The City of St. Louis Water Division is dedicated to supplying the highest quality water to our customers. One of the ways we ensure this is possible is through the strict guidelines we have regarding our Water Division appurtenances.
It is a crime to tamper with or operate any appurtenance of the City of St. Louis’ water distribution system without the prior approval of the Water Division. Unless specifically stated elsewhere in this document, the Water Division shall be the only judge if the requirements of these regulations have been met. These regulations are established by Federal, State, and City legislation and regulations. In addition, many years of experience operating a water distribution system has proven that by following these regulations there are long term savings to both the customer and the City.
The list of regulations for large service connections, small service connections, water main lays, and hydrant use is included below. For detailed information on specific requirements for a particular type of installation, please see the appropriate section. Also, there is a list of phone numbers at the end of the file detailing which office can answer particular questions regarding regulations or where to obtain permits and applications.
Note: The plumbing contractor’s name that is referred to on tap applications shall appear on the plumbing and excavation permits. The check or money order made payable to the City of St. Louis Water Division shall be from either the plumbing contractor or the holder of the water service account.
A small service connection is any connection with a service tap less than six (6) inches in diameter, and where the installed service line is a metal pipe, not cast iron or ductile iron. Current plumbing codes require a minimum of 1″ copper service line. A small service line cannot be greater than 3″ in diameter copper pipe. Small service connections shall only be a single number and single piping as outlined above. It can only be used for Fire Protection (A.S.), Domestic Use (G.S.) or Domestic Use and Limited Fire Protection (G.S. LSS).
Small service taps shall not be made on a 20″ or larger water main unless that main is the smallest water main available, or the tap is approved by the Water Commissioner.
There are four sizes of small taps available:
Applications for small taps need to be made with the Distribution Section.
When you visit to apply for your tap, you must bring a copy of your plumbing and excavation permits.
A large service connection is any connection with a service tap which is six (6) inches in diameter and larger, and any other connection that was designated as a “Cast Iron Connection” by the Water Division at the time it was installed. These are 3″ and 4″ connections made with cast iron or ductile iron piping.
Before the Water Division will begin work to install the tap, the Contractor applying for the tap will need to complete an application. Applications for large taps need to be made with the Estimator.
The Water Division will only schedule the installation of the tap after all of the items listed below have been supplied to the Water Division. The application shall include all of the following items:
