City of Corona
Home Home MenuDepartment of Water & Power
Phone: (951) 736-2321
Fax: (951) 736-2455
CustomerCare@CoronaCA.gov
In an emergency, please call
(951) 736-2234
Government » Departments/Divisions » Department of Water and Power » Customer Care
Answer Center
Welcome to the Department of Water and Power's Answer Center. Here are answers to most questions we receive. Simply select the type of question you have to get started.
Auto Pay
- A. You can change your autopay information online:
- Log in to your account at www.CoronaDWP.org/ilink.
- Click on the “Automatic Bill Pay” link.
- Click on the button that states “I need to make changes to my Auto Pay.”
- Make your changes.
A. You may cancel at any time:
- Log in to your account at www.CoronaDWP.org/ilink.
- Click on the “Automatic Bill Pay” link.
- Click the button that states “I would like to cancel my Auto Pay.”
- A. 1. Go to our online web portal at www.CoronaDWP.org/ilink and create an account. 2. Click on the “Automatic Bill Pay” link, and fill out the form
- A. Yes, please pay your current bill. After you have been successfully enrolled, your bill statement will show "DO NOT PAY - Your payment will be drawn from your account of record per your Automatic Bill Pay Agreement."
- A. There is no charge at this time from the DWP to participate. However, some financial institutions may charge a fee for electronic fund transfers. Check with your bank regarding any possible fees.
- A. Payments may be rejected by your financial institution due to insufficient funds, closed/unauthorized accounts or other reasons. If your payment is rejected for any reason, the DWP will charge a processing fee. This fee plus your bill amount must be received in cash, cashier's check or money order. All delinquent charges and/or penalties will apply. Check with your financial institution for possible fees it may impose. The DWP reserves the right to terminate your participation in Automatic Bill Pay if your payment is rejected
- A. Currently, the DWP accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover. If you choose this option, please make sure that you keep your credit card information updated. Approximately one month before your card expires the DWP will send you a letter and a new Automatic Bill Pay Enrollment Form. This form must be filled out and sent back prior to your credit card expiration date.
- A. For other questions regarding our Automatic Bill Pay program, please contact Utility Billing at
(951) 736-2321 or by email at CustomerCare@CoronaCA.gov. Business hours are Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - A. The Automatic Bill Pay program is open to all customers of the City of Corona Department of Water and Power (DWP).
Billing
- A. Here is a brief description of the charges on your bill:
Water: Charges include water usage and a water ready to serve charge. The ready to serve charge is for each water service connection and shall be paid by all users connected to the City's water system, whether or not any water is actually used.
Sewer: A charge is applied to each billing unit connected to the City wastewater system. This charge is generally based on the number of residential units served or the meter size.
Electric: For residential customers living in Dos Lagos, a monthly service charge is applied to each bill if connected to the City's electric system. Usage charges and taxes are also charged on each bill.Click here to see a map of the areas served by the City of Corona Department of Water & Power's Electric Utility.
EMS: The Corona EMS Subscription Program fee is a monthly fee that is charged in lieu of a per patient, per call fee for Emergency Medical Services. The fee for individual call-outs is normally $350.00 for each patient. The $4.00 monthly subscription fee covers all permanent members of the household for as many times as you need the Fire Department during your one year subscription. (This fee does not include ambulance costs, which are billed separately by the ambulance company.) Call (951) 817-5780 for details on your subscription.
Refuse: The City of Corona contracts with Waste Management for trash and recycling services. The City of Corona only bills single family residential homes directly. Monthly charges apply whether or not the user has trash for pick-up during the week. All other businesses or commercial accounts should establish trash service by contacting Waste Management directly at (800) 423-9986.
If your property is outside of the City limits, you are responsible to contract for your own trash service with the company of your choice.
See the Trash & Recycling page for more information about this service.
Drought
- A. There currently are no restrictions on building pools. Variances for filling swimming pools are only granted once every five years, unless there is a repair that must be made on the pool within that five year period.
