1. Why do I need a separate meter for my Detached Secondary Living Unit?

The District Title 5 Regulations (Section 5.32.020A) state that a water meter is required for each premises to which the District provides service. The District’s Board of Directors have determined that a premises is “a parcel of real property or any improvements thereon which the District solely and conclusively determines is a separate unit for receiving, using, and paying for water service…In general, a duplex, town home, and detached in-law/secondary unit require individual water meters.  This requirement best protects the District’s water system and public health.

2. I'm not sure that I really need a water service for my Detached Secondary Living Unit; how can I find out?

The District’s Engineering Services Coordinator (ESC) is available and eager to meet with water service applicants to evaluate and determine water service needs.  This is the best way to determine water service needs. Please call the ESC to schedule an appointment during normal business hours. (See Helpful Telephone Numbers at the end of this brochure.)

3. What do I need to provide the District to get water service for my Detached Secondary Living Unit?

4. What is a “walk-in service”?

A “walk-in service” is only for a single 1-inch water service from an existing water main. There is a fixed cost for the installation of a standard 1-inch water service line, plus the cost of a 5/8-inch, 3/4-inch, or 1-inch meter (a 1-inch meter is required for Residential Fire Sprinklers) and, if required, a Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Device (RPBPD). District Operation and Maintenance crews always install these.

5. Can the District size a meter?

No, the District cannot determine the meter size for your secondary unit. You should consult with a professional engineer or architect to determine your water requirements. The District’s “New Service Fees” sheet lists common meter sizes with their typical flow range, and is a useful aid. The District will attempt to guide applicants if the requested meter appears too small or too large for the project.  The smallest meter the District allows is the 5/8-inch meter, which can flow approximately 20 gallons per minute (gpm).

6. How long will it take for the design and installation of my walk-in service?

The District’s design time is four to eight weeks from submittal of application for service to completion of installation depending on the District’s workload.

7. Can I change the location of my new service, and whom should I call?

Yes, call the ESC as soon as you know a change in the location or size of your service.  The sooner this information is known, the less impact on completion of final service designs.

8, Who should I call to find out the status of my Project?

If you have any questions, your main contact person is the ESC. 

9. Once the design of my project is complete, whom should I contact for installation?

The ESC is the main contact for your entire project.  The ESC will provide you with your contact person in the District who will coordinate actual installation.

10. What do I need to do to get the water turned on once the facilities are installed?

Once your water service is installed, and your plumber has connected to the service, please contact Customer Service at 925-688-8044 for service activation during normal business hours.

1. When do I pay the District to design my new water service? 

Walk-in services have a fixed cost for installation and require one payment with your application to initiate, design, and install the project.

2. What are FRCs, and why do I need to pay them?

Facility Reserve Charges (FRC) are a “connection fee” to the District’s water system.  Simply explained, any time a new water meter is installed, more demand is placed upon the overall water distribution system.  Therefore, FRC charges are required to cover the District’s costs for developing new water storage facilities, treatment processes, transmission pipelines, and distribution mains.  The District’s “New Service Fees” sheet lists meter sizes with their associated FRC charge.  Each service requires the appropriate FRC be paid.

3. Do I receive a credit for an existing meter if I replace it with a larger meter?

Yes, you will only pay the difference in FRC costs between the larger meter and the smaller meter. The credit received is based on the date of the last payment made (abandoned date) on the existing meter.  You pay the difference between the current FRC and the FRC value in place at the time the meter was abandoned. You will also pay the difference in the meter costs. If there is an existing backflow prevention device, you will also need to pay for a larger replacement.  No credit is given for upgrading backflow devices.

1.. What is a PRV and when does the District recommend their installation?

A “pressure-reducing valve” (PRV) reduces the water pressure to the customer. The Uniform Plumbing Code and the District recommend installing PRVs when the water pressure in the District’s mains exceeds 80 pounds per square inch (psi).  The District will inform the applicant of this condition.  PRVs are available at most hardware and plumbing stores, and are installed by the applicant on the applicant’s side of the water meter.

2. What is a RPBPD and when are they required?

3, Can I upgrade or downgrade my existing meter, and whom should I call?