Water Supply & Conservation
EBSD provides fresh water supply under contract with the Laguna Beach County Water District (LBCWD). LBCWD administers all water billings and its water crews maintain all pipelines and connections/disconnections. EBSD passes through the water rates with NO ADDED CHARGES.
- LBCWD’s Customer Service phone number is 949-494-1041
Smart Meters. Smart water meters were installed at all residences by EBSD to help promote water conservation. These water meters allow the customer to know the water consumption on an hourly basis. This will help the customer not only know the household water usage, but also to help detect any leaks. Continuous water usage is a sure sign of a water leak.
- For more information, contact EBSD at 949-494-8572.
Backflow Testing. EBSD provides annual backflow prevention device testing. As required by California Law, each water provider is required to test that the water supply to customers does not allow any “dirty water” to enter a customer’s water supply. These tests are conducted annually at various locations throughout Emerald Bay.
Water Conservation Tips. Southern California has experienced a series of droughts, and EBSD encourages water conservation.
Water System
The water system consists of approximately 6 miles of 4 to 8-inch pipelines that serve the approximate 540 homes of Emerald Bay. In addition, the Emerald Bay Community is divided into three water pressure zones: the highest zone serves the 1400 to 1600 block and the upper portion of the 550 block. The middle zone serves all of the customers north of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) except for the 700 block and the 200 and 300 blocks. The lower zone serves the areas north of PCH (700 block and 300 block and 200 block) and all of the area south (beachside) of PCH. In addition, the EBSD has two pressure reducing vaults that allow the District to serve the lower zones in case of water loss in the upper zones.
Water Supply Source
The water supplied to Southern California comes from two basic sources: the Colorado River and the State Water Project. More information on those can be found at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) websites.
Sewage System
EBSD is empowered to collect, transfer, treat and dispose of sewage. EBSD maintains all sewer collection pipelines, and 7 sewer pumping (lift) stations within its jurisdiction. The South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) provides the treatment and conveyance of wastewater in South Orange County.
EBSD is responsible for the collection and disposal/treatment of the Community’s sewage. The sewage is collected in approximately 6 miles of sewer pipelines and 7 sewer lift (pumping) stations and conveyed through the City of Laguna Beach’s (CLB) sewer collection/pumping system to a sewage treatment plant (the Coastal Treatment Plant) located behind the Ranch Golf Course in Aliso Canyon. That treatment plant is managed by the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA). More information can be found on the SOCWA website.
The sewage system from a resident’s property begins at the sewer lateral that conveys wastewater from the property to the EBSD’s system, usually located in the street, but occasionally in easements located at the back or side of the property. The resident is responsible for the pipeline and connection from the property to the EBSD’s line. An image showing the property owner’s responsibility is available on the Sewer Laterals page. From the sewer lateral, the sewage enters the EBSD system. District crews are able to access this system through a series of sewer manholes. These sewer manholes enable District crews to clean the sewer pipelines of any debris and other materials that may accumulate. The sewage is then conveyed to one of 7 sewer lift (pumping stations). The main sewer lift station is located at the north (inland) end of the tunnel. From this sewer lift station, the sewage is pumped approximately 1700 feet to the CLB sewage system.
Fire Protection
Fire protection is currently provided by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). OCFA Station 11 is within the district. EBSD leases the fire station property from the Emerald Bay Community Association (EBCA) and in turn subleases the fire station to the OCFA. Firefighters at Station 11 are trained by OCFA and serve as volunteers on call for any emergency.
EBSD maintains approximately 70 fire hydrants throughout the community and provides an annual fuel management program which consists of weed abatement for 200 feet beyond the property boundary of the Emerald Bay Community.
As part of the Fire Protection powers, the EBSD funds a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) which is run by volunteer residents within the district. The program is intended to help the community respond and provide assistance during emergencies such as wildfires or earthquakes.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Emerald Bay Community has a very active and ongoing volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Organized following the 1993 Laguna fires that devastated the community. The CERT team is a group of community members who are prepared to assist staff and first responders in emergencies and natural disasters. There are three core roles of a CERT volunteers. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) volunteers coordinate a central communications base, while Zone Leaders and volunteers provide assistance in their neighborhoods, and the Doctor Team is prepared to provide medical care in the event of a major disaster cutting the community off from first responders. The CERT team participates in regular drills and training, the most significant of which is the annual Fall Drill, where team members role play their response to a potential disaster scenario. For more information, please contact Michael Dunbar, General Manager of the Emerald Bay Service District for the Emerald Bay Community Association (EBCA).
Trash and Solid Waste
EBSD collects and removes all trash on the beach, the creek, and the common areas of the district. EBSD funds this service through solid waste collection by Waste Management.
Infrastructure (Street Repair)
EBSD provides for the engineering of the removal and replacement of the curbs and gutters along the streets of Emerald Bay. In addition, EBSD funds and maintains the storm drain pipes for hydrology, flood control and diversion of nuisance water as well as other infrastructure improvements.
EBSD funds a street sweeper that regularly provides street sweeping three days a week throughout Emerald Bay. This helps clean up debris, oil drippings and other materials that have accumulated in the gutters and avoid runoff to the ocean.
Parks and Recreation
EBSD evaluates parks and recreation services to be provided annually. EBSD has provided beach lifeguard service during the months of April through October. EBSD typically funds the Emerald Bay Community’s Fourth of July Fireworks display to help promote a fire safe holiday celebration. EBSD has contracted with a barge/tugboat service to discharge the fireworks from the bay for all to enjoy. As part of its environmental charge, the EBSD retains the services of a private boat to survey the area after the fireworks to clean up any debris along the shore.
Law Enforcement and Security
EBSD funds the services of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for police protection. The Orange County Sheriff staff patrols the Emerald Bay Community daily. In addition, EBSD contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for community events such as the Fourth of July.
The Emerald Bay Community Association currently employs a Director of Security, several full-time officers and part time officers to provide 24/7 patrol coverage throughout the community. EBSD contributes to the costs incurred by the Community Association for some of these services.
