Large Water Service (4 Inches and Larger)
To apply for a new 4-inch or larger water service or change an existing water service, follow these steps:
- Apply for a water availability certificate (WAC).
- Submit the following:
- Water service application and agreement (PDF)
- Utility site plan (signed and stamped by a Washington State licensed engineer or surveyor). Additionally, a profile (cross-section) that shows the depth of each existing and proposed utility as defined in CAM 1202.
- For additional water services (such as a short plat or unit lot subdivision), complete a Request for Additional Water Services Addendum (PDF) for each of the assigned legal addresses as assigned by the permitting agency. A separate application is not required for each address.
- You will receive an invoice via email when the water service application, utility site plan, and assigned legal addresses have been reviewed and any required corrections have been resolved.
- Pay your invoice (see payment instructions on the second page of your invoice).
- To confirm compliance with Washington State Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention and Uniform Plumbing Code (PDF) requirements, you will need to:
- Call (206) 684-3536 with questions related to backflow protection before installation or to schedule a backflow inspection after installation.
- Call (206) 684-5800 to request an inspection of the underground water service lines on property after installation, but prior to covering.
Contact the SPU Development Services Office at spu_dso@seattle.gov or (206) 684-3333 for assistance or to talk to your assigned Project Coordinator.
Other water service questions
How long will it take to get a water service?
SPU encourages you to apply and pay for water services early. It can take approximately 3 months for non-arterial streets and 4 months for arterial streets for water service installation from payment confirmation.
Please contact your Seattle Public Utilities Project Coordinator for more specifics on your installation timelines.
What size water pipe do I need?
Water service is based on the diameter of your water pipe, which is regulated by the Seattle Plumbing Code. The water service must be designed by a licensed mechanical engineer for 4-inch and larger water services.
- If a fire suppression system is required, the minimum size is a 1-inch diameter water pipe with a 1-inch meter. Please refer to Small Water Service - 2-inch and Smaller for fees.
Water service installation fees
Note: Total prices for services in the City of Burien will be higher to cover local utility taxes levied by the City of Burien (Burien Municipal Code 3.12.040).
| Meter size | Connection charge | Installation fee, Non-Arterial Street | Installation fee, Arterial Street | Installation and connection total, Non-Arterial Street | Installation and connection total, Arterial Street |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 inch | $40,800 + | Site specific | Site specific = | TBD | TBD |
| 6 inch & Larger | Charge + | Site specific | Site specific = | TBD | TBD |
Requirements and costs for 4-inch or larger water service installation can vary significantly from site to site. Your costs will be determined by SPU field staff who will visit the site and provide job specific costs. This ensures your site-specific costs are more equitable, fair, and consistent. You can begin the process by submitting a water service application (PDF) to SPU_DSO@seattle.gov.
If you require any water service work for which there are no standard charges developed, specific charges will be developed based on Director’s Rule FIN 220.2 (PDF).
Invoices
SPU will provide you an invoice with site specific costs and additional fees. The invoice will be good for 365 days from the date it was issued to you.
A new request for costs will be needed if:
- Your invoice is not paid within the 365-day period
- You change the scope of the project after we provide project costs
Contact the SPU Development Services Office at spu_dso@seattle.gov or (206) 684-3333 for assistance or to talk to your assigned Project Coordinator.