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Do you remember that run on toilet paper at the start of the coronavirus pandemic?
It seems to make a lot more sense now.
Some San Jose neighbors have seen $100 jumps in their bi-monthly water bills. The taps have definitely been open more during the pandemic, according to Liann Walborsky with the San Jose Water Company.
"Many more people are at home, plus there was little rain and there’s been warmer temperatures," Liann said. "In a sense, yes, it is related to COVID."
Residential water use is up about 10% in the South Bay, while commercial use is down slightly.
"Instead of using it at the workplace, they’re just using their water at home," said Samantha Greene, Senior Water Resources Specialist with Valley Water. "(It’s the) same amount of flushes."
Meanwhile, East Bay MUD said residential water use is up about 15% over the past four months, which may also be due to a warmer summer compared to last year.
San Jose Water President Andy Gere told KCBS Radio any customers who were bumped into a higher tier of water use during the shelter-in-place will get some money back.
"If they get put into the third tier, they’re going to get a credit on their next bill."