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Business Licenses

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1. How can I become a vendor for the City?

Vendors who are interested in selling products and services to the City are required to obtain a City Business License and provide a W-9 to Accounts Payable in the Finance Department. W-9 Form

2. Who needs to apply for a Business License?

All persons or companies based from or conducting business within the City of Port Hueneme and the Naval Base Ventura County must obtain a City Business License.

3. How can I obtain a Business License Application?

Applications are available at City Hall or you may print one from the link below.

Business License Application

4. When should an application be submitted?

An application must be submitted and fees paid prior to conducting business.

5. How are fees calculated?

You may view or print out a brief rate schedule of the most common classifications from the forms option below. Business License Information

6. Where is my license valid?

Your Business License is valid only within the City of Port Hueneme and Naval Base Ventura County while doing business from your commercial location, residence, or when you are providing services to a resident or business within the city limits.

7. When do I renew my license?

Business Licenses are valid from July through June and must be renewed annually.

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City Clerk

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1. How do I request records under the California Public Records Act?

Please submit a completed Public Records Request Form to the City Clerk's Office. You will be contacted within 10 days of receipt of your request. Public Records Request Form

2. I was born in Port Hueneme, how do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

All vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) are maintained by the County of Ventura. Please call the County Clerk/Recorder's Office at (805) 654-2290 or visit their website.

3. How do I run for City Council?

City Council elections are held in November of even-numbered years, and the nomination period for candidates typically begins in mid-July. Those eligible to run for City Council are at least 18 years old, registered voters living in Port Hueneme, and not convicted of certain crimes. More information is available here: City Council Election Information

4. How can I register to vote?

Voter registration forms are available at City Hall and any US Post Office. Remember, if you have moved, changed your political party, or changed your name, you must re-register. Visit the County Elections page for more information on voter registration and Vote-By-Mail.

County of Ventura Voter Registration Information

5. How can I get involved in my community?

There are many opportunities for Port Hueneme residents to help make their city an even better place to live for all.

-Hueneme Beautiful
-Graffiti Busters (http://www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=947)
-Friends of the Ray D. Prueter Library (http://porthuenemefriends.wordpress.com/)
-Friends of the Bard Mansion (http://www.bardmansion.org/)
-Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce (http://www.huenemechamber.com/)
-Council Advisory Commissions (http://www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=160)
-Police Department VIPs and Neighborhood Watch (http://www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=893)

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Housing Authority

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1. How long is the housing waiting list?

The typical waiting period for Port Hueneme residents ranges from 6 to 7 years. Recent reductions in federal funding may increase the waiting period considerably.

2. Do I have to be a resident of Port Hueneme to receive assistance?

The Housing Authority only has jurisdiction over the City of Port Hueneme and does require all applicant families to either live or work in the City of Port Hueneme.

3. Do you offer emergency housing assistance?

Unfortunately there are no funds available to assist applicants on an emergency basis.

4. Once on the waiting list, how often do I need to contact the Housing Authority?

It is only necessary for applicants to contact the Housing Authority to report a change of address or phone number. Also, applicants who receive a letter from the Housing Authority MUST respond by the date indicated on the letter.

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Human Resources and Risk Management

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1. How can I apply for a position?

Applications are only accepted when there is an active open recruitment. Please see our job postings for active openings and apply online or pick up an application at City Hall.

2. Where can I find a list of city salaries?

Salary schedules and benefit information can be found on the Compensation and MOU page.

3. Can I fax or e-mail my application?

The City of Port Hueneme does not currently accept electronic copies of employment applications. In order to successfully submit your application, we must receive a hardcopy via U.S. Mail, Federal Express, etc.; or you can personally bring it in to City Hall.

4. How will I know if I am selected to participate in the interview process?

Once the position is closed, communication will be given to every applicant as to the status of thier submittal via U.S. mail.

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Police Department

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1. Under what circumstances will the Police Department take a report?

When an officer from the Port Hueneme Police Department responds to a call for service, state law and department policy regulate the types of incidents requiring a police report.

