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Public Works

Show All Answers

1. 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

2. 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.

3. How can I get my cracked/tearing trash or recycle cart replaced?

As the trash and recycle carts age, sometimes a crack develops, especially at the back of the cart below the handle. This makies it hard to push the cart and for the lid to close correctly. Our experience shows this mostly happening with the older gray trash carts. If this sounds like your cart, please call (805) 986-6650 to arrange for a replacement

4. 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.

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

Call 805-986-6507 or email jlott@cityofporthueneme.org
Please provide the street address or intersection.

6. How do I report a missing street sign?

Call 805-986-6507 or email jlott@cityofporthueneme.org
Please provide the street address or intersection

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

Southern California Edison maintains street lights in the City.
For faster service, you can contact Southern California Edison directly.
Call 1-800-661-1911 or submit your request for service on the internet at: https://www.sce.com/Onc/DescribeOutage.aspx
If you prefer, you can contact the City and we will forward your request for you.
To contact the City, call 805-986-6507 or email jlott@cityofporthueneme.org

Please provide the street address or intersection, the pole number (if known), and describe the nature of your request (such as: flickering, always off/on, damaged)

8. Apply for a street encroachment permit?

Call 805-986-6507 or email jlott@cityofporthueneme.org
Please provide your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the work.

9. Get more information for repairing a driveway approach?

Call 805-986-6507 or email jlott@cityofporthueneme.org
Please provide your street address & contact email

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

Call 805-986-6507 or email jlott@cityofporthueneme.org
Please provide the street address or intersection.

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

During business hours please call 986-6556 or 986-6661. After business hours please call 986-6530.

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.

12. 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, etcetera) 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.

13. How do I read the water meter myself?

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.

14. Find watershed information?

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

http://www.cleanwatershed.org/

http://portal.countyofventura.org/portal/page/portal/PUBLIC_WORKS/Watershed_Protection_District

15. Volunteer for Coastal Clean Up Day?

Coastal Clean Up Day is September 15th, 2012. There are many opportunities to volunteer at different locations. Please visit vccoastalcleanup.org to choose a scheduled clean up site.

16. 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.

17. 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.

For more information, visit www.cleanwatershed.org.

18. 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.

19. 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!

20. Find water conservation and efficiency information?

Go to the following sites:

http://portal.countyofventura.org/portal/page/portal/ceo/divisions/ira/WC/Water_Use_Efficiency

http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/sustain/wec_wp.cfm

http://socalwatersmart.com/index.php

http://www.epa.gov/watersense/

http://www.bewaterwise.com

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

Landscape Maintenance - (805) 986-6560

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

Landscape Maintenance – (805) 986-6560

23. I see some graffiti, who should I call?

Facility Maintenance – (805) 986-6592

24. 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.

25. There is a dead animal in the road, who should I call?

Animal Control District – (805) 388-4341

26. Who do I call for electricity?

Southern California Edison – (800) 684-8123

27. Who do I call for gas?

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

28. Who do I call for telephone service?

Verizon – Installation – (800) 483-4000

29. Who do I call for Postal Service?

United Postal Service – 560 East Pleasant Valley Road – (800) 275-8777

30. Who do I call for cable tv?

Time Warner Cable – (805) 485-3888

31. What are the phone numbers for the local school districts?

Hueneme School District – (805) 488-3588

Oxnard Union High School District – (805) 486-8603

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

Gold Coast Transit – (805) 487-4222

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. How do I get rid of problems with colored water?

You may be able to get rid of some of the problems with colored water yourself or with the help of a plumber if the problem is with your plumbing or hot water heater.

Here are some simple questions that may tell you whether the problem is on your end or not:

Is the water colored when you first turn on the tap in the morning or after not using it for a while?
Does the water run clear after a few minutes?
Are only some of your taps affected?
Are you the only one in the neighborhood with the problem?
Is it only the hot water that is colored?
If you answered yes to any of the first four questions, then the problem is probably with your plumbing. If you answered yes to the last question, the problem is probably with your water heater. In either case, you should call a plumber.

If you answered no to these questions, then you should call (805) 986-6563

Here’s another way to find out if the colored water is related to a plumbing problem on your property or your water heater. Check your water by filling a large white bowl or bucket with water from the hose bib or faucet closest to your water meter. Let the water run for two full minutes and then fill the bucket or bowl with water.
If it is clear, then the problem is most likely related to the inside plumbing or water heater. If not, you should contact your utility because the problem may be in their water pipes.

37. 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.

38. 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

39. 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.

40. How do I arrange for a bulky item pick-up?

Bulky items pick-ups are done once per week 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.

Bulky Item Pick-Up Rates:

Minimum charge for pick-up of bulky items; not to exceed 5 items per pickup. (Effective July 1, 2011)

A. Small chair, tire, filled plastic bag, sink, $16.79 per item or small box (2’x2’x2’) weighing less than 25 lbs.

B. Mattress, box spring, water heater, recliner, $23.01 per item or medium box (3’x3’x3’) weighing less than 40 lbs.

C. Large appliances not including refrigerators, large furniture, $31.72 per item couch, carpet, bundles of wood, bathtub, or large box (4’x4’x4’) weighing more than 40 lbs.

D. Refrigerator including freon removal $37.32 per item

E. Television or computer monitor (including CPU): Old TVs and computer monitors may be taken to Del Norte Regional Recyling Center in Oxnard. Please call (805) 278-8200 for more information.

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

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

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

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

42. 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.

43. 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.

44. What causes water leaks?

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

45. 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

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. 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 986-6650 and let us know!
For a minimal fee of $15.24 per cart, we will return and empty your carts before close of business the next day.

50. 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 986-6650. A driver will come back within the next 24 hour period at a charge of $15.24 per cart to empty the cart, provided all vehicles have been moved.

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

Please recycle
PAPER (newspaper/junk-mail, cardboard, gift wrap, paper-white & colored, paper bags, catalogs, envelopes w/staples, telephone books, cereal/snack boxes)- Please NO 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, ceramics or Pyrex!!!
PLASTIC (Soda, water, juice, milk containers. Any color narrow neck plastic container with a #1 or #2 on the bottom
METAL (Aluminum cans/foil, empty aerosol cans, tin/bimetal cans, metal food trays. Rinse any of the above items if needed.)
PLEASE PLACE RECYCLING IN BLUE CARTS OR CONTAINERS LABELED
‘RECYCLING ONLY’

52. 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 the “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.

53. 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 CleanHarbors Environmental Services which is located in Camarillo near the Camarillo Airport. Please call 987-0717 for an appointment time.

54. 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. Please call 278-8200 and ask for the Buy-Back Center.

55. 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..