Water Services

• What do I do about a water leak?
  
  
  • Please report water leaks to us at 342-2246. This is a 24 hour (7 days a week) service line for emergencies.

• I see water waste, how do I report it?
  
  
  • To report water waste, please contact us at 342-2246.

• How do I get a new water service or stop service?
  
  
  • Please contact our Customer Service office at 577-5395. Office hours are: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

• How do I get my water service turned off for repairs? Is there a charge?
  
  
  • There is no charge for this service, contact us at 342-2246. This is a 24 hour (7 days a week) service line for emergencies.

• Why am I getting a meter? When will I be billed per meter?
  
  
  • For information on the Meter Installation program, please click here.

• My water pressure seems low, what should my pressure be?
  
  
  • Standard residential water pressure is 40-60 psi. If you would like your water pressure tested, please contact us at 342-2246 during business hours of 7:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday to request a service technician to perform a pressure test.

• My water has a bad taste or odor, is it safe to drink?
  
  
  • The water from our water system is regularly tested. If you are concerned with a bad taste or odor, please contact us at 342-2246. This is a 24 hour (7 days a week) service line for emergencies.

• Does my water have fluoride in it?
  
  
  • The City does not add fluoride to the water system. You may view the Consumer Confidence Report for more information on Water Quality. For any further questions, please contact us at 342-2246.

• What do I do if I need emergency water service repairs after hours or on a weekend?
  
  
  • For emergency repairs, please contact us at 342-2246. This is a 24 hour (7 days a week) service line for emergencies.

• How can I save money on my water bill?
  
  
  • For information and tips to conserve water and reduce your water bill, please click here.

Since the 1870's a clean and dependable water supply for the community of Modesto has been a key factor in the success and quality of life for citizens and businesses alike. Water became critical in fighting the big fires of 1881 and 1884 and prevented many parts of downtown from being destroyed.

At the time of the fires, water was supplied to the city by the “Modesto Water Company”, owned by Stimpson P. Rodgers. The water company had bored an artesian well, built a two-story building and installed an engine and water pump. The water was forced to the top of the building into two large wooden tanks, each having a capacity of 5,000 gallons. The fire of 1884 showed conclusively the need of better fire protection and in January, 1890, the water company began laying down pipes for hydrant purposes. The pipes, laid out in the shape of the letter H, ran along H St. to Tenth and along I St. They were connected with the water works by a six-inch pipe running north and south through an alley. Seven hydrants were set in the most essential places.

The price of water to families at the time was $1.50 per month with extra charged for irrigation. The water company began to increase prices and the people of Modesto were dissatisfied and began to complain which led to a city council action in 1891 in which the City issued bonds in the amount of $60,000 to purchase the water works. In 1893, the City established its own waterworks and water rates were set. The City purchased a lot on Tenth Street south of G Street, erected a pumping station, built a large concrete cistern forty feet in depth, and sank an artesian well through the floor. Water was pumped 100 feet up into a large iron tank and from there was distributed to patrons. There were also six reserve tanks located in different parts of the city. In case of fire, the water was pumped directly into the main, providing 180 pounds of pressure on the fire hose.