Permits & Inspections
This page explains the permits and inspections required by Unified Alaskan Utilities for water service connections, modifications, and repairs. These requirements ensure safe connections, maintain water quality, and comply with Alaska regulations.
Service Connection Permits
When You Need a Permit
You must obtain a connection permit from Unified Alaskan Utilities before you:
- Install a new service connection
- Repair or modify an existing service connection
- Remove or disconnect a service connection
- Extend a service connection
Important: No person may connect to any utility facility without first obtaining a permit from the utility.
How to Get a Connection Permit
- Download the Permit Form: Service Connection Permit Forms
- Complete the Application with property and project information
- Submit Required Plans (if applicable for multi-family or commercial projects)
- Pay Permit Fee: $95.00
What’s Included in Your Permit Fee
The service connection deposit (paid upfront) covers:
- Connection permit fee: $95.00
- Plan review fee (if required): $190.00
- Inspection fees
- Other utility costs
Required Plans (Multi-Family or Commercial Projects)
For multi-family dwellings or commercial structures, you must submit four (4) copies of engineered plans signed and stamped by a professional engineer registered in Alaska. Plans must include:
- Invert and ground surface elevations at the main and building foundation
- Type, class, and diameter of pipe used
- Depth of bury and separation from other utilities
- Location and intended use of each structure
- Vicinity map, legal description, north arrow, and scale
- Existing street names and proposed connection locations
- Engineer’s firm name, address, and phone number
Plans must conform to UAU design standards:
- Residential Service Extension Standard
- Main Service Connections Standard
- Trenching & Insulation Standard
Required Inspections
When Inspections Are Required
All service connections and extensions must be inspected by the utility before backfilling. Inspections are required for:
- New service connection installation
- Service connection repairs or modifications
- Service extension installation (from keybox to building)
- Service connection removal or disconnection
Critical: No service connection or extension may be covered with dirt until it has been inspected and approved by the utility.
How to Schedule an Inspection
You must schedule at least 24 hours in advance, excluding:
- Weekends
- Holidays
- Hours between 4:00 PM and 8:30 AM
Call to schedule:
- (907) 222-4084
- (855) 790-4084
You or your representative must be present at the scheduled inspection time. If you are not present, the utility representative will leave a notice and you will be charged a $122.00 return visit fee.
Inspection Fees
| Connection Size | Fee |
|---|---|
| 3/4" to 2" | $122.00 per inspection |
| Larger than 2" | $300.00 deposit |
Re-Inspections
If your connection fails inspection, it must be corrected and re-inspected. You will pay the full inspection fee for each re-inspection, or actual costs if higher.
If You Skip Inspection
If you backfill without an inspection, the utility may require you to excavate the connection again at your expense to prove it meets requirements.
Record Drawings Required
After installation, you must submit drawings showing the exact location of your service connection and/or service extension.
For multi-family or commercial buildings, these drawings must be signed and stamped by a professional engineer registered in Alaska who certifies they inspected the work during construction.
The utility may not turn on your water service until these drawings are reviewed and approved.
New Home Connections
For complete information about connecting a new home or building to water service, see our New Home Connections page.
Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention
What is a Cross-Connection?
A cross-connection is any connection (physical or otherwise) between the utility’s potable water supply and any non-potable water source that could allow contamination to enter the water system.
Cross-Connection Control Program
The utility identifies cross-connection risks for each service connection. Some connections require installation of one or more backflow prevention devices and assemblies.
Annual Testing and Fees
If you are required to maintain backflow prevention devices, you will be charged an annual administration fee of $25.00 per backflow prevention assembly.
The utility is responsible for:
- Determining the need for backflow prevention devices
- Approving installation
- Initial testing of devices
- Requiring periodic testing and reporting of test results
Property Owner Responsibilities
If required to have backflow prevention devices, you must:
- Allow utility representatives to enter your property at reasonable hours for random testing and inspection
- Maintain the devices in working order
- Have them tested periodically as required by the utility
- Submit test results to the utility
Service Disconnection
Water service may be disconnected if:
- A required backflow prevention device has not been installed
- The device has not been tested and maintained
- The device has been removed or bypassed
- An unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises
Service will not be restored until conditions are corrected in compliance with the tariff and Uniform Plumbing Code.
Prohibited Connections
You cannot connect utility water facilities (or any customer-owned water facility connected to utility water) to:
- Any other water source (including private wells)
- Any source of possible water contamination (including fire sprinkler systems or reservoir structures)
The utility will deny or disconnect service if another water source is connected.
Limited Exceptions:
- Hospitals, health clinics, and federal facilities may be approved for standby service with proper backflow prevention devices
- Fire sprinkler systems may be connected if properly pressure tested and chlorinated in the presence of a utility representative
Design Standards and Installation Requirements
All service connections and extensions must meet current UAU design standards, Uniform Plumbing Code and local amendments, and Alaska state statutes and regulations.
Required Standards Documents
For detailed specifications, approved materials, prohibited materials, joining methods, and installation requirements:
Residential Service Extension Standard - Standards for residential service connections including keybox configuration, approved materials (plastic-coated Type K copper, HDPE), prohibited materials (PVC, uncoated copper, galvanized steel), and approved joining methods
Main Service Connections Standard - Standards for larger service connections with approved materials and connection methods
Trenching & Insulation Standard - Requirements for minimum burial depth, insulation requirements based on location (paved vs. unpaved areas), backfill specifications, and Alaska-specific frost protection
Who Can Perform Work
- Physical Connection to Main: Only the utility or utility’s authorized representative can make the physical connection to the water main
- Service Extensions: Licensed plumbers for customer-side work (from keybox to building)
- All Work: Must be performed in accordance with utility specifications and standards
Meter Requirements
Installation and Location
- Meters must be installed in a utility-approved location
- Meters must be protected from freezing and physical damage
- Meters must remain accessible year-round for reading and maintenance
- The utility provides and owns the meter; the customer is responsible for protecting it from damage
Meter Tampering Prohibited
Customers may not connect to, interfere with, or alter meters, valves, bypasses, keyboxes, or other utility facilities. Violations may result in:
- Service disconnection
- Charges for damage to utility facilities
- Billing for estimated usage during tampering period
Contact Us
To request permits, schedule inspections, or discuss requirements:
Phone:
- (907) 222-4084
- (855) 790-4084 (Toll Free)
Email:
Mailing Address:
- P.O. Box 233368
- Anchorage, AK 99523-3368
Business Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Alaska Time)
- Closed weekends and holidays
Inspection Scheduling: You must schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance, excluding weekends, holidays, and hours between 4:00 PM and 8:30 AM.
Related Resources
- New Home Connections - Complete process for new construction
- Service Areas - Information about our service districts
- Rates & Fees - Fee schedules
Forms and Standards:
- Service Connection Permit Forms
- Residential Service Extension Standard
- Main Service Connections Standard
- Trenching & Insulation Standard
All service connections and extensions must be inspected before backfilling. Proper permits and inspections protect water quality and ensure safe, compliant installations.