Engineering Department FAQs

How do I get water/sewer service?

Contact our Engineering Department to determine if property is within the water or sewer district boundaries of the Vallecitos Water District or if Annexation Procedure is required.

For new water or sewer service:

Complete Water Meter Demand Form and submit to VWD with site map showing lot area, buildings, irrigated area, designated open space and proposed location of water and/or sewer service.  Also provide fire flow & building sprinkler requirements from local fire department.   

Water meter sizes and Water Capital Facility Fees, Wastewater Capital Facility Fees and San Diego County Water Authority Fees will be calculated based on acreage and estimated usage.  Fees are adjusted every year effective January 1^st.  Capital Facility Fees and Inspection Deposit must be paid prior to installation. 

Water services, meters and sewer laterals are to be installed by private contractors who have a Class A or C34 license and inspected by District personnel.  A quote for installation by VWD may be requested for up to two services.

To activate existing water or sewer service:

Contact the Customer Service Department.  Provide them with property address and/or meter number along with new billing information (name & address, etc.)

How do I obtain a construction meter?

Submit Application for Construction Meter along with a deposit and installation/removal fee as indicated on Charges & Deposit Schedule and site map showing location of fire hydrant where proposed construction meter is to be located.  If a backflow device is required it must be tested by a District-approved certified tester within 1 working day of installation.  All costs associated with the installation, testing and compliance of the backflow assembly is the customer’s responsibility.

Relocation or removal of a Construction Meter shall be requested by submitting a Construction Meter Removal/Relocation Form along with a location map for each relocation or removal.  The installation/removal fee is indicated on Charges & Deposit Schedule

When are backflow devices required?

In order to protect the public potable water supply from cross-contamination, District-approved backflow prevention devices are required for:

• irrigation water meters
• commercial water meters
• industrial water meters
• multi-family dwelling water meters

Backflow devices are to be installed by and at the expense of the customer.  The customer shall arrange to have each device tested by a District-approved certified tester immediately after installation and at least once a year thereafter and provide a copy of the test results to the District.

What is the static water pressure at my property?

To get a rough estimate of your static water pressure, contact our Engineering Department to determine which pressure zone feeds the property. Calculate the approximate static pressure by subtracting the site elevation from the hydraulic grade line (tank elevation) of the appropriate pressure zone and multiply the difference by 0.433.  Or contact VWD engineering staff and provide them with the location of the property (street address, APN or nearest cross-streets).

The allowable static pressure range is 40 psi to 150 psi.  A pressure regulator is required to be installed on the customer’s side of the meter if water pressure exceeds 150 psi.

What is the procedure for submitting a developer project for review?

See Submittal Requirements and Acceptance Process and Plan Check Review List.  The initial plan check deposit is shown on the Charges & Deposit Schedule.  Plan check fees are based on actual costs of plan checking.  Additional deposits may be required from time to time throughout the duration of the project.