Long Beach Water Service Setup, Deposit Rules, New Connection Requests and Customer Service Help
If you are moving into Long Beach, transferring utilities, stopping service, asking about a deposit, or building a property that needs a new potable water service connection, the correct route depends on whether you need a normal utility account setup or a physical water service/meter connection through Development Services.
Long Beach Water Department searches usually point to two different user intents. A renter or homeowner moving into an existing property needs start, stop or transfer service. A developer, contractor or property owner adding a new meter/service line needs a new potable water service connection.
🏠 Fast route for most new Long Beach customers
Existing home/apartment: Start, stop or transfer utility service through the Long Beach MyUtility Portal.
Phone setup: Call 562-570-5700 for start service, transfer service, stop service or billing questions.
New physical service/meter: Use Install New Potable Water Service Connection.
Long Beach Water Department Setup and Deposit Quick Facts
For normal water utility account setup, Long Beach says customers can start new service, stop service or transfer service through the web portal or by calling 562-570-5700. Utility Services is listed at 411 W Ocean Blvd, Lobby Level, with hours from 7:30am to 4:30pm.
For new potable water service connection requests, Long Beach Utilities Development Services lists options for domestic service, fire service and fire hydrant installation. The Development Services contact location is 1800 East Wardlow Road, phone 562-570-2300.
What This Long Beach Water Setup Guide Covers
How to Start Long Beach Water Service in 2026
For an existing home, apartment or business with existing utilities, you usually do not need a new physical water connection. You need to establish a utility account for the service address.
Long Beach says customers can start new service, stop service or transfer service through the web portal, through the Moving Services option, or by calling Utilities Customer Service at 562-570-5700.
Open the MyUtility Portal
Use the official Long Beach Utility Services portal or go directly to Moving Services.
Select Start Service
Choose the start service option if you are moving into a new Long Beach address and need the account placed in your name.
Enter address and customer details
Use your exact service address, move-in date, contact information and account details requested by the portal.
Confirm deposit or setup requirement
If the portal or representative says a security deposit applies, ask when it will be credited and whether credit history can waive it.
Long Beach Utility Deposit Rules: What New Customers Should Know
The Long Beach Utility Services FAQ says a security deposit may be required. The exception is when you have satisfactorily established credit with an existing City of Long Beach utility account in the last 12 months.
The same FAQ explains that security deposits are held on the account for a 12-month period. If bills are paid promptly during that period, the deposit is credited to the account.
Deposit may be required
New utility accounts can require a deposit depending on account and credit history.
Confirm with 562-570-570012-month credit rule
If paid promptly for 12 months, the deposit is credited to the account.
Official FAQ guidance| Deposit question | Official-style answer | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Is a deposit always required? | Not always. It may be waived if satisfactory credit was established with a City utility account in the last 12 months. | Ask 562-570-5700 before starting service. |
| How long is it held? | The FAQ says security deposits are held for 12 months. | Pay bills promptly and track the credit. |
| When is it credited? | If bills are paid promptly for the 12-month period, the deposit is credited to the account. | Review your account after 12 months. |
| Is there one fixed deposit amount? | The public FAQ explains deposit rules but does not provide one universal amount in the visible FAQ. | Confirm the amount with Utility Services. |
Install a New Potable Water Service Connection in Long Beach
A new potable water service connection is different from opening a billing account. This applies when a property, development, construction project or fire service needs a new physical connection or meter/service request.
Long Beach Utilities provides an official Install New Potable Water Service Connection page with request options for domestic service, fire service and fire hydrant installation.
| Connection type | Use this when | Official route |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic 3 inches or smaller | A smaller domestic potable water connection is needed. | Apply through the new potable water service connection page. |
| Domestic 4 inches or larger | A larger domestic water connection is required. | Use the listed large domestic service option. |
| Fire service | Fire protection service is required. | Use fire service options by size. |
| Fire hydrant installation | A hydrant installation is part of the project. | Use the fire hydrant installation option. |
Pick the correct connection type
Choose domestic, fire service or hydrant installation based on the project need and meter/service size.
Contact Development Services early
Use the official page or call 562-570-2300 before design, permit or construction deadlines become urgent.
Expect technical review
New connection requests may need plans, calculations, fire flow information, deposits, fees and approvals depending on the project.
