Moving day is exciting, but having water, power, gas, trash, and internet ready when you arrive matters even more. If you are moving to Menifee, a few quick steps will save you time, fees, and stress. This guide shows you exactly how to start EMWD water and sewer service, plus electricity, natural gas, trash, and internet. You will also get timelines, what to have ready, and local contacts. Let’s dive in.
Know your Menifee providers
- Water and sewer: Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) serves most homes in Menifee.
- Electricity: Southern California Edison (SCE) provides power and PSPS alerts.
- Natural gas: Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) provides gas service.
- Trash and recycling: Waste Management of the Inland Empire is the City’s franchise hauler.
- Internet: Availability varies by address. Common options include Spectrum, Frontier, AT&T, and Verizon 5G Home.
Set up EMWD water and sewer
Start service step by step
- Confirm your address is in EMWD’s service area, then start your request online or by phone. Use EMWD’s Start/Stop Service page or call 1‑800‑426‑3693. Start or stop EMWD service
- Choose your move‑in date and complete the application. If the home is new and there is no meter, EMWD Development Services will guide you through a different process.
- Watch for confirmation and any next steps. EMWD may require a deposit when opening a new account.
What to have ready
- Service address and move‑in date
- Photo ID and contact info
- Proof of occupancy or ownership (lease or deed)
- Billing address if different, and SSN or alternate ID if requested
- Expect a deposit to be assessed for new orders. For details, review EMWD’s billing policies or call Customer Service. EMWD billing policies
How EMWD bills for water and sewer
- Water: EMWD uses billing units (1 BU equals 748 gallons) and a personalized water budget with tiered rates. In 2025, example residential tiers include Tier 1 at $1.41 per BU, Tier 2 at $4.17 per BU, Tier 3 at $7.11 per BU, and Tier 4 at $13.72 per BU. Your budget considers household size and irrigated landscape. Water budgets and tiered rates
- Wastewater (sewer): Charges use area‑specific blocks. Menifee is within EMWD’s wastewater service Areas. See the current wastewater blocks and rates for your address. Wastewater blocks and rates
Paying your bill and getting help
- Payment options: You can pay online via MyAccount, by phone, by mail, at EMWD’s office, or at participating retail locations.
- If you need assistance: EMWD offers payment extensions, Budget Billing, EMWD Assist (with medical certification), and the Help2Others program with United Way. Eligibility requires documentation. Start early to avoid fees or shutoff. EMWD payment assistance
- If you fall behind: EMWD’s delinquency timeline includes notices, late fees, and a door hanger before shutoff, which can occur around day 83 for nonpayment. Contact EMWD as soon as you need help to discuss options at 1‑800‑426‑3693. Delinquency timeline
- Emergencies: EMWD posts 24/7 emergency instructions on its Start/Stop page. Use the Customer Service number above for non‑urgent questions. EMWD start/stop service
Electricity with SCE
- Create an SCE account and start service for your move‑in date.
- Sign up for outage and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) alerts, especially if you rely on medical devices.
- Keep the SCE customer number handy for questions or to report outages: 1‑800‑655‑4555. Find local PSPS guidance on the City’s page. Menifee PSPS resources
Natural gas with SoCalGas
- Start, transfer, or stop service online. A one‑time service fee may appear on your first bill, and a technician may need access to your home if gas must be turned on. Start SoCalGas service
- If you use assistance programs, ask about CARE or fixed‑payment options when you move. SoCalGas payment programs
Trash, recycling, and bulky items
- Waste Management is the City’s franchise hauler. Use the City’s Solid Waste page for service setup, cart delivery, schedules, and programs. Residents typically receive up to four free bulky item pickups per year. Contact WM at 800‑423‑9986. Menifee residential waste services
- Menifee follows California’s organics recycling rules. Review how to sort properly to avoid contamination fees. Organics and recycling in Menifee
Internet options by address
Internet choices vary by street and even by side of the block. Always run each provider’s address checker and compare speed, data caps, installation fees, and lead times. Spectrum has a Menifee location and online availability tool. Check Spectrum availability
Tips:
- If your home is already wired, a self‑install kit may be available.
- If a technician visit or new line is required, schedule 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
- Consider a 5G fixed wireless backup if fiber or cable is not available.
New construction or never‑connected homes
If your home is new and not yet connected to water, sewer, or power, you will follow development processes with added timelines and fees. For water and sewer, contact EMWD’s Development Services via the Start/Stop page. For electric and gas extensions, contact SCE and SoCalGas builder services. EMWD development contact
What to prepare and when to schedule
Documents checklist
- Service address and move‑in date
- Lease or deed, plus photo ID
- Phone, email, and billing address
- SSN or alternate ID if requested by the utility
Recommended lead times
- EMWD water/sewer: Apply a few business days before move‑in for existing meters. New construction takes longer.
- SCE and SoCalGas: Account transfers often complete within a few business days. If a technician visit is required, plan 1 to 2 weeks ahead.
- Internet: Lead time varies most. If technician install is needed, schedule 2 to 4 weeks ahead. For self‑install, plan 3 to 10 days.
- Trash/WM: Contact as soon as you have your address to arrange carts and billing.
Quick notes for buyers and renters
- If utilities are still in the seller’s name, do not wait. Call to open your own accounts. EMWD does not automatically switch accounts when a home closes. Start EMWD service
- Expect possible deposits or service fees for new utility accounts. For specifics, check each provider’s policy pages or call customer service.
- If you anticipate payment challenges, contact EMWD and energy providers early to explore assistance options.
Ready to make Menifee home with less stress? If you want local guidance on neighborhoods, timelines, and a smooth closing experience backed by integrated lending, reach out to Tiffany Williams for trusted, start‑to‑finish support.
FAQs
How do I start EMWD water and sewer service in Menifee?
- Use EMWD’s Start/Stop Service page or call 1‑800‑426‑3693, submit your move‑in date and documents, and be prepared for a deposit if assessed. Start here
How does EMWD’s water budget affect my bill?
- EMWD assigns a personalized budget based on household size and irrigated landscape, then bills in tiers with 2025 rates from $1.41 to $13.72 per 748 gallons. See rates
Who handles trash and bulky pickups in Menifee?
- Waste Management is the City’s hauler; residents can request services and typically get four free bulky pickups per year through the City’s program. Learn more
What should I know about SCE PSPS alerts in Menifee?
- Sign up for SCE outage and PSPS alerts, make a plan for medical devices and refrigerated items, and keep SCE’s 1‑800‑655‑4555 number handy. City PSPS info
Does SoCalGas charge a fee to start service?
- SoCalGas notes a one‑time service fee on the first bill and may need a technician to access your home if gas must be turned on. Start gas service
Where can I check internet availability for my Menifee address?
- Run provider address checkers; Spectrum publishes a Menifee page with store and availability details. Check Spectrum
