DC Water Water & Sewer Availability Certificate (WSAC), Connection Approval and System Availability Fee: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide
DC Water — Permit Operations
What it is
For new buildings or upsized meters, DC Water must approve the water/sewer connections (small-diameter ≤2" or large-diameter ≥3") and issue the WSAC before DOB will issue the building permit. The System Availability Fee (SAF) is paid before the WSAC.
When a restaurant needs it
Ground-up construction, a new tap, or any project that increases meter size.
How to apply
Your engineer emails civil plans and checklists to application@dcwater.com (small or large diameter connection), then files the WSAC request with the DOB application pages through Permit Operations; request the tap and meter set together (Tap.MeterSetRequest@dcwater.com).
Documents you’ll need
- Sealed civil/utility plans and meter sizing worksheet
- DOB building permit application pages
- Fire hydrant flow test (if domestic service ≥3" or fire demand >100 GPM)
- Miss Utility ticket and DDOT permit for the tap
Good to know
The SAF alone starts at $6,584 for the smallest commercial meter and jumps to $28,201 at 1.5". Size the meter with your engineer before you budget.
Official source
DC Water: permit application types · DC Water: System Availability Fee
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.