Required Reporting:

1. In every instance where a felony has occurred.
2. In every instance where a misdemeanor crime has occurred and the victim desires a report.
3. In every case where any force is used against any person by police personnel.
4. All incidents involving domestic violence (including verbal incidents).
5. All arrests.
6. When an officer points a firearm at any person.
7. Reported missing persons (regardless of jurisdiction).
8. Found property or evidence.
9. All incidents involving the death of a human being.
10.Traffic collisions above minimum reporting level.
11. Injury or damage by City personnel.
12. Injury as the result of drug overdose.
13. Attempted suicide.
14. Injury that is major/serious, where death could result.
15. Any incident of juvenile gunshot injuries.

Police reports for incidents other than those listed above are at the discretion of the officer handling the call. Calls for service that do not result in a police report are still documented with a CAD/RMS entry and still contain relevant information about the call. Like police reports, CAD/RMS entries are available to the public.

2. What type of records and information can the public request from the Police Department?

The California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250, et seq.) provides that records created by a public agency shall be subject to inspection and release pursuant to request, except pursuant to exemptions set forth in the Act or otherwise established by statute. To view the Port Hueneme Police Department Policy pertaining to the release of records and information please click on the following link: Release of Records and Information Policy

3. How do I get a copy of a police report or CAD/RMS entry?

To obtain a copy of a police report or CAD/RMS entry, please contact the Records Division at (805) 986-6530 or come by the Police Department between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please allow 10 business days for reports to be completed. You can also find a Request for Information and Records form in both English and Spanish at the following link: Request Records and Information Form

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Public Works - Solid Waste

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1. What services does the Solid Waste Division offer?

This division offers residential, commercial and 13, 20, and 40 yard roll-off trash and recycle service along with green waste container rental, bulky item pick up and rental of temporary 3 yard and 6 yard containers.

2. What is included with basic Residential Solid Waste & Recycling Service?

This service includes one gray container for trash and one blue container for recyclables. Both containers are emptied weekly on the same day (except for designated areas of the City). Please have your carts curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your designated day.

3. My trash/recycle was missed! What do I do?

Was your cart out by 7:00 a.m.? Were there any obstructions (cars, dumpsters, etc.) closer than 4 feet from your cart? Was the trash/recycle over-filled (lid not closed)? These are some reasons trash/recycle would purposely not be emptied, however, the driver should have left an orange tag letting you know. If there is no apparent reason your cart was missed, please call (805) 986-6650 and let us know. If the trash/recycle was missed by mistake, we can send a driver to empty it for no charge before close of business the next day. If there was a reason the cart could not be emptied, we can still return to empty it for a charge of $17.14 (added to your Water/Sewer/Trash bill) per cart, once the problem is ratified. Please call (805) 986-6650 to request a driver to come back.

4. How can I get my cracked/broken trash or recycle cart replaced?

As the trash and recycle carts age, sometimes a wheel falls off, or a crack develops, especially at the back of the cart below the handle. This makes it hard to push the cart and for the lid to close correctly. Our experience shows this mostly happens with older or defective carts. If your cart is damaged or broken, please call (805) 986-6650 to arrange for a replacement. Please be sure to let us know whether it is your grey trash or blue recycle cart that is damaged.

Sorry, the City of Port Hueneme does not replace dirty/smelly carts for no charge. Please rinse out dirty/smelly carts regularly, using water with bleach or Simple Green.

5. How do I arrange for a large-item pick-up?

Large item pick-ups are done once per week, on Thursdays, by appointment only.

Bulky items are described as items too large to fit into your regular trash cart. A maximum of 5 items can be picked up at one time and each item is priced individually according to type and/or weight of the item.

Charges are added to the Water/Sewer/Trash bill account for the address where the item is picked up.
Large-Item Pick-Up Rates:

Minimum charge for pick-up of bulky items; not to exceed 5 items per pickup. (Effective July 1, 2012)

A. Small chair, full bag of trash, sink, small box (approx. 2'x2'x2'), $18.89 per item weighing less than 25 lbs.

B. Mattress, box spring, water heater, toilet, recliner or medium box (approx. 3'x3'x3'), $25.88 per item weighing less than 40 lbs.

