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1. What does the monthly fixed fee include?

The water rate billing structure includes a fixed monthly water service base fee and a residential usage charge. This base fee covers the cost of the water and sewer utility’s fixed and operating costs before any service is provided. The residential usage charge is based on tiered rates and are variable based upon use. Rates and Fees are established annually by the Community Authority Board (CAB) Board. 

The CAB rates are generally higher than many of the neighboring utilities and does not include a mill levy component that many neighboring utilities use to fund capital projects. However, many of these neighboring providers are older, established enterprises who rely on nonrenewable water supplies. The CAB rates are based on developing a renewable water system from inception. It is likely water rates for neighboring utilities will continue to rise at a faster rate than those of the CAB due to the costs of obtaining and developing renewable water supplies.

2. How are my indoor water usage tiers established?

A homeowner’s individualized indoor water budget is structured on an average winter consumption (AWC) to determine the tier 1 threshold. The AWC is determined by averaging the customer’s actual indoor water use for the months of December, January, and February. The AWC is reset annually to allow for life changes. The tier 1 minimum threshold for residential homes is a minimum of 4,000 gallons per month and a maximum of 6,000 gallons per month. Accounts without an AWC history will be assigned 6,000 gallons per month as an initial AWC.

3. How do I troubleshoot your water meter when you have no water?

Valves - Gen 1

These valves require the smart home system to be online and functioning to open and close the valves. To troubleshoot we recommend the following:

1. Make sure the smart home system is online; if not, use https://lumiere.technology/knowledge-base/category/STEWARD/
2. Submit a ticket with our team at https://lumiere.technology/open-a-ticket/

Water Valves - Gen 2 

These valves can easily be opened and closed manually. To troubleshoot, we recommend the following:

1. Click the blue power button on the Dome Valve 1 time. 1 click will cause the arm to turn and open the water supply (see Gen 2 Valves #2 for that power button)
2. If this button does not cause the arm to turn, pull the silver pin on the device and manually move the arm (see Gen 2 Valves #3 for that pin)
3. For additional help submit a ticket at https://lumiere.technology/open-a-ticket/

4. Why are outdoor water rates slightly higher than indoor water rates?

The water rates are structured to recover system costs. Outdoor water rates were designed to encourage water-wise irrigation practices. Outdoor water use increases the demand on our water system, and therefore the operational costs of our facilities. Additionally, when water is used outdoors it is fully consumed and not returned to the system.

5. How do I move into higher tiers each month?

The first tier of fee rates per 1,000 gallons applies to the use of up to 100% of the customer’s water budget. The tier fee rate per 1,000 gallons for use over 100% of the water budget increases based upon the amount over 100% that is used by that customer. Water used during the establishment period (45 days following the installation of turf and plant material) will be billed at the first tier fee rate, and will not count against the water budget.

6. How can I monitor my water usage each month?

UtilityHawk:

Simply log into UtilityHawk by pointing your browser to: https://srcab.utilityhawk.us .  Once on the site, select the Registration button and follow the instructions to register.

UtilityHawk offers several benefits to Sterling Ranch CAB customers including:

• Set monthly threshold values in dollars for water and irrigation usage.
• Set Daily/Weekly/Monthly usage thresholds and get notified if you are trending to exceed.
• Provides timely alerts when problems are detected.
• You can specify how you want to be contacted ‐ text, e‐mail, or phone.
• Easy‐to‐understand and use, you can access the HELP menu for specific instructions.
• Electric and Gas consumption will be loaded soon, for the immediate future please continue to use the Steward App.
• Provides a “single sign on” to the payment portal with the touch of a button so you do not need to re‐enter credentials.