New Water Connections
Steps to apply for new water service (simplified)
- Fill out New Water Service Application Request.
- Contact engineering staff about proposed project so preliminary Water Demand Offset numbers can be calculated and fees determined.
- Meet with conservation staff about Water Demand Offset requirements and the "Go Green" program.
- Pay Will Serve Application fee of $300 so the application can be presented to the Board of Directors for approval. The Board of Directors meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
- Obtain building permits.
- District will calculate final Water Demand Offset fees; pay all fees prior to installation of service.
- Install new water service and meter.
Complete Process Flow Diagrams
Process Flow for Tier I & Tier II Single Family Residences
Service Connection and Meter Charges
Charges for installation of new Domestic meters or 2-inch Fire Protection/Domestic Combination meters are payable in advance and are as follows:
Meter Size |
Charge |
| 5/8 inch meter | $3,782.00 |
| 1 inch meter | $3,850.00 |
| 1-1/2 inch & larger meter | Actual costs |
| 2 inch fire service only | $4,507.00 |
| 1 inch fire and domestic combined service | $5,645.00 |
| 2 inch fire & 5/8 inch domestic combined service | $5,574.00 |
| 2 inch fire & 1 inch domestic combined service | $5,655.00 |
Meter Drop-In Charge (per meter)
Meter Drop-In charges are charged for each meter installed and are in addition to the Service Connection charges above.
Meter Size |
Charge |
| 5/8 inch meter | $261.00 |
| 1 inch meter | $329.00 |
| 1-1/2 inch & larger meter | Actual costs |
Water Capacity Charges
In addition to the Connection and Meter charges there is an established Water Capacity Charge based on the size of the meter. All fees are payable upon application for a new service.
| 5/8 inch meter or 1 inch restricted meter | $11,200.00 |
| 1 inch meter | $28,000.00 |
Water Demand Offset Program
The Soquel Creek Water District is committed to balancing water supplies and demand. Currently our demand exceeds the supply, i.e. the sustainable yield of the aquifers. To avoid overdraft and possibly salt water intrusion along the coast we must curb water demand today. The Water Demand Offset (WDO) ordinance was created to avoid a moratorium on development in the District and to extend our existing supplies until a supplemental water supply can be developed.
Our policy (Resolution No. 03-31) requires applicants for new water service to offset 1.2 times the amount of water the new development is projected to use so that there is a "zero impact" on the District’s water supply.
Applicants for new service have their future demand calculated based on the size and use of the new development. To meet the Water Demand Offset requirement they pay an offset fee to the District to pay for the installation of high-efficiency toilets and grass replacement projects for existing customers.
Calculating your Water Demand Offset
To assure applicants receive the proper credit, they must first contact the District and present the proposed building plans. Once you have received your building permit, the District will calculate your expected water demand and determine the offset fee based on the offset credit. For planning purposes you can download the water demand offset requirement calculation sheet to see how the demand is calculated.
Go Green and receive a lowered Water Demand Offset credit - Reduce your Water Demand Offset (WDO) fees for your new or expanded water service by going beyond the minimum District requirements with toilets, showerheads, and washing machines. The WDO Green Credit Program reduces project costs for the developer and water consumption for the end user. Click here for more information on how to save money through this program or contact our conservation department at (831) 475-8500 ext. 144. Click here to download the revised WDO Green Credit fact sheet for residential or commercial properties.
Once the total required offset credit has been earned, changing the ownership of the site or minor details of the project will not affect the offset credit that has been approved. However, changes in water use or additions to the project may require additional water demand calculations. Developers are allowed to transfer or sell their credits to another project/developer (at cost) if their "original" project is not permitted. The developer cannot sell or transfer "leftover" credits from a project.
High-efficiency Fixture Retrofits and Turf Replacement
The Soquel Creek Water District is administering the retrofits of fixtures. The District has hired a licensed plumbing contractor to purchase and install high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, faucet aerators, and zero-water urinals to replace higher water use fixtures in existing buildings within Soquel Creek Water District. Water Demand Offset fees collected from applicants for new water service pay for these water conservation measures.
Owners of properties being retrofitted are responsible for any structural issues (such as sub-flooring on toilet replacement) and are responsible for the cost difference exceeding the price of the pre-selected toilet from the District’s Approved Toilet List if requesting upgrades such as color, style, etc.
The water demand offset fee is required to be paid before water service is approved and is contingent on the availability of credits.
Write to the Conservation Department or Engineering for more information about your project and the WDO program requirements.
Water Use Efficiency Requirements
Click here for the Indoor and Landscape Water Use Efficiency Ordinances.
