Information for Builders & Developers
Any new development within CVWD’s boundaries needs to go through an assessment review by the District. The summary below should guide you in the process. To submit a new request, please follow the links for the appropriate application on this page. You will receive a response from the Engineering Department within 1 to 2 business days.
For further information, see the step-by-step guide in this Flowchart.
Water/Sewer Availability “Will-Serve Letter(s)”
All proposed development goes through an assessment review. Development proposals that do not require construction on any District owner facilities are assessed connection fees.
To request for a water and sewer availability letter (“Will Serve” letter) please click on the appropriate link on the right. The process generally takes up to 15 business to complete.
As part of your first submittal to the District please include the following:
- Architectural plans and title sheet, including scope of work, the square footage of the existing lot and structures, and the proposed construction with dimensions.
- Screenshot of the project’s permit from an online portal showing the status of the permit for the project:
- City of Glendale – Glendale Permits Portal screenshot of the “Building Review” page to show the CVWD submittal requirement.
- City of La Cañada-Flintridge – ConnectLCF portal screenshot to show that plans have passed the Review Intake for Completeness.
- LA County – EPIC-LA portal screenshot to show that the plans have passed the Building Completeness Check.
CVWD will assess water/sewer availability in the area to confirm there is adequate
capacity to accommodate the Development. Fees will be established based on the
square footage being added and the function of the new development.
Upon payment of fees, the District will provide the developer with “Will-Serve” letter(s).
Refer to the CVWD Rates and Charges for Water Service and Sewer Service for additional information regarding connection charges.
Water Infrastructure Improvements (Standard Contracting)
Any proposed work that would require the relocation or construction of new water or wastewater facilities that are able to be performed by CVWD’s construction crews is considered a Tier 2 development assessment and includes all the steps from the initial assessments. This includes a request new meter, fire hydrant, fire service, or water service installation.
First, connection fees are assessed (refer to the section above). After connection fees are paid, the Developer and the District will then begin working together to establish the work, project estimate, and schedule construction after receiving payment (deposit) for the cost of materials and labor. CVWD construction crews complete installations within 8-12 weeks.
Unused portions of the deposit will be refunded back to the Developer. Should it be determined that the initial deposit is not adequate to complete the task, additional funds will be requested.
Water Infrastructure Improvements (Special Contracting)
Any project that requires the installation of a multimeter, or installation and/or upsizing of water/sewer mains is considered a Tier 3 project and requires Special Contracting.
The application and initial plan check follows the same path as Standard Contracting; however, work is completed by private contractors preapproved by the District.
A final inspection is performed by the District’s Inspector to ensure that the water and sewer facilities that service the new development are complete, operational, and ready for service.
Fire Flow Test
To ensure that all District service areas meet fire flow requirements, the District will perform a fire flow test to determine whether the site to be developed has sufficient fire flow capacity.
For one and two-family dwellings, townhomes, and Accessory Dwelling Units, please fill out and sign Part 1 of Form 195 and Form 42. For all buildings other than single-family dwellings (R-3), complete and sign Part 1 of Forms 196 and 42. For dwellings located in the City of Glendale, use the Glendale Fire Flow Test Form and Form 42.
Under Crescenta Valley Water District (CVWD) Rules and Regulations, Section 11.12 and Section 11.13, the developer or applicant shall pay the fee of $380 for a fire flow test.
Payment is accepted in the form of a check or cash. Make checks payable to Crescenta Valley Water District.
Mailing Address:
Crescenta Valley Water District
2700 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
The processing time for the fire flow test is 15 to 30 business days, weather permitting. All requests are reviewed and completed in the order received.
For questions regarding the Fire Flow Test, please contact Customer Service at (818) 248-3925.
Static Water Pressure Request
Please complete the application link on the right to request the static water pressure at your property.
Static pressure is the pressure within the system when there is no demand (flow).
Utility Map Request
Crescenta Valley Water District is pleased to assist you with as-built drawings. Per your request, Crescenta Valley Water District will provide water drawings, sewer drawings, and wye records.
A representative from the Engineering Department will contact you within 24 business hours and process your request within 10 business days. All requests are reviewed and completed in the order received.
Flooding Meter Rental
You may request to rent a flooding meter by filling out the appropriate link on the right and paying a $1,000 deposit in-person.
A flooding meter may be installed on a fire hydrant location disclosed to CVWD. Any unauthorized use of water without a flooding meter is considered theft and will be punishable to the full extent of the law.
The borrower is responsible for the meter from the date of receipt until the date it is returned to CVWD. In the event the meter is not returned in the same condition as it was when received, the borrower will be responsible for the cost of the meter and must reimburse the District in full for such replacement. In addition, the borrower is responsible for any damage to the fire hydrant.
The full conditions and terms may be reviewed here:
Will-Serve Letters
Why do I still need a will-serve letter if I already have water and sewer services at the project address?
While there is an existing connection that provides water and/or sewer services, any new developments require will-serve letters to be obtained. This is required by the permit-issuing agency (either LA County, City of Glendale, or City of La Canada-Flintridge).
My agency asked for a “sanitation clearance.” What is a sanitation clearance and does the District provide that?
Sanitation clearance is another term for sewer will-serve letters. If the District provides sewer services to the project address, then we will provide the sewer will-serve or sanitation clearance as well.
Why do I need to pay for a “connection fee” if I already have water and/or sewer services?
The connection fee is applied to all new developments in the District. With every new development, there is additional strain on our system(s) and we must account for the additional capacity required to service the development.
How is the connection fee(s) calculated?
Please refer to Appendix E to view the water connection fee formula and appendix H to view the sewer connection fee formula.
Does the District send the will-serve letters to the permit-issuing agency or upload them to the permit portal?
No, the District does not send the will-serve letters to the permit-issuing agency or upload the documents to the permit portal. It is the property owner’s or their representative’s responsibility to send the documents to the agency.
New Water Meter
What is the process to install a new meter?
The District will determine the appropriate meter size based on the information provided in the completed water meter clearance form. A utility plan will need to be created and provided to the District. The District will provide a cost estimate. Once the cost estimate is paid, then the District will apply for the necessary permit(s). Once the permit is issued, the District will coordinate to schedule the work and install the new meter(s).
How long will it take to install a new meter?
It takes up to 4 weeks to provide a cost estimate based on timeliness of communication. Typically, it takes up to 6 weeks for the permit(s) to be issued.
What is the cost to install a new meter?
The average cost to install a new meter in the 2025-26 fiscal year is $20,400. Please note that this is an estimate and the actual cost varies based on project scope.
New Fire Service
What is the process to install a new fire service?
The District will determine the appropriate meter size based on the information provided in the completed water meter clearance form. A utility plan will need to be created and provided to the District. The District will provide a cost estimate. Once the cost estimate is paid, then the District will apply for the necessary permit(s). Once the permit is issued, the District will coordinate to schedule the work and install the new fire service(s).
How long will it take to install a new fire service?
It takes up to 4 weeks to provide a cost estimate based on timeliness of communication. Typically, it takes up to 6 weeks for the permit(s) to be issued.
What is the cost to install a new meter?
It takes up to 4 weeks to provide a cost estimate based on timeliness of communication. Typically, it takes up to 6 weeks for the permit(s) to be issued.