Burbank Water Metering, Conservation & Quality Laws

Utilities and Infrastructure California 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of California

Burbank, California requires property owners and businesses to comply with municipal rules and utility requirements for water metering, conservation measures and water quality testing. This guide summarizes where rules are published, how compliance is enforced, common violations, and step-by-step actions to apply for permits, report problems, or appeal enforcement decisions. It draws on official City and Burbank Water and Power resources and notes when a specific penalty or fee is not specified on the cited official page.[1]

Check official sources for the latest consumer confidence report and conservation rules.

Overview of Rules and Authorities

Burbank’s municipal water activities are managed by Burbank Water and Power (BWP) for utility operations and by City departments for enforcement of municipal code provisions governing meters and water use. BWP publishes conservation programs and annual water quality reports that describe testing and compliance standards.Burbank Water and Power - Conservation[1] BWP Water Quality / CCR[2]

Metering Requirements

BWP installs and maintains meters for retail water service; customers must not tamper with meters and must permit meter access for reading, testing and replacement. Meter installation, testing, and repair procedures are described by the utility; for code-level obligations consult the municipal code.Burbank Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances[3]

  • Meter installation and ownership: BWP typically owns meters and schedules installations or replacements.
  • Meter testing: property owners may request meter testing; follow BWP procedures for requests and witness testing.
  • Unauthorized tampering: do not modify or bypass meters; tampering may be subject to penalties and service shutoff.
Meters are utility property; always coordinate work with BWP to avoid violations.

Conservation Requirements

Burbank implements conservation programs and mandatory restrictions during drought or supply constraints. BWP publishes permitted irrigation schedules, rebate programs, and restrictions on inefficient fixtures and landscape irrigation.BWP Water Conservation[1]

  • Outdoor irrigation schedules and limits during declared shortages.
  • Incentives and rebates for high-efficiency appliances and turf replacement.
  • Mandatory restrictions may be enacted by ordinance or emergency regulation.

Water Quality Testing

BWP produces an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and posts testing results, monitoring plans, and notices about contaminants and treatment. The CCR details sampling locations, parameters tested, and conformity with state and federal standards.BWP Water Quality / CCR[2]

  • Annual CCR publication with test results and public information.
  • Sampling and monitoring plans consistent with state and federal rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by Burbank Water and Power for utility service violations and by the City for municipal code violations; inspectors may issue notices, orders to comply, service disconnection, and refer matters to civil or criminal proceedings as authorized by ordinance. Where the official source lists a monetary fine or fee, that amount is cited; where it does not, the text below states "not specified on the cited page" and cites the relevant official page.[3]

  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for meter tampering, conservation violations, or testing noncompliance are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page; see the municipal code for any enumerated penalties.[3]
  • Escalation: first offense, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page; refer to the municipal code or utility tariff for detailed schedules.[3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repair, service shutoff, administrative compliance orders, and referral to courts are used for enforcement as described by utility and city enforcement procedures.[3]
  • Enforcer: Burbank Water and Power and the City of Burbank (code enforcement and public works) handle inspections and enforcement actions; customers should contact BWP or the City to file complaints.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: submit complaints to BWP or City code enforcement using official contact pages listed in Resources below.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are defined in the municipal code or administrative procedures; if a specific time limit is not published on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page" and the municipal code should be consulted.[3]
If you receive a notice, follow the stated deadlines and contact the issuing office promptly to preserve appeal rights.

Applications & Forms

BWP posts forms for meter testing requests, service applications, and rebate program enrollment on its website. Specific form names and fees are listed on the utility pages; if a form or fee is not published, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Meter test request: see BWP customer services and forms for the current request procedure and any fees.[1]
  • Permit or application fees: amounts for permits or expedited testing are listed where BWP or the municipal code specifies them; otherwise "not specified on the cited page."

Action Steps

  • To report a leak or suspected meter tampering: contact BWP customer service and request inspection.
  • To request a meter test: submit the official meter test request form via BWP website or contact customer service.[1]
  • To appeal an enforcement action: follow the appeal process in the notice and consult the municipal code for time limits and procedures.[3]

FAQ

Who enforces meter and conservation rules in Burbank?
Burbank Water and Power enforces utility service rules and the City of Burbank enforces municipal code provisions; contact details are in Resources below.
How do I get my meter tested?
Request a meter test through BWP customer service or the forms page; follow the published procedure and fee schedule if any.[1]
Where can I find water quality testing results?
BWP posts the annual Consumer Confidence Report and water quality monitoring information on its water quality page.[2]

How-To

  1. Gather details: note your account number, address, and summary of the issue (leak, suspected tampering, or water quality concern).
  2. Contact BWP customer service to report the issue and request an inspection or meter test. Provide supporting photos if available.
  3. Follow instructions: if a form or fee is required, complete submission as directed by BWP.
  4. If you receive an enforcement notice, read appeal instructions and submit any appeal within the timeframe stated in the notice or the municipal code.

Key Takeaways

  • Coordinate with BWP before working on meters or service lines to avoid violations.
  • Use published BWP forms and the CCR for authoritative information on testing and conservation.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Burbank Water and Power - Water Conservation
  2. [2] Burbank Water and Power - Water Quality / CCR
  3. [3] Burbank Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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