C. Large appliances not including refrigerators, large furniture, couch, carpet roll, bundles of wood, bathtub, or large box (4’x4’x4’), $35.68 per item weighing more than 40 lbs.

D. Refrigerator or freezer (includes freon removal), $41.97 per item.

E. As of July 1, 2011, City Solid Waste is no longer permitted to pick up TV's. To dispose of a television or computer monitor (including CPU) at no charge to Port Hueneme Residents, take the TV or monitor to Del Norte Regional Recyling Center in Oxnard. Please call (805) 385-8060 for more information.

Note:
This service is for collection of bulky items. Bulky items are defined in the PHMC as including, but not limited to, discarded large and small appliances, furniture, carpets, mattresses, clothing, and oversized green waste.

Call 986-6650 to schedule a bulky item pick up.

6. How do I rent a temporary 3 or 6-yard trash bin, or a 13, 20 or 40-yard rolloff?

Please call (805) 986-6524, or walk-in to City Hall at 250 N. Ventura Rd, to order a temporary bin. You will be required to fill out a Request for Rolloff/Temporary Dumpster form, and an Indemnification form. A deposit is also required on all dumpster rentals.

7. How do I dispose of old medications properly?

Never flush drugs down the toilet. Studies have found very small amounts of medications in surface water bodies (streams, rivers, lakes) across the country. Medications enter these water bodies from various sources that include animal feedlots, land application of organic materials and wastewater treatment plants.

The major concerns to date regarding the presence of medications in surface water bodies have been increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and interference with growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms such as fish and frogs.

Old medications can be dropped off at the collection center in the lobby of the Port Hueneme Police Department. For further information, check www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org.

8. I forgot to put my trash carts out on time! What do I do?

It happens! If you forgot to put your carts curbside by 7 a.m. on your regularly scheduled day, please call (805) 986-6650 and let us know!
For a minimal fee of $17.14 per cart (conveniently added to your Water/Sewer/Trash bill), we will return and empty your carts before close of business the next day.

9. The Solid Waste driver put a ‘tag’ on my cart! The tag says there was a car blocking the cart. What do I do?

In order for our drivers to safely perform their jobs, it is necessary that cars be no closer than 4 feet from the carts. It is the responsibility of each resident to make sure there is enough room for the trash truck ‘arms’ to grasp each cart without the possibility of damage to any vehicles. If your carts are ‘tagged’ please move the vehicle and call (805) 986-6650. A driver will come back within the next 24 hour period at a charge of $17.14 per cart to empty the cart, provided all vehicles have been moved.

10. What items can I place in my recycling cart?

Your Blue Cart is for Household Recyclable Materials, such as:

PAPER: Newspaper, junk-mail, cardboard, gift wrap, paper-white & colored, paper bags, catalogs, envelopes w/staples, telephone books, cereal/snack boxes. Please NO used tissue or paper towels!
GLASS: Soda, juice, beer, wine, jelly, mayo, pickle jars, etc., food & beverage containers. No need to remove labels. Rinse lightly if needed. Please NO mirrors, plate glass, ceramics or Pyrex!
PLASTIC: Soda, water, juice, milk, yogurt containers; any color plastic container. Please NO toys or plastic furniture items.
METAL: Aluminum cans, foil, empty aerosol cans, tin/bimetal cans, metal food trays. Rinse any of the above items if needed.

Please NO furniture, clothing, wood, plastic bags, styrofoam, dirt or greenwaste in Recycle Carts or Bins.

11. Where can I properly dispose of Latex Paint, Antifreeze, Car and Boat Batteries, Motor Oil and Oil Filters?

Port Hueneme and Oxnard Residents only can drop off “Recyclable” Household Wastes at the Del Norte Recycling and Transferring Station. Proof of residency is required. Limit: 15 gallons (in containers 5 gallons or less) or 125 pounds. Do not mix any materials together. Call (805) 385-8060 for more information.

12. What can I do with all my “other” Household Hazardous Wastes, such as oil-based paint, paint products, household cleaners, and pesticides?

