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1. How is the City of Cotati responding to the regional drought emergency?

Cotati has been very active in outreach to our customers since we first launched a dry weather outreach beginning in February 2021, in unison with the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership. In May 2021, Cotati launched a robust drought outreach campaign and, on May 25, Cotati City Council adopted a 20 percent voluntary community-wide water use reduction target. This action was consistent with the region and was left in place for all of 2022 as well. With the current rains, it is not certain if the 20% voluntary reduction target will be left in place, rescinded or extended, or otherwise changed. A decision on this can be expected in the Spring.

2. What does a 20 percent voluntary reduction in water use mean?

During a drought, it is important that we all do our part to save water. Every gallon or drop saved preserves water in our local reservoirs. For example, Cotati customers should eliminate water waste and adopt water-saving habits. Water waste, like leaks and breaks or overspray from irrigation are prohibited. For water-saving tips, free devices, rebates, and more, visit our Water Conversation Page.

3. How do I cut back my water use if I'm already efficient with my water use?

The request for a 20 percent reduction in water use is a collective, community-wide, target and not necessarily an individual target. Cotati appreciates all our customers that have made permanent and significant efforts to reduce water use. If you have already eliminated water waste and are using water efficiently indoors and outdoors, we encourage you to continue doing so. If you're interested in exploring whether there are additional ways you can reduce water use during this drought, please visit our Water Conservation Page for potential ideas (and check out our rebate programs!). Also, sign up for water leak alerts at the WaterInsight Program.

We are also asking that all residents practice water-saving behaviors, look for opportunities to replace inefficient water using appliances and/or transform turf grass into low water use landscapes. Cotati offers free water-saving devices, rebates, tips, and more to help customers reduce water use. Need assistance? Contact us at today at 707-665-3638.

4. What is considered efficient water use?

Home water use varies based on the number of occupants, habits, and the efficiency level of water using fixtures installed. Home water use also fluctuates seasonally based on the size and type of irrigated landscape, with outdoor use accounting for approximately 50 percent of annual water use for single-family residences even though most irrigation occurs only during the six months from May through October.

Indoor water use can typically be met using no more than 50 gallons per person per day, with more efficient homes using as little as 25 to 30 gallons per person per day. For a family of four, average indoor use ranges from around 3,000 gallons to 6,000 gallons per month. Even if you aren't sure about your usage per day, you can help us achieve our critical goal of reducing water use community-wide by 20%. Please visit our Water Conservation here for a list of tips and rebates to help you eliminate water waste, reduce water use, and improve water use efficiency.

Water for landscapes can double water use from May to October. We offer weather-based watering recommendations and can complete a Water Smart outdoor assessment to help you irrigate more efficiently. We also offer rebates for some irrigation system improvements and for converting turf grass to low water use landscaping. Contact us at 707-665-3638 before starting a project to make sure it meets the requirements to be eligible for a rebate.

5. How can I figure out how much water I use?

Check your water bill or go to the WaterInsight Program to sign up for leak alerts and get access to your hourly water use.

6. Is the City enforcing any water use prohibitions?

Yes, Cotati has a Water Waste Ordinance in place that prohibits waste of water due to breaks, leaks, or excess use. This means that leaking faucets, toilets, and appliances, broken irrigation pipes, leaking irrigation valves, or broken sprinkler heads must be repaired in a timely way. Also, the Ordinance prohibits water runoff from your property due to any reason, for example from overwatering your yard or misdirected sprinklers that "water" sidewalks.

7. How does the City enforce the Water Waste Ordinance?

The City has implemented water waste patrols to identify properties that are not complying with the City's Water Waste Ordinance. When water waste is identified, Cotati will contact property owners to inform them of the issue and to provide education and resources for efficient irrigation practices. Customers are responsible for managing and repairing their irrigation systems to avoid overspray and runoff. Excessive outdoor water use may be in violation of City of Cotati regulations.

8. How do I report water waste?

If water waste is occurring at a neighbor's property, try to contact them first. If you are unable to talk with your neighbor or identify which property is responsible, report the issue to Cotati by completing the Report a Problem from the Public Works web page. Our Public Works staff will investigate the matter and follow up as needed.

9. How will my water bill be affected?

Customers who reduce their water usage will see a decrease in the water portion of their bimonthly water bill.

10. What resources are available to help me reduce my water use?

The City offers many programs and incentives to assist customers in reducing water use, eliminating water waste, and improving water use efficiency. In addition to the rebates and incentives listed below, the City's Water Use Efficiency team provides free do-it-yourself WaterSmart Home check-up kits and in-person on-site visits to assess irrigation efficiency and make recommendations.

