The information below describes how to apply for a new water service when your property fronts on an existing main.
Disclaimer: Applicants for new water service will find this information helpful to understand the process of applying for a new water service. These charges and fees are presented as guidelines for cost estimates. Final quotations will not be issued until a properly completed application is submitted and required Water Service Estimate fees are paid. All applications for water service are subject to review and approval by the District. All requests for preliminary estimates or quotations must include an address, accurate location of the parcel to be served, and the proposed use of the premises. Availability of an existing main, unusual installation conditions and contaminated soil conditions may increase your final cost.
Applying for new water service with an existing main
STEP 1: Applicant completes online water service application
Please provide:
- Applicant and owner contact information
- Address and parcel number of property to be served
- Number of meters required
- Size of service required or total flow required (in gallons per minute/gpm)
- An $856 non-refundable Water Service Estimate fee may be required for high volume watering using industrial or commercial operations
- Please contact the New Business Office at 510-287-1008 for further submittal requirements
- Building permit number or grading permit number
- Name, address, and telephone number of plumbing and fire service contractor
- Fixtures and irrigation information related to types, quantity, and water usage may be required
- Hydrant/Fire Service/Dual Service Requirements (Fire) form signed by the local fire marshal
- Applicant Checklist
- Site Plan with meter location shown
- Existing site environmental data (if available)
- Water Efficiency Requirements Checklist
Apply online via our Water Service Application.
STEP 2: EBMUD provides cost estimate
EBMUD calculates cost of water service(s) and sends a cost estimate letter to applicant.
STEP 3: Applicant remits payment
Applicant pays total fee either in person or by mail. The applicant must pay all charges before the job will be scheduled. Please call 510-287-1008 to schedule an appointment to pay in person.
STEP 4: EBMUD obtains permit
EBMUD applies for either a city, county or state encroachment permit for street work at your site.
STEP 5: EBMUD installs service and/or meter
After receiving the encroachment permit, EBMUD schedules the service and/or meter installation.
Service size
The information you provide in the online water service application is used to help EBMUD determine your meter size. If a service for both domestic use and fire protection is required, the System Capacity Charge (SCC) will be based upon the meter size necessary to meet domestic requirements only. Your contractor or a qualified plumber should be consulted regarding your particular service requirements.
Installation time
Installation of your water service will be completed approximately six to eight weeks after EBMUD receives full payment and the approved encroachment permit. Note: Installation time is contingent on District workload, project size and site conditions. During peak season, completion schedule may be impacted.
Costs
The cost of service depends on the size of the water meter, type of service and location of the property. The total cost may be the sum of the following:
- Installation Charge
- System Capacity Charge
- Wastewater Capacity Charge*
- Front Foot Charges*
- Contaminated Soils*
- Account Establishment Charge
- Annexation Fees*
*When applicable
For more information regarding costs, please visit New water service costs defined.
Installation charges on existing mains
Regular Services (One meter per lateral)- The installation fee covers the cost of installing a standard service and is based on the lateral size.
| Lateral and Meter Size | Paved | Unpaved |
|---|---|---|
| 1" and smaller Lateral with 1" and under meter | $12,189 | $6,711 |
| 1-1/2" Lateral with 1-1/2" and under meter | $19,991 | $12,261 |
| 2" Lateral with 2" and under meter | $19,991 | $12,261 |
| 4" Lateral with 4" and under meter | $42,647 | $29,162 |
| 6" Lateral with 6" and under meter | $60,887 | $41,500 |
| 8" Lateral with 8" and under meter | $60,887 | $41,500 |
Branch Services (Two or more meters per lateral) - Branch services allow two or more meters to serve residential and/or commercial units on the same property through a single service connection. EBMUD may approve multiple standard services from one service connection for properties that are not single-family residences. An exception may apply for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built within the footprint of a new or existing single-family home.
| Meter Size | Number of Meters | Paved | Unpaved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8" or 3/4" Meters with 1" Lateral | 2 | $12,971 | $7,492 |
| 5/8" or 3/4" Meters with 1-1/2" Lateral | 3 | $20,488 | $12,749 |
| 5/8" or 3/4" Meters with 1-1/2" Lateral | 4 | $21,269 | $13,530 |
| 5/8" or 3/4" Meters with 2" Lateral | 5 | $22,051 | $14,312 |
| 5/8" or 3/4" Meters with 2" Lateral | 6 | $22,832 | $15,093 |
| 5/8" or 3/4" Meters with 2" Lateral | 7 | $23,614 | $15,875 |
| 5/8" or 3/4" Meters with 2" Lateral | 8 | $24,395 | $16,656 |
| 1" Meters with 2" Lateral | 2 | $20,488 | $12,749 |
| 1" Meters with 2" Lateral | 3 | $20,488 | $12,749 |
| 1" Meters with 2" Lateral | 4 | $21,269 | $13,530 |
| 1" Meter plus 3/4" or 5/8" Meter with 1-1/2" Lateral | 2 | $19,706 | $11,967 |
| 1-1/2" Meters with 2" Lateral | 2 | $21,269 | $13,530 |
| 1-1/2" Meter plus 3/4" or 5/8" Meter with 1-1/2" Lateral | 2 | $21,269 | $13,530 |
| Name | Cost |
|---|---|
| Installation Charge | $19,991 |
|
System Capacity Charge (1" residential) |
$19,527 |
| Wastewater Capacity Charge | $3,768 |
| Account Establishment Charge | $80 |
| Total | $43,366 |
System capacity charge
The System Capacity Charge pays for the applicant's share of capital facilities including those that serve the entire water system. If a service for both domestic use and fire protection is required, the System Capacity Charge (SCC) will be based upon the meter size necessary to meet domestic requirements only.
Additional regulatory reviews
The following additional regulatory reviews are associated with new or modified water service and should be reviewed prior to submitting your application:
- Water Conservation Review
- Backflow Prevention Program
- Private Sewer Lateral Program
- Contaminated Soils
For information regarding EBMUD’s regulations, please visit Regulations governing water service.
Application questions
If you have questions about the water service application process, contact the New Business Office at 510-287-1008 to schedule an appointment. Let us help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Contact us
The EBMUD New Business Office is open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 510-287-1008
Email: nbo@ebmud.com
375 11th Street, MS 104
Oakland, CA 94607-4240
For water pressure information: 510-287-1842
For questions about backflow prevention: 510-287-0874