Many of the Household Hazardous Waste items are accepted at Clean Harbors Environmental Services for no charge to Port Hueneme Residents. They are located in Camarillo near the Camarillo Airport. Please call (805) 987-0717 for an appointment time.

13. Where do I recycle my computer or other electronic items?

Computer monitors, televisions and other electronic items can be recycled at Del Norte Regional Recycling Center in Oxnard at no charge to Port Hueneme Residents. Please call (805) 385-8060 for more information.

14. Where can I donate or find recyclable items that are still usable but don't belong or fit in my recycle cart?

Please visit the web site at www.habitatventura.org . This is an excellent source to list or find items for free, or a price, that you no longer need or you would like to find..

15. How often is the beach cleaned?

That depends on the time of year. During the summer, it is cleaned more frequently than during the winter months when debris is removed as needed.

16. How do I volunteer for Coastal Clean Up Day?

Coastal Clean Up Day is usually held in September. There are many opportunities to volunteer at different locations. Please visit their website to find out more: Ventura County Coastal Cleanup

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Public Works - Streets

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1. How do I report a pothole in the road?

Please note the street address or intersection, and call (805) 986-6507 or use the City's Reporting site. Report a Concern

2. How do I report a missing street sign?

Please note the street address or intersection, and call (805) 986-6507 or use the City's Reporting site. Report a Concern

3. How do I report a non-working or malfunctioning street light?

Southern California Edison (SCE) maintains street lights in the City. Please contact SCE directly at 1-800-661-1911 or submit your request for service online at https://www.sce.com/outagecenter. SCE Street Light Outage Guide

4. How do I apply for a street encroachment permit?

Please call (805) 986-6507 and provide your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the work. Permit Information and Requirements.

5. How do I get more information for repairing a driveway approach?

Please call (805) 986-6507 and provide your street address and contact email.

6. How do I report a raised or damaged sidewalk?

Please note the street address or intersection, and call (805) 986-6507 or use the City's Reporting site. Report a Concern

7. How do I wash my car in an environmentally friendly way?

Outdoor car washing has the potential to result in high loads of nutrients, dirt, metals and hydrocarbons as the detergent-rich water used to wash the grime off our cars flows from the driveway to the gutter and into the storm drain. These pollutants degrade the water quality of our streams and ocean endangering the wildlife that lives in or near the water.
Small concentrations of detergents in our streams can kill fish and their eggs, as well as inhibit their ability to reproduce. Detergents also add to the problems of aquatic life by lowering the surface tension of water. Fish are then much more likely to absorb organic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers. Detergents can destroy the fish’s external mucus layers that protect them from bacteria and parasites and can severely damage the fish’s gills.
In addition to the detergents, driveway car wash discharges consist of dirt, grease, oil, other automotive fluids, metals and other elements from brake linings, rust, rubber, trace amounts of benzene and chromium, as well as other pollutants. All of these pollutants cause serious water quality problems in our streams and creeks.
Commercial car wash facilities, on the other hand, are required to treat their wash water discharge before releasing it to sanitary sewer systems where the water is cleaned prior to release back into our surface waters. Additionally, most commercial car washes use 60% less water in the entire washing process that simply rinsing your car at home. Most recycle their water.
Changing the way you wash your car is something that everyone can do to make a difference in the quality of our surface waters. If you do wash your car at home, wash it on gravel, grass or other permeable surfaces. Use plain water with a coarse sponge or biodegradable, phosphate-free soap. Use a trigger nozzle on your hose or a bucket to conserve water and minimize runoff. Always empty wash buckets into sinks or toilets.

8. If I see a tree branch in the road, who do I call?

Landscape Maintenance - (805) 986-6560

9. There is a dead animal on the road, who do I call?

Animal Control District – (805) 388-4341

10. What is the phone number for the local bus system?

Gold Coast Transit – (805) 487-4222

11. How do I find out if street sweeping has been cancelled?

Street sweeping in the City of Port Hueneme is done on Thursdays and Fridays. There are only four holidays per year that streets are not swept: New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving (THURSDAY only), and Christmas.