Free water-saving devices: high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators, shut-off hose nozzles, dye tabs, toilet flappers (to check for toilet leaks)

Rebates: qualifying high-efficiency washing machines, rebates for qualifying toilets, Cash for Grass for lawn conversion and irrigation efficiency upgrades

Programs: Free indoor and outdoor water use surveys and recommendations, and a free subscription for all customers to the Water Insight website, which allows you to set up leak alerts, see how your usage compares with your neighbors, get customized recommendations, and much more!

For more information contact us at 707-665-3638, or go to the City's Water Conservation page.

11. What will happen if we do not get rain this coming winter?

Water supplies will continue to decrease if we do not have significant rain this fall and winter. Based on available regional water supply from Sonoma Water the City may need to implement additional restrictions on water use as defined in the City's Water Shortage Plan.

12. How are other cities affected?

Every water supplier is affected by water supply shortages differently. Some water providers have the ability to store greater volumes of water or have access to more local supplies, such as groundwater or recycled water. Water use and customer type also varies from water supplier to water supplier. To respond to dry conditions, all water suppliers in California have Urban Water Shortage Contingency Plans, which define actions to meet anticipated water supply shortfalls of up to 50 percent.

Other Sonoma County agencies that purchase water from the Sonoma County Water Agency, are all requesting a 20 percent water reduction.

13. Why do we continue to allow new building and development during a water shortage?

The City of Cotati's prudent and cost-effective long-term water supply planning means that occurrences of single and multiple dry years do not automatically mean water supply capacity is limited for planned development. The City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan outlines how the City will respond to a reduction in regional water supply deliveries from Sonoma Water, our wholesale water supplier.

14. I own a pool. What can I do to help save water?

These are a few main tips for saving water as a pool owner:

1. Use a bubble cover or liquid solar blanket especially at night.
2. Reduce added heat sources to your pool from gas or solar heaters
3. Don’t backwash your filters. Clean them or replace your filter with a system that doesn’t require backwashing.
4. Avoid cannon balls and large splashes to minimize splash out.

Call your local pool supply company for these and other tips and for water saving products.

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1. Who do I call for abandoned or inoperable vehicles on the street, vehicles, trailers, mobile homes and boats parked illegally on the street, noise abatement, lost or stray animals?

Call the Cotati Police Department at 707-792-4611.

2. How do I report fire hazards, fire inspection, hazardous or industrial waste?

Call fire prevention-rancho adobe fire district at 707-576-1365.

3. Who does any person(s) doing business within City limits requires a business license which includes contractors contact?

Call Administrative Services - Business Licenses at 707-665-3631.

4. What if I see someone illegally dumping junk, trash or debris?

Call the City of Cotati police department immediately! Try to get a good description of the person dumping, the vehicle that they were driving, and the vehicle license number. If you see illegally dumped trash after the fact and cannot provide a description of the responsible party, where the trash is located will determine how it is to be removed.

If the debris is located on the public property i.e.: street, sidewalk, alley, or other City-owned property, call Public Works Department at 707-665-3638.

For dumping on a vacant lot or private property, call the Building Department at 707-665-3636.

5. Does the Code Enforcement Department address abandoned vehicles?

For inoperable and/or unregistered vehicles located on the street, sidewalk or alley please contact the City of Cotati Police Department at 707-792-4611.

6. For other concerns or assistance with issues outside the City boundaries or areas of responsibility who do I contact?

Sonoma County Environmental Health Department 
625 5th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: 707-565-6565

Overflowing dumpster at restaurants or stores, rodents, septic issues

Sonoma County Assessor's Office
585 Fiscal Drive 
Number 104F
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: 707-565-1888

Property owner information

PG&E
Phone: 800-743-5000

Electrical or Gas problems

CalTrans 
3161 Jefferson Street
Napa CA 94558 
Phone: 707-253-4919

Dead animals on highways, graffiti on highway sound walls and overpasses, weeds and litter on highways, and medians.

Child Protective Services 24hr Hotline: 800-544-8696

Sonoma County Housing Authority 
1440 Guerneville Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 
Phone: 707-565-7500

Addresses the need for safe and affordable housing

7. For Illegal dumping in streets, alleys and other public right of ways who do I call?

Call Public Works at 707-665-3638.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. How do I get a copy of a Police Report?

