Applicants requiring a dedicated private fire service for commercial, multi-family structures, and/or condominium-style properties must submit a Fire Service Request for Available Flow and Pressure Information form for the property to be served. For private fire services, there shall be no charge for water used through such services extinguishing accidental fires, but any water lost through leakage or used in violation of the District's Regulations Governing Water Service shall be paid for at the rate for general use, and may be subject to a penalty as may be established by the District.
Disclaimer: Applicants will find this information helpful to understand the process of applying for a private fire service. The charges and fees are presented only as guidelines for cost estimates. All requests for preliminary cost estimates must include an address and accurate service location. Final quotations will not be issued until a properly completed application is submitted, reviewed and approved by EBMUD. Availability of an existing main, unusual installation conditions and contaminated soil conditions may increase your final cost.
Backflow prevention
A backflow prevention device is required for a fire service. For assistance with specific technical issues or for help in determining what type of backflow prevention device is required, please see the Backflow Prevention Fact Sheet below, contact our Backflow Prevention Unit at 510-287-0874, or visit Backflow prevention.
| Document | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Backflow Prevention Fact Sheet | <1 MB |
Applying for a private fire service
Step 1: Applicant submits online Fire Service Request for Available Flow and Pressure Information form. A $856 water service estimate fee must be paid upon submittal. For more details, please visit Water pressure for pressure and hydrant flow information or Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for fire service requests.
Step 2: EBMUD determines available flow and pressure (hydraulics).
EBMUD will complete a hydraulic analysis of the water distribution system at the service location and provide flow and pressure information to guide the fire service design.
Step 3: Applicant completes the Water Service Application.
Please provide this information for the Water Service Application:
- Applicant and owner/billing name, mailing address, phone number and email
- Address and parcel number of property to be served
- Building or grading permit number
- Fire service contractor's name, address and phone number
- Size and number of services
- Site plans showing fire service size and location, completed and signed by local fire marshal
- Hydrant/Fire Service/Dual Service Requirements (Fire) form, completed and signed by local fire marshal
- Applicant Checklist
- Existing site environmental data (if available)
- EBMUD available flow and pressure data results
- Completed Statement of Design Criteria signed by fire protection designer
- If the property is undergoing expansion or change in use of the domestic water service, domestic information may also be required.
Apply online at wsa.ebmud.com.
Step 4: EBMUD provides quote.
EBMUD calculates the cost of the services(s) and forwards to applicant the Private Fire Service Agreement.
Step 5: Applicant makes payment.
Applicant returns signed agreements and pays full installation charge and any other applicable fees by mail or in person. Applicant may call 510-287-1008 to schedule an appointment to pay in person.
Step 6: EBMUD prepares work orders (1 to 3 weeks).
EBMUD prepares work orders and processes payment. EBMUD applies for either a city, county or state encroachment permit for street work at the site.
Step 7: EBMUD installs meter (4 to 6 weeks).
After completion of work orders and receipt of the encroachment permit, EBMUD schedules the service installation.
Step 8: Fire service is turned on.
Applicant and/or their contractor must contact the local fire marshal and EBMUD's Backflow Prevention Unit at 510-287-0874 to set up an appointment to turn on the fire service.
Costs
The cost to install the fire service depends on service size and conditions at the site. The total cost will include:
- Installation Charge
- Contaminated Soils Remediation and Disposal (if required)
- Account Establishment Charge
For more information regarding costs, please visit New water service costs defined.
Installation charge
The basic installation charge includes the cost of installing the fire service, meter box, fittings, and connection to existing water main under normal conditions and is subject to change. For services 4" to 12", the charge also includes installation of a detector check meter. Services larger than 12" are installed at actual cost.
| Service Size | Paved | Unpaved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" | $35,924 | $22,430 | |
| 6" | $38,341 | $24,847 | |
| 8" - 12" | $53,773 | $34,386 |
Sample calculation
The cost to install a 4" fire service might be calculated as follows:
| Paved | Unpaved | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Charge | $35,924 | $22,430 |
| Account Establishment Charge | $80 | $80 |
| Total | $36,004 | $22,510 |
Hydrant/fire service requirements
- The local fire marshal may require the installation of a public fire hydrant with the new private fire service. A Hydrant/Fire Service/Dual Service Requirements (Fire) form must be completed by the local fire marshal and submitted with your application package. If a fire hydrant is required, the fire marshal must mark the location of the hydrant on the signed site plan.
- Fire services are installed either inside the curb or behind the sidewalk. They are NOT installed at or inside the property line.
- If you install the fire line before the fire service is installed, we recommend staying 10 feet back from the proposed point of connection to facilitate the tie-in.
- A service for both domestic use and fire protection (dual service) may be granted for single-family residences or multi-family residences as approved by the fire marshal. Other multi-family and commercial buildings require a separate dedicated fire service.
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:
- Backflow Prevention Program
- Contaminated Soils
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