A backflow assembly is a mechanical device that is installed next to a City water meter and prevents contaminated water from entering back into the City's potable water system. These devices must be tested and reported annually to remain in compliance with City and County Public Health regulations.

ANNUAL BACKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS

BACKFLOW BLANK TEST FORM

** The City of El Segundo is not currently partnered with any third-party vendors. For additional information, please contact us at (310) 524-2745 or email us at backflow@elsegundo.org. ** 

In response to the current severe drought conditions that the state is experiencing, the California State Water Resources Control Board has adopted emergency regulations that severely limit outdoor water use in all communities throughout the state, irrespectively of individual circumstances. Mandatory restrictions are now in effect and these mandates require the City of El Segundo to implement conservation actions under Level 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

To view the complete list of water conservation actions, and learn more about this conservation notice, click here.

Fire flow testing measures water pressure and volume. It is used to assess the quantity and sizes of fire sprinkler systems that are needed in a home or building. These tests are done on both residential single-family homes and in commercial/multi-family facilities.

The Water Division does not perform these tests for commercial/multi-family facilities but the Water Division must witness the test. A certified fire protection company should be hired to perform the fire flow test and they will coordinate the inspection appointment with the Water Division. 

FIRE FLOW APPLICATION

On June 7, 1991, the EPA introduced the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to reduce lead and copper in drinking water. In California, the Division of Drinking Water enforces the rule, requiring water systems to test for lead and copper and take action if levels are too high.

Here, you can find a list of all properties in El Segundo and their service line types.

The City of El Segundo’s principal water purveyor, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, has recently adopted an annual 5% water rate increase for each year for over the next two years.  This increase in the rate was justified by the unprecedented times we are facing regarding drought and climate change as well as the rising costs.

In the first quarter of 2021, the El Segundo City Council passed proposed water rate increase to keep up with the cost of providing water.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state cooperative which provides water to 19 million people throughout six counties.  The water district imports water from the California State Water Project, beginning in Northern California as well as the Colorado River to supplement local water agencies with this life sustaining resource.  There are 26 cities and retail suppliers in partnership with the water district who are all impacted by the water districts operational costs and reduced revenues. The water rate increases adopted by the water district, which will be enacted this coming fiscal year and the year after, will fund priority operation and maintenance projects, along with nearly 450 capital improvement projects and other water conservation related projects which would serve nearly 500,000 households.  The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is looking for ways to avoid higher rate increases by searching for new funding sources through potential state and federal grants and other water partnership that leverage investments within the district’s water system.

The City of El Segundo Water is a partner with the West Basin Municipal Water District and is part of the Metropolitan Water District.

Currently, in an effort to help Californians conserve water, the West Basin Municipal Water District is offering a number of water conservation rebates!

Residential Grass Replacement Rebate

Residents in the West Basin service area are eligible to apply for grass replacement rebates for projects that conserve water, reduce runoff, and benefit the local environment.

Check out the West Basin Grass Replacement webpage to see the current rebate amount per square foot of grass removed, and to learn more about the application process: Grass Replacement & Tree Rebate | West Basin MWD, CA

Public Agency Grass Replacement Rebate

This program offers incentives for transforming publicly owned spaces in the West Basin service area. Eligible public sites include city facilities, street medians, schools, parks, community centers, and other public sites.

Click the link to learn more: Public Agency Grass Replacement Rebate | West Basin MWD, CA

Rain Barrels

West Basin provides free rain barrels each year to help residents save water and money. Rain Barrels are a great way to collect rainwater for your plants and gardens.  Also, the use of rain barrels reduces stormwater runoff by collection and reusing rainwater, helping to save residents water and money. Potential program participants must live in the service area and register to receive up to two free 50-gallon rain barrels valued at approximately $80 each.

Visit West Basin’s web page for more information about future giveaway events and rebates for rain barrels.

