Water

Water Services

Is each apartment/condominium unit required to have its own water meter?

Submetering is required for new constructions of multi-family residential buildings or mixed-use residential and commercial buildings. For more information, see our Submetering FAQ(PDF, 455KB).

Do I need a separate irrigation and domestic service?

Mixed-use developments and sites with certain landscape areas require separate meters. See our water meter requirements here(PDF, 340KB).

How do I request a new water meter/service?

Information regarding installation of new domestic and fire service water meters can be found on our website under “Potable Water Service.”

Do I need a backflow device?

Backflow device requirements vary by project. Information regarding these requirements, backflow plan checks, and testing can be found here.

I have received a letter concerning recertification of my existing backflow device. How should I proceed?

There is a list of certified backflow prevention testers listed on the Long Beach Health Department website located at the link below. If you have further questions, please contact the Cross-Connection Specialist at (562) 570-2308 or via email at Backflow.metershop@lbutilities.org. They will be able to provide the testing due date and test report sheets for the backflows they have at their facility.

Why do backflow preventers have to be tested periodically?

Mechanical backflow preventers have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Therefore, all backflow preventers must be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly with properly calibrated gauge equipment.

I’ve made my submittal through Laserfiche. Will LB Utilities send me an invoice?

LB Utilities will process your submittal after receiving payment (cash or check ONLY; checks made payable to Long Beach Utilities) either in person or mailed to 1800 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach CA 90807. Parcels (Fedex/UPS) shall be addressed to Long Beach Utilities Department, Attn: Engineering Development Services at 1841 E 33rd St, Long Beach, CA 90807.

Temporary Service Connections
(Construction Water Meters)

How do I request a temporary construction/hydrant meter?

A construction water meter must be requested directly from the Long Beach Utilities' front counter at 1800 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA 90807. For more information, please go here Temporary Service Connections.

Water Pressure

How do I find the water pressure at a site?

A city-wide pressure distribution map(PDF, 500KB) can be found here and will provide an estimated range of pressures in the area. For more site-specific information, a fire flow test can be requested. Fire flow test information can be found here.

Sewer Services

How do I request a new sewer service?

Sewer services must be requested from Long Beach Public Works. Please visit “Sewer Service” in our website for more information.

Do I need a grease interceptor or grease trap?

Sewer protection is required for certain projects. For more information regarding these requirements and the sewer protection plan checks, please visit Grease Interceptor Plan Check.

Existing Utility Information

Where can I find utility information for a particular area/address?

Please fill out a utility information form and email to Water-ServiceCounter@lbutilities.org

What is the depth of the sewer main/service at a site?

Depth varies with each sewer pipeline. Information will need to be acquired through a field inspection.

All developer‐funded construction projects with the Long Beach Utilities require a developer to enter into an agreement with the Board of Utilities Commissioners (Board). Typically, the Board meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

To begin the process of creating a developer’s agreement, please follow the link below to Long Beach Utilities’ online portal,  for instructions and requirements on creating a submittal and reviewing plans:

DEVELOPER AGREEMENT INFORMATION FORM

DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT

A deposit for plan check, inspection, administration, easement review, and as‐builts is required from the Developer. The deposit is estimated by Long Beach Utilities and is based upon the submission of a preliminary plan(s). A cost estimate letter with the required deposit amount will be mailed to you after Board Approval is obtained. Make your check payable to Long Beach Utilities.

LEAD TIME & OTHER INFORMATION:

1. Items are placed on the Board’s agenda three weeks in advance of the scheduled Board meeting. Long Beach Utilities' response time to your request(s) depends upon you and your design team, the accuracy and completeness of the documents you submit, and our current work load.
2. After the Board has authorized the preparation of your Developer’s Agreement, the City Attorney’s Office will be directed to prepare the agreement. This process takes 2‐3 weeks. Duplicate original agreements will be prepared and forwarded to you for execution, along with a one‐year guarantee and performance bond.
3. Note that construction plans for your proposed water and/or sewer facilities will not be approved until your agreement, guarantee, and bond are properly executed. This is crucial in order to avoid delays. If you are a corporation, two corporate officers must execute the agreement. If only one officer executes the agreement, you must include a corporate resolution authorizing this action. If you are a partnership, the general partner must sign the agreement.
4. The guarantee and bond will be executed in the same manner as the agreement, and include the signature of the Attorney‐in‐Fact of the Surety Company, along with a certified copy of the Power of Attorney. All signatures must be acknowledged by a Notary Public.
5. Construction of your proposed Long Beach Utilities water and/or sewer facilities cannot begin until all of the following requirements are met:
   • You provide a properly executed agreement and guarantee
   • You provide a performance bond for 100% of the construction costs
   • You submit your certificate of insurance for approval
   • You submit draft easement descriptions and/or the right‐of‐way agreement
   • You submit all required deposits
   • You pay for all required fees
   • You submit construction plans for proposed Long Beach Utilities water and/or sewer facilities to Long Beach Utilities review and approval

Failure to comply with the above procedures may result in unnecessary or costly project delays for developers.

