I. New Water Service

New water service requests, review, and processing can be accomplished in several ways; in each case, specific requirements must be met. Plans must be reviewed and approved by the City.

• Plans must show all existing and proposed utilities.
• Developer must resolve any conflicts that occur with proposed water facilities.
• Provide a minimum of five feet of horizontal clearance from City water facilities to other underground systems.
• Provide ten feet of horizontal clearance between City water facilities and sanitary sewer facilities (mains, laterals, etc.), recycled water facilities and trees. Additionally, City water facilities must be at least one foot above sanitary sewer facilities.
• Provide three feet minimum clearance around all above-grade water facilities.
• Applications must be filled out for all proposed services: domestic services, irrigation services and fire services.

II. Permitting Fees

Payments must be made for permitting, review, and inspection fees for all proposed water improvements. Additional information on land and property development can be found on the Department of Public Works website, by emailing Engineering@SantaClaraCA.gov, or by calling 408-615-3000.

III. Fire Permit Applications

The City Fire Marshal's approval must be obtained for any proposed fire service or modification (e.g. installation of new backflow prevention devices). Additional information on fire permits can be found on the Fire Department website, by emailing crrd@santaclaraca.gov, or by calling 408-615-4970.

IV. Fire Flow Data Request

Fire Flow data may be requested by applicant and will be analyzed using the City's hydraulic modeling program to determine the projected available fire flow capacity and residual pressure from public fire hydrants. Applicants for single family homes (SFH) shall submit a SFH fire flow data request form and pay a hydraulic modeling fee ($959). Applicants for other development, excluding SFH shall submit a non-SFH fire flow data request form and pay a hydraulic modeling fee ($1,404).

V. Development Impact Analysis (DIA)

Applicants may be required to complete a Development Impact Analysis to analyze the development's impact on the potable water system. The applicant shall submit a hydraulic modeling request form and pay a hydraulic modeling fee ($2,139) through the Accela permitting system to initiate the study.

VI. New Sanitary Sewer Service

All new sewer services must have a City sewer cleanout installed at the developer's expense. Sewer connection and sewer capacity fees are assessed per the current fee schedule.

Construction

The City of Santa Clara Water Utility employs its own construction crews for installation of most new public water facilities. In some instances, the Water Utility, at its discretion, may authorize construction by the developer with inspection fees collected by the Water Utility. Standard detail drawings showing various water services may be found under Technical Documents.  Developer shall provide Material Submittal for review by the Water Utility Engineer prior to construction activities. See Other Miscellaneous Water Services and Fees in section below. The following fees are effective as of July 1st, 2025 and are subject to periodic review and revisions.

For additional information on rates, fees, and charges and other details contact an engineer in the Water Engineering Division at 408-615-2000. 

Water Service Connection and Upgrade Fee Schedules

SERVICE SIZE	WATER SERVICE CONNECTION FEE		WATER METER AND BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE FEE		TOTAL WATER DEPT FEE
1"	$23,981		$649		$24,630**
1" (and abandon existing service to SFH)	$29,747		N/A		$29,747
1.5"	N/A		$1,779		N/A
2"	$26,952		$2,149		$29,101
3"	$55,028		$5,427		$60,455
4"	$58,665		$7,165		$65,830
4" (dual meters & RPs)	$64,571		$10,488		$75,059
6"	$58,982		$14,884		$73,866
6" (dual meters & RPs)	$66,541		$13,846		$80,387
8"	$60,415		$20,674		$81,089
8" (dual meters & RPs)	$71,266		$28,762		$100,028
10"	Estimated		Estimated		Estimated

 

SERVICE SIZE	WATER SERVICE UPGRADE FEE		WATER METER AND BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE FEE		TOTAL WATER DEPT FEE
5/8" x 3/4"	$11,486		None		$11,486
1"	$11,486		$649		$12,135**
1.5"	$11,524		$1,779		$13,303
2"	$11,524		$2,149		$13,673
3"	$11,910		$5,427		$17,337
3" (2-2" meters & RPs)	$11,910		N/A		$11,910
4"	Estimated		$7,165		Estimated
4" (dual meters & RPs)	Estimated		$10,488		Estimated
6"	Estimated		$14,884		Estimated
6" (dual meters & RPs)	Estimated		$13,846		Estimated
8"	Estimated		$20,674		Estimated
8" (dual meters & RPs)	Estimated		$28,762		Estimated
10"	Estimated		Estimated		Estimated

** $232 for meter only.

New 1" water service and abandon existing service for SFH (Does not include meter, backflow, or  permit fees): $29,747.

