Can I get temporary water for construction?

Temporary construction water service provides water to properties where multi-family dwellings or commercial structures are under construction but not yet inhabited or operational.

Eligibility:

• Property where building is under construction
• Multi-family dwelling or commercial structure
• Not yet inhabited
• Not yet being utilized as a commercial structure
• Must have existing approved water main and service connection

Rate:

• Monthly charge: $104.52 (Section W-027.14)
• Plus Regulatory Cost Charge (0.569% of billing)
• Flat monthly fee regardless of usage (unless metered)

Application requirements:

• Submit application for water service per Section W-006
• Provide all required information:
  • Full name and contact information
  • Legal description of property
  • Construction details
  • Expected duration of construction
• Pay service deposit

Service deposit: Required deposit based on:

• Two months of estimated temporary construction charges, or
• Two months of metered charges if meter required
• Refunded upon service discontinuation minus any charges owed

Meter and backflow requirements: At the utility’s discretion:

• May require appropriately sized water meter
• May require backflow prevention device
• If metered, billed at applicable metered rates instead of flat $104.52
• Customer installs any meters or backflow prevention devices at own expense per utility specifications

Important restrictions:

• Can ONLY be used for the parcel under construction
• Cannot provide water to any other lot or location
• Violation may result in immediate service disconnection
• May face penalties for unauthorized use

Duration:

• Service provided throughout construction period
• Must convert to regular service when construction complete
• Cannot continue temporary construction rate after occupancy
• Must notify utility when building becomes inhabited/operational

Transition to permanent service: When construction is complete:

• Apply for permanent service
• Temporary construction service ends
• Convert to appropriate rate schedule:
  • Residential rates for multi-family dwelling
  • Commercial rates for commercial structure
  • Likely metered service required for multi-family/commercial

Inspections required:

• All new service connections must be inspected
• Cannot backfill without utility approval
• May require multiple inspections during construction
• Standard inspection fees apply ($122)
• See the Permits & Inspections page for more details

Tariff Reference: Section W-023-C, Section W-027.14, Section W-006