For any questions related to your developer’s agreement request, please contact us at:
Email: Water-ServiceCounter@lbutilities.org
Call: (562) 570-2419

Plan Submittal and Approval Requirements

Long Beach Utilities may accept at its option, the transfer of your developer‐constructed water and/or sewer facilities that meet Long Beach Utilities Standards and is a benefit to the public at large, provided you conform to the following:

• Retain a Registered Civil Engineer (RCE) to prepare, sign, and stamp the construction contract documents (Plans and Specifications)
• Design water facilities that conform to requirements of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards; Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Green Book), latest edition; California Department of Public Health (DPH) standards; Long Beach Utilities standard drawings and specifications, latest edition; and generally accepted water works practices
• Design sewer facilities in accordance with the City of Long Beach Municipal Code, Section 15; Long Beach Utilities standard drawings and specifications; and Green Book, latest edition
• Where Long Beach Utilities standards do not fully cover the sewer design, use the following:
  • City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering, Part F – Sewer Design, latest edition
  • Los Angeles County, Department of Public Works, Private Contract Sanitary Sewer Procedural Manual, latest edition
  • County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles standard drawings of construction
  • Retain a Licensed Land Surveyor/Civil Engineer to stake the water and/or sewer facilities, as well as furnish easements
  • Retain a geotechnical firm to provide soil compaction testing during construction

Plan Check Requirements:

In order to avoid additional project review costs, construction delays, and/or potential liabilities, it is imperative for you, as the developer, to:

• Review and discuss your project schedule with Long Beach Utilities as soon as possible; and
• Select a qualified consultant experienced in the design of water and/or sewer improvement projects

The plan check process includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Your engineer submits the first plan check consisting of two (2) sets of check prints (minimum)
• Allow 3 to 4 weeks for review of the first plan check, and 1 to 2 weeks for subsequent plan check reviews
• Your engineer submits for review, calculations supporting the water system network design, water consumption, irrigation system demands, and Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD)‐approved fire flow requirements
• All Long Beach Utilities‐approved drawings for public water and/or sewer facilities will be drafted on 22 x 34 inch mylars showing both plan and profile
• Your engineer will submit “As‐Builts” or Record Drawings to Long Beach Utilities at the completion of your project, both in hard (paper) and electronic (AutoCAD) copy

WDS-001(PDF, 234KB)…………… ¾, 1, 1-1/2 and 2-Inch Service
WDS-002(PDF, 214KB)…………… 3-Inch Service Installation
WDS-004(PDF, 216KB)…………… Service Reconnections
WDS-006(PDF, 549KB)…………… 4, 6, 8 and 10-Inch Fire Service Installation
WDS-007(PDF, 212KB)…………… Reclaimed Water Service Meter Sign
WDS-008(PDF, 216KB)…………… Meter Supports
WDS-009(PDF, 367KB)…………… Meter Boxes
WDS-010(PDF, 218KB)…………… Meter Support Slab
WDS-011(PDF, 392KB)…………… 4, 6, 8 and 10-Inch Service Installation
WDS-014(PDF, 213KB)…………… Temporary Construction Meter
WDS-015(PDF, 213KB)…………… Backflow Assembly Installation

WDS-501(PDF, 254KB)…………… Shallow Maintenance Hole < 5’ Depth
WDS-502(PDF, 423KB)…………… Maintenance Hole with Cast in Place Base
WDS-503(PDF, 288KB)…………… Drop Maintenance Hole
WDS-505(PDF, 367KB)…………… Sewer Maintenance Hole – Frame and Cover
WDS-506(PDF, 704KB)…………… Sewer Cleanout, Mainline and Lateral
WDS-507(PDF, 228KB)…………… Sewer Chimney
WDS-510(PDF, 237KB)…………… Sewer Main Support
WDS-511(PDF, 239KB)…………… House Sewer Connection
WDS-512(PDF, 227KB)…………… Concrete Shelf Retrofit
WDS-513(PDF, 217KB)…………… Cut-In Wye on Existing Sewer

