Oildale Mutual Water Co - Bakersfield, California

Van R.

Although everyone I spoke to was friendly, the initial handling of our water shut-off issue was extremely frustrating. We came home on a Saturday evening to find the water turned off — no notice, no explanation — and were told by the emergency line that no one could assist until Monday unless it was a burst pipe.

This was especially difficult because we have children who couldn’t bathe and were forced to eat out, which put additional strain on our finances.

Fortunately, after calling again the next day, we spoke with Molly who took the issue seriously and sent someone out (Sergle) to investigate. We were told it wasn’t even their service that shut the water off, which added to the confusion, but at least it was being looked into properly this time.

While the situation itself was unacceptable, I genuinely appreciate the owner’s prompt attention once they were made aware and today’s team’s efforts to resolve the issue. Because of that, I’m raising my rating from 1 to 4 stars.

Kirk M.

My water was turned off for maintenance, and I didn't get a notification. I called in and Emily figured out the issue quickly and reassured me of what was going on. Helpful, friendly, clear, concise! Great work!

Martha F. G.

Ryan, the general manager and I just spoke to a woman name Lupe and also the finance department were unresponsive didn’t call me back when I wanted to file a complaint. The woman in the finance department, I was told different stories I was hung up on she raised her voice when she talk to me this is so unacceptable I pay for their salaries, and for them to respond in the way that they have to me is so unprofessional this company is so off, and I demand an investigation on how I was handled how many people are handled in the way I am I’m voicing my complaint. How many more people cannot do what I’m doing right now.

rontowndr

I've been a long time customer. I received a letter in the mail stating my account was past due. I have never been late or anything before because I was enrolled in auto pay. I called to ask how this could happen. The service representative informed me that their system is "glitchy" and that she'll check my account.

I was told my card declined for non sufficient funds one time. She informed me that if your card declines, their system deletes the card from your account. She was adamant that they called me when my card declined when in fact, I never received a call. Then the service representative claimed I was called on the 10th of each month. When I told her I never received a call on the 10th, she told they always call on the 20th. When I asked what phone number they called, they read me a number from a previous residents of my billing address. When I asked if they could remove the $10 penalty fees, she said she would ask the manager.

I was transferred to the manager and she was uninformed of my situation so I had to explain it to her whilst she was constantly talking over me. She also read back a different incorrect phone number and said she didn't know why it was on my account. She informed me that she could remove only on of the $10 penalty fees and was very fast to hang up on me when I agreed.

If I had any option to change service providers I would. This was a very bad customer service experience.

Wanda W.

I have had service here for the last 13 plus years & I have no complaints with the service or the employees . I have had some late fees due to not paying my bill on time & that is my fault not theirs since each bill clearly states the due date . I needed assistance when I wanted to have a sidewalk & gutters put on my property, they were extremely helpful about the water meter in front of my house . I have never encountered a rude person at this company . I have read so many bad reviews & wondered why are my experiences so different from their's ? Maybe it's my attitude or lack of a bad one ? As far as billing is concerned & late fees , set money aside for the bill each month & pay it by the due date ... problem solved . I appreciate this company & the employees .

Debra M.

We have had issues with OMW holding our checks before cashing them for up to 3 weeks which would make our payments late. We called our bank, they gave us dates that the checks cleared, always after our next billing date which resulted in a late fee…

Sam P.

Hey... it's water.. i just pay my bills on time and there's no issue lol. I just pay the bill and the water keeps running. Been fine since 2019.. 🤷‍♂️👍

Mimi D.

The staff speaks with customers so rude so entitled. They consistently get my bill wrong adding late charges and other charges. Last month they tried to shut if off bill fully paid. This month the new bill comes already with late charges. I want to move because of this company. Peggy told me not to tamper with the shut off I guess because of my skin color or because I look criminal. Super offensive