You must request a police report by filling out the Records Request form online or by printing the Records Request Form (PDF) and submitting it to the Police Department in person or by mail: 
Cotati Police Department
Attn: Records
203 W Sierra Avenue 
Cotati, CA 94931

You will be required to provide a photo ID at the time you pick up the report.

Reports may not be available when you request them. If the report is approved and available, your request will take approximately between seven and ten working days. Complex investigations may require more time to complete the report.

2. Who can get a Police Report?

You are entitled to a report if you are:

• The individual named in the report requested (driver, passenger, pedestrian, victim);
• The property owner in the report requested;
• The parent/guardian of juvenile party in the report requested;
• An authorized individual in the report requested (signed authorization is required);
• A representative of insurance company or insurance adjusting agency in the report requested;
• The attorney of the individual named in the report requested.

Reports involving certain types of crimes (i.e. juvenile cases and some sex-related crimes) cannot be released to anyone except District Attorneys, other Law Enforcement agencies, or authorized government entities.

Your report may have redacted areas or missing pages. Redactions are specifically governed by laws and policies that we are not able to circumvent.

Victim of a Crime

If you are the victim of a vandalism or burglary, you are entitled to receive a copy of the report. If your incident resulted in an arrest, you will receive a redacted (edited) copy of the report until the case is adjudicated through the DA's office.

Traffic Collision Participants

If you are involved in a traffic collision, you are entitled to receive a copy of your report. Only individuals directly involved in the accident - drivers, passengers, and registered owners of vehicles - are entitled. Your insurance company is entitled to receive a copy and may request it on your behalf.

Victim of Assault or Domestic Violence

If you are the victim of an assault or domestic violence, you are entitled to receive a copy of the report. If your incident resulted in an arrest, you will receive a redacted (edited) copy of the report until the case is adjudicated through the DA's office.

3. What kind of Reports can not be released?

Arrest Reports

If you have been arrested - either booked into jail or cited - you are not entitled to receive a copy of the report from the police department. You will receive a copy from the courts or your defense attorney, typically at your arraignment. You may also contact the DA's Office at 707-565-2311 to obtain one.

Reports Involving Minors

Any report involving a minor (17 years of age or younger) is not releasable to anyone without a court order. This includes the parents and/or reporting parties.

Medical Reports

Any report consisting of medical information, including 72-hour mental health commitments (5150 reports), are not releasable without a court order to anyone, including the victim.

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1. Interested in being a vendor at our events?

Email Ashley Wilson or call 707-665-4222 for vendor applications.

2. Interested in being an event or program sponsor?

This is a great opportunity to participate and show your support for children and families in the community. Financial and in-kind sponsorships help us cover our costs and provide as many fun and unique activities for the community as possible. For more information on how to show your support, please email Ashley Wilson or call 707-665-4222.

3. Want to become a class instructor?

We are always looking to offer new, interesting, educational, active, engaging, and fun classes. We are looking for high-energy individuals a special still or talent to share with others. Propose your idea to us for youth or adult programs! We are specifically looking for activities in the areas of arts and crafts, health and fitness, music, dance, and sports but are always accepting new ideas. For a proposal packet, email Ashley Wilson or call 707-665-4222.

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1. What is the Storm Water Protection Business Assistance Program?

The City of Cotati has partnered with the Russian River Watershed Association (RRWA) to provide businesses with information regarding common pollutants and the activities that can potentially release them into the environment. This information can be found at this link: Common Pollutants Guide and Commercial Best Management Practices.

The Public Works Department is available to assist anyone that has questions about the city's storm water system and storm water permit requirements contact the Public Works Department at 707-665-4238 or email Jon Caldwell.

View the Pollution Prevention page.

2. What are the New Development Storm Water Requirements?

The City shares the same National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Permit with the cities of Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Ukiah, the Town of Windsor, the County of Sonoma, and the Sonoma County Water Agency. These agencies have developed similar policies, procedures and guidelines in implementing their respective Storm Water Programs. Two such guide documents are the Low Impact Development Technical Design Manual and the Sonoma Water Flood Management Design. These manuals are to be followed by developments to comply with the City's Storm Water NPDES Permit and to be consistent with hydrologic analysis and flood design approaches and methods for the this region.

3. What is the Russian River Watershed Association?

The City of Cotati is a member of the Russian River Watershed Association, which is an association of cities, the Sonoma County Water Agency, and the County of Sonoma for the betterment of water quality in the Russian River Watershed.

4. High School Water Awareness Video Contest

The Russian River Watershed Association sponsors a video contest for high school students in honor of Water Awareness Month. Cash awards are split between the students who create the winning video and the high school they attend. The winning videos are then used as public service announcements and as educational outreach materials. View the Prior High School Video Contest Winners for Water Awareness Month.