Transfer or Stop Long Beach Water Service
Long Beach Moving Services provides options to start service, stop service or transfer service. Use transfer when you are moving from one Long Beach service address to another and want the existing utility relationship moved correctly.
Use Moving Services
Open Long Beach Moving Services and choose Start, Stop or Transfer.
Set the correct effective date
Use the correct move-in or move-out date. Wrong dates can cause billing overlap or service gaps.
Keep final bill details
If stopping service, keep the final bill, forwarding address, payment confirmation and account closure confirmation.
What to Prepare Before Starting Long Beach Water Service
Long Beach’s portal will guide you through required fields, but preparing the basics before starting helps avoid delays. Keep your service address, move-in date, contact details and billing information ready.
| Need | Prepare this | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Service address | Exact Long Beach service address, apartment/unit number and ZIP code. | Confirms service territory and correct account setup. |
| Move date | Start date, stop date or transfer date. | Avoids billing overlap or service gap. |
| Contact details | Phone number and email address. | Needed for account notices and service updates. |
| Deposit/payment | Payment method and deposit confirmation. | Deposit may be required before full setup. |
| Developer project | Plans, connection type, meter size, fire flow requirements and project contacts. | Needed for new service connection review. |
Developer Water/Sewer Connection Requirements and Deposits
For developer-constructed water or sewer facilities, Long Beach Utilities explains that project review depends on the accuracy and completeness of submitted documents, current workload, Board authorization, agreement preparation and execution, guarantees, bonds, insurance, easements, fees and deposits.
The Development Services guidance says construction plans for proposed water and/or sewer facilities will not be approved until required agreements, guarantees, bonds, deposits, fees and plans are properly handled.
Contact the service counter early
For developer agreement questions, use Water-ServiceCounter@lbutilities.org or call 562-570-2419.
Submit complete technical documents
Expect plan checks, calculations, fire flow requirements, construction plans and design review based on Long Beach Utilities standards.
Budget for deposits and fees
Long Beach Utilities states required deposits and fees must be submitted before construction plan approval and construction start conditions are satisfied.
Long Beach Water and Sewer Emergency Phone Number
For water and sewer emergencies, Long Beach Utilities says to call 562-570-2390. The official customer service page says this line is available 24/7, 365 days per year.
Examples listed by Long Beach Utilities include broken pipe inside or outside the property, broken fire hydrant, water coming up in the street, no water to property that is not due to non-payment, major water breaks/leaks, sewer stoppage on the property, and sewage flowing in the street area.
Water/sewer emergency
Use this if water or sewer trouble is active, unsafe or property-damaging.
562-570-2390Gas emergency
For gas odor or carbon monoxide emergency, use the gas emergency contact.
562-570-2140Call the emergency line
Call 562-570-2390 for urgent water or sewer emergency reporting.
Shut off property valve if safe
Long Beach Utilities explains that most homes or properties have a property valve that controls water flow from the meter into the property. Use it only if safe.
Do not tamper with the water meter
Long Beach Utilities warns not to tamper with the water meter itself because charges may apply for damage.
Long Beach Water Bill, High Bill and Customer Service Help
The City of Long Beach Commercial Services Bureau oversees utility billing. For billing questions, start/stop/transfer water service, or water bill concerns, contact 562-570-5700 or GO-UtilityBilling@longbeach.gov.
Use portal for bill access
Open Long Beach Utility Services for bill payment, Quick Pay, service changes and flexible payment plan options.
Call for billing help
Call 562-570-5700 if you need account, deposit, bill review, duplicate bill or payment plan help.
Investigate high water bills
Long Beach notes that leaks, outdoor watering, visitors, new landscaping, pool/spa filling and usage changes can affect a bill. Submit a bill review request or call customer service.
Common Mistakes That Delay Long Beach Water Setup
Most delays happen because users choose the wrong service path. Normal renters/homeowners need Utility Services account setup. Developers and contractors need Development Services connection review.
| Mistake | Why it delays service | Better action |
|---|---|---|
| Using new connection page for move-in | That route is for physical potable water service connection requests. | Use MyUtility Portal or call 562-570-5700. |
| Calling billing for developer connection | Billing cannot replace engineering/development review. | Use Development Services and call 562-570-2300. |
| Guessing deposit amount | Deposit requirement depends on account and credit history. | Ask customer service before starting. |
| Ignoring emergency water/sewer issue | Active leaks or sewage can cause damage and health risk. | Call 562-570-2390 for emergencies. |
Long Beach Utility Services and Long Beach Utilities Office Map
For billing, account setup, start/stop/transfer service and utility customer service, the City lists 411 W Ocean Blvd, Lobby Level. For Long Beach Utilities Development Services and water utility contact, the location is 1800 East Wardlow Road, Long Beach, CA 90807.
