Fees & Charges
Effective October 1, 2025, DC Water will implement a new fee structure for various miscellaneous charges, including those related to customer support, permitting, and operational services. This revised approach aims to improve transparency, simplify billing, and reduce administrative delays by shifting several fees from a reimbursable cost model to a fixed fee format, particularly for development and construction projects. The complete list of fees and charges can be found in the Approved Board Resolution.
To navigate directly to specific sections, you can either click on the links provided below or scroll through to explore all available options.
Table of Contents
- Small Project and Hybrid Project Plan Review Fees
- Large Project Plan Review Fees
- ProjectDox
- Existing Miscellaneous Fees
- As-Built Fee
- Construction Inspection Fees
- Water Taps and Connections Fees
- Water Quality Fees
- Cross-Connection/ Back Flow Prevention Fees and Turn-Off Charges
- Customer Service
- Fire Hydrant Use Fees
- Event and Equipment Fee
- Industrial User Permitting & Sampling Fee to recover the cost of service
- Industrial User Permit Fees
- Fire Hydrant Flow Test
- Freedom of Information Act Request Response Processing Fees
- Legal and Copying Fees
Small Project and Hybrid Project Plan Review Fees
| Fee Name | Standard Fee | Expedited Review Fee | Standard Review Time* (Business Days) | Expedited Review Time* (Business Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Project Base Plan - 1st Submission Administrative Fee – All Small Projects | $215 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Small Project Rejected Plan Resubmission Administrative Fee - All Small Projects |
$110 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Small Project Sheet and Shore - All Small Projects |
$1,325 | $2,650 | 14 | 7 |
| Small Residential Project per meter connection | $1,590 | $3,180 | 14 | 7 |
| Small Non-Residential Project per meter connection | $5,300 | $10,600 | 21 | 11 |
| Small Hybrid Project per meter connection | $7,155 | $14,310 | 21 | 11 |
| Small Residential Approved Plan Revision (APR) per metered connection |
$530 | $1,060 | 14 | 7 |
| Small Non-Residential or Hybrid APR per metered connection | $1,540 | $3,075 | 21 | 11 |
| Small Residential, Small Non- Residential or Small Hybrid Raze Permit Review and Utility Release Letter - No Abandonment | $425 | $850 | 14 | 7 |
| Small Project Raze Permit Review and Utility Release Letter – With Abandonments | $1,060 | $2,120 | 14 | 7 |
| Small Non-Residential Temporary Water Connections | $2,120 | $4,240 | 21 | 11 |
| Small Project Sanitary or Combined Sewer connection 6" or less |
$1,060 | $2,120 | 14 | 7 |
| Small Project Storm sewer connection only less than 15" | $,1060 | $2,120 | 14 | 7 |
| Small Residential Plan Excessive Submission Review (5th review or more) per meter connection | $530 | N/A | Based on No. of metered connections | Based on No. of metered connections |
| 1 to 5 metered connections | 14 | 7 | ||
| 6 to 20 metered connections | 21 | 11 | ||
| 21 to 50 metered connections | 40 | 20 | ||
| greater than 50 metered connections | 50 | 25 | ||
| Small Non-Residential and Small Hybrid Plan Excessive Submission Review (5th review or more) | $795 | N/A | Based on No. of metered connections | Based on No. of metered connections |
| 1-3 metered connections | 21 | 11 | ||
| 4 or more metered connections | 30 | 15 |
*Review times are estimated; Actual time may vary.