- A. Yes, reclaimed water could be brought to homes in separate pipes. However, it is cost prohibitive to do so. New pipelines cost a million dollars a mile to build. Our potable water system has 593 miles of pipeline; our reclaimed water system currently has 44 miles of pipelines. It would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to duplicate the potable water system, making the reclaimed water unaffordable. In addition, regulatory rules and permits would add an additional cost and administrative burden to this effort. Be assured that DWP is working with businesses near existing reclaimed lines to ensure that anyone that can use reclaimed water is being connected to the reclaimed water system in order to save as much potable water as possible.
- A. The DWP offers help to residents and businesses to adjust your sprinkler timer. Contact the Water Resources Team at (951) 736-2234 to make an appointment. Appointments are currently available five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 8 am until 5 pm. Need us to be more flexible? Please call our Water Resources Team at (951) 736-2234 so that we can work out an accommodation to meet your busy schedule.
- A. Yes, the DWP is going to reduce the Tier 2 water budget for residents by 50%, and the outdoor budget for dedicated landscape accounts by 50%. The goal of this reduction is to reduce outdoor water use by 50%. On your bill, you will start to receive a message that states what your target was for your outdoor budget, and whether you made it under the target or not. A sample of each scenario is shown below. DWP is here to provide help to the community to meet the water use reductions. Please contact the Water Resources Team at (951) 736-2234 or by email at StopTheDrop@discovercorona.com for information on free programs and rebates that can help you save water.
- A. New development is still occurring in the City of Corona. New development is required to use reclaimed water for all construction activities. In addition, new developments must not cause an increase in overall water use; they are required to provide for reclaimed water offsets and efficient water use that does not adversely impact our current water supply. In addition, new development helps reduce the City’s overall gallons per capita per day, or GPCD, because they increase the population but generally have a higher density and new, water efficient devices required by law.
- A. The current watering rules are:
- No watering between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Odd numbered addresses can water on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday only. * For example, if your street address is 401 Any Street, the street number ends with a 1, making this an odd numbered address.
- Even numbered addresses can water on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday only.* If your street address ends with an even number, such as 302 Any Street, then you have an even numbered address.
- Watering on Fridays is prohibited. Since government institutions are not open on weekends, they may water three days per week of the agency’s choosing.
- Sprinkler times are limited to 20 minutes maximum per station per watering day. You can have two cycles of five minutes a day, which can also help reduce runoff.
- Drip irrigation times are limited to 90 minutes maximum per watering day.
- Watering during and within 48 hours after rainfall measuring ½” or more is prohibited.
- Street trees must be kept alive.
- Leaks and broken sprinklers must be fixed in a timely manner.
- Water cannot be allowed to runoff property.
- Washing hard surfaces is prohibited.
- Vehicles can only be washed using a bucket and hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Food establishments are prohibited from providing drinking water to patrons unless requested.
- The overfilling of swimming pools and spas is prohibited. The filling or refilling of ornamental ponds, streams and artificial lakes is prohibited.
- The operation of any ornamental fountain or similar structure is prohibited except for short periods of time to prevent damage, unless the fountain is recirculating.
- Q. To report water waste at someone’s home or business, please contact the Water Resources Team at (951) 736-2234, email StopTheDrop@CoronaCA.gov, or report it using the City’s SeeClickFix App. You can remain anonymous. We will make contact with the individual or business and work with them to ensure the issue is resolved quickly.
- A. To report water waste at a City park or landscape area, please call the Maintenance Services Department or Water Resources Team at (951) 736-2234, or submit an issue via the City’s SeeClickFix App.
- A. The City has gone to Stage 2 of our Water Conservation Ordinance. Complete Stage 2 rules can be found online by clicking here. In addition, the City has accelerated reclaimed water conversions, has required all new construction projects to use reclaimed water for all construction activities, and has accelerated turf removal projects throughout the City.
- A. On April 1, 2015, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-29-15, which mandated a 25% reduction in potable, or drinking, water use throughout California. Click here to read Executive Order B-29-15. This action was taken in response to statewide drought conditions that have persisted for the last four years. In order to ensure there is enough water to meet demands throughout the state, everyone needs to do their part to conserve water.
- A. The City of Corona Department of Water and Power (DWP) is responsible for ensuring that we meet our reduction target set by the State Water Resources Control Board. DWP does not want to fine anyone. Every attempt will be made to work with the public to comply with Stage 2 rules before any fines would be issued.
