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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Works

Brea Street WorkersWater Division

My water bill usage seems higher than it should be. What can I do? 
Oftentimes water usage increases due to a leaky faucet or toilet. If you cannot pinpoint a leak, call (714) 990-7691 and schedule free leak detection from the Water Division. A courteous, knowledgeable representative will come to your residence and perform a check to help you find a leak. Also, at your request, the City can provide a free conservation kit, which includes a showerhead flow tester, a new flapper for the toilet tank, a water gauge to check lawn sprinklers, and wildflower seeds.  

I have a water leak at my house. Will the City fix it?
The homeowner is responsible for all water leaks after the water meter and inside the house. The water meter is generally located in the parkway in front of the property. Maintenance Services will assist you in turning off the water at the meter in order to allow you or your plumber to do repairs. Call (714) 990-7691 to schedule this service.  

Where does Brea water come from?
Brea purchases water from two suppliers. One is the Metropolitan Water District, which is surface water from the Colorado River and the California Water Project. The second is Cal Domestic Water Company, which is pumped from wells in the San Gabriel Valley. These two waters are blended to provide the water you get from the tap. Each year the City publishes a Consumer Confidence report detailing the levels of minerals found in the water. A copy is sent out to each water customer. Specific questions can be answered by the Water Supervisor at (714) 990-7691.

Street Division

Why did the street sweeper skip my house today? 
A parked car was blocking the area. Street sweepers take up to two car lengths, before and after parked vehicles, to swing out and around a parked car. The City of Brea has a general parking ordinance regarding parking on street sweeping days and tickets can be issued to vehicles illegally parked in the sweeper's path.
 

Contact the Public Works Department at (714) 990-7691 with questions about street sweeping days and rules.

How do I get my sidewalk repaired?
Every year the Public Works Department budgets funds for sidewalk repairs. The repairs can range from grinding lifted areas, to ramping areas to eliminate a trip hazard, to replacing sections of concrete. You may call and report needed repairs at (714) 990-7691.
 

My streetlight is out, what do I do? 
The Public Works Department does monthly checks of all streetlights to locate any problems. If you notice a light out or blinking on and off, call (714) 990-7691 to make a report. Our staff will then schedule the repair if the light is owned by the City, or send the report to Edison should the light be their responsibility.  

How often are the lines on the streets painted? 
The City provides for the re-striping of all streets once per year. This includes school and regular crosswalks, stop bars, and legends.

How do I get a pothole repaired? 
Call the Public Works Department at (714) 990-7691 to report a pothole. The Department attempts to be proactive in repairing potholes, but your help is needed in finding all of them. The department will dispatch a repair crew to the site and make needed repairs, except for Valencia Avenue and Imperial Highway, which are repaired by CalTrans. 

I noticed a traffic light burned out. Who should I call? 
If a traffic signal light within the City of Brea is not functioning, call Public Works at (714) 990-7691 during normal business hours. If after hours or on weekends, call Brea police dispatch at (714) 990-7911. For those signals on Imperial Highway, CalTrans will be the responsible agency.

How often are the storm drains cleaned? 
The City schedules a crew to clean all storm drains each year before the rainy season to help insure proper flow of runoff. Please remember that these storm drains drain into the ocean. Never put anything into the drain that is harmful to the environment, this includes motor oil, coolant, pesticides, herbicides or other organic materials. Always dispose of these items properly.

Who is responsible for
my sewer line?
Each property owner is responsible for maintaining the sewer line (lateral) from the property to the connection with the City's sewer main. The lateral will often continue off the property out to the sewer main, which is generally near the middle of the street. The City cleans all sewer mains at least once per year, more often in some areas. If you have questions about your sewer line, call (714) 990-7691 and ask for the Street Division Supervisor.

Parks and Landscape Division

How do I get my parkway tree trimmed? 
Each type of City-owned parkway tree has been assigned a trimming schedule. This is every three years for all trees except palm trees. The palm trees are trimmed on a yearly schedule. Based on this schedule, the City of Brea contracts with a vendor to trim the trees. If you believe your tree needs trimming now, call (714) 990-7691 to make a request. 

I see advertising signs in street medians. Who can get rid of those?
Besides the parks, other city landscaping areas include city buildings and medians. If you notice debris, damage, or unsightly temporary signs (many of which are illegal, by the way) on public spaces, call Public Works at 714 990-7691 to report it. These will be removed. 

There is a problem with the play equipment at my local park. What should I do? 
The City strives to keep the play equipment safe and fun. To do this, all equipment is inspected frequently for loose parts and other safety issues. If you notice something amiss call (714) 990-7691 to report the problem, or if you see a parks worker nearby, let him know.

The restroom at the park is in need of repair or cleaning. Who takes care of this? 
The Public Works Department cleans and inspects the restrooms at least once every day of the week. If you see a broken water pipe, restroom fixture, lighting that does not work, overflowing trashcans, or other mess, call (714) 990-7691 to report the problem.

The park has flooded areas or sprinklers that are not working properly. How can I report the problem? 
The department does regular checks to the irrigation systems at all of the City' s parks to minimize problems. If you see a sprinkler problem, leaking water fountains, water coming out of the ground, or other water related problems, call (714) 990-7691.

The activity I am planning at the park requires electricity. Will power be available at the park?
The City does not provide power outlets at the parks. If you need power you must provide your own, usually via a portable generator. 

How do I find out the condition of the playing fields at Brea parks?
The Community Services Department maintains a hotline that announces field open or closed conditions. The hotline can be reached by dialing (714) 671-4437.

Can my parkway tree be removed?
Generally the City does not remove parkway trees. The City strives to maintain as large an urban forest as possible. Certain exceptions are made for tree removals. Please call (714) 990-7691 to speak to the Landscape, Parks and Parkway Trees supervisor if you have specific questions regarding tree removal.


How do I get a parkway tree planted?
Each year the Public Works Department budgets for a limited number of tree plantings, either as replacements for dead or dying trees, or as additions to the urban forest. The type of trees existing in your neighborhood will determine the species of trees planted. To request a tree, call (714) 990-7691.


Miscellaneous
 

Can I park my vehicle on the street overnight?
Parking on all City streets is restricted to 30 minutes between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.  Residents without adequate on-site parking (garage, carport or driveway) can apply for a Parking Permit at the Community Development Department on the third floor of the Brea CIvic & Cultural Center.  For information or an application, click here. Or contact Community Development at (714) 671-4406. 

How do I report graffiti?
 
The City of Brea maintains a hotline for the reporting of graffiti. It is available 24 hours per day. Call (714) 671-4465 to make a recorded report.

There is a dead animal in the street, how can it be removed?
The City of Brea contracts with the County of Orange for animal control services. Dead animals can be reported by calling Animal Control at (714) 935-6848.

Who do I call about flies, rats and mosquitoes?
The County of Orange Vector Control Agency handles all calls regarding fly, rat, and mosquito infestations. The number to call is (714) 971-2421.