Large Project Plan Review Fees
| Fee Name | Standard Fee | Expedited Review Fee | Standard Review Time* (Business Days) | Expedited Review Time* (Business Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Project Base Plan - 1st Submission Administrative Fee | $215 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Large Project Rejected Plan Resubmission Administrative Fee | $110 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Large Project Plan Review Fee per meter | $15,900 | $ 31,800 | 30 | 15 |
| Large Project Foundation to Grade | $1,860 | $3,710 | 21 | 11 |
| Large Project Approved Plan Revision (APR) | $2,120 | $4,240 | 14 | 7 |
| Large Project Sheeting and Shoring | $13,250 | $26,500 | 30 | 15 |
| Large Project Temporary Water Connections | $5,300 | $10,600 | 21 | 11 |
| Large Fire Service Only Greater than 2” - with no interior renovations |
$5,300 | $10,600 | 21 | 11 |
| Large Sanitary or Combined Connection Only 8” or larger | $5,300 | $10,600 | 21 | 11 |
| Large Storm Connection Only 15” or larger | $5,300 | $10,600 | 21 | 11 |
| Large Water Meter Size Reduction Plan (with no other work) | $5,300 | $10,600 | 21 | 11 |
| Large Project Raze Only Utility Release Letter - No Abandonments |
$530 | $1,060 | 14 | 7 |
| Large Project Raze Only Utility Release Letter – With Abandonments | $1,590 | $3,180 | 14 | 7 |
| Utility Infrastructure Only Review Fee (0 to 1,000 linear feet of water and/or sewer mains) | $10,600 | $21,200 | 30 | 15 |
| Utility Infrastructure Only Review Fee (1,000 – 2,500 linear feet of water and/or sewer mains) | $15,900 | $31,800 | 30 | 15 |
| Utility Infrastructure Only Review Fee (greater than 2,500 linear feet of water and/or sewer mains) | $19,080 | $38,160 | 30 | 15 |
| Large Plan Excessive Submission Review (5th review or more) | $3,710 | $7,420 | 30 | 15 |
*Review times are estimated; Actual time may vary.
ProjectDox
| Fee Name | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| ProjectDox Signoff on Category I & II and Swimming Pool | $200 |
| Non-DC Water Zone of Influence (ZOI) Sheeting and Shoring (not within the influence of DC Water’s assets) | $500 |
| ProjectDox Foundation to Grade | $500 |
| Non-Department of Transportation (DDOT) BCIV Permit (non-DDOT BCIV) (Any project that is not DDOT related) |
$500 |
| BCIV Permit Erosion Sediment Control (BCIV ESC) | $500 |
Miscellaneous Fees
| Fee Name | Standard Fee | Expedited Review Fee | Standard Review Time* (Business Days) | Expedited Review Time* (Business Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Request for Information (RFI) | $190 | $375 | 20 | 10 |
| Request for As-Built Drawings | $215 | $425 | 20 | 10 |
| Water and Sewer Availability Letter | $795 | $1,380 | 14 | 7 |
| One Day Plan Design and Review and Approval (Velocity Sign-Off Program) | $26,500 | N/A | 1 | N/A |
| Easement and Covenant Fees | ||||
| Processing of Standard Easement and Covenant (Initial Document) | $2,120 | $4,240 | 14 | 7 |
| Processing of Non-Standard Easement and Covenant (Initial Document) | $9,010 | $18,020 | 21 | 11 |
| Meter Relocation Fees | ||||
| Large Meter Relocation Fee | $5,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Small Meter Relocation Fee (Non-Residential/Multi- Family) | $2,500 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Small Meter Relocation Fee (Residential) | $1,500 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Reconfiguration of Fire System Fees | ||||
| Reconfiguration of Fire System (adding small Fire Split, 2” or less) (Non-Residential/Multi-Family) |
$2,500 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Reconfiguration of Fire System (adding small Fire Split, 2” or less) (Residential) | $1,500 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
*Review times are estimated; Actual time may vary.
