Water Connection Requirements

  • Restoration will be the responsibility of the homeowner or developer except when the water main is on the opposite side of the road or in the road. In new developments, the builder is responsible for both sides - this includes sidewalks.
  • Water connections made from December 31 to March 31 will be an additional $50.
  • Pay the required fees and obtain a connection permit from the Water Department.
  • A service line inspection permit must be obtained from the Building Department.
  • Approved plastic material is identified by markings on the tubing, ASTMD2737 200 PSI. All Plastic shall read 200 PSI. Water service tubing NSF-PW-PE 3408 and normal size, compression fittings are available for use with plastic water service tubing - (CTS). A compression adapter must be used to adapt plastic to iron pipe thread. No clamps of any kind. Always use stiffener with compression fittings. K-Type copper tubing may be used. All plastic must be K copper tubing O.D. Our office recommends copper for larger than 1-inch to enter under building foundation.
  • All residential or commercial service lines must be a minimum of 1-inch.
    • Call MISS DIG 72 hours prior to installation, 800-482-7171 or 811. Requests can also be submitted to the MISS DIG website.
  • Check the following for your protection of a cross connection:
    • Vacuum breakers on all threaded hose outlets
    • Double check valve assembly is required on boilers.
    • Double check valves (i.e. Zea Check Valves) OK on softeners (BOCA P-1505 12.5)
    • Vacuum breakers on lawn sprinkler systems
    • Install code relief valve on hot water heater on hot side. 125 or 150 pounds pressure, 210 degrees temperature Install code ball cock in toilet if necessary.
  • A thermal expansion control device (expansion tank or expansion bypass valve) may be required. Please consult the local plumbing code. This unit is a safety device that will help alleviate excess pressure build up in water heaters.
  • The Township water you will be receiving is well water and is processed for iron removal and chlorinated. Due to variability in water hardness, a water softener may be required.
  • It may be to your advantage to install a sprinkler meter to receive a savings in sewer rates for outside use, if connected to sanitary sewer, contact the Water Department.
  • Service lines shall be a minimum of 5-foot deep, 6-foot deep required if under the driveway. Call for inspection at 248-674-2644 before back filling. *Note: New construction shall not put service line in driveway.
  • No service line shall be installed within 10 feet of septic lines or tank without the consent of Oakland County Health Department.
  • No service line shall be installed in the line with driveway, tree, fire hydrant, catch basin or any other obstruction on either side of street.
  • All service lines shall be installed past all utilities such as Ameritech, Edison, Consumers and Cable. Extension past sidewalks is required when possible. However, Waterford DPW will not be responsible for any sidewalk damage in new subdivisions, as a result of water taps being done after sidewalks are in.
  • No connection through which water may pass from 1 property or premise to another shall be permitted even through the ownership of both properties or premises may be the same.
  • All connections shall be waterworks brass compression fittings.
  • No water connections will be made until released by the Plumbing Inspector. End of service line must be exposed before water connection will be made.
  • Meter Set Installation: All meters shall be set horizontally in a clean dry space perfectly accessible. Meter to be set within 5-foot after service line enters the building, not in crawl space. Meters must be 8-inches from wall or immovable object. Gate or ball valves on both sides of meter. Meter will set where a small leak or spilling of water will do no damage. All meters shall be properly braced so no tension is on the plumbing. Spacing between meter couplings is 7 1/2-inches for 5/8-inch meter and 10 3/4-inches for 1-inch meter. No templates will be allowed. All wells shall be disconnected prior to meter set and water turn on. It is the homeowner's obligation to make an appointment to have the meter set and the service turned on. Call the department at 248-674-2278 for an appointment.
  • Water services larger than 1-inch are suggested to be copper going under footings of building to ensure no movement of meter.