Streets are not swept in the rain, however if it's drizzling, chances are the street sweeper will be coming around. You are allowed to park on the street after the sweeper has passed. If you anticipate a problem with parking on your assigned sweeping day, call City Hall (986-6500) prior to the posted time and provide your vehicle make, color, and license plate number as well as the reason the car cannot be moved.

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Public Works - Wastewater/Stormwater

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1. What is stormwater?

Stormwater refers to rain water that does not absorb into the ground due to “impervious surfaces” such as streets, rooftops, and parking lots. Also called “runoff”, stormwater collects pollutants as it travels and works its way into the stormdrain system. Once stormwater reaches the stormdrain system, it goes directly to rivers, streams, and the ocean. Common problem pollutants include fertilizers, weed killers, oil, grease, trash and bacteria. More info at CleanWatershed.org

2. How do I legally drain my pool or spa?

Click here for details on how to drain your pool or spa. How to Properly and Legally Drain a Pool or Spa

3. How do I report illegal dumping to a stormdrain?

During business hours please call (805) 986-6556 or (805) 986-6661. After business hours please call (805) 986-6538. Nothing except rainwater should ever go into the stormdrain system. Emptying swimming pool water, washing out painting equipment or dumping of any kind is strictly prohibited.

4. How do I find watershed information?

Our watershed is the total land area, including our yards, from which stormwater drains into streams, rivers, and the ocean. Ventura County Watershed Protection District

5. How do I volunteer for Coastal Clean Up Day?

Coastal Clean Up Day is usually held in September. There are many opportunities to volunteer at different locations. Please visit their website to find out more: Ventura County Coastal Cleanup

6. How do I dispose of old medications properly?

Never flush drugs down the toilet. Studies have found very small amounts of medications in surface water bodies (streams, rivers, lakes) across the country. Medications enter these water bodies from various sources that include animal feedlots, land application of organic materials and wastewater treatment plants.

The major concerns to date regarding the presence of medications in surface water bodies have been increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and interference with growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms such as fish and frogs.

Old medications can be dropped off at the collection center in the lobby of the Port Hueneme Police Department. For further information, check www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org.

7. How can I disinfect my drain?

Strange smells coming from your drain are caused by bacteria. To disinfect your drain take these steps. One important thing – do not mix any drain cleaners or detergents with bleach; some combinations can create poisonous fumes.
1. Run the cold water for 15 seconds then turn it off.
2. Pour one to two cups of liquid laundry bleach in a cup of water, then down the drain(s) that smell. Pour the bleach slowly around the edges of the drain so that it runs down the sides. Be careful when you handle the bleach because it can irritate skin and damage clothing.
3. If the smell is coming from a sink with a garbage disposal, turn the disposal on while the bleach is poured. This will spread the bleach around.
4. Let the bleach sit in the drain for about 10 minutes – no longer.
5. After 10 minutes, run the hot water for a few minutes to flush the bleach. Run water down a garbage disposal drain for the same amount of time.
6. Repeat these steps if the smell is still there.

8. Why should I avoid contact with ocean water 3 days after it rains?

Ventura County Environmental Health (VCEH) advises people to avoid body contact with any storm water runoff or ocean water at all Ventura County beaches for 72 hours (3 days) after any rainfall has ended. Storm water runoff has the potential to carry disease-causing bacteria to the beaches and into the ocean water. Any items that come in contact with runoff or ocean water should also be avoided. If contact occurs, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Shellfish on or from Ventura County beaches may have also be exposed to contamination and should not be eaten.

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Public Works - Water

Show All Answers

1. How do I determine if I have a water leak?

You can determine if you have a leak by checking your water meter. The “low flow indicator” on most water meters is a small black triangle, which turns when water is flowing through the meter. If everything inside and outside the house is turned off (such as washing machines, faucets, toilets, etc.) and the black triangle on your meter is turning, there could be a leak somewhere inside or outside the house. For more information please call (805) 986-6661.

2. How do I read my water meter?

The meter is usually located in a polyfiber or concrete box in the front of the home near the street. You can use a large screwdriver to lift the meter box lid to access the water meter inside. When lifting the meter lid, do so slowly and carefully. The lid can be heavy – be careful not to drop the meter box lid on the meter.
Water meters are read like miles on an odometer in a car, except they are read in hundred cubic feet (HCF). Once HCF equals 748 gallons of water. Call (805) 986-6661 for more information.

