Water Service Connections & Private Water Mains

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Rules Governing and Restricting the Use and Supply of Water

Title 15 of the Rules of the City of New York Chapter 20 can be used to review the rules governing the permits, taps, water service line, backflow prevention devices, meters, air conditioner, refrigeration, inspection, fire hydrant use and enforcement.

Permits for Tap, Plug, Wet Connection, Repair/Relay of Water Service Line

All repair/relay permit applications should now be filed online through the Permit and Review Information System (PARIS). If you are not already registered, visit PARIS and follow the instructions to create an account and profile. Please contact the PARIS Support Line at 718-595-3088 or email paris@dep.nyc.gov with any questions or download the PARIS Water/Sewer Permit Applications User Manual.

Installing a Tap or Wet Connection Only

If you are installing a tap or wet connection only, you must also provide:

• An approved New York City Department of Buildings site plan showing:
  • Plumbing riser diagram showing the required service size;
  • Existing fronting City main, proposed service connection, and the length of the connection; and
  • Schedule B

  Plugging a Tap or Wet Connection Only

  If you are plugging a tap or wet connection only, you must also provide a notarized affidavit from the property owner.

  Plugging or Installing a New Tap or Wet Connection

  If you are plugging and installing a new tap or wet connection, you must also provide the following:

  • A fixture count of the entire property
  • In case of upgrading the size of the tap of the existing fire service, an approved New York City Department of Buildings site plan with plumbing riser diagram showing the new required service size
  • A letter of approval or exemption for a backflow prevention device if applicable (see Backflow Prevention Devices)

  Repair/Relay of a Water Service Line

  If you are conducting a repair/relay of a water service line, you must also provide a fixture count of the entire property, which is required to determine the proper size of any relayed service line. Please note that while repairs may be performed with emergency permits from the New York City Department of Transportation, a DEP permit is required for all relays. Repairs are not permitted on lead service lines; relay is required in all cases where lead is present. In addition, service connections 5/8-inch or greater must be plugged and a new tap must be installed that is properly sized for the fixture count.

  Tap Card Form for Licensed Master Plumbers (Self-Certification)

  For self-certified work (work not inspected by DEP), the Tap Card Form provides documentation that the permitted work has been completed in accordance with all standards and rules. Currently, all work on domestic service lines that are two inches or less is self-certified. This tap card must be completed by the Licensed Master Plumber authorized to do the work and returned to DEP within 15 days from the permit expiration date. The Tap Card is a requirement of the self-certified permit process and failure to submit this Tap Card may result in the suspension of new permits.

  Submit Tap Card Forms electronically via the Permit and Review Information System (PARIS). A tap card web form is available for both online permits and paper permits on PARIS. Please note, all tap cards connected to online permits MUST be submitted online as well. For more information on how to register please visit PARIS.

  Building a Private Water Main

  Application for Approval to Build a Private Water Main

  This form must be filed by the owner of the proposed private water main to obtain approval from DEP to build a private water main.

  Items for a Pre-Construction Meeting for Private Water Main

  A pre-construction meeting is required after a Private Water Main Plan has been approved and before construction can begin. Pre-construction meetings must be scheduled at least 15 days prior to initiating construction. The items in the attached checklist must be brought to the pre-construction meeting.

  Missing Owner Private Water Main Affidavit

  This affidavit must be submitted when applying for a house connection to a private water main in cases where the owner of the private water main cannot be contacted.

  Application for a Hydrant Flow Test

  Hydrant flow tests determine the pressure and flow adequacy of the NYC Water Supply System at a specific location. All Hydrant Flow Test permit applications should now be filed online through the Permit and Review Information System (PARIS). If you are not already registered, visit PARIS and follow the instructions to create an account and profile.

  Please contact the PARIS Support Line at 718-595-3088 or paris@dep.nyc.gov with any questions. For guidance on how to use the system:

  • Download the PARIS Hydrant Flow Test Applications User Manual

  Application for a Hydrant Water Use Permit

  Businesses wishing to use water from a City fire hydrant require a Hydrant Water Use Permit. This permit grants access to hydrant water for a specific period of time and requires payment in advance on a ‘per day of use’ basis. See Title 15 of the Rules of the City of New York Chapter 20.

  Visit Hydrant Water Use Permit for the application form and instructions.

  You can submit your hydrant modification request online using the Hydrant Installation/Relocation/Removal/Alteration Form.

  To request the modification, you must submit a letter (attached to the online submission). The letter must include:

  • The address of the property and the location of the hydrant
  • The address where you want the hydrant moved, if you are requesting relocation. Note, a hydrant may only be relocated within current property boundaries
  • The reason for your request
  • Three copies of a photo of the hydrant. Include views of the hydrant taken from the roadway. Include sidewalk views, each side and the proposed relocation position marked in RED on the photos
  • Preliminary or approved builder’s pavement plan or sketch
  • Applicant contact information (Name, Email, Company if applicable)

  The reviewer of the request will reach out via email with any decisions. If the application is approved:

  • The applicant will receive an email response with the required fee and a Private Construction Work Application Form (also known as the Property Owner’s package)
  • Applicants must send the fee using a certified check made payable to “NYC Water Board” and the Property Owner’s package via overnight mail to:
    Attn: Michael Sullivan, P.E., Chief of Construction
    NYC DEP-BWSO 6th floor
    59-17 Junction Blvd.
    Flushing, NY 11373