Golden State Water extends gratitude to California customers for their exceptional conservation efforts and encourages the entire community to maintain water-wise practices as we progress toward full drought recovery. Following unusually dry winter periods, all residents must use water responsibly to support California's sustainable future.

On May 9, 2016, Governor Jerry Brown issued an Executive Order permanently prohibiting wasteful water practices. These include:

• Hosing off sidewalks, driveways and other hardscapes
• Washing vehicles without a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle
• Operating decorative water fountains that don't use recirculated water
• Watering landscapes causing excessive runoff or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall
• Irrigating ornamental turf in public street medians with potable water

To learn more about drought conditions and conservation requirements in your area, please visit http://www.gswater.com/drought/ or call 1.800.999.4033.

1. I recently purchased a home. How do I close my account?

   Before closing, please contact our water billing department to schedule a final reading and provide a forwarding address for your final bill. We will inform you of any applicable changes at closing.

2. I am buying property in Grand Island. How do I open an account?

   Prior to closing, please contact our water billing department to provide billing/contact information for your new account. We will advise you of any applicable changes at closing.

3. I recently moved to Grand Island but haven't received a water bill. When should I expect it?

   Water bills are issued quarterly. We don't prorate or bill for partial quarters. Depending on your move-in date, you may not receive a bill until your account has been active for a full quarter. In this case, your first bill will cover a longer period. We'll explain if this applies when you call to establish your account.

4. I was away for most of the winter. Why did I still receive a water bill?

   There is a quarterly minimum charge for water service to a property regardless of usage. This charge is based on consumption of 7,000 gallons of water.

5. Must I pay the sewer fee on water that doesn't directly enter the sewer (pools, sprinkler systems)?

   Yes. All water that passes through your meter incurs both charges. No adjustments are available.

6. I made my last payment using online banking and funds were withdrawn before the due date. Why am I seeing a late fee on my current bill?

   Online payments made through your bank are not electronically deposited to the Town's account. These payments are mailed by your bank via USPS and posted when received by the clerk's office. To ensure timely receipt, please process online payments 7-10 days before the due date. For proper posting, always reference your current account number and/or service address on the check.

7. The due date (15th) falls on a weekend when Town Hall is closed. How can I pay without penalty?

   If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are accepted penalty-free on the next business day.

8. I just returned home and found a notice on my door from the water department. What does this mean?

   Water meters have radio transponders allowing remote reading from the street. Occasionally, readings may indicate a service issue (leak, unusual usage) or meter problem (no usage). When this happens, we leave a door hanger requesting you contact our office. It's important to call the Town promptly so we can identify the problem quickly. Non-compliance will result in a surcharge on your water bill.