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1. How do I obtain a water service/s or upgrade my current service for my property?

For properties looking to obtain a new water service which do not already have one, be sure to check firstly if there is a water main fronting the property. This can be done with Engineering in person (397 Chandler Place) or over the phone (909) 453-6175.

The first step is to submit the Rule & Reg. 5 application and pay the appropriate application fees. Applications will be submitted to Customer Service at 1350 South “E” Street. From the application, Engineering will create a Cost Invoice for the total amount due to SBMWD for the installation of the water service requested. Payment of the Cost Invoice fees will be done at Customer Service. After payment, please call SBMWD’s Distribution Section at (909) 453-6175 or (909) 453-6121 regarding scheduling of installation of the water service.

2. After I pay my water invoice, who do I call to schedule water installation?

To schedule water installation, contact Water Utility Distribution Section at (909) 453-6123.

Office hours: M-Th 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fri 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

3. Once I receive my Engineering invoice, where do I make my payment?

Two payment options: 

1) (In person):  Customer Service Office located at 1350 South "E" Street, San Bernardino, CA 92408

      Office Hours- M-Th 7:30 am-5:30 pm, Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm

 2) (Payment by Mail):  SBMWD - P.O. Box 710, San Bernardino, CA 92402

4. How long does it take to process a water or sewer application after payment is accepted?

A water application typically takes 3-4 weeks to process from the day the Engineering Office receives the application from the Customer Service office.

A sewer application typically takes 10 days to process from the day the Engineering Office receives the application from the Customer Service office.

5. How much will my monthly bill for water and sewer be?

Please click on Rates under Navigation to acquire the monthly cost of water & sewer.

 http://www.sbcity.org/water/residents/rates.asp

6. Do I need a fire service?

Any time fire sprinklers are being installed a fire service will be needed as well within SBMWD’s Water Service Area. A fire service has a minimum diameter size of 1 inch and will not be charged an Acquisition of Service Charge, only materials and labor for its installation. Please check with the San Bernardino County Fire Department and San Bernardino Building & Safety if fire sprinklers will be required for your project. A good rule of thumb for all new homes, commercial, and industrial structures, fire sprinklers will be required along with home additions over 499 square feet.

7. How can I obtain a fire flow test?

Submit a Rule and Regulation No. 5 application. Fill out as much information as possible and provide a map/exhibit showing the area in question and the potential facilities to test.

8. How do I connect the Public Sewer system and how much is it to connect?

Firstly, call SBMWD’s Engineering Section to see if a sewer main is fronting the property. Engineering can be reached at (909) 453-6175.

If a sewer main fronts the property, submit a Rule & Reg. 5 Sewer Application with the appropriate application fees to Customer Service at 1350 South “E” Street. SBMWD’s Engineering Section will create a Sewer Cost Invoice to connect to the Public Sewer System. 

Payment of the Sewer Cost Invoice will be done at Customer Service. After payment, the engineer will generate a Sewer Capacity Certificate. Before constructing the new sewer lateral be sure to obtain the correct Public Works Permits to be in the street, and the Public Works Permit will be checked before an inspection can be scheduled. The inspection of the new sewer lateral will be done through SBMWD’s Engineering Section, please call (909) 453-6175 to schedule an inspection. Once the new sewer lateral has been approved, the contractor or property owner on site will be given a signed Connection Permit.

9. What are Sewer Capacity fees?

Sewer Connection fees is charged to all new users or existing users who increase their use of the sewer system. This fee helps in the improvement and expansion of sewer facilities in the city.

10. Do I need a City Permit to do sewer lateral repair work on my property?

Yes, you need a permit to perform lateral work in the public right way (Public Works) and on your property you will need a permit from Building and Safety. When conducting work on an existing sewer lateral,  you will also need to obtain a Sewer Connection Permit through SBMWD.  Please use the Sewer Application & with appropriate fees to Customer Service. SBMWD's Sewer Collection Section will inspect the repair to the lateral to be sure it is in good condition before returning to service. 

11. How often should my sewer lateral be cleaned?

To avoid costly repairs as well as health, safety, and environmental hazards, laterals should be cleaned regularly. How often you clean your lateral depends on the age of your house, the growth of tree and brush roots and the types of items that go down the drain. A good rule of thumb is to have a plumber check your lateral every two to five years. Check more often if you experience a sewage-like odor or frequently clogged drains.

12. How do I know if my sewer lateral needs repair or replacement?

Some signs that a lateral may need repair or replacement include frequently clogged drains and an odor of sewage. To accurately assess the condition of your sewer lateral, a Closed-Circuit Television Video (CCTV) inspection is needed. Possible deficiencies that may be detected include displaced joins, open joints, root intrusion, substantial deterioration of the line, cracks, leaks, sags, and inflow and /or infiltration of extraneous water, fats, oils, and grease, or sediment deposits.

13. Who owns and maintains my sewer lateral?

The main sewer line in the street is owned and maintained by the City. However the connecting sewer lateral line running from the house/building to the main sewer line in the street is owned and maintained by the property owner. It is the responsibility of the property owner to properly maintain their sewer lateral line. Internal problems in the lateral, such as internal blockages, misalignments, or deterioration, are the property owner’s responsibility.

14. How do I know if I have a septic system or am connected to the sewer main?

A check of where the main sewer line is and lateral records can help you determine if the structure is connected to the house. A customer can obtain this information by calling engineering at (909)453-6175 or in person at 397 Chandler Place.

If there is no sewer main adjacent to the property, the property is most likely not connected to the sewer system and is on septic.

If a sewer main is adjacent to the property and lateral records are found, the property may be connected. The only way to be sure the property is connected is to have a reputable plumbing contractor preform a dye test for the property owner. The City does not provide this service.

15. I’m on a septic system, and it needs to be replaced. May I replace it with a new one?

A property owner must connect to the sewer system if the property is within 200 feet of a sewer main line. If the property is outside the 200 feet from a sewer main, the property may be able to replace the current septic tank with a new one. Approval of a new septic tank will need to be done through the Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Bernardino County Environmental Health Division, and San Bernardino Building & Safety.

16. How do I request water and/or Sewer Atlas Maps?

A Water and/or Sewer Atlas Map request can be sent via email to engineering@sbmwd.org. Please provide a map/exhibit showing the area in question.