Rain Barrel Webpage: Rain Barrels | West Basin MWD, CA

Rain Barrel Program 2025: 08-20-25 Rain Barrel Program Flyer - English

Firescaping Workshops

West Basin partners with local cities, fire departments and local water companies to provide free Firescaping Workshops. Firescaping uses landscaping techniques, native plants, and best management practices to protect your home from wildfires. These practices, along with smart irrigation systems, can help safeguard your home, use less water, and save money on your water bill.

Click the link for more information and resources, and to see upcoming Firescaping Workshops near you: Firescaping | West Basin MWD, CA

Free Landscape Classes

West Basin partners with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and local cities to provide free landscape classes.  The classes are virtual and in-person and teach on a variety of subjects, such as: landscape design, turf removal, native plants, irrigation equipment, soils, organic amendments, rebates, and other subjects.

Visit MWD’s Bewaterwise website here to learn more about upcoming classes:  www.bewaterwise.com

Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program

West Basin awards upfront grants to public sites for the purchase of an indoor, wall-mounted station, or an outdoor, pedestal-style station, to public entities within the service area. This program was created to provide access to safe and reliable tap water to refill reusable bottles.

Find more information about criteria for participation and example photos here: Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program | West Basin MWD, CA

Recycled Water Fill Station

West Basin met all the federal, state and local permitting requirements and launched its Recycled Water Fill Station. By using recycled water on landscapes, residents can help conserve imported water.  Depending on current budgets and resources, West Basin may offer its free recycled water to all residential customers in the service area during drought periods and dry months of the year.

See the most recent updates on the Recycled Water Fill Station at this link: Recycled Water Fill Station | West Basin MWD, CA

Additional Information

West Basin also offers other great educational and outreach programs, so please be sure to visit their web site.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) also offers great programs.   You can visit their two web sites here, www.bewaterwise.com and www.socalwatersmart.com  

Note:  All of West Basin’s and MWD’s programs are subject to annual budget approvals and can change or end at any time.

Start New Water Service: 

1. Complete the Water Service Request form online OR
2. Print the PDF Form and deliver the completed form in person or by email:

• In person:
  • City of El Segundo
    Business License/Public Works Counter
    350 Main St.
    El Segundo, CA 90245

• Email: H2oinquiries@elsegundo.org

Please note that a deposit fee will be added to the 1st water bill if you are renting/leasing a Residential or Commercial property. The current deposit amounts are listed at the bottom of the water service application.

Close Water Service Account: 

1. Complete the Water Service Request form online OR
2. Print the PDF Form and deliver the completed form in person or by email:

• In person:
  • City of El Segundo
    Business License/Public Works Counter
    350 Main St.
    El Segundo, CA 90245

• Email: H2oinquiries@elsegundo.org

A temporary construction meter is a 3 foot hydrant water meter which supplies water to construction sites. You can sign up to rent a temporary construction meter with the Water Division.

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION METER INSTRUCTIONS

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION METER APPLICATION

Water Tower Illumination Schedule

• New Year's Day - January 1st*
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Observed 3rd Monday in January*
• Valentine's Day - February 14th
• Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) - Observed 3rd Monday in February*
• St. Patrick's Day - March 17th
• Memorial Day - Observed last Monday in May*
• Pride Month - Observed in June
• National Flag Day - June 14th
• Juneteenth Day - June 19th*
• Independence Day - July 4th*
• Labor Day - Observed first Monday of September*
• Columbus Day - Observed second Monday in October*
• Halloween - October 31st
• Veterans Day - November 11th*
• Thanksgiving Day - Observed 4th Thursday in November*
• Christmas Day - December 25th*
• Local School Colors Based on Academic or Athletic Achievements
• Regional Sports Team Colors (Championship/Playoff Run) Professional/Amateur/Collegiate/Local

 *Federal Holiday

The duration of the lighting for each event is a minimum of one day and a maximum of two weeks. If there are conflicting events, the City Manager is authorized to adjust the illumination of the water tank as needed. 

The City of El Segundo provides detailed instructions for adding or removing water lines.

WATER INSTALLATION: SPECIFICATIONS, STANDARDS & PROCEDURES