3. How do I wash my car in an environmentally friendly way?

Outdoor car washing has the potential to result in high loads of nutrients, dirt, metals and hydrocarbons as the detergent-rich water used to wash the grime off our cars flows from the driveway to the gutter and into the storm drain. These pollutants degrade the water quality of our streams and ocean endangering the wildlife that lives in or near the water.
Small concentrations of detergents in our streams can kill fish and their eggs, as well as inhibit their ability to reproduce. Detergents also add to the problems of aquatic life by lowering the surface tension of water. Fish are then much more likely to absorb organic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers. Detergents can destroy the fish’s external mucus layers that protect them from bacteria and parasites and can severely damage the fish’s gills.
In addition to the detergents, driveway car wash discharges consist of dirt, grease, oil, other automotive fluids, metals and other elements from brake linings, rust, rubber, trace amounts of benzene and chromium, as well as other pollutants. All of these pollutants cause serious water quality problems in our streams and creeks.
Commercial car wash facilities, on the other hand, are required to treat their wash water discharge before releasing it to sanitary sewer systems where the water is cleaned prior to release back into our surface waters. Additionally, most commercial car washes use 60% less water in the entire washing process that simply rinsing your car at home. Most recycle their water.
Changing the way you wash your car is something that everyone can do to make a difference in the quality of our surface waters. If you do wash your car at home, wash it on gravel, grass or other permeable surfaces. Use plain water with a coarse sponge or biodegradable, phosphate-free soap. Use a trigger nozzle on your hose or a bucket to conserve water and minimize runoff. Always empty wash buckets into sinks or toilets.

4. How do I irrigate efficiently?

Landscape is often a household’s largest water consumer. Use drought tolerant plants and group them together according to their water needs. Schedule irrigation before 9:00 a.m. and adjust automatic irrigation schedules at least monthly – don’t just “set it and forget it”. Regularly check sprinkler heads for damage and adjust those that are spraying too high in the air or onto pavement. Check for leaks. Use mulch and replace it when necessary. Consider a Weather Based Smart Controller. Use turf grass only when practical for children’s play areas or for pets. Make every drop count!

5. Who should I call if there is a broken sprinkler head and water is shooting out?

Landscape Maintenance - (805) 986-6560

6. Where does our water come from?

The City of Port Hueneme’s primary source of water comes from the Port Hueneme Water Agency (PHWA). The PHWA is a Joint-Powers Agency that provides wholesale water to the City, NBVC Port Hueneme and Point Mugu, and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District.

7. Who is making sure that my water is safe and healthy to drink?

State and county health agencies, your water utility and even you have a role in helping make your tap water safe to drink. California has very strict regulations for the quality of tap water. Port Hueneme must make sure that your water meets these requirements. If for some reason your water did not meet the health and safety regulations, you would be notified immediately. There are also laws and additional state and federal agencies that help keep harmful things out of drinking water sources.
Each of us also has a responsibility to take care of the drinking water on our property. For example, if you use a water filter, make sure you change the filter often so bacteria don’t grow inside and spoil the water. Clean out your older plumbing or drains properly so that your water doesn’t collect odd smells, tastes or colors. While a funny color, taste or smell usually doesn’t mean your water is unsafe, you still may want to correct the problem.

