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.