About Water Services

Anaheim Public Utilities Water Services began in 1879 when the leaders of Anaheim took responsibility for operating the water production and distribution system. The original system included 1 shallow well, a 20,000-gallon redwood storage tank and 1 mile of wooden pipeline. 

In the following century we provided the residents and businesses of Anaheim with the water they needed to succeed. As the city has grown we have responded by developing new water systems to meet the future needs of Anaheim. We are more than just a utility – we are an integral part of the community that we serve.

Definitions

  • 1 acre-foot = approximately 326,000 gallons - The amount needed to cover 1 acre of land (about the size of a football field) with water at a depth of 1 foot; enough water to serve 2 typical families in and around the home for 1 year
  • 1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons
  • 100 cubic feet = 748 gallons – The unit of measure used to bill customers
  • GPM = gallons per minute, a measure of flow

Did You Know?

  • Anaheim operates its own state-certified water quality laboratory.
  • More than 44,000 tests are conducted by Anaheim annually to make sure drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards.
  • Anaheim is one of a few cities nationwide with a "Class 1" Water System and Fire Department rating.
  • Water demand total over 20 billion gallons a year, with the highest distribution in a single day topping 107 million gallons.
  • Anaheim Public Utilities serves water to customers at elevations ranging from less than 60 feet to over 1,200 feet above sea level.
  • Groundwater, pumped by Anaheim Public Utilities' own wells, is our most reliable and inexpensive source of water.
  • Prior to the early 1940s, wells were the sole source of water for Anaheim.

Water Supply

Anaheim's water supply comes primarily from groundwater pumped from local wells, with the balance coming from purchases of imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).

A cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 19 million people in 6 counties, MWD imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies.

Utitities Audited Finacials and Continuing Disclosure

Updated February 2021
Sources of Water for Anaheim
(million gallons)
Annual Water Production 
18,184 MG
Metropolitan Water District 
3,581 MG
From water system wells  
14,603 MG
Updated February 2021
Storage Capacity 
 #
(million gallons)
Treated 
 12 Facilities 
35.75 MG
Untreated 1 Reservoir
920 MG

August F. Lenain Water Treatment Plant


Operating on a site adjacent to the 920 million gallon Walnut Canyon Reservoir, the Lenain Water Treatment Plant treats up to 20 million gallons of drinking water a day for Anaheim consumers. It is the only city-owned filtration plant in Orange County.

Lenain uses conventional treatment processes, as well as ozone disinfection, to help make sure Anaheim water continues to exceed all state and federal standards for drinking water. The facility also includes a fully equipped water quality laboratory and the operations control center for Anaheim Public Utilities' water system.
Updated February 2021
Distribution Facilities
      
Fire Hydrants
7,956
Pump Stations
9
Water Mains
758 miles
Updated February 2021
Number of Meters
      
Commercial/Industrial
7,123
Residential
54,901
Other
2,144
Total Meters
64,168
FY 2021/22 - Jan. 2023
Number of Gallons Sold (in Millions)
      
Commercial/Industrial
7,267
Residential
10,455
Other
246
Total Sales
17,988
FY 2021/22 - Jan. 2023
Revenue from Sales
      
Commercial/Industrial
$37,708,000
Residential
$59,024,000
Other
$4,187,000
Total Sales
$100,919,000
FY 2021/22 - Jan. 2023
Daily Demand (millions gallons)
      
Average Daily Demand
52.2
Peak Day Demand During Summer
66.9