8. Why does my water sometimes look dirty, cloudy, or have a funny color?

From the time your drinking water is purified at a treatment plant until it pours from your tap, there are a lot of chances for it to pick up things that can change the way it looks. Sometimes this happens as close as your home’s own plumbing.
CLOUDY WATER
Water is cloudy when air gets in and makes tiny bubbles. The bubbles are harmless and will disappear if you let the water sit in a glass for a few minutes.
DIRTY WATER
Usually when water looks dirty, it’s because of changes in the way that the water delivery system is being operated. When the direction that water flows in the pipe is changed—for maintenance work on a water main, when a fire hydrant is broken in a car accident, or there is a break in a water main— materials at the bottom of the pipes get stirred up. Usually, the water looks dirty for a short time and you shouldn’t drink it until it looks clear.
One way to speed the dirty water out of your own pipes is to run all of your faucets for a few minutes. If the water is still not clear, then do the same thing again every half hour or so. The problem should go away within two to four hours. If it doesn’t, call (805) 986-6563
COLORED WATER
There are a number of ways that clear water can become discolored. Usually, the color of the water gives some clue as to what’s going on. The following are the most common reasons that water goes from clear to colored and some suggestions that might help get rid of the problem.
ORANGE, RED, BROWN, OR YELLOW WATER
Rust can turn water orange, red, brown or yellow. Rust gets into the water from two places—your water utility’s pipes or your own plumbing.
If you do have rusty water for a while, don’t do laundry because it can stain clothes. Also, don’t use hot water or you might draw the rusty water into your hot water heater and then you’ll need to flush it out later.
GREEN OR BLUE WATER
Algae, which are plants that live in water, make water green. Algae get into open-air reservoirs that store large amounts of our drinking water. Sometimes algae aren’t controlled by the usual treatment. This happens most often in the warmer months when the sun heats up the water and grows food for the algae.
Also, very heavily corroded copper plumbing can sometimes turn water a greenish-blue color. This can happen if your electrical system is grounded to your water pipes. Even keeping your water heater at too high of a temperature can cause a green color.
The only time your water should look really blue is in a toilet where you use a blue-colored bowl cleaner.

9. Why does my water sometimes smell or taste funny?

When your water tastes or smells funny, the problem might be in the water or it may not! You see, odors may actually be coming from your sink drain where bacteria grow on hair, soap, food and other things that get trapped. Gases in the drain that smell get stirred up when water pours into the pipe. Odor can also come from bacteria growing in water heaters—usually ones that have been turned off for a while or have the thermostat set too low.

10. Where do many odd tastes and smells come from and how you get rid of them?

Chlorine or Bleach:
Chlorine is added to tap water to make sure that any harmful germs in the water are killed. When you can taste or smell a bit of chlorine, your water has been properly treated. There are regulations that limit the amount of chlorine added to tap water so that it keeps the water safe to drink.
An easy way to get rid of the chlorine taste and smell is to let water sit in a glass for a few minutes. Then, put the water in a covered container and chill it in the refrigerator. Cold water tastes and smells better than water at room temperature.
Earthy or Musty:
Algae, which are plants that live in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and other bodies of water, naturally make substances that can give your water an earthy or musty smell. Another reason your water may seem to have this smell is because of bacteria that can grow in your drain when things like hair, soap and food get trapped.
Rotten Eggs or Sulphur:
This smell can occur when the source of the water is underground. The smell is from a chemical made by a bacteria and is not harmful in the small amounts found in water. The same smell can also be made by bacteria that grow on hair, soap and food in your drain.
Other tips for getting rid of funny smells:
Since some smells in tap water may be because of problems with your sink drain or water heater, there may be things you can do. To find out if the smell is coming from your sink drain or water heater, rather than the water itself, answer the following questions.
Does the smell come from only some of your faucets?
Does the smell go away after running the water for a few minutes?
If the answer is no — the smell comes from all the faucets and it doesn’t go away in a few minutes, then the problem is likely in the water. To be sure, take a clean glass of water and go to the hose bib at the front of your property. Open it to its fullest, and run it for two minutes. Make sure that you disconnect any hoses before running the water. After that, fill the glass straight from the tap and smell it.
If the odor is really strong, you should contact (805) 986-6563

11. Why does my water leave spots on my glasses, coffeepot, and showerhead?

There are minerals in water that are white and settle when water is heated, cooled, or evaporates. The spots contain nothing harmful. Filling your coffeepot with vinegar and letting it sit overnight, usually removes the spots. Make sure to rinse well before using. You can also clean your showerhead by soaking it in a vinegar-filled bowl. There are some store products you can use to avoid spotting when glasses are washed and allowed to air dry.

