If you've ever stared at your Redondo Beach utility bill and wondered why it's split between two different companies — or what that “wastewater” line item actually pays for — you're not alone. Water and sewer service in Redondo Beach involves a private water company, a city-run sewer system, and a regional treatment agency, each billing for different things. Here's the plain-English breakdown of who charges what, how rates are set, and what residents can do to manage costs.
Who provides the water
Redondo Beach's drinking water comes from California Water Service (Cal Water), a private, investor-owned utility. Specifically, the city falls under Cal Water's Rancho Dominguez District, which also serves parts of Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Gardena, Carson, and other South Bay communities. Cal Water is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which must approve any rate changes before they take effect.
This is different from many neighboring cities where a municipal water department provides service directly. In Redondo Beach, the city has no control over water rates — those decisions go through the CPUC in Sacramento. Residents receive their water bill directly from Cal Water, not from City Hall.
How water billing works
Your Cal Water bill has two main components: a fixed service charge and a volumetric usage charge measured in billing units. One billing unit equals 748 gallons (or 100 cubic feet, abbreviated “CCF”). Most single-family homes in Redondo Beach have a 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch meter, which carries a base service charge regardless of how much water you use.
Cal Water uses a tiered pricing structure for residential customers. The more water you use, the higher the per-unit rate climbs. This is designed to encourage conservation — your first tier of usage (essential indoor use) is the cheapest, while heavy outdoor irrigation pushes you into more expensive tiers. The exact tier thresholds and rates change with each CPUC-approved rate case, typically every three years.
As of 2026, a typical Redondo Beach household using around 6–8 CCF per month (about 4,500–6,000 gallons) can expect a water bill in the range of $60–$100. Heavy irrigators — especially homes with large lawns in North Redondo — can see bills well over $150 during summer months.
Who handles the sewer
While water delivery is private, sewer and wastewater service is run by the City of Redondo Beach. The city maintains the local sewer collection system — the network of pipes under your street that carry wastewater from your home to the regional trunk lines. The city's Public Works Department handles sewer maintenance, repairs, and capacity planning.
Wastewater treatment itself is handled by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, specifically District No. 5, which operates the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in Carson. Redondo Beach pays the Sanitation Districts a per-connection fee for treatment services, and that cost gets passed through to residents on their city utility bill.
Understanding your city utility bill
Separately from your Cal Water bill, the City of Redondo Beach sends a bimonthly utility bill that covers sewer service, refuse collection, and stormwater fees. The sewer portion is calculated based on your water usage — the city uses your Cal Water meter readings to estimate how much wastewater your household generates. Winter-quarter water usage typically sets the baseline, since outdoor irrigation during cooler months is minimal and most water consumed indoors goes down the drain.
The city utility bill also includes your trash and recycling charges (provided by Athens Services) and a stormwater/urban runoff fee that funds the city's compliance with regional clean-water mandates. For a typical single-family home, the total bimonthly city utility bill runs roughly $140–$200, with sewer accounting for about half of that.
The utility users tax
On top of your Cal Water charges, the city levies a 4.75% utility users tax (UUT) on water, electricity, gas, telephone, and cable services. This tax appears as a separate line item on your Cal Water bill. It generates roughly $12–$13 million per year for the city's General Fund — making it the third-largest tax revenue source after property tax and sales tax. For more on where that money goes, see our FY 2027 budget explainer.
Low-income seniors and disabled residents may qualify for a UUT exemption. Contact the Finance Department at City Hall for eligibility and application details.
Where the water comes from
Cal Water's Rancho Dominguez District draws from a mix of groundwater and imported water. Groundwater is pumped from the West Coast Basin, a large aquifer underlying much of the South Bay. Imported water comes from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which sources it from the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project in Northern California.
The balance between local groundwater and imported water matters for rates. Groundwater is generally cheaper to produce, but the basin is managed by the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD), which charges a replenishment assessment to ensure the aquifer isn't over-pumped. When drought conditions reduce imported water allocations, MWD raises its wholesale rates, which ultimately flows through to your bill.
Water quality
Cal Water publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (also called a water quality report) for the Rancho Dominguez District. The report details testing results for contaminants regulated by the EPA and California's Division of Drinking Water. You can find the most recent report on Cal Water's website at calwater.com/water-quality.
Redondo Beach water meets all state and federal drinking water standards. The water is treated and disinfected before delivery. If you notice discolored water, unusual taste, or low pressure, report it to Cal Water's customer service at (310) 257-1400.
How to lower your bill
The biggest lever for most households is outdoor water use. Landscape irrigation typically accounts for 50–70% of residential water consumption in the South Bay. Switching to drought-tolerant landscaping, installing smart irrigation controllers, and fixing leaky sprinkler heads can dramatically cut your water bill — especially during summer months when tiered pricing hits hardest.
Cal Water and MWD offer rebate programs for water-efficient fixtures and landscaping conversions. Current programs include rebates for high-efficiency toilets, clothes washers, smart sprinkler controllers, and turf replacement (replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants). Check Cal Water's rebates page or SoCalWaterSmart.com for current offers.
Indoor conservation helps too. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day — that's nearly an entire billing unit every four days. Fix leaks promptly, and consider a free home water audit from Cal Water if you suspect hidden waste.
Rate increases and how to have a say
Because Cal Water is CPUC-regulated, rate increases follow a formal process that includes public hearings. Cal Water files a General Rate Case (GRC) with the CPUC every three years, proposing rate adjustments to cover infrastructure upgrades, water supply costs, and operational expenses. Between rate cases, annual escalation mechanisms can adjust rates for specific cost changes.
When a rate case is filed, the CPUC's Public Advocates Office reviews the proposal on behalf of ratepayers. Public hearings are held where customers can testify about the impact of proposed increases. Cal Water is required to notify customers of any proposed rate changes. Paying attention to these notices — they usually come as bill inserts or separate mailers — is the best way to have a voice in the process.
For sewer rates, the process is different. The Redondo Beach City Council sets sewer rates directly, subject to Proposition 218 requirements (written notice, public hearing, and a majority-protest process). The council typically reviews sewer rates as part of the annual budget process.
Key contacts
Cal Water customer service: (310) 257-1400 or calwater.com
Water emergencies (leaks, main breaks): (310) 257-1400 (Cal Water 24-hour line)
Sewer issues: Redondo Beach Public Works, (310) 318-0686
City utility billing: Finance Department, (310) 318-0653
Utility users tax questions: Finance Department, (310) 318-0653
For a complete directory of city departments, see our Redondo Beach city contacts page.