Long Beach Utility Services / City Hall
Use this map for billing and customer service location reference. Call before visiting if you need account-specific deposit or setup information.
Official Long Beach Water Department Links and Resources
Use these official Long Beach links for utility account setup, deposits, new potable water connection, emergency reporting, billing, payment and development service guidance.
Utility Services
Pay bill, Quick Pay, start/stop/transfer service, payment plans and assistance.
Open Utility ServicesMoving Services
Start service, stop service or transfer service online.
Open Moving ServicesUtility FAQ
Deposit, duplicate bill, service transfer and payment plan guidance.
Open Utility FAQCustomer Service
Water/sewer emergency number, billing contact and property valve guidance.
Open Customer ServiceNew Potable Connection
Domestic service, fire service and fire hydrant installation request options.
Open New ConnectionWater Development Services
Developer agreement, plan check, deposits, fees and engineering requirements.
Open Development ServicesWho Do I Call?
City directory for water bills, water emergency, sewer problems and city services.
Open DirectoryDigAlert 811
Call before digging near water, sewer, gas or underground utilities.
Open DigAlertLong Beach Water Department New Connection, Deposit and Setup FAQs
What is the Long Beach Water Department phone number for starting service?
For Long Beach utility start, stop or transfer service, call Utilities Customer Service at 562-570-5700.
How do I start Long Beach water service?
Use the official Moving Services portal, choose Start Service, or call 562-570-5700.
Does Long Beach require a utility deposit?
A deposit may be required. The official FAQ says a deposit requirement can be waived if you have satisfactorily established credit with an existing City of Long Beach utility account in the last 12 months.
How long does Long Beach hold a utility deposit?
The official FAQ says security deposits are held for a 12-month period. If bills are paid promptly, the deposit is credited to the account.
Where do I request a new potable water service connection?
Use the official Long Beach Utilities Install New Potable Water Service Connection page.
What is the Long Beach Utilities Development Services phone number?
The new connection page lists Long Beach Utilities contact at 1800 East Wardlow Road, Long Beach, CA 90807, phone 562-570-2300.
What is the Long Beach water and sewer emergency number?
For water and sewer emergencies, call 562-570-2390. Long Beach Utilities says this line is available 24/7, 365 days per year.
What counts as a Long Beach water emergency?
Examples include broken pipe inside or outside the property, broken fire hydrant, water coming up in the street, no water not due to nonpayment, and water breaks or leaks where water is flowing more than normal.
Who do I contact for sewer stoppage in Long Beach?
For sewer stoppage on the property or sewage flowing in the street area, call 562-570-2390.
Can I tamper with the Long Beach water meter during a leak?
No. Long Beach Utilities warns not to tamper with the water meter itself because charges may apply for meter damage. Use the property valve only if safe.
What email should I use for Long Beach water billing questions?
For billing and water service questions, Long Beach lists GO-UtilityBilling@longbeach.gov.
What is the difference between start service and new connection?
Start service opens or transfers a utility account at an existing service address. New connection usually means a physical potable water service, fire service or hydrant installation request through Development Services.
Best Way to Set Up Long Beach Water Service in 2026
If you are moving into an existing Long Beach property, start with the MyUtility Portal or call 562-570-5700. Ask whether a deposit applies, and remember that the official FAQ says deposits may be credited after 12 months of prompt payments.
If you are adding a new physical service connection, fire service, hydrant or developer water/sewer improvement, start with Long Beach Utilities Development Services at 1800 East Wardlow Road or call 562-570-2300. For urgent water or sewer emergencies, call 562-570-2390.
Editorial note: This guide is informational and helps Long Beach, California water customers find official utility setup, deposit, new connection and emergency resources faster. Deposit amounts, service rules, fees, office hours, development requirements and emergency procedures can change, so always confirm final details directly with official City of Long Beach and Long Beach Utilities resources before applying or paying.