Water Service & Metering

Water Meter Location & Installation

Meter Location

Every water service (except fire lines) must have a properly sized meter.

The property owner is responsible for:

  • Providing a safe, accessible meter location.
  • Keeping the area clean and free of hazards.

Meters must:

  • Be easy to access.
  • Not be located in dirty, unsafe, or blocked areas.
  • Not be under stairs unless there is at least 4 feet of clearance.
  • Not be placed in pits or manholes unless approved.

Meter Installation

Meters must be installed horizontally where the water line enters the building.

Must include:

  • One shut-off valve before the meter.
  • One shut-off valve after the meter.

Meter Height Requirements

Meters 1½ inch or smaller:

  • 12 to 30 inches above the floor.

Meters 2 inches or larger:

  • Must be supported by a stand (provided by owner).
  • Must be 18 to 36 inches above the floor.
  • Must maintain wall clearance of:
    • 12 inches for 2-inch meters
    • 14 inches for 3-inch or larger meters

Additional Requirements

  • Meters 1½ inches or larger must include a bypass with a sealed valve.
  • All water must pass through the meter (no unmetered connections).
  • The Water Utility must be notified at least 24 hours before installation.

Important Rules

  • Water cannot be turned on without a meter (except for testing).
  • Meters will only be installed after required forms are signed.
  • Only the Water Utility can install meters, seal meters, and break seals unless otherwise approved.

Do not:

  • Replace a meter with a pipe connection.
  • Tamper with the meter.

Violations may result in:

  • Charges for damages and lost revenue.
  • Water shut-off.
  • Suspension of plumbing work approvals.

Choosing the Right Meter Size

For large buildings (multi-family, commercial, industrial), contact the Water Utility before installation.

  • Using a meter that is too large can significantly increase costs.

The goal is to use the smallest, most cost-effective meter that still meets water demand.

Water & Sewer Service Installation and Abandonment

Purpose

This policy explains:

  • How to properly disconnect (abandon) services during demolition.
  • Requirements for installing new or replacement services.

Abandonment Requirements (Demolition)

General Requirements:

  • A licensed plumber is required.
  • A plumbing permit must be issued before demolition.
  • All utility services must be properly disconnected.

For Sewer Services:

  • Sewer line must be exposed and sealed within 10 feet of the property line.
  • The contractor must record the location of the sealed line.

For Water Service:

  • The Water Utility will remove the meter and shut off water at the curb box prior to demolition.
  • The private water line must be exposed near the property line.
  • The line must be cut and capped.
  • The area must be properly backfilled and restored.

Additional Requirement:

  • The person securing the demolition permit must carry at least $500,000 in personal injury and property damage insurance.

Installation Requirements (New or Replacement)

General Requirements:

  • A plumbing permit is required before work begins.

For Sewer:

  • Previously abandoned sewer lines may be reused.
  • The property owner is responsible for ensuring the pipe is in good condition.

For Water:

  • Existing service lines may be reused if they are made of approved materials (copper 2 inches or less) and are in good condition.

New or replacement services must:

  • Match the size requirements of the building.
  • Follow City standards:
    • Copper (2 inches or less)
    • Ductile iron (greater than 2 inches)

Plumber must provide:

  • Location measurements of service lines and curb stop.
  • Pipe material details.
  • This information must be submitted within 1 week of completion.

Authority

All disputes are decided by the Board of Public Works.

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