- A. Yes, the DWP will be evaluating its current rates and will raise rates as necessary. Reducing revenues by 28% is sure to have an impact on the finances of the DWP. It is important for DWP to keep our water system maintained and stay compliant with the covenants of our bond obligations. If a rate increase is required, you will receive notice in the mail in the form of a Proposition 218 notice, advising you of the rate increase, the amount of the increase, and a date and time for a public hearing for the City Council to hear the issue.
E-Bill Service
- A. Pick the method that is the most convenient for you:
- Online – Save time when you pay online with iLink.
- In Person – Visit our Customer Care counter located on the first floor at City Hall. City Hall is located at 400 S. Vicentia Avenue.
- By Phone – Call us at (951) 736-2321 to speak to a Customer Care Representative and pay over the phone during business hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or use our Automated System by selecting option 1 – available 24 hours a day.
- Drop Off Box – A drop box is located at City Hall, at 400 S. Vicentia Avenue. All payments received by 5:00 p.m. are posted to your account the same business day. Payments received after 5:00 p.m. are posted the next business day.
- Western Union Centers – Pay your bill at any of the 44,000 Western Credit Union Agent locations. To find the location nearest you, visit locations.westernunion.com and enter your zip code. A payment transaction fee will apply.
- Pay Near Me – Pay in cash at 7-Eleven® stores. Just take your bill with the barcode on the back to any 7-Eleven®. A service fee applies.
- App – COMING SOON!
Please contact the Customer Care Team at (951) 736-2321 or e-mail CustomerCare@CoronaCA.gov for more information.
A. Have an iLink account?
- Log into your iLink account.
- Click on My Profile.
- Click on Manage Profile.
- Select Yes to receive e-Bills.
Don’t have an iLink account?
Create one at www.CoronaDWP.org/ilink.- A. When you sign up for e-Bills, you receive an e-mail notification that your bill is ready to view online.
- A. An e-Bill is an electronic version of a paper bill..
- A. Visit www.CoronaDWP.org/ilink.
- Log into your account.
- Click on Billing History.
- Under Web Bill, click on View.
Gas Pipeline & Safety Info
- A. According to U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines, the Riverside County is designated as a High Consequence Area (HCA). To learn more about HCAs click here*.
- A. Public officials are encouraged to work with contractors to have a valid 811 ticket before excavation. Contractors must do so by law. Homeowners should call, too. This is a FREE service and it can help prevent injury, costly property damage and loss of utility service. An overview of the 811 process and best practices for safe excavation near pipelines and other underground utilities can be found here.
- A. The approximate locations of major natural gas pipelines can be found online at National Pipeline Mapping System* or on socalgas.com . We also place pipeline markers next to our major pipelines near intersections or railway crossings. To learn more about the pipeline markers click here.
Q. How should I coordinate City planning and development projects with SoCalGas if my community is growing?
A. Contact us and we can guide you through safe building around our major gas pipelines. We encourage you to review the information provided by the Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) because the decisions you make can impact the safety of the community surrounding the pipeline.- A. Work with the 911 dispatchers in your City to understand and follow the Pipeline Emergency Operations Standard.
- A. Tipping fees are fees that are charged by Riverside County Waste Management Department for every ton of waste disposed of at the Riverside County landfill. These fees pay for managing programs such as stormwater runoff, recycling and green waste. These programs help with water quality and reducing the amount of waste that is deposited at the landfill.
- A. SoCalGas uses pipelines to deliver natural gas to residential and business customers for heating, cooking, manufacturing and other purposes. Because safety is our top priority, we implemented a rigorous Integrity Management Program (IMP), use the advanced safety inspection tools to determine pipe condition and maintain the safety of our pipelines. To learn more about the IMP go here.
- A. Leaking gas from any damaged pipeline or gas meter could cause a fire, explosion, property damage and serious bodily injury. If a gas leak is suspected, don't light a match, candle, or cigarette. Don't turn electrical appliances or lights on or off. Leave the area and from a safe location call us directly at (800) 427-2200 or 911. For more guidelines on what to do if you encounter a leaking gas pipe or meter click here.
- A. Go to socalgas.com (search “SAFETY”). You can also contact me by email at LPetersen@SempraUtilities.com or phone at 909-335-7631.
