. Can a customer start or stop water service over the phone or on-line?

A service request form with an authorized signature is required to start or stop service, along with a copy of a photo I.D. Please use the following forms:

Commercial
Residential

These forms are also available in the Finance Department at City Hall. The form can be faxed or submitted in person. The fax number is (408) 846-0421 and City Hall office hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

7. Is there a deposit required to start service?

If a customer has not had service in the City of Gilroy in the past five years, a deposit of $50.00 for residential service is required; $20.00 per unit deposit for multi-unit complex where a meter services more than one unit. There is also a $50.00 nonrefundable service charge to initiate service. All fees must be paid at the time the service is requested. The deposit will be credited back to your account after one full year of service.

8. What credit cards does the City accept?

The City of Gilroy currently accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover; and payment can be made in person, by phone, or using the on-line payment service.

9. What other forms of payment are accepted?

Beyond the payment methods above, customers can also pay their utility bill through and electronic funds transfers. The form for electronic funds transfer can be found here: Electronic Funds Transfer