The project process has four elements: Project Initiating, Design, Main Extension Agreement, and Construction and Close-Out. These and other important steps are detailed below.
Project Initiating
Before initiating a project, you will need the following:
- Fire Department approved hydrant locations and fire flow requirements (rate and duration)
- Street improvement plans, sanitary sewer & storm drain plan and profile, and grading plan
- CAD drawing file
- Meter Sizing Form (1318) for each service request larger than 1”
- Fire Sprinkler Calculations (if metered service is combination domestic and fire); Tentative Parcel/Subdivision/Tract Map
- Deposit of $10,000 for small main extensions or $20,000 for larger main extensions or subdivision projects.
During the project initiating process, a determination will be made on whether your project will be contributed or may be made refundable. This determination is made with respect to Operating Rule No. 15 – Main Extensions, set forth by and on file with the California Public Utilities Commission.
Design
Once all project initiation requirements are received & verified complete, Cal Water will begin design. Outside firms are not allowed to perform water main design, so all design will be performed by Cal Water.
Estimated time for completed design is 45 days. Any incomplete information requiring back and forth between the Applicant and Cal Water will stop the clock. The final design of the water main will be determined by and adhere to the Cal Water’s design standards.
Cost Estimate
Upon completion of design, Cal Water will prepare a detailed cost estimate of the project and provide it to the Applicant. The Applicant has two options for construction:
- Applicant Install
- Utility Install
Depending on the project scope and in compliance with Rule No. 15, your project may require the deposit of an advance for Special Facility Fees (Fees). Fees are only applicable in certain Districts. See Section C.1. of Rule 15 for applicability and amount. Note that Cal Water reserves the right to require Utility Install for certain scope items. These most commonly include work connecting to or in the vicinity of existing mains or assets.
Remaining Deposit
Upon review of the cost estimate, the Applicant shall deposit the remainder due to Cal Water to allow for release of project plans and specifications. If the Applicant chooses to move forward with the project, a Main Extension Agreement shall be executed between the Applicant and Cal Water prior to service being provided.
Main Extension Agreement (MEA)
Following Design, Applicant shall request an MEA by completing and submitting the following:
- Request for Main Extension Agreement form [link]
- Installing Contractors license & insurance (if applicable);
- California Water Service Company must be named as additional insured;
- Plat & Legal Description of easement area required on plans (if applicable);
- Recorded Tract or Parcel Map (if applicable);
- Proof of ownership.
The MEA will be routed as an E-sign document for signatures. The MEA has an expiration date of 180 days. If it is not executed within this timeframe, Cal Water reserves the right to cancel the project and the Applicant will forfeit their deposit.
Additionally, Cal Water requires a Quitclaim of Underground Water Rights in order to ensure long term health of the site-specific groundwater basin. More information on this document can be found in the Water Connection Request FAQ [link]. This and any applicable Grant of Easement must be signed and returned to Cal Water prior to the execution of an MEA.
Construction and Close-Out
Construction Phase work, including inspection, must be coordinated with your local district representative. Tie-in connection to the existing main is required to be performed by Cal Water’s Master Contractor. Upon completion of work, the Applicant shall coordinate with the local district representative to gain acceptance of the installed facilities. If the project was completed as an Applicant Install, Developer must submit a Developer Cost Statement within 120 days of completion of the work.
In the Community
Cal Water is very active in the communities we serve. Get to know some of our employees and districts.
Get to Know Us
Community Giving
Through our community giving program, we make strategic investments to make a difference for those we serve.
Explore Our Community Giving
Scholarship Recipients
We have awarded $75,000 in scholarships to students in the 2023–2024 academic year.
Meet our Recipients