Public Works Administration
Where do I set up/close/reinstate my Water Service?
Visit the Billing Office at City Hall (First Floor), or call (805) 564-5343.
Where can I get information about my water use?
Call (805) 564-5460.
Where can I get information about water conservation, water sources and water rates?
Please call (805) 564-5460 or go to Water Conservation.
Where can I get information about drought friendly landscaping?
Please call (805) 564-5460 or go to Landscaping.
I’d like to get my water use evaluated for free. Where can I make an appointment?
Please call (805) 564-5460 or go to Checkup.
Does the City have a Low-Flow Toilet Program?
Yes, the City of this and other energy saving rebates at Rebates.
Does the City offer low-flow showerheads?
Yes. You can stop by the Permit Counter at 630 Garden Street to pick up a low-flow showerhead.
Where can I find out about the drinking water quality in Santa Barbara?
Please contact the City Laboratories at (805) 568-1010 or visit Labs.
My sewer is overflowing. What should I do?
Please call a plumber. The City does not service private water lines, only the main line.
There is a “river” of water flowing down the street. Is that normal?
No, there may be a break in the water main. Please notify (805) 564-5413, or 963-4286 after 3:30 pm, as soon as possible.
There is water pooling around a manhole cover and it is obstructed by debris. Should I report this?
Yes. Please call (805) 564-5413.
Who do I call about a damaged fire hydrant?
Please call (805) 564-5413.
My neighbor is needlessly watering the sidewalks. Is there a law against that?
It is against City Ordinance; however the ordinance is only enforced when the City is under drought conditions.
My neighbor has so much water runoff that it is entering my property. Where can I report that?
If the runoff is from sprinklers, please call (805) 564-5460; if you suspect a main break, please call (805) 564-5413.
Where can I get more information about the City’s Trash and Recycling Program?
Please call (805) 564-5631, or go to http://sbrecycles.org/
Where can I order/close my trash service account?
Please call: (805) 564-5363.
Where can I change the number of bins, or request my annual free pickup (property owners only)?
Please call BFI (west of State Street) at (805) 965-5248, or Marborg (east of State Street) at (805) 963-1852.
Where is the nearest City Landfill?
The Tajiguas Landfill is operated by the County of Santa Barbara. Please call (805) 696-1170 for further information or visit Tajiguas.
Where can I dispose of hazardous waste (paint and other hazardous liquids, oil, batteries, etc.)?
You can dispose of these items at the Marborg waste facility at 136 N. Quarantina Street.
Where can I dump liquid waste from my RV?
Please go to the Transfer Station at 4430 Calle Real, which is maintained by the County of Santa Barbara, visit Transfer, or call (805) 681-4438.
Where can I report observing hazardous materials being dumped illegally?
Please call (805) 564-5631.
Where can I report a mouse/rat infestation on City streets?
Please call (805) 564-5413.
Who do I call about a damaged street light?
Street lights within the City of Santa Barbara city limits are maintained by Southern California Edison (SCE) and the City Facilities Division. Please note that the City only maintains street lights on concrete poles, If you have a question regarding a light on a wooden pole, please contact SCE directly at 1-800-655-4555. You can report a damaged street light at 564-5416, or you can report the damage online with the Street Light Report
Who do I call to petition for a new street light?
Please call (805) 564-5416. You will need to collect signatures from neighbors on your block in support of your request.
Can I sign up for gas and electric service at the City?
No. For electric service, please contact Southern California Edison at 1-800-655-4555; for gas service, please contact The Gas Company at 1-800-427-2200.