Requirements for New or Upgraded Water Services

Start here when upgrading or installing new water service connections.

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PWP provides a detailed report of the Water Service Requirements (PDF), giving guidance and assistance to customers as well as contractors, engineers, architects and other builders or designers.  

How to Apply for New or Upgraded Water Service

Make an appointment with a PWP Water Services Planner by calling 626.744.4495. Your designated planner will then assist you in submitting the following:

  • A completed application
  • Applicable drawings and documents.
  • Deposit payment - only checks accepted. Make payable to "City of Pasadena Water and Power". The check can be mailed or delivered to 1055 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 350.

General Requirements:

  • Water lines cannot cross lot lines to serve adjoining lots without a utility easement.
  • Utility Service Planning (USP) shall approve all proposed easements.
  • Provide a certified record from the County Assessor Office for subdivided lots.
  • USP will evaluate all existing water services for reuse.
  • All services not utilized will be disconnected from the water main at total cost to the property owner.
  • PWP will identify the distribution main to connect for service, and install the service lateral and water meter.
  • All city cross-connection control policies shall be adhered to. Visit the Cross-Connection Policy document for more information.
  • If more than one domestic water service is required to serve the parcel (i.e. apartments or condos), the property owner is responsible for the installation of a USP approved backflow prevention assembly at each water service, subject to PWP approval of its type, manufacture and model. The assemblies shall be located on private property, within 10' of the water meter, 12" above grade and maintained in a readily accessible location for test and maintenance. Upon installation, the owner is responsible for testing and certifying the assemblies by a person that possesses a current and valid tester license issued by the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services. The owner shall submit the results of the test to the Utility Services Planning for approval. A $180.94 registration fee is due for each new assembly installed. The property owner is responsible for the annual test and certification.

Additional Guidelines:

Communications:
PWP requires a single point of contact. All communications shall be detailed via emails.

Payment:
Payments are by check only, payable to "City of Pasadena Water and Power". The check can be mailed or delivered to 1055 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 350.

Construction Schedule:
A construction schedule is preferable to allow PWP to plan accordingly to try to meet your schedule.

Deposit:
Deposits will be credited towards the formal estimate.
Commercial: $5,000.00
Single Family: $2,000.00

Requirements:
Composite Utility Drawing / Site Plan
Please allow 6-8 weeks for the review and approval of the composite utility drawing. The estimated six-week timeframe includes meetings and correspondence with your Civil Engineer or designee for the public right-of-way water improvements and easement requirements.

The owner is responsible for ensuring there is clear and unobstructed pathway for the installation of all water services to the parcel.

Upon completion and approval of the composite drawing, a formal estimate will be issued to the applicant. The estimate is valid for 90 days.

Your Composite Utility Drawing shall reflect:

  • The assessor's address of the parcel.
  • The north arrow (must not be pointing down).
  • The street name, street right-of-way, curbs and gutters.
  • The building footprint, in whole or in part, showing the front of the structure.
  • The existing and proposed use and location of water services, measured in feet from the property line.
  • For existing services, identify existing backflow prevention assemblies at the meter: identify type, size, manufacturer, model, and serial number. For new services, include proposed backflow devices: identify type, size, manufacturer and model. To learn more about backflow devices, visit our Cross-Connection page.
  • All trees, driveway aprons, bus pad, ADA curb ramp, fire hydrants, sewer, storm drain, and other utilities (including laterals, vaults, meter boxes, manholes, vents, poles, guy wires, traffic loops, etc.), within the frontage public right of way. Show minimum 5-foot separation from the adjacent proposed services.