Rates
In early 1919, residents of Oildale came together to establish the Oildale Mutual Water Company in response to the community’s growing water needs. At that time, all service connections were billed using a fixed flat-rate system based on the square footage of each parcel.
Beginning in the 1980s, the company started installing water meters on all new construction. In late 2023, in compliance with California Water Code Section 527, which requires all urban water suppliers to meter municipal and industrial connections by January 1, 2025, the company initiated a system-wide conversion of remaining flat-rate services.
Through the dedicated efforts of staff, approximately 6,500 flat-rate connections were successfully retrofitted and upgraded.
We are proud to announce that the Oildale Mutual Water Company system is now 100% metered. This achievement supports improved water conservation, enhances system efficiency, and helps protect one of our most valuable natural resources.
Types of Service
Metered Service
The Service Charge is a “Readiness To Serve” charge applicable to all metered services, set relative to the meter size, regardless of water usage. The water used, computed at the Water Consumption Rate, is added to the Service Charge. The Water Consumption Rate is also set relative to the meter size. The meter reading of water consumption is reported and calculated in terms of 100 cubic feet (748 gallons). The following rates are effective May 1, 2026:
| Meter Size / Description | Service Charge | Water Consumption Rate | Water Consumption Rate City of Shafter (93263)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8-inch by 3/4-inch | $21.72 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 3/4-inch | $28.08 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 1-inch | $41.16 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 1 1/2-inch | $99.66 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 2-inch | $126.42 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 3-inch | $201.30 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 4-inch | $297.12 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 6-inch | $429.66 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 8-inch | $627.00 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
| 10-inch | $759.00 | $1.25 | $1.66 |
*North Kern Surcharge
Customers in Zip code 93263 are charged $.041 per 100 cubic feet of water used. This fee is required under a water agreement with the City of Shafter and the North Kern Water Storage District. The surcharge helps cover costs OMWC is obligated to pay annually based on water usage in the North Kern boundaries. The surcharge rate will be evaluated annually and is subject to increase by the Producer Price Index (PPI), a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics index that measures average changes in prices received by domestic producers for their output.
Fire Standby Service
Fire Standby Service is optional for commercial and industrial accounts. As of January 1, 2022, it is charged on a fixed rate of $10.00 per inch of pipeline size.
How to Read Your Bill
