Setting Up Utilities In Portola Valley: Water, Waste, Internet

Moving to Portola Valley and wondering who turns on the water, takes the trash, or brings internet to your door? You are not alone. Because many properties use a mix of public utilities and private systems, setup can feel confusing during a busy move. This guide walks you through who serves what, how to start or transfer service, key permits to know, and realistic timelines so you can move in with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Confirm your property’s systems

Before you schedule anything, confirm whether your home uses public services or private systems. Some addresses connect to public water and sewer. Others use private wells and onsite septic systems regulated by the County.

• Water: Cal Water Bear Gulch vs a private well.
• Wastewater: West Bay Sanitary District sewer vs a private septic system.
• Solid waste: Town-contracted curbside service.
• Internet: Address-specific options that can vary by street.

If you are unsure, start with the seller’s disclosures, then verify with the agencies listed below.

Water setup in Portola Valley

Most homes on public water are served by the California Water Service Bear Gulch District. Review the district’s latest water quality details in the Bear Gulch Consumer Confidence Report and contact the district to start or transfer service. You will typically provide proof of ownership or tenancy, an ID, and your preferred activation date. Check the Bear Gulch water quality report and district details.

Some properties use a private well. In that case, San Mateo County Environmental Health regulates permits, testing, and new well construction. If you plan to drill a new well or make changes, factor in time for permitting and inspections. See San Mateo County’s well and land use guidance.

Expect public water transfers to process in a few days once you contact the utility. New wells or major changes can take weeks to months, depending on design and permitting.

Sewer vs septic basics

Parts of Portola Valley connect to the West Bay Sanitary District (WBSD). If your parcel is on sewer, WBSD is your contact for hookups, laterals, permits, and maintenance. Confirm service and learn how WBSD operates.

Many parcels use onsite wastewater systems, often called septic or OWTS. San Mateo County Environmental Health oversees permits for new systems, repairs, percolation testing, and inspections. If a home is on septic, request maintenance logs, pump history, and permit records, and confirm whether the system is conventional or an alternative design. Review County septic and OWTS requirements.

Planning an accessory dwelling unit on a sewered property? The Town’s ADU overview lists a sample sewer connection fee of $4,370, which helps with budgeting. Requirements differ if you are on septic. See the Town’s ADU fee example and guidance.

Trash, recycling, and organics

Curbside collection in Portola Valley is provided by GreenWaste Recovery under the Town’s program. New owners should confirm cart sizes, collection day, and billing method, then set up or transfer service. You can also schedule bulky-item pickups and learn about composting and special disposal needs through the Town. Start with the Town’s waste and recycling page.

If you have sandbags or materials that need special handling, follow the Town’s directions for safe disposal. Find local guidance on disposal and Public Works contacts.

Internet and connectivity options

Internet availability is very address specific in Portola Valley. Xfinity cable covers much of the town, and AT&T offers fiber or IPBB in many neighborhoods, but not all. Always check the provider’s address lookup before relying on a specific speed tier or technology. See an overview of local fiber and internet coverage.

For properties that are hard to wire, alternatives include fixed wireless, 5G home internet, or satellite. Starlink is available across much of the U.S., and you can verify service by address. Learn how to check Starlink availability.

If a provider must trench, run cable, or mount exterior equipment, permits may apply. Call 811 before you dig and follow the Town’s encroachment and Public Works guidance. Review local permit reminders and contacts.

Move-in checklist

• Confirm water source. If on Cal Water Bear Gulch, request a start or transfer date. If on a private well, obtain the well log and latest water test, and review County records.
• Confirm sewer vs septic. If on septic, request pump and maintenance history and County permits. If on WBSD sewer, ask about account transfer and any lateral or hookup requirements.
• Set up trash, recycling, and organics. Choose cart sizes, confirm collection day, and schedule any bulky-item pickup.
• Verify internet options by address. Check Xfinity, AT&T, and competitive providers, plus 5G or satellite if needed, then schedule an install.
• If any digging or exterior installation is planned, call 811 and confirm Town permit needs in advance.

Typical timelines

• Public water, sewer, and trash transfers: a few days to 2 weeks if accounts are active and no field work is required.
• Broadband install: 1 to 4 weeks for standard installs. New construction or complex builds can take many weeks to months. Satellite or 5G home setups are often faster once equipment arrives.
• New private septic or well work: several weeks to months for testing, design, permits, installation, and inspections.

Documents you may need

• Government photo ID.
• Proof of ownership or tenancy, such as a deed, lease, or escrow packet.
• Closing date and a forwarding address.
• Social Security number for deposit or credit checks if requested.
• Billing details for auto-pay.

Local resources at a glance

• Cal Water Bear Gulch for water customers and quality reports.
• West Bay Sanitary District for sewer connections and permits.
• San Mateo County Environmental Health for septic and wells.
• Town of Portola Valley Public Works and Sustainability pages for waste service, disposal rules, and permit reminders.
• Internet provider address lookups for exact availability.

Ready to make your move feel seamless? If you want a local plan tailored to your address, connect with Matt Aragoni for guidance that combines neighborhood insight with a clear, step-by-step approach.

FAQs

How do I confirm if a Portola Valley home is on sewer or septic?

• Check the seller’s disclosures and utility bills, then verify with West Bay Sanitary District and San Mateo County Environmental Health to confirm the parcel’s service type.

Who supplies public water in Portola Valley and how do I start service?

• California Water Service’s Bear Gulch District serves most homes on public water, and you can start or transfer service through the district’s customer procedures.

What if my property uses a private well or needs a new one?

• San Mateo County Environmental Health regulates wells, testing, and permits, so contact the County for approvals and timelines before drilling or modifying a well.

What company handles trash, recycling, and compost service?

• GreenWaste Recovery provides curbside service under the Town’s program, so set up carts, collection day, and any bulky-item pickups through the Town’s guidance.

What are my internet options if fiber or cable are not available?

• Consider fixed wireless, 5G home internet, or satellite such as Starlink, and verify address-level availability on provider sites before you schedule an install.