- A. We must have unobstructed access along our pipeline right-of-way to maintain and operate our facilities and to quickly respond to any pipeline emergency. Furthermore, tree roots can damage our pipelines.
How to Read Your Bill
1. Customer Care Contact Information
2. Current Charges and Due Date
3. Customer's Account and Customer Number
4. Account Name and Service Address
5. Previous Balance and Payment
6. Beginning and End of Current Billing Period
7. Water Rates are Based on the Commodity and Readiness to Serve Rates
8. Water Budget Details
9. Graphical Display of Actual Water Use
Trash & Recycling
- A. The term for the agreement with Waste Management is 15 years, lasting from November 1, 2006 through November 1, 2021.
- A. The City and any agency that enters into a franchise agreement with a waste service provider receives a franchise fee. The franchise fee is used to recoup the costs for maintaining streets and infrastructure that the heavy waste vehicles impact.
A. Both federal and state regulations are in place to ensure that public health, safety and the environment are protected against the impacts of landfill operations. The Riverside County Waste Management Department must obtain permits from multiple regulatory agencies to operate within Riverside County, including all of the following types of permits:
- Solid Waste Facilities Permit
- Waste Discharge Requirements Permit
- Stormwater Discharge Permit
- Permits to construct and operate gas management and leachate collection systems
- A. All vehicles used by waste disposal companies must comply with air quality requirements set by the Air Quality Management District, or AQMD. These requirements result in the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles instead of regular diesel burning vehicles. The cost of a CNG vehicle is much more expensive than diesel powered trucks, but they help to keep the air clean.
- A. Landfills have the potential to pollute the environment and water supply if they are not contained properly. All landfills are constructed to reduce this possibility, including having liners on the bottom and top of the landfill. In addition, groundwater monitoring is required at all current and former landfill sites to ensure that no pollution is occurring. On average, it costs $500,000 per acre to construct the bottom liner and top cap of a landfill. In addition, each day the landfill must be covered to ensure that trash does not blow away - a very costly activity.
- A. There are significant start-up costs involved in providing waste disposal and recycling services. These costs include expensive vehicles, staff, and ensuring the proper rights for disposal at a landfill. Because of these types of investments necessary to provide this service, most contracts for trash and recycling services are 20 years. There are also a very limited number of companies that provide such a service.
Water Conservation
- A. Yes. Currently the City is in Stage 2 of the Water Conservation Ordinance. That means that you can only water before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. The City of Corona Department of Water & Power wants to help you comply with these guidelines. Please call (951) 736-2234 to schedule a free landscape check-up.
- A. The quickest way to save water is in your outside landscaping. Over 60% of the water used in Corona is used to irrigate landscaping. The potential for water savings is huge! Call us to schedule an appointment for a free landscape check-up at (951) 736-2234. During the check-up, our technicians will walk you through your irrigation system, adjust your sprinklers and timer so they're operating properly and provide you with additional recommendations for further water savings.
If you're interested in saving water indoors, consider installing water conserving devices such as high efficiency toilets, high efficiency clothes washers, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and more. Through the Metropolitan Water District, Western Municipal Water District and the City of Corona Department of Water & Power, you can get rebates for purchasing a high-efficiency toilet or high-efficiency clothes washer. For more information, please visit www.socalwatersmart.com.
For more ideas see the Conservation section.
- A. Since we declared a Stage 2 Alert in July 2009, we have saved nearly 500 million gallons of water. We're impressed with the efforts so far, but we need to keep it up! New legislation requires water use reduction of 20% by 2020.
- A. No. The Water Conservation Ordinance will remain in effect. There are still restrictions on imported water and the need to protect our groundwater levels. Tiered rates are part of a citywide conservation program.
Water Service
- A. Wondering how accurate your water meter is? Try this simple test:
- Run water from the hose bib until the sweep hand on the meter dial is located at "0." Have one person stationed at the meter to monitor this sweep hand.
- Place a 5 gallon bucket underneath the outside hose bib, making sure that it is on level ground.
- Fill the bucket to the 5-gallon level and shut the water off. Repeat this two more times. The bucket will now have been filled and emptied three times, for a total of 15 gallons of water.