12. What is the level of fluoride in the water?

The level of fluoride ranges from .8 mg/L to 1.4 mg/L

13. Is water treated with chloramines hazardous to some pets?

The City of Port Hueneme uses chloramine in its drinking water to maintain a disinfection residual in the distribution system. Chloramine is safe for all pets except those with gills (fish, tadpoles, etc.). Water that contains chloramine (or chlorine) may be treated in a number of ways, including commercial products found in pet supply stores. Just follow the instructions on the package. If you have any questions, consult the manufacturer’s web page, because these products contain varying amounts and types of reactive agent.

14. I am experiencing low water pressure at my residence or business. What could be the cause of the low water pressure?

The most frequent cause of low water pressure is a improperly maintained water softener. The pressure throughout the City of Port Hueneme is about 60 psi.

15. What causes water leaks?

Ground movement, pipe corrosion, soil conditions, age of pipes, poor installation or pipes damaged by others such as underground contractors.

16. What number do I call to report a water leak?

During the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, call (805) 986-6563

17. What is the City of Port Hueneme’s responsibility regarding repairing leaks at a water meter or service connection?

The City of Port Hueneme is responsible for repair of leaks on the street side of the meter or valve and the meter itself including the meter threads on the customer side of the meter. Any pipe repairs on the customer side of the meter are the responsibility of the customer.

18. How are leaks scheduled for repairs?

Leak repairs are prioritized based on many factors including severity of the leak, impacts to public safety and/or the environment, probability of property damage, unsafe traffic conditions, or other issues specific to the situation. Large leaks causing water outage and those that might impact public safety/environment or cause property damage, are typically repaired as soon as possible. Staff are available 24 hours a day to make emergency repairs. If the leak is small, the repair order is held to allow for notification of customers and other utilities and to schedule the work. The Underground Service Alert requires 48 hours notice for planned repairs to allow cities and agencies to locate and mark their utilities. Examples of utilities include gas, electricity, sewer, etc.

19. How can I disinfect my drain?

Strange smells coming from your drain are caused by bacteria. To disinfect your drain take these steps. One important thing – do not mix any drain cleaners or detergents with bleach; some combinations can create poisonous fumes.
1. Run the cold water for 15 seconds then turn it off.
2. Pour one to two cups of liquid laundry bleach in a cup of water, then down the drain(s) that smell. Pour the bleach slowly around the edges of the drain so that it runs down the sides. Be careful when you handle the bleach because it can irritate skin and damage clothing.
3. If the smell is coming from a sink with a garbage disposal, turn the disposal on while the bleach is poured. This will spread the bleach around.
4. Let the bleach sit in the drain for about 10 minutes – no longer.
5. After 10 minutes, run the hot water for a few minutes to flush the bleach. Run water down a garbage disposal drain for the same amount of time.
6. Repeat these steps if the smell is still there.

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Utility Billing

Show All Answers

1. How do I establish water and refuse service?

Applications and deposits are required for each location requesting utility service. Applications are processed through the Finance Department located in City Hall at 250 N. Ventura Road, or by mail or fax by calling (805) 986-6524. Completed applications and deposits received before 1:00 p.m. may have water service turned on between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. that same business day. Applications received after 1:00 p.m. may have water service started the afternoon of the following business day. Utility Service Application

2. How do I discontinue service?

Service may be discontinued either in person at the Finance Department located in City Hall at 250 N. Ventura Road or by calling (805) 986-6524. If calling, verification of the last four digits of the Social Security Number or driver’s license number is required.

3. What is the service charge portion of my bill?

The “Service Charge,” also known as the “Fixed Rate,” is the component of the water bill for all costs to provide, maintain, and operate the City’s water system – regardless of the actual water used. The Service Charge/Fixed Rate includes such items as operation and maintenance costs, piping, capital improvement costs, debt service costs, insurance costs, and administration costs.

4. Who do I call for electricity?

Southern California Edison – (800) 684-8123

5. Who do I call for gas?

The Southern California Gas Company – (800) 427-2200

6. Who do I call for telephone service?

Verizon – Installation – (800) 483-4000

7. Who do I call for Cable TV?

Time Warner Cable – (805) 485-3888