Water & Sewer Infrastructure Burbank — Local Resources

Water and Sewer Infrastructure in Burbank and the San Fernando Valley

Burbank Water and Power (BWP) is one of California's few municipally-owned utilities — a distinction that gives Burbank residents reliable service and local accountability unusual in the broader LA County utility landscape. BWP serves approximately 51,000 electric and 30,000 water accounts across the city.

For local plumbing resources and contractor information serving Burbank and the San Fernando Valley, Burbank plumbing resources maintains a directory of licensed professionals serving the area.

Burbank Water Infrastructure

Burbank's water supply comes from a mix of local groundwater wells and imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The hard water characteristic of the San Fernando Valley — with calcium hardness often exceeding 300 mg/L — creates consistent maintenance demands for residential plumbing systems throughout Burbank.

BWP's distribution system includes water mains ranging from century-old cast iron pipes in older neighborhoods to modern ductile iron and PVC in newer developments. Main breaks — though relatively rare — cause significant disruption when they occur, often affecting multiple blocks simultaneously.

Sewer Services in Burbank

Burbank's sewer system is operated separately from water service, with maintenance handled by the City's Public Works Department. The system includes hundreds of miles of sewer mains serving all developed areas of the city. Regular CCTV inspection programs help identify deterioration before failures occur.

For more information on California wastewater programs see our post on California wastewater and sewer services. For immediate plumbing needs in Burbank see our guide to finding a licensed plumber in Burbank CA.