System capacity charge

EBMUD continually improves the water supply and water distribution system to ensure reliable and secure water service for each new connection.

The System Capacity Charge (SCC) is a way to equitably fund the capital cost of the water system and pay for the cost of providing additional long-term water supply for new water service applicants. The charge is collected from all applicants who request a new water service connection or a larger water meter.

The SCC pays for the applicant's share of the capital facilities, such as reservoirs, aqueducts, treatment plants, and distribution facilities and pipelines.

How is the System Capacity Charge (SCC) calculated?

When new connections are added to the system or when existing customers expand their needs for system capacity, those customers receive services through infrastructure that has been funded by existing customers. Capacity charges are one-time fees charged to new customers to pay for the reasonable costs of their proportional share of water system assets. In other words, capacity charges are charged to new customers to pay for their share of the system capacity made available to them through investments made by existing customers. As the first step in calculating the SCC, the value of the existing system is divided by the system capacity to determine the unit cost of capacity. This calculation is shown in Figure below. The system value is the present-day value of system assets, and the system capacity is represented by the total anticipated MEUs.

The District then calculates SCCs by multiplying the unit cost of capacity by the capacity provided to each customer. The capacity provided to each customer is based on the capacity requirements of each customer, estimated based on meter size (i.e. meter equivalent units). This is seen in the figure below.

Current and past Capacity Fee Studies are available at ebmud.com/rates. 

System capacity charge for standard service

Effective on July 1, 2026

For additional charges for Region 3D (South of Norris Canyon Road outside Wiedemann Ranch, pumped zone), please visit Rates and fee schedules, Schedule J - System Capacity Charges (SCC), section I. 

Adjustments for dual services

Adjustments are made for combined domestic and residential fire services (dual services). When a dual service meter is installed (upon EBMUD approval) to provide fire protection capacity, the System Capacity Charge is based on the meter size needed to meet domestic capacity, not the actual size of the meter installed.

Example: The SCC for a 1-1⁄2" dual service meter with a 1-1/2" tap and lateral installed to provide fire protection and domestic supply for a residence with a domestic capacity of a 5⁄8" to a 1" meter would be $19,527 (≤1" Residential).

Domestic meters 10 inches and larger

For service connections with meters larger than 8 inches, the District will calculate the SCC as described in EBMUD's Rates and fees schedules, Schedule J - System Capacity Charges (SCC), section G.

Credits for existing meters

SCC credits are generally given when the size of an existing meter is increased, or when one or more meters are replaced with new service(s) on the same premises. SCC credit is based on the SCC value associated with the meter size and the premises designation of the eliminated service(s). This amount is credited towards the SCC for the new service connection(s); it cannot be used to discount any other charges, such as installation. Note: No cash credits or refunds are given. Any portion unused, is forfeited. The SCC credit remains with the property and is not transferable to other premises.

SCC Residential Example: An owner of a single-family residence wants to increase an existing 5/8" meter to a 1" dual service meter. Per the table above: Residentional Meters ≤1", 1" meter ($19,527) minus credit for existing 5/8" meter ($19,527) = $0 SCC.

SCC Non-Residential Example: An owner of a large office building wants to increase an existing 2" meter to 3" meter. Per the table above: All Meters >1", 3" meter ($341,727) minus credit for existing 2" meter ($156,218) = $185,509 SCC.

Disclaimer: These charges and fees are presented only as guidelines for the estimates of costs. Final quotations will not be issued until an Application for Water Service is completed and approved. All applications for water service are subject to review and approval by EBMUD. All requests for preliminary estimates or quotations must include an address, accurate location of the parcel(s) to be served, and the proposed use of the premises. All charges and policies stated herein are subject to change as EBMUD's Rates and fees schedules is amended with normal budget review cycles by EBMUD's Board of Directors.