FAQs • Contra Costa Water District, CA • CivicEngage

How long will it take for the design and installation of my new WI, SA, or WME?: The District's design time is 6 to 10 weeks, depending upon the size and complexity of the project and our workload. There is also an approximately 30-day period from the time an applicant receives the agreements and cost estimate, to when the payment and signed agreements are due. For District-installed projects, the design is then processed and sent to the District's Operations and Maintenance (O&M) crews for installation. Issuance to O&M and actual installation usually requires 3 to 6 weeks.

For applicant-installed projects, the District prepares construction documents for installation by the applicant's contractor. Construction document preparation usually requires one to three weeks. The installation time is contingent on the applicant schedule.

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Designing Your Water Service

1. I'm not sure what I really need for my project; can I call the District and set up a meeting to discuss?: Yes, the District's Engineering Services Coordinator (ESC) is available and eager to meet with water service applicants. Please call the ESC to schedule an appointment during normal business hours at 925-688-8013.

2. What do I need to provide the District to get water service?: For new water service, you will need to fill out the Application for Service or the Walk-In Service Application before continuing. Find out more information at New Water Service.

3. What is the difference between a walk-in service, a service agreement, and a water main extension agreement?: A walk-in service (WI) 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. District crews always install these.

A service agreement (SA) is for the installation of water services, fire hydrants and fire services where an existing water main is adjacent to a particular development. District crews always install these.

A water main extension agreement (WME) is required for any development that requires new water main facilities where none currently exist. Under this agreement, the installation of water mains, fire hydrants and new services is performed by the applicant's licensed contractor and is inspected by the District.

4. Can the District suggest a meter size or fire service size?: No, the District cannot determine the meter size or fire service size required for your project. You should consult with your 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).
New Service Fees (PDF)

5. Do I need a meter for each building?: Yes, District Title 5 Regulations (Section 5.32.020) state that a water meter is required for each premise to which the District provides service.
District Title 5 Regulations (PDF)

6. How long will it take for the design and installation of my new WI, SA, or WME?: The District's design time is 6 to 10 weeks, depending upon the size and complexity of the project and our workload. There is also an approximately 30-day period from the time an applicant receives the agreements and cost estimate, to when the payment and signed agreements are due. For District-installed projects, the design is then processed and sent to the District's Operations and Maintenance (O&M) crews for installation. Issuance to O&M and actual installation usually requires 3 to 6 weeks.

For applicant-installed projects, the District prepares construction documents for installation by the applicant's contractor. Construction document preparation usually requires one to three weeks. The installation time is contingent on the applicant schedule.

7. Can I change the location of my new service, and whom should I call?: Yes, call the Engineering Services Coordinator at 925-688-8013 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. Will the District contact me during the design of my SA of WME?: The Engineering Services Coordinator will contact you if we have any questions or problems during the service design. You can help the design process by promptly submitting all requested documents and providing the specific location and meter size of your new water service at the beginning of the project.

9. Who should I call to find out the status of my water service project (WI, SA or WHE)?: If you have any questions, your main contact person is the Engineering Services Coordinator at 925-688-8013.

10. Once the design of my project is complete, whom should I contact for installation?: The Engineering Service Coordinator is the main contact for your entire project. The Engineering Service Coordinator will provide you with your contact person in Operations and Maintenance or the Construction Department who will coordinate actual installation.

11. What do I need to do to get the water turned on once the facilities are installed?: Once your water service is installed, please contact the Engineering Senior Clerk for meter set and service activation during normal business hours.