Acre-foot - The volume of water which would cover an area of one acre to a depth of one foot. It is equal to 43,560 cubic feet or 325,851 gallons.

Annexation - Properties that are outside the District’s retail service area must go through the annexation process, or sign an irrevocable agreement to annex in order to receive water and/or sewer service.

Back-flow - Flow of water in a pipe or line in a direction opposite to normal flow. Often associated with back siphonage or the flow of possibly contaminated water into a potable water system.

Back-flow preventer - A device or system installed in a water line to stop back-flow.

Construction Water - When a commercial or residential property is under construction, the water rate used for temporary construction service is billed at twice the variable domestic water rate.

Fire Flow Test - Property owners/developers are required to obtain fire flow information from Rubidoux for their development. If the specific fire flow information is not available, it may be necessary for the District to field test the hydrant at owners/developers cost.

Full Meter Assembly - The physical water facilities from the District's water main to the customer's meter usually consists of the service lateral assembly. The service lateral assembly includes the tap to the main, connection valve or corporation stop, copper tubing, and curb stop or linesetter and the meter assembly, which may include the meter, meter box or vault, and customer shut-off valve.

Inspection – The District provides inspection services on all water and sewer system facilities that are installed by a developer's contractor to ensure that they are installed in accordance with the District's specifications. These facilities become District owned and maintained upon completion and acceptance.

Jumpers - A jumper is a short duration (usually 30-days or less) unmetered connection for construction water only. It is available only for subdivision (tract) development in lieu of setting the service meter while street improvements are being completed. Jumpers will be allowed only after the water system has been pressure tested, chlorinated, and successfully tested for water quality.

Meter Relocation - Meters moved for the convenience of the customer will be relocated at the customer's expense. If the distance which the customer desires to have the meter moved exceeds five (5) feet, the customer may be required to pay for a new service lateral assembly at the desired location.

Metered Service Connection - This is a temporary accommodation to the developer or home builder and is usually used in tract development. The District allows the meter to be installed in the developer's name prior to the transfer of the service to the individual homeowner. Developer pays a higher "construction" rate for this service.

Participation Agreement - Occasionally, a homeowner or developer is required to extend water or sewer facilities in order to serve their development. If applicable, the District enters into a "Participation Agreement" with the customer/developer. All of the costs incurred for the extension are compiled, which include District costs for review of plans, District inspection of facilities and contractor costs. An "area of benefit" is established and a per-lot charge is determined for all lots benefiting from the extension. The agreement is valid for 15 years. During the 15 years, the District collects participation from lots within the "area of benefit" when they pay for a new service and refunds the participation to the homeowner/developer. Any system improvement becomes the property of the District.

Plan Check – The District reviews and approves drawings for improvements to the water/sewer systems to ensure conformance of design and materials to District specifications.