City of Fresno Utilities delivers water, wastewater, storm, and power services to more than half a million residents and regional customers. The utility portfolio balances modern infrastructure investment with affordability and environmental responsibility.
Below is a structured overview of service areas, governance, and key performance indicators for the City of Fresno Utilities enterprise.
| Service Area | Operational Scope | Service Population | Primary Funding Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Supply | Source development, treatment, storage, and distribution | 540,000 (citywide) | User rates and state grants |
| Wastewater | Collection, treatment, and reuse/reclamation | 540,000 (citywide) | User rates and environmental grants |
| Storm Management | Drainage, flood control, and watershed maintenance | 600,000 (regional service area) | Utility fees and state funding |
| Electric Systems | Grid operations, procurement, and community programs | 200,000+ meters | Revenue operations and energy programs |
Water Resource Management
The City of Fresno Utilities secures water from the Sierra Nevada snowpack, river diversions, and groundwater basins. Portfolio diversification supports reliability during drought and regulatory change.
Infrastructure investments include treatment plants, transmission mains, storage reservoirs, and advanced metering. Conservation programs and rate structures encourage efficient use across residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Source Waters and Treatment
Water originates from mountain snowmelt and river systems, treated to meet federal and state drinking water standards. Facilities use filtration, disinfection, and monitoring to ensure consistent quality.
System Resilience and Reuse
Recycled water for irrigation and industrial use reduces potable demand. Leak detection, pipe replacement, and seismic upgrades strengthen long-term reliability.
Wastewater and Reclamation Strategy
Wastewater services collect, treat, and analyze sewage from homes and businesses. Treated effluent supports agriculture, groundwater recharge, and environmental flows in the San Joaquin River.
Ongoing upgrades improve energy efficiency, nutrient removal, and biosolids management. Compliance with strict permits protects valley air and water quality while enabling beneficial reuse.
Collection Network
Pipes, pump stations, and manholes convey flows to regional treatment facilities. Condition assessment and proactive maintenance reduce overflow risks.
Reclamation and Environmental Benefits
High-grade recycled water irrigates parks, golf courses, and farmland. Advanced treatment reduces pollutants entering local waterways.
Stormwater and Flood Protection
Stormwater services manage runoff from intense rain events to prevent street flooding and property damage. The program coordinates with county drainage districts and state agencies.
Green infrastructure, creek maintenance, and public outreach reduce pollutants entering rivers. Permitting and watershed planning align with regional water quality requirements.
Drainage System Maintenance
Routine cleaning, culvert work, and inlet sweeping keep conveyance capacity high during heavy storms.
Community Flood Preparedness
Early warning systems, maps, and outreach help residents and businesses respond quickly to flood threats.
Electric Systems and Sustainability
Electric services provide reliable power through local grid operations, resource procurement, and demand response. Renewables, efficiency, and resilience projects support long-term climate goals.
Customers benefit from time-of-use rates, incentives for efficient appliances, and programs for low-income households. Grid modernization improves outage detection and restoration.
Power Supply and Grid Operations
Contracted energy and capacity resources, including solar and storage, diversify the fuel mix and enhance reliability.
Customer Programs and Innovation
Electric vehicle charging, building upgrades, and rebates encourage clean energy adoption across the city.
Key Takeaways for Residents and Businesses
- Diversified water sources and proactive maintenance support reliable service.
- Wastewater reuse benefits agriculture and regional ecosystems.
- Stormwater infrastructure reduces flood risk in vulnerable neighborhoods.
- Electric programs offer incentives for efficiency and clean transportation.
- Customer engagement through online tools and 311 reporting improves response times.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I apply for water service or make changes to my account?
Contact City of Fresno Utilities customer service online or in person with proof of residency to establish or transfer service. Submit account change requests at least two business days before the billing cycle.
What determines wastewater rates and sewer service eligibility?
Rates are based on meter reads and the type of occupancy, with adjustments for qualifying low-income assistance programs. Eligibility requires connection to the municipal sewer main; septic-to-sewer conversions require engineering review.
Are storm drains and street flooding issues addressed separately from sewer systems?
Yes, stormwater is managed independently from the sanitary sewer. Report street flooding and blocked catch basins through the city’s 311 system for rapid drainage maintenance response.
How are energy efficiency rebates and time-of-use rates structured for residential customers?
Rebates require pre-qualification for eligible appliances, while time-of-use rates charge different prices based on peak and off-peak periods. Enroll in account alerts to optimize usage patterns and reduce bills.