Water and Sewer Connection Permits are required to install or repair water services and sewer laterals, respectively, from PWD infrastructure to the property. A Meter Installation Permit is required to install or replace a water meter.
For all work in city streets the plumber must also secure lane closure permits through the Philadelphia Streets Department website.
The plumber must contact the Streets Department Highway District to verify street opening and backfill.
Permitting Procedure
The following steps should be followed in order to obtain PWD Water Connection, Sewer Connection or Meter Installation Permit(s).
For repairs to existing water or sewer connections, skip to step 2.
1. Apply for your pre-permit(s) through PWD Water Transport Records
To request a water* and/or sewer connection pre-permit, email WTR@phila.gov with the following:
- Project address
- Approved Utility Plan
- Flow Test
- A list of each proposed lateral/service where a pre-permit is needed, including:
- Pipe size
- Pipe material
- Lateral/service type
- Plumber’s License number and Fire Suppression Contractor’s license number (when applicable)
- *Please note the water connection pre-permit is a prerequisite in applying for both the Water Connection Permit and Meter Installation Permit for new connections.
2. Contact the PWD Permit Unit to convert your Pre-Permit to water and/or sewer permit(s)
Request your permits by emailing Jason.Pezzetti@phila.gov with the information and documents specified below.
PWD Permit Unit can only process five permit requests at a time and requires at least 1 business day to generate the invoice(s) and email the information back to you.
Once the PWD Permit Unit provides a copy of the invoice(s), please review and verify that all information is correct prior to payment. Once a permit is paid for, edits cannot be made without a cancellation request and refund. Following a cancellation request and refund, you must apply for a new replacement permit and submit new payment. For questions, the PWD Permit Desk can be reached at 215-685-3015.
The following information and documents must be provided via email:
Required for all Connection Permits:
- Pre-permit application, completed and approved
- Plumber’s name and registered license number
- OPA addresses for service (shown on pre-permit application)
- NO AKA’s will be accepted
- Current PA-1 call number
- Size of street opening in approximate square feet (sq. ft.)
- 18 sq. ft. minimum; extra cuts increase square feet in 9 sq. ft. increments.
- Approved Utility Plan
Required for Water/Fire Service Connection & Meter Installation Permits:
- Water service size
- For new water service type: specify 13, 13R, or 13D
- For 13 – Provide completed CP-100 form and L&I sprinkler permit
- For 13R – Provide completed CP-100 form and L&I sprinkler permit
- For 13D – Provide L&I sprinkler permit
- Specify domestic water service, fire service, or combined domestic/fire service
- CP-100 (required for water services 4″ and greater, 5 or more residential units and all commercial buildings)
- For Fire Service only, plumber must provide letter from Fire Suppression Contractor to obtain permit
- Meter Installation Permits can be issued in tandem with Water Connection Permits for new connections
Required for New Sewer Connection or Sewer Lateral Repair Permits
- Sewer lateral size
- Sewer lateral type – Combined/Storm/Sanitary
3. The PWD Permit supervisor will email you a copy of the invoice(s) .
You will need to present the invoice(s), Payment Vouchers, and Quick Vouchers to the Revenue Cashier to make your payment during your scheduled appointment.
Note that if the Registered Plumber has any outstanding payments PAST DUE for more than 30 days, PWD may not generate any new permit invoices.
4. Pay for permit invoices through the Revenue Payment Unit.
- The cashiering window service at MSB is open from 8am to 5pm.
- Cashiers are permitted to process up to 10 transactions/payments at one time.
- MSB cashiers accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards as forms of payment.
5. Pick up your permit(s).
After making payment with the Revenue Payment Unit, the Registered Plumber, Fire Suppression Contractor, or a representative on their behalf must visit the PWD counter on the basement floor of the Municipal Services Building to obtain the printed permit.
PWD Permit Desk hours are 8am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday. The clerk at the PWD Permit Desk will validate the permit(s) and print a paper copy.
6. After the permits are received, schedule the required inspections/installations:
- Sewer Connection Permits – refer to the Sewer Connections and Repair Manual for instructions on how to schedule the lateral inspection
- Water Connection Permits
- 2″ or smaller – Contact the Drill desk at (215) 685-9627 to schedule the ferrule tap
- 4″ or greater – Complete and submit a New Water Connection Request form, provided with your approved utility plan and water connection permit to PWD_Water_Connections@phila.gov.
- Please anticipate a 10-12 week lead time from the date you submit your request for installation. You will receive a confirmation email with the details needed to follow up on the status of your request.
Alternatively, you can inquire about status by calling (215) 685-9645.
- Please anticipate a 10-12 week lead time from the date you submit your request for installation. You will receive a confirmation email with the details needed to follow up on the status of your request.
- Meter Installation Permits
- To schedule your meter installation, contact the PWD Permit Desk at 215-685-3015 with your name, callback number, site address, and Meter Installation Permit number.
- A PWD Staff member will return your call within 48 hours to schedule your meter installation appointment. Meter installation appointments are available in two windows: 8am-12pm, or 12pm-4pm. PWD will bring the meter to be installed, which was paid for at the time of permitting.
- To schedule your meter installation, contact the PWD Permit Desk at 215-685-3015 with your name, callback number, site address, and Meter Installation Permit number.
Please note if you are applying for a connection permit to repair an existing water or sewer connection, you may apply in person.
To do so, please bring the required information and documents listed in Step 2 to the PWD Permit Desk on the basement floor of the Municipal Services Building.
Once the permit is invoiced, go to the Revenue Payment Unit to make the payment.
After payment is made, the Registered Plumber or Fire Suppression Contractor or a representative must revisit the PWD Permit Desk on the basement floor of the Municipal Services Building to obtain the printed permit.