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1. What is considered household income?

Household income is defined as the combined gross income of all persons who live in the household, whether taxable or non-taxable. Gross income includes, but is not limited to the total income from:

• Wages
• Salaries
• Pensions
• Unemployment benefits
• Disability payments
• Workers compensation
• Profit from self- employment (IRS Form 1040 Schedule C)
• Child or spousal support
• Interest or dividends from savings accounts, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, rent or royalty income
• Cash income or gifts
• Scholarships, grants, or other aid used for living expenses
• Insurance or legal settlements
• Social Security
• SSI
• SSP
• Food stamps
• TANF (AFDC)

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2. What documentation do I need to submit as proof of income?

You are required to submit the most recent, signed copy of your Federal Income Tax Return.

If your Federal Tax Return is not available, enter the reason on the application and submit all applicable documents with your application:

• W-2 form
• Or Social Security Benefit Statement
• Or copy of Social Security Check or SSI Check
• Or Award Letter for CALWORKS, H2OI, General Relief, or Food Stamps
• Or two consecutive paycheck stubs
• Or Unemployment Benefits statement

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3. What kind of documentation do I need to submit as proof of occupancy?

Each household member should submit his/her own individual income documentation as listed above, with their name and address printed on the form. Any dependents or other individuals in the household without income (i.e., children, elderly, non-working) should either appear as a dependent on the Federal Tax Return of another household member, or should submit a copy of a recent recurring bill, bank statement, or other type of correspondence that includes the name of the household member and the service address of the water bill.

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4. When will I start receiving H2O assistance?

The H2O water bill assistance will be included in your summary of charges within one to two billing cycles after you have:

1. Attended a free financial workshop provided by the Community Action Partnership (CAP).
2. Attended a one-on-one meeting with a CAP financial coach and completed the Help2Others application.
3. Completed a free water-use efficiency home audit.
4. Notified via mail that your application is being processed.

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5. I’m a tenant. Do I need my landlord’s permission to participate in your programs?

The workshop, coaching session and audit provide education and water saving resources that do not require the property owner’s permission to participate. In many cases the audit will help identify plumbing inefficiencies that would be the responsibility of the property owner to repair and can help save you money on your water bill.

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6. What happens during the Water-Use Efficiency Audit?

The audit will be performed by Santa Rosa Water’s trained water efficiency experts who may provide free water saving devices, help detect costly plumbing leaks, and show you ways to save water and reduce your bill even more. In addition, our staff will assess your eligibility for a number of rebates and available programs for replacing inefficient fixtures with high-efficiency models.

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7. Why do H2O customers need to participate in the on-site Water-Use Efficiency Audit program?

The City hopes that eligible customers will benefit from the savings provided by the H2O’s discounted water and sewer service. In return, you are asked to partner with the City to ensure that each H2O household is water-efficient, protecting the valuable water resources. The home audit will help to identify plumbing fixture inefficiencies and leaks and educate customers on water-conserving behaviors. All services are provided free of charge by our Audit program.

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8. Am I required to have a Water-Use Efficiency Audit to complete my H2O application or to re-enroll in the program?

An audit is mandatory for all new applicants to be eligible to receive the H2O discount. Customers currently participating in H2O are not required to participate in an audit for re-enrollment. However, if water usage exceeds an acceptable range of daily water use per household occupant, you will be required to schedule an additional audit. Many customers enjoy the opportunity to learn more about saving water and further ways to reduce their water bills. If you would like to decline the audit, we respect your decision and you will not be eligible to participate in the H2O program

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9. Do I have to replace toilets and plumbing devices?

No. If your toilet qualifies to be replaced for free, you may decline the offer. Please note that homes with inefficient plumbing fixtures will continue to experience higher water bills and toilets can account for 30% of household indoor water use. The average customer will save an additional $200 per year by replacing an older, water-guzzling toilet model. Santa Rosa Water provides plumbing fixtures and devices that have been thoroughly tested and meet the highest plumbing standards.

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