5. Tell me about the Rivers, Creeks, and Streams?

The City is subject to a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) for its storm water system which contains requirements for its own operations as well as those of private businesses and regulation of new redevelopment projects for the protection of storm water quality.

The City complies with the NPDES permit through the implementation of its Storm Water Quality Program including enforcement of provisions in its Municipal Code. The Program includes efforts to increase public awareness, assist businesses to comply with the permit requirements, a description of storm water protection measures for new construction activities and for permanent features to be constructed as part of new and redeveloped properties.

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1. What are the benefits of Monthly billing?

Smaller, manageable payments.

More efficient household budgeting: Your water bill will now arrive at a similar frequency with most other bills such as gas and electric or cellphone.  Hopefully this helps simplify monthly budgeting for more customers .

Timely water use information: Monitoring your water use can help you understand consumption habits and manage water and related sewer costs. With the bi-monthly billing any unusual consumption could be be more than two months in the past from when you receive the bill. 

Detect possible water leaks quickly: With more timely information, you’ll easily notice if your water use is different from normal. This allows for the early detection and prompt repair of leaks, reducing the possibility of a high water bill. If you want to learn more about detecting possible water leaks, sign up for leak alerts through our WaterSmart Portalhere.

2. How will customers know about this change?

We are glad you are here looking at this page because that means something we or one of your neighbors did helped you get here.

City Staff are developing new promotional venues in addition to our information on this website, on social media, our City Newsletters, E-Mail, Bill Messages, and Post Cards. 

We might even have a sweet treat for you if you visit us at an event like the Cotati Trick or Treat Trail or Holiday Tree Lighting or here at City Hall during office Hours. 

If you want to help spread the word, feel free to share this page with your friends and family. And as always, if you have any questions or want more information, please do not hesitate in contacting us at water@cotaticity.org or 707-665-3631.

3. What can I do if I need financial assistance during this transition?

We are here to help you. 

During this transition period the first bill in January 2024 might include your previous balance thus making your bill look significantly larger. The previous amount as included on the bill has a different due date than the new bill. Please make sure to pay the old balances before the new in order to avoid any past due penalties or possible shutoffs.

An easy way to keep your account up to date and avoid penalties is to register online HERE.  This access provides account billing and payment history as well as due dates with balances outstanding.

If you still think you need financial assistance, please reach out to us at water@cotaticity.org or 707-665-3631 and we will work with you. 

Additionally, in order to better serve those in need and to reduce city staff time, we will continue to only perform shutoffs for delinquent utility accounts on a bi-monthly basis. 

4. Why is the City moving to monthly billing?

With improvements in technology, most water providers have implemented the move to monthly billing as a best practice. Cotati has been investing in such technology to assist with leak detection and is now able to better account for consumption for billing on a more regular basis. 

As a best practice water providers, like the City of Cotati, believe that monthly billing offers customers smaller, more manageable payments and better aligns with other monthly expenses, making it easier for for most to manage household budgets. 

A monthly bill is also a better tool to assist in understanding consumption habits, because it provides more timely information about water use and more frequent opportunities to identify and repair leaks that might otherwise go undetected.

5. Can I still manage my account online?

Yes!  Everything from Automatic Bill Pay, Automatic Draft, and even Start and Stop Services Requests will continue to be offered with no changes HERE.

If you signed up for automatic payments through the Draft. You are set and nothing will change as payments will continue to be processed by the City. No risk of past due fees for you. 

If you have automatic payments set up through municipal online payments we highly recommend you take the following steps in January 2024:

 1.      Log in online and confirm your card on record is still valid

 2.      Check the dates for processing the payment. If this is established as a specific date of the month, simply confirm that this date will still work for a Monthly Bill.

 3.      Verify the amount to be paid. You can select a specific amount, or the full outstanding balance, or the amount due. 

Please note that during the End of January and Beginning of February there will be a gap where there could be two bills outstanding.  

6. What changes to the bill should I expect?

Your water charges cover a period of one month instead of two, and bill payment is due monthly rather than bi-monthly.

The meter reading periods for consumption usage will be approximately 30 days. However, depending on the read date, your new bill will typically reflect usage in a range of 28 to 32 days of service. 

For both the Water and Sewer Services, the usage tiers will be halved as well as the base rates. 

For more information please look at our Water and Sewer Usage and Base Charges Change Table Here. 

Each new bill will provide new updated information on what is happening in the City. So, check out our newsletters for what is happening near you.