Large Diameter Water Service Connections

Whether you are constructing a new building, renovating an existing building, demolishing an existing building, or constructing an addition that includes new plumbing fixtures you will need approval from DC Water.

Generally, DC Water divides projects into two categories:

1. Large Water Service projects (applies if you meet any of the following)
   • Your new domestic and/or fire service size is 3" diameter or larger
   • You are constructing/renovating 10 or more residential units as a single project/permit application
2. Small Water Service projects (applies if you meet any of the following)
   • Your new domestic and/or fire service size is 2" diameter or smaller
   • You are constructing/renovating less than 10 residential units as a single project/permit application

If you project does not include a water connection and you are not sure if you need approval from DC Water call DC Water Permit Operations Department at 202-646-8610.

A good rule of thumb: If you are doing any work in public space that requires you or your contractor to excavate and connect to the public water or sewer system you will need approval from DC Water to perform that work.

Obtaining approval with DC Water is a three step process:

Step 1 Conceptual Plan Review (CPR) : A scheduled meeting between DC Water staff and the owner, architect, civil engineer, etc. to discuss the conceptual design with regard to utilities. This step is optional.

Step 2 Preliminary Plan Review (PPR) : A formal submission of the site plan for technical review. Required.

Step 3 Final Plan Review : After the Preliminary Plans are approved the plans are submitted to Documents and Permits to pay fees and receive the Water and Sewer Availability Certificate (WSAC). Required.

The applicant then continues through the DCRA process.

1. Three bond copies of site civil plans signed and sealed by a PE licensed in the District of Columbia
2. Minimum submission checklist executed by the submitting consultant
3. Log Slip identifying what is submitted, by whom, for what and where is the project
4. At Step 3. Provide a copy of pages 1 and 2 from the DCRA Building Permit Application are required

Failure to include the information listed in the checklist and the requirements above may result in the rejection of a submission for review.

The applicant submits plans for review by DC Water at:

DC Water
Permit Operations - 3rd Floor
1385 Canal Street SE
Washington, DC 20003

Three months minimum. The estimate of three months is assuming that the plans will go through at least two three submissions to the Permit Operations Department.The actual time for obtaining approved plans depends on the total number of submissions and the completeness of the plans that are submitted. DC Water staff will complete the review of each plan submission within 45 calendar days/30 business days per submission of the plan set.

Step 1 Conceptual Plan Review: You will receive important design information during your meeting.

Step 2 Preliminary Plan Review: You will receive stamped plans that indicate approved to submit to DPO.

Step 3: Final Plan Review: you will receive a Water and Sewer Availability Certificate.