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1. What is the District’s policy relative to Accessory Dwelling Units?

The District’s Code of Regulations (Section 5.32.020A) states that Accessory dwelling units as defined in California Government Code § 65852.2(j)(1) (also referred to as in-law, residential secondary, or efficiency units) which will not require a separate connection to the water system, and which are either built outside the existing space of a single-family residence or accessory structure or are built in conjunction with a new single-family residence, are subject to the fees and charges specified in Section 5.08.040, which includes a Facility Reserve Charge that is proportionate to the additional burden these units place on the water system, and Section 5.56.060.

As used herein, “existing space” means the area within and including the original walls and roofline of the permitted single-family primary residence or permitted accessory structure.

District Title 5 Regulations (PDF)

2. Do I need a separate meter for my ADU?

No, the District’s Code of Regulations (Section 5.32.050) stated a meter will be replaced by a meter of a different size on a customer’s request or when the District, in its sole discretion, determines that increases in water demand have occurred or will occur due to changes affecting the amount of capacity needed for the customer’s property.  In making said determination, the District will consider and evaluate factors affecting the capacity needed to meet the increases in water demand including, but not limited to:

• Addition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) determined by the District to exceed the capacity of the existing meter.
• Addition of plumbing fixture units, determined by the District to exceed the capacity of the existing meter, in other situations through construction, conversion or expansion of the primary residence.
• Alternate uses of the premises, which the District determines warrant the installation of a larger water meter.

3. What is the next step to provide water service to the ADU?

Please contact the Engineering Services Coordinator at 925-688-8014 or email at csweeney@ccwater.com to determine the next steps involved with providing water service to the ADU.

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).

New Service Fees (PDF)

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

The District’s design time is 8-12 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 Engineering Services Coordinator at 925-688-8014 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 Engineering Services Coordinator. You may give them a call at 925-688-8014.

9. 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. They will provide you with your contact person in the District who will coordinate actual installation. If you have any questions, please call them at 925-688-8014.

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, call 925-688-8000 for service activation during normal business hours.

11. 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. Call the Engineering Services Coordinator at 925-688-8014 if you have any questions.

12. 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.

New Service Fees (PDF)

13. 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. There is no credit is given for upgrading backflow devices.

14. 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.

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

A reduced pressure backflow prevention device (RPBPD) prevents water from flowing in reverse and potentially contaminating the water in the District’s mains. RPBPDs are required on all services in industrial and commercial areas, on residential services with houses greater than three stories or with residential fire sprinklers, and at all sites that also have a well or other potential water quality hazard. RPBPDs are installed and maintained by the District. RPBPDs are installed approximately 12 inches above ground and are typically located directly behind the meter, preferably in landscaped areas.

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

Yes, the Engineering Services Coordinator can arrange to increase or decrease the size of your existing meter. In most cases, this is a relatively simple process. Again, the sooner this information is known, the less impact on completion of final service designs. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call the Engineering Services Coordinator at 925-688-8014.