1 ZOI = Zone of Influence
2 BCIV = Building Civil Permit
3 ESC = Erosion Sediment Control
Fire Hydrant Flow Test
| Fee Name | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fire Hydrant Flow Test (Field Test) | $340 |
| Fire Hydrant Flow Test (Computer Model) | $340 |
| Fire Hydrant Flow Test (Recent Test Record Available) | $145 |
| Letter in Lieu of Hydrant Flow Test | $265 |
As-Built Fee
| Fee Name | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Residential | $265 (each bldg.) |
| Small Non-Residential | $265 (each bldg.) |
| Small Hybrid | $265 (each bldg.) |
| Large Project | $795 (Each Connection – water or sewer) |
| Installation of New Water or Sewer Main (20 to 100 feet) | $2,650 |
| Each additional 200 feet of Water Main | $2,120 |
| Each additional 400 feet of Sewer Main | $2,120 |
| Installation of Water Main - larger than 24" in diameter | Determined on a per project basis |
| Installation of Sewer Main - larger than 60” in diameter | Determined on a per project basis |
Construction Inspection Fees
| Inspection Fees | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspect Pointing Up Sewer Taps | $970 |
| Inspect Insertion of Y-Branch | $345 |
| Inspect Installation of Standard Cleanout | $345 |
| Inspect Sewer Tap Removal | $345 |
| Meter Setter Inspection | $265 |
| Meter Setter Re-Inspection | $265 |
| Meter Vault Inspection | $1,060 |
| Meter Vault Re-Inspection | $1,060 |
| Inspect pre-cast concrete vault for new meters | $4,000 |
| Inspect installation of fire hydrant relocation | $3,000 |
| Inspect installation of new fire hydrant | $3,000 |
| Inspect new 8", 10", 12" water main | $7,000 + $12/LF |
| Inspect new 16", 20" water main | $10,000 + $12/LF |
| Inspect new ≥24" water main | $14,000 + $12/LF |
| Inspect new 10"–15" diameter sewer main | $7,000 + $12/LF |
| Inspect new 18"–30" diameter sewer main | $10,000 + $12/LF |
| Inspect new 36"–48" diameter sewer main | $20,000 + $12/LF |
| Inspect new ≥54" diameter sewer main | $25,000 + $12/LF |
| Inspect new sewer manhole/Catch Basin 0–10 vertical feet (vft) | $5,000 |
| Inspect new sewer manhole/Catch Basin >10 ≤ 20 vft | $8,000 |
| Inspect new sewer manhole/Catch Basin >20 ≤ 30 vft | $15,000 |
| Inspect new sewer manhole/Catch Basin >30 vft | $20,000 |
| Inspect sewer CCTV ≤ 24" public sewer main | $1,300 + $13/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV 24"–36" public sewer main | $1,500 + $15/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV 42"–48" public sewer main | $1,700 + $17/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV 54"–72" public sewer main | $2,000 + $20/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV > 72" public sewer main | $4,000 + $40/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV and relining ≤ 24" public sewer | $2,300 + $23/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV and relining 24"–36" public sewer | $2,900 + $29/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV and relining 42"–48" public sewer | $3,400 + $34/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV and relining 54"–72" public sewer | $4,000 + $40/LF |
| Inspect sewer CCTV and relining > 72" public sewer | $8,000 + $80/LF |
Water Taps and Connections Fees
(follow website layout with new fee)
| Tap Insertion and Abandonment Fee | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tap Insertion – 1” diameter | $485 |
| Tap Insertion – 1-1/2” diameter | $565 |
| Tap Insertion – 2” diameter | $610 |
| Water Connection 3” and Larger | $2,650 |
| Water Tap Removal/Abandonment – 2” diameter or less | $455 |
| Water Tap Removal/Abandonment – greater than 2” diameter | $905 |
Water Quality Fees
| Fee Name | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) Facility Monthly Fee | $24.50 per month |
| Cross-Connection/Back Flow Prevention Monthly Fee per Assembly | $6.20 |
Cross-Connection/ Back Flow Prevention Fees and Turn-Off Charges
| Connections Fees | Fee |
|---|---|
| Cross-Connection - Water Service Disconnection - 5/8” to 2” | $230 |
| Cross-Connection - Water Service Disconnection - 3” to 5” | $455 |
| Cross-Connection - Water Service Disconnection - 6” and larger | $1,015 |
Customer Service
| Fee Name | Fee |
|---|---|
| Customer Bad Check Fee | $35 |
| Customer Penalty Late Payment Fee | 10.00% after 30 days |
| Additional Penalty Late Payment Fee | 1%/month after 60 days, compounded monthly |
| New Customer Account Initiation Fee | $60 |
| Disconnection Fee | $60 |
| Reconnection Fee – Residential Customer | $55 |
| Reconnection Fee – Multi-Family and Non-Residential Customer | $110 |
| Unauthorized Water or Sewer Connection | |
| First Offense | $400 |
| Second Offense | $800 |
| Each Subsequent Offense | $1,200 |
| Notice of Follow Up (NOFOL) Compliance Fee | $505 |
| Broken Bypass Seal | $790 |
| Second Water Audit within 24 months | $145 |
| Manual Meter Reading Fee Residential1 | $25 per month/meter |
| Manual Meter Reading Fee* 5/8”-2” Multi-Family and Non-Residential |
$110 per month/meter |
| Manual Meter Reading Fee* 3”-4”” Multi-Family and Non-Residential |
$265 per month/meter |
| Manual Meter Reading Fee* 6” & greater Multi-Family and Non-Residential | $530 per month/meter |
1 The Manual Meter Read Fee is charged, after notice, when the meter reads are not transmitting and 1) customer does not provide access to the premises for DC Water to read the meter, 2) customer does not provide access to the premises for DC Water to maintain the meter or meter transmission system, or 3) customer fails to perform corrective action necessary for DC Water to install or maintain the meter or meter transmission system.