WDS-101(PDF, 218KB)…………… 2-Phase Main Connections
WDS-102(PDF, 375KB)…………… Fire Hydrant Assembly
WDS-103(PDF, 218KB)…………… Fire Hydrant Guard Posts
WDS-104(PDF, 274KB)…………… Tie-Rod Bar and Clamps
WDS-105(PDF, 357KB)…………… Tie-Rod and Clamp Installation
WDS-106(PDF, 369KB)…………… Water Main Encasement, Ductile Iron and Steel Carrier
WDS-107(PDF, 664KB)…………… Anchor and Thrust Blocks
WDS-107.1(PDF, 230KB)………… Reverse Tie Anchor Block Assembly
WDS-108(PDF, 212KB)…………… Chlorination and Construction Tap Assembly
WDS-109(PDF, 212KB)…………… Sampling Riser
WDS-110(PDF, 220KB)…………… Chlorination and Air Relief Assembly
WDS-111(PDF, 219KB)…………… Temporary Chlorination and Air Relief Assembly
WDS-112(PDF, 230KB)…………… Blow-Off Assembly at Dead End Main
WDS-113(PDF, 226KB)…………… Temporary Blow-Off Assembly at Dead End Main
WDS-113.1(PDF, 500KB)…………  Blow-Off Assembly
WDS-115(PDF, 219KB)…………… Adjustable Gate Box – 8-Inch
WDS-116(PDF, 216KB)…………… Gate Box Lid – 8-Inch
WDS-117(PDF, 216KB)…………… Adjustable Gate Box – 12-Inch
WDS-118(PDF, 222KB)…………… Gate Box Lid – 12-Inch
WDS-119(PDF, 378KB)…………… Gate Box Details
WDS-121(PDF, 215KB)…………… Water Main Cut and Plug
WDS-122(PDF, 223KB)…………… Reducer, Ductile Iron Pipe to 2-Inch Copper Pipe
WDS-123(PDF, 376KB)…………… Supports for Existing Water Main
WDS-126(PDF, 219KB)…………… Reclaimed Water Valve Box and Lid
WDS-127(PDF, 215KB)…………… Valve Abandonment
WDS-128(PDF, 225KB)…………… Temporary Steel Plate Bridging
WDS-129(PDF, 221KB)…………… Blanket Protection for Pipes
WDS-130(PDF, 204KB)…………… Fire Hydrant Markers
WDS-132(PDF, 366KB)…………… Concrete Pavement Reconstruction Around Meter Boxes

WDS-203(PDF, 393KB)…………… Flanged Outlets for Steel Cylinder Concrete Pipe
WDS-205(PDF, 349KB)…………… Dished Head, Temporary and Recessed
WDS-207(PDF, 227KB)…………… Welded Joint Detail
WDS-209(PDF, 276KB)…………… Butt Strap Joint Detail
WDS-210(PDF, 502KB)…………… Water Maintenance Hole Cover, Frame and Removable Grating
WDS-211(PDF, 381KB)…………… Chlorination Assembly – 12” & Larger Steel Pipe
WDS-212(PDF, 768KB)…………… Air Relief Assembly Option 1 through 4 and Valve Housing
WDS-215(PDF, 606KB)…………… Cathodic Protection

WDS-401(PDF, 213KB)…………… Underground Pipeline Symbols
WDS-402(PDF, 387KB)…………… Design Sheet Layout “B” Size, “K” Size and “MC” Size Tracing
WDS-406(PDF, 497KB)…………… Trench Restoration – Water and Sewer
WDS-407(PDF, 223KB)…………… Guard Post (Removable)
WDS-408(PDF, 374KB)…………… Construction Information Sign

Off-site Utilities Plan

The Developer and the Designers shall make consideration for requirements of the Long Beach Utilities Department for water and sewer connections. Depending on the type of project, the Developer must engage a Registered Civil Engineer to create the Off-site Utilities Plan. The Off-site Utilities Plan and Sewer Service Installation form(PDF, 209KB) shall be approved prior to the contractor requesting new water services and/or sewer lateral installation. The Civil Engineer shall contact LB Utilities to secure a map of existing water and sewer facilities. The plan must show the existing and proposed locations of water and sewer facilities, and describe who (contractor or LB Utilities) will install them. The engineer should include applicable Construction Notes for Off-Site Water and Sewer Plans(PDF, 530KB).

Water service size confirmation:

LB Utilities reviews plumbing plans for compliance with backflow requirements. Water service sizing will be confirmed during backflow plan check. The Plumbing or Mechanical Engineer must determine the peak demand and size of the service(s).

Larger Water Service Locations:

Projects with no setbacks (“zero-property-line buildings”) require special attention to locate DCDA’s and water meter assemblies sized four inches and greater.

Demolition and Shoring Plans:

Please address the appropriate construction notes and sections of the Construction Notes for Off-Site Water and Sewer Plans(PDF, 530KB). Items of concern include the following:

Kill Tap Required:

Projects involving the demolition of existing buildings shall order or perform kill taps to existing water service laterals that they will not need for the new building.

Existing Sewer Laterals:

For most projects, all existing sewer laterals must be capped 2 feet from the property line (in the public right-of-way), and new cut-in sewer laterals must be installed.

ALL SEWER LATERALS SHALL BE CAPPED PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF GRADING OR EXCAVATION.

Contact Us:

For any questions related to your service installation request, please contact us at:

Email: Water-ServiceCounter@lbutilities.org
Call: (562) 570-2419

Please submit your plumbing plans that meet the requirements listed hereon through LB Utilities’s online portal, Laserfiche, at the following link:

BACKFLOW SUBMITTAL