- One rotation on the sweep hand of the meter is equal to approximately 7.5 gallons. Therefore, the sweep hand of the meter should have made two rotations around the dial. Since one rotation is 7.5 gallons, two rotations equal 15 gallons.
Still unsure? Our representative will be happy to meet with you to answer any questions you have about your water meter. Call our office at (951) 736-2234.
A. Here are some general instructions for flushing your water heater. If you have any questions, please call us at (951) 736-2234.
- Turn gas valve to "pilot."
- Hook up a garden hose to the water heater.
- Open the valve until all of the hot water has drained from the water heater.
- Close the valve where the garden hose is hooked up.
- Allow the heater to fill up, and then close cold supply on top of heater.
- Open up the hose bib again and let it drain. Repeat the cycle a couple of times.
- Disconnect the garden hose, turn the water supply back on and turn the gas valve to the "on" position.
Click here for more detailed instructions with illustrations and a video on wikiHow.
- A. Applicants may start or cancel water service by contacting Customer Care by telephone or in person.
A new account set-up fee of $40 is charged on new accounts to offset the cost of establishing the account, which include creating accounting records, reading the meter and/or turning on the water service. The set-up fee is charged on the first utility bill of all new accounts.
An additional charge of $70 is incurred for after-hours service or service that is requested to be turned on within two hours of the close of business.
- A. Hardness is largely caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium that may cause a mineral deposit on fixtures and dishes. In Corona, hardness averages 338 parts per million (ppm) or 19.7 grains per gallon, which rates as hard to very hard.
- A. Surface water is pre-treated to remove suspended dirt particles. After filtration to remove solids, water is disinfected with chloramine to kill harmful microbes. Groundwater from wells is disinfected before it enters the distribution system.
- A. Call the DWP at (951) 736-2234 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For after-hours emergencies, call (951) 736-2234 and press option 1 for Stand By. For more ways to report an incident or problem, see Reporting an Issue.
- A. There are a few things that you can do to check to see if the pressure problem is on your side of the meter:
First, check the pressure/flow at your outside hose bib, usually located in the front of your home. If you are getting good flow at the hose bib, the problem may be isolated to somewhere inside your home.
Next, if there is very little pressure and flow from the hose bib, check your gate valve, usually located on or near the water meter box, to make sure it is opened all the way. If your gate valve is fully open, your pressure regulator may need to be adjusted or replaced. This pressure regulator is the customer's responsibility to replace if needed. If the problem is not found to be at the regulator, your service line may need to be replaced.
If you are experiencing low or high water pressure, please call our office at (951) 736-2234 and we will send a representative to perform a pressure test for you.
- A. Fluoride is not added to City water. Fluoride occurs naturally in Corona's water at an average of 0.3 parts per million (ppm), or 0.3 milligrams per liter.
- A. The City of Corona Department of Water & Power provides a safe and aesthetic water supply that meets and exceeds the State of California Health Services Standards.
The Water Operations Division performs continuous water quality testing to ensure safe drinking water. The City monitors its water supplies for clarity and organic and inorganic chemicals, in addition to other ongoing tests. Each year, the results of these tests are compiled and sent to Corona's customers in an annual "Consumer Confidence Report."
Click here for the current consumer confidence report, prior reports and for more information on water testing in our facilities.
- A. Dissolved air in the water causes a milky appearance. When you open your faucet, the pressure is relieved and this allows the air to form bubbles that rise to the top of the glass. It will clear within a minute, beginning at the bottom of the glass.
- A. Water System Flushing is required for many reasons. You will often see City crews replacing water services and pipes as part of the comprehensive strategy to keep the infrastructure strong and extend its lifetime. Flushing is also required for preventive maintenance of the water system to clean and scour the water mains to prevent the accumulation of sediments and bacterial growth. Operation of the City’s water system is regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board and the Board requires an extensive water quality flushing plan.
No Water is Being Wasted! The discharge water is being collected by the storm drain system that flows to the Santa Ana River Basin. Once the water flows to the riverbed it percolates into the groundwater aquifer basin. This is made possible by the Santa Ana River Basin’s sandy bottom; it acts as a natural filter and absorbs the water for future use. Currently the City’s water supply is about 50% groundwater; groundwater is a valuable natural resource that can be delivered at a reasonable cost.
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