Water surveys help residents and property owners identify opportunities to improve water efficiency both indoors and outdoors. Free residential survey programs are available to property owners and tenants located within the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department’s service area. If you receive your water bill from another agency, please contact that agency for its available programs.

To schedule a survey or for more information, call 619-980-9754 or email watersurvey@sandiego.gov with your name and daytime phone number.

Single and Multi-Family (Up to Eight Units) Water Survey Program

This free program is available citywide to water customers who receive their bill from the City of San Diego. A Water Conservation representative will conduct a walkthrough of your property and provide personalized recommendations for improving water use efficiency.

During the survey, the representative will:

• Check toilets for common issues like worn flappers or continuous running.
• Inspect faucets and showerheads for drips or outdated aerators.
• Provide guidance on water-efficient appliances such as high-efficiency washing machines and dishwashers.
• Perform a basic water pressure reading, when feasible.
• Evaluate the irrigation system for visible inefficiencies such as tilted or clogged sprinkler heads, overspray, or misting due to high pressure.
• Recommend landscaping practices that support water conservation, such as turf replacement and soil aeration.

Participants may receive free water-saving devices, including low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Since this program emphasizes education, the tenant or property occupant must be present during the survey.

Please see the Residential Water Survey Brochure for more information.

Multi-Family (More Than Eight Units) Water Survey Program

Designed for larger residential properties, this program trains on-site maintenance staff to conduct basic water-use evaluations throughout the property.

City staff will:

• Demonstrate how to assess indoor water fixtures such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads for performance and efficiency.
• Provide instructions on documenting survey findings for each unit.
• Coordinate with an irrigation specialist to evaluate landscape irrigation systems and suggest improvements.
• Offer water-saving devices such as showerheads and faucet aerators, based on the survey results submitted.

To conduct the initial training, one to two units must be available for access during the appointment.

Please note: These surveys are intended to provide basic efficiency evaluations and conservation recommendations. They do not constitute a specialized leak detection service. 

The water survey programs below are provided free of charge to commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) customers in the City of San Diego.

CII Irrigation Checkup

CII customers with a property less than 1 acre will receive an Irrigation Checkup and water-saving recommendations. Commercial landscape irrigation can make up 25% to 30% of total water use. Skilled surveyors will review the water-use history of the property to determine where water savings are possible. To schedule a survey, or for more information, please call 619-980-9754, or email us at watersurvey@sandiego.gov and provide your name and daytime phone number.

Large Landscape Survey

CII and residential customers with a property larger than 1 acre can apply for a landscape survey at www.watersmartcheckup.org. 

Water-Wise Business Survey Program

This program provides a customized review of commercial landscape water usage, including an on-site visit to identify areas where water use efficiencies can be achieved and effectively implemented. Recommendations can help customers use water more efficiently and save energy. Download a Water-Wise Business Survey Brochure for additional information.

To schedule a Water-Wise Business Survey, please complete this Water-Wise Business Survey Request Form and email it to waterwisebusiness@sandiego.gov. You can also call 619-980-9754 to speak to a representative.

Guaranteed Water for Industry Program

The Guaranteed Water for Industry Program exempts research and development or industrial manufacturing firms from mandatory water restrictions in times of drought in exchange for their participation in daily water conservation programs, including the use of recycled water. More information about the program and how to participate is available on the City's Economic Development website.