Distribution

The San Bernardino Municipal Water Department's Water Utility Distribution Section oversees and is responsible for operating, installing, maintaining, and repairing 715 miles of underground piping, system valves ranging in size from 4 inches to 78 inches in diameter; and approximately 45,000 service connections.

Our staff employs a vast array of knowledge in:

• Excavation work
• Large mainline repair and construction
• Leak detection and tracking
• Proper safety procedures
• Traffic control
• Trenchless service installation
• Water distribution system analysis
• Welding

DIGALERT

The California One-Call Law, Government Code 4216 known as DIGALERT requires operators of underground utilities to mark their infrastructure for each proposed excavation with the proper color designated for each utility. "Blue" is the color that designates underground water pipes. Staff responds to, identifies, and marks the water infrastructure for thousands of DIGALERT calls per year.

Understanding Your Water & Sewer Connections

Homeowners are required to maintain water service lines up to the body of the water meter including the portion of pipe located in the meter box on the customer side. 

Additionally, homeowners are required to maintain the full length of the Private Sewer Lateral which extends from the property to the sewer main located in the street or a nearby easement. Maintaining the Private Sewer Lateral includes keeping the line flowing and free of debris such as grease build-up and tree roots.

View the Understanding Your Water & Sewer Connections infographic for a helpful reference when identifying service lines of responsibility.

Sewer and water service line insurance options are available to homeowners at a low-cost. Learn more about Service Line Insurance Options. 

Our Team

We believe people make the difference, and maintaining a team-orientated environment allows us to successfully respond to the many challenges we face each day. Our highly-trained and professional personnel maintain certifications in distribution issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, and continuously demonstrate their knowledge and experience of the water industry. Relying on the strengths of our employees empowers the City of San Bernardino Water Department with a dedicated and quality workforce.

Our highly trained team is committed to providing the San Bernardino community with safe potable water as professionally and economically as possible.