1. Charges for other sizes shall be based on the cost of materials and labor expended for each installation. 
2. Where not applicable, deduct itemized costs from total fee.
3. Where the City or entity with jurisdiction prohibits the open trenching of a public street, there will be additional charges for the necessary boring.
4. Water upgrade fees shall be based on cost of material and labor expended for each installation.

Water Mains

Public Works Department Encroachment Permit fees are calculated separately by Land and Property Development Division and are not included.

Fire Service Connections

 

Utility Engineering Inspection Fees

Project Cost	INSPECTION FEE
$0 - $15,000	$648
$15,001 - $25,000	$1,298+ 13.73% of cost above $15k
$25,001 - $50,000	$2,848 + 11.87% of cost above $25k
$50,001 - $100,000	$6,197 + 2.22% of cost above $50k
$100,001 - $200,000	$7,449 + 4.22% of cost above $100k
$200,001 - $500,000	$12,208 + 3.03% of cost above $200k
$500,001 - $1,000,000	$22,478 + 0.67% of cost above $500k
Greater than $1,000,000 and for every additional $500,00 or fraction thereof	$26,235 + $8,076 for each additional $500k or fraction thereof

Public Works Department Encroachment Permit fees are calculated separately by Property and Land Development Division and are not included.

Utility Engineering Plan Review Fees 

• Utility Engineering Plan Check for SFH Remodel (per plan set); includes 3 checks -- $687. Additional $746 per plan set or sheet based on construction cost for 4th and subsequent reviews.
• Utility Engineering Plan Check for Projects up to $25k (per plan set); includes 3 checks -- $1,220. Additional $746 per plan set for 4th and subsequent reviews.
• Utility Engineering Plan Check for Projects over $25k (per sheet); includes 3 checks -- $2,949. Additional $746 per sheet for 4th and subsequent reviews.

INSERTION VALVE INSTALLATION	FEE
4" Valve	$16,612
6" Valve	$17,530
8" Valve	$18,333
10" Valve	$21,931
12" Valve	$23,703

INSERTION VALVE INSTALLATION (EXCAVATION INCLUDED)	FEE
4" Valve	$28,970
6" Valve	$29,887
8" Valve	$30,690
10" Valve	$34,289
12" Valve	$36,061

Other Miscellaneous Water Services and Fees

• Water meter testing (non-routine testing for accuracy) -- $517 deposit; refundable if meter falls outside accepted range. 
• Portable hydrant meter -- $4,032 deposit, $655 of which is non-refundable. Includes cost of RP backflow. Minimum monthly charges, same as a permanent meter.
• Recycled hydrant meter -- $4,032 deposit, $655 of which is non-refundable. Includes cost of RP backflow. Minimum monthly charges, same as a permanent meter.
• Small Water Service (2 inches and smaller) abandonment -- $10,594.
• Large Water Service (3 inches and larger) abandonment -- $22,646.
• Water Service relocation -- $8,101.
• Hot tap (2" and smaller) -- $1,201. Contractor to provide all required tapping materials.
• Hot tap (4", 6", 8") -- $1,345. Contractor to provide all required tapping materials.
• Hot tap (10", 12") -- $1,806. Contractor to provide all required tapping materials.
• Water Supply Assessment Preparation fee for development with water use equivalent greater than 499 dwelling units -- $15,421.
• Supplemental Assessment Preparation -- $9,869.
• Water Utility Field Marking -- $307 for up to 50 feet, $125 for each additional 50 feet or fraction thereof. 
• Recycled Water Utility Field Marking -- $307 for up to 50 feet, $125 for each additional 50 feet or fraction thereof. 
• Project Clearance Committee/Subcommittee Review -- $1,438.
• Hold Harmless Agreement -- $1,076.
• Fire Flow (Hydraulic Model) -- Single Family Homes (SFH) $959; Others, Excluding SFH -- $1,404.
• Field Fire Hydrant Flow Test -- $2,136.
• Development Impact Analysis -- $2.139.
• Water Efficiency Review -- $252.
• Water Reconnection Fee -- $277.
• Water meter repair and reconnection fee -- $505 per account. Fee to fix meter plus two (2) times the estimated cost of services used.
• Developers shall be required to pay for engineering and inspection services rendered by the Water Utility relating to public water improvements which are installed by developer. 

