Doing Business with Western Water
Western Water welcomes the opportunity to work with qualified vendors, contractors, and professional service providers. We are committed to providing fair, transparent, and competitive procurement practices that ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Western Water policies.
Western Water procures a wide range of goods and services, including:
- Construction and Capital Improvement Facilities Projects (CIFP) support
- Professional and technical services
- Equipment, materials, and supplies
- Maintenance and operational services
Opportunities vary in size and complexity and are issued as needed throughout the year.
General solicitations
Depending on scope and dollar value, Western Water may issue informal quotes, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and/or Invitations for Bid (IFBs). Vendors must follow all instructions and submit responses by the stated deadlines.
CIFP projects
CIFP projects are generally administered by the Engineering Department and often involve formal bidding, public advertising, and additional regulatory requirements.
Professional services
Professional services are selected based on qualifications, experience, and ability to meet project requirements, and may include interviews or evaluations.
Insurance, licensing, and compliance
Vendors may be required to provide proof of insurance, bonding, and valid licenses, and to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including prevailing wage and grant-related requirements when applicable.
Contracts, invoicing, and payment
Work may not begin until a purchase order or contract is fully executed. Invoices must reference the correct purchase order or contract number and comply with agreed-upon terms to ensure timely payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Western Water provides water to wholesale and retail customers in western Riverside County, including portions of Riverside, Murrieta, Perris, Corona, and Norco, as well as unincorporated areas such as Riverside, March Air Reserve Base, Temecula, Elsinore, Wildomar, Jurupa, and Rubidoux. We also provide wastewater treatment services for areas of Riverside, March Air Reserve Base, Norco, and Corona.
To begin the process, please visit the Vendor Portal, where you can register as a bidder online, search for bid requests, download documents, and bid electronically (where applicable).
Western Water uses a competitive bidding process through PlanetBids. Purchases or contracts for materials, supplies, equipment, and services are based, whenever possible and practicable, on competitive solicitation within approved guidelines. Prospective vendors are encouraged to register as a bidder on PlanetBids.
Yes. A contractor’s license is generally required before entering into a contract to perform construction work if the work meets criteria defined in the California Business and Professions Code.
Western Water checks the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website to verify license status. If your license cannot be verified, Western Water will not initiate a business relationship.
Vendors providing professional services such as a land surveyor, professional engineer, attorney, architect, etc., must possess and maintain all required professional licenses, registrations, or certifications for the duration of the contract.
Some specialties require additional licensing, such as a Pest Control Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL).
Prevailing wages are minimum hourly wage rates (including specified fringe benefits) that must be paid to workers on certain public works projects in California. These rates are set by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and are based on the type of work and location, and are typically derived from wage rates established in collective bargaining agreements.
Generally, prevailing wage requirements apply to public works projects of $1,000 or more. Requirements are governed by the California Labor Code (Sections 1720–1861) and administered by DIR.
Public works refers to construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work (including maintenance) performed under contract using public funds.
Please refer to the DIR website at Public Works for further information.
All contractors and subcontractors must register with DIR before bidding on or performing public works in California.
No contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a public works contract unless registered with the DIR.
For details and exceptions, visit DIR’s Public Works Frequently Asked Questions page.
Gifts or other symbols of appreciation may compromise the integrity of professional relationships and violate Western Water’s policies. Vendors and contractors are encouraged not to make such offers to employees.
Invoices are processed after proof of delivery and in accordance with the terms set forth in the purchase order or contract. All invoices must include the purchase order or contract number to ensure timely processing.
Yes. Please refer to the insurance requirements page for details.
An authorized purchase is one in which a purchase order or contract has been issued by Western Water’s Purchasing Division. Vendors should ensure they receive an authorized purchase order or contract before providing goods or services. Responding to requests without an authorized purchase order is done at the vendor’s own risk.
Still need help? Contact us.
Contact Western Water’s Purchasing team via email or call 9514.571.7100.