Fire Hydrant Use Fees
| Fee Name | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fire Hydrant Use – Water and Sewer Rate | Usage-Based, see 21 DCMR Chapter 41 |
| Fire Hydrant Permit Fee | $80 |
| Private Fire Hydrant Flush | $100 |
| 3” Fire Hydrant Meter Deposit | $2,000 per rental |
| 3” Fire Hydrant Meter Rental <15 days | $225 |
| 3” Fire Hydrant Meter Rental ≥15 days | $15 per day |
| 3” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Deposit | $3,000 per rental |
| 3” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental <15 days | $300 per rental |
| 3” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental ≥15 days | $20 per day |
| 5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Deposit | $1,000 per rental |
| 5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental <15 days | $225 per rental |
| 5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter w/Backflow Preventer Rental ≥15 days | $15 per day |
Event and Equipment Fee
| Size of Event (Attendees) | Number of DC Water Personnel Per Event* | Cost per Event 100/hour per person |
|---|---|---|
| 100 – 2,000 | 2 | $200/hour |
| 2,000 – 5,000 | 4 | $400/hour |
| 5,000 or more | 6 | $600/hour |
* Refers to the minimum number of personnel required for the event. Upon review of the event specifications, DC Water shall determine the appropriate number of personnel based on the assessed need.
| Event Equipment | Cost per Unit per Event1 |
|---|---|
| Misting Tent | $625/day |
| Cooling Station | $480/day |
| DC Water Mascot | $85/hour |
Industrial User Permitting & Sampling Fee to recover the cost of service
| Fee Name | Fee |
|---|---|
| Waste Hauler Discharge Annual Permit Fee per Vehicle | $55 |
| Waste Hauling Disposal Fees | |
| High strength grease trap waste | $0.091 per gallon |
| High strength septage waste | $0.091 per gallon |
| Domestic strength waste | $0.004 per gallon |
| Low strength waste | $0.004 per gallon |
Industrial User Permit Fees
| Industrial User Permit | Fees |
|---|---|
| Permit Initial Fee | $3,040 |
| Permit Renewal Fee | $1,015 |
| Industrial User Annual Compliance Fees | Fees |
|---|---|
| Significant or Non-Significant Categorical Industrial User – 1 Outfall | $3,490 |
| Significant or Non-Significant Categorical Industrial User – 2 or more Outfalls | $4,835 |
| Significant Non-Categorical Industrial User Fees – 1 Outfall | $3,490 |
| 2 or more Outfalls | $4,835 |
| Non-Significant Non-Categorical User – 1 Outfall | $790 |
| Non-Significant Non-Categorical User – 2 or more Outfalls | $1,015 |
| High Strength Waste Fees | Fees |
|---|---|
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | $0.151 per pound |
| Total Suspended Solids (TSS) | $0.350 per pound |
| Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) or Total Nitrogen (TN) | $1.526 per pound |
| Total Phosphorus (TP) | $9.815 per pound |
| Sampling and Analysis Fees | Fees |
| PFAS | |
| 1st Sample | $895/sample |
| Each Additional Sample | $420/sample |
Freedom of Information Act Request Response Processing Fees
| FOIA Fee Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| FOIA Document Search Fee | Hour(s) x Staff Base Salary/hr. |
| FOIA Document Review & Redaction Fee | Hour(s) x Staff Base Salary/hr. |
| FOIA Document Duplication Fee | |
| Standard Letter and Legal Page | $0.75 per sheet |
| Electronic Conversion Fee | Hour(s) x Staff Base Salary/hr. |
Legal and Copying Fees
| Legal and Copying Fees | Fees |
|---|---|
| Witness Fee | $40 + Travel Expenses |
| DC Water Staff Expert Witness Fee | Hour(s) x (Base Salary + Fringe) $/hr. + Travel Expense |
| Document Duplication Fee | $0.75 per sheet |
| Standard Letter and Legal Page | $0.75 per sheet |