Water From Fire Hydrants

Portable hydrant meter rental including backflow device is available for a $4,032 deposit, $655 of which is not refundable.  A minimum monthly charge applies. The application for a hydrant meter, Authorization For Use of Hydrant Water Meter (PDF), must be submitted to the Water Utility's office at City Hall.

Information on obtaining a portable fire hydrant meter follows:

• Keep the meter and equipment in good condition. You will be charged full replacement cost if it is lost or damaged. 
• Always use the spanner wrench for operating the hydrant. If the spanner wrench is lost, a replacement can be obtained from the Water Department at a nominal cost which is less than the cost of repairs you would be required to pay should the fire hydrant be damaged due to improper operation.
• Remember the basic reason for a fire hydrant is fire protection! Remove the meter after each use in order that you do not impede the use of the fire hydrant by the Fire Department. 
• Cross-connection control: The California Code of Regulations, Title 17, requires the use of appropriate cross-connection control when there is any potential for backflow contamination of the water distribution system. To prevent contamination, City policy requires all portable water meters include a backflow prevention assembly. 
  It is the responsibility of the party renting the hydrant meter to inform the City of the intended use of the hydrant water, particularly if it will be physically connected to any on-site equipment using water. 
• When the meter is supplied with a backflow prevention assembly, the user agrees to keep the apparatus adequately supported. The apparatus must not be set up in a manner that is a hazard to the public safety.

Payment for Water Used

The customer should read the portable water meter monthly and report the reading by the 20th of each month. Record the reading carefully, as you will be billed for the amount of consumption that you email to us. Record every number on the dial including leading and trailing zeros (7 numbers - XXXXXXX). Email the company name, meter number, and reading to: water@santaclaraca.gov

Please note: Under no circumstances is the applicant to keep the meter and/or backflow assembly for more than one year without returning the unit to the City at 1705 Martin Avenue for inspection and repair. If the assembly is leaking at any time, the applicant must contact the City's Water Department and we will dispatch a technician to investigate.

• Customers who do not provide their meter reading each month will automatically be assessed a monthly minimum charge for each month the meter is in their possession, which is not refundable and cannot be applied toward payment for water used and reported at a later date. 
• The City's regular water rates will apply only to water utilized within the limits of the City of Santa Clara. Water drawn for use outside the City shall be billed at 1-1/2 times the regular rate. It is unlawful to obtain water from a City hydrant for use outside City without paying for that water at 1-1/2 times the regular rate (per current water rate schedule). 
• When water is no longer required, return your meter promptly to the Water Service Center Meter Shop to avoid the monthly minimum charge.
• Your deposit, less the non-refundable portion (per current fee schedule) and the cost to repair any damage to the meter, backflow prevention assembly or hydrant, and less the final billing for water usage, shall be returned to you in approximately 60 days. 
• For further information contact the City of Santa Clara Water Department, 1500 Warburton Avenue, telephone 408-615-2000 or FAX 408-247-0784.

It is unlawful to take water from any City fire hydrant without a meter. Using water without a meter is subject to an administrative penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day, excluding inspection costs or cleanup costs. When a person violates any provision of the City Code, the Water & Sewer Utilities Director or designee may require a security deposit in an amount determined by the Director. (Chapter 13.15.220, City Code).

It is unlawful to take water from a City fire hydrant for purposes prohibited under a Water Conservation Plan or any Code or Ordinance of the City (Chapter 13.15 Article III, City Code).