This procedure pertains to applicants requesting new water service and a new main extension. This often applies to new developments.
Disclaimer: Applicants for new water service will find this information helpful to understand the process of applying for a new water service. These fees and charges are presented only as guidelines to estimate cost. Final quotes will not be issued until an online water service application is accepted. 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 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 water service along with a new main extension
STEP 1: Applicant provides:
- Applicant and/or name of owner and mailing address
- Size, type and number of laterals and meters to be installed, including flow (in gallons per minute)
- List of street addresses with corresponding lot numbers
- 1" - 100' scale site plan showing meter locations, lot numbers and driveway locations
- For Dual Services, completed Hydrant/Fire Service/Dual Service Requirements (Fire) form signed by the local Fire Marshal
Apply online via our Water Service Application.
STEP 2: EBMUD sends an agreement for Water Service Laterals in a Subdivision and provides quote.
STEP 3: Applicant must:
- Sign and return the Agreement for Water Service Laterals in a Subdivision
- Pay the installation charge for the tap and laterals. Note: Payment for the System Capacity Charge (SCC), Wastewater Capacity Charge (if applicable), and Account Establishment Charge can be paid now or when meters are requested
STEP 4: EBMUD prepares work orders and schedules installation of service laterals after new water main is placed in service.
STEP 5: Applicant must:
- Pay outstanding fees when meters are requested and provide any required documentation for setting and sizing the meters.
STEP 6: EBMUD prepares work orders and releases project for installation approximately 3 to 10 business days after fees and paperwork are received, and all necessary reviews and approvals are completed.
Service size
An accepted online water service application is required for EBMUD to determine your new meter size(s).
For any new single family residential construction, a service for both domestic use and fire protection (dual service) is required. The System Capacity Charge (SCC) will be based on the meter size needed to meet domestic capacity only, not on the actual size of the meter installed.
Installation time
Service laterals - After the new main is in service, installation of your new tap and laterals will generally be scheduled in approximately 2 to 6 weeks after EBMUD receives:
- payment for installation
- completed Agreement for Water Service Laterals in a Subdivision
- site plans (1" to 100' scale) with meter locations marked
- list of addresses with corresponding lot numbers
Note: Installation time is contingent on District workload, project size, and site conditions. During peak season, completion schedule may be impacted.
Meters - Applicants are responsible for providing a written request including the lot numbers and addresses, and for paying remaining fees when they are ready for meters to be installed. Note: Applicants must uncover and clear meter boxes of construction materials before EBMUD installs meters.
Costs
The cost of service depends on the size of the lateral, size o the water meter, type of service, and location of the property. Installation charges are reviewed annually and are subject to change. The total cost may include:
- Installation Charge
- System Capacity Charge
- Wastewater Capacity Charge*
- Account Establishment Charge
- Front Foot Charges*
- Additional fees due to altered field conditions*
*When applicable
For more information regarding costs, please visit New water service costs defined.
Installation charge
Regular Services (One meter per lateral) - The installation fee covers the cost of installing a standard service and is based on the size of the lateral and whether or not pavement exists.
| 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 |
| 6" Lateral with 6" 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 |
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.
Cost adjustment for applicant assisted installations
Applicants requesting installation of at least 15 service laterals may choose to provide their own trenching and backfilling and be eligible to receive a refund of up to $703 per service lateral provided that the applicant:
- Pays the appropriate charge for each service.
- Clears the construction site of materials and equipment which may obstruct EBMUD access.
- Excavates a minimum of 15 service laterals ahead of EBMUD crews.
- Hauls sand and select backfill to the construction site for use by EBMUD crews in supporting the service lateral and for applicant backfilling of trenches.
- Backfills and compacts trenches after EBMUD crews have installed and properly secured the service lateral.
- Reimburses EBMUD for unproductive crew standby due to applicant's failure to prepare the site, excavate trenches in advance, or for costs to repair damage done by applicant's trenching operation or other resonable EBMUD costs.
Sample calculation
The cost to install a 1" dual service meter with a 1-1/2” tap and lateral on a new main extension, prior to any paving of roadways, to serve a new single-family residence would be calculated as follows:
| Installation Charge | $12,261 |
| System Capacity Charge (≤1" residential) | $19,527 |
| Wastewater Capacity Charge | $3,768 |
| Account Establishment Charge | $80 |
| Total | $35,636 |
Payment
Applicant pays all service costs in full at the time new service is requested. However, Applicant may elect to defer payments of certain charges as shown below until the meter is requested. The amount due is determined by the Rates and fees schedules in effect on the date the service and meter are requested and when payment is received.
- Laterals: To facilitate construction, the applicant may pay installation charges for taps and laterals when new service is requested, before the roadway is paved.
- Meters: If meters will be installed later, the System Capacity Charge, Wastewater Capacity Charge (if applicable) and Account Establishment Charge can be deferred until meters are requested. Payment of all outstanding charges and fees is required when meters are requested.
NOTE: If paving is completed before taps and laterals are installed, EBMUD will collect the paved cost of installation on an existing main.
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
- Residential Fire Sprinklers (Dual Services)
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
Resources
Apply online at wsa.ebmud.com.