What is System Availability Fee (SAF)?
The System Availability Fee (SAF) is a one-time fee assessed for new development projects that require new water and sewer connections and renovation or redevelopment projects for existing connections to DC Water’s infrastructure that requires an increase in the size of the meter.
DC Water engages independent consultants to conduct a Cost-of-Service Study (COS) for the System Availability Fees. This ensures that the study is impartial, objective, and maintains transparency and impartiality throughout the fee-setting process. The fees are periodically evaluated using Industry standards aligned with American Water Works (AWWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF) guidelines, as well as benchmarking against comparable utilities.
A 2026 COS was performed to reassess the SAF based on increased asset values. This is the first COS conducted since the implementation of the SAF on June 1, 2018.
Does this apply to me?
New development, renovations, and redevelopment projects that require a metered water service connection to the DC Water’s water and sanitary sewer system. If the project requires a new or increased meter size, SAF payment will be required.
When are SAF Credits applied?
- When there is a meter change
- If development has Affordable Housing Units (AHUs)
For specific scenarios and details refer to SAF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
When do we pay the SAF?
For Department of Building (DOB) construction permit applicants, DC Water will assess the SAF for payment at the end of the permit review when the inspection fees/deposits are paid. Payment of the SAF must be made before DC Water's issuance of the Water and Sewer Certificate of Approval (WSAC).
For federal facilities, DC Water will assess the SAF for payment at the end of the review of the plans and specification when the inspection fees/deposits are paid. Payment of the SAF must be made before DC Water's issuance of the WSAC.
SAF Fees
Residential Customers shall be charged a SAF based on the SAF meter size as listed below
| SAF Fee Schedule Table | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SAF Meter Size (inches) | Water System Availability Fee | Sewer System Availability Fee | Total System Availability Fee |
| 1” or smaller | $1,966 | $3,824 | $5,790 |
| 1" x 1.25" | $4,215 | $6,297 | $10,512 |
| 1.5" | $11,309 | $16,892 | $28,201 |
| 2" | $22,913 | $34,225 | $57,138 |
| 3" | $66,938 | $99,983 | $166,921 |
Multi-Family and all Non-Residential Customers shall be charged a SAF based on the SAF meter size as listed below:
| SAF Fee Schedule Table | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SAF Meter Size (inches) | Water System Availability Fee | Sewer System Availability Fee | Total System Availability Fee |
| 1” or smaller | $2,640 | $3,944 | $6,584 |
| 1”x1.25” | $4,215 | $6,297 | $10,512 |
| 1.5” | $11,309 | $16,892 | $28,201 |
| 2” | $22,913 | $34,225 | $57,138 |
| 3” | $66,938 | $99,983 | $166,921 |
| 4” | $171,747 | $256,534 | $428,281 |
| 6” | $472,157 | $705,247 | $1,177,404 |
| 8” | $472,157 | $705,247 | $1,177,404 |
| 8”x2” | $472,157 | $705,247 | $1,177,404 |
| 8”x4”x1” | $472,157 | $705,247 | $1,177,404 |
| 10” | $472,157 | $705,247 | $1,177,404 |
| 12” | $472,157 | $705,247 | $1,177,404 |
| 16” | $472,157 | $705,247 | $1,177,404 |
