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?
The initial backflow device certification will be conducted by Long Beach Utilities Meter Shop. Annual backflow device certifications will must be conducted by 3rd party contractor (i.e. Los Angeles County and/or American Water Works Association (AWWA) certified backflow tester). The certified backflow testers list can be found here.
The completed certification test report can be mailed to:
Long Beach Utilities Department
Attn: Backflow/Meter Shop
1800 E Wardlow Road
Long Beach, CA 90807
Or e-mail at Backflow.metershop@lbutilities.org.
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 Development Portal. 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 Department) 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?
To obtain a water and/or sewer utility map, please submit a utility map request:
Utility Map Request Form
For other exisiting utilities in the City of Long Beach, please make your request at longbeach.gov/pra
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.