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Connection standards, project estimates, permit fees and meter requirements can depend on the property and project. Confirm project-specific requirements with the Water Division and applicable City permit offices before construction.
St. Louis City Water Department: New Service Connection 2026
St. Louis Water Division connection guide · 2026
Need Water at a St. Louis Property? First Decide: New Account or New Water Tap
The official utility is the City of St. Louis Water Division. A customer moving into a building that already has a usable water connection normally needs a new water-service account—not a new tap into the water main.
A new building, redevelopment project, replacement connection or property without an existing usable connection can require the much more involved water tap / service connection process involving a bonded or licensed plumbing contractor, City permits and the Water Division’s Distribution or Estimator staff.
St. Louis Ordinance 72168 adds a meter requirement for new service connections and qualifying rehabilitation projects beginning on its effective date. A project being designed now should account for that rule before permit and occupancy stages.
Most important distinction
Do You Need a New Account or a New Service Connection?
Open a Water Account
Use this route when a house, apartment building or commercial property already has a City water connection and you need billing/service placed on an account.
- Existing water tap/service line
- Moving into a property
- Ownership change
- New account holder
Apply for a Water Tap
Use this route when construction requires a new physical connection from the property to an existing City water main.
- New construction
- No usable connection exists
- New service tap required
- Major service redesign
Restore Water Service
If an account is already open and the goal is simply to restore water service, use the Water Division’s restoration request rather than opening another account.
Restore ServiceBefore paying a contractor to design a new service, call Water Division Customer Service at (314) 771-2255. For construction-specific tap questions, Distribution and Estimator contacts are listed below.
2026 contact snapshot
St. Louis City Water Department Quick Facts
Existing service connection
How to Open a New St. Louis Water Service Account
City of St. Louis Water Division New Account Application
The Water Division’s current 2026 customer page says account applications are handled electronically. After the application is received, the Division opens the account and sends the customer an email with the account number and online-account-access information.
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1
Confirm the property already has a water connection
If physical tap or service-line construction is required, complete the construction workflow in this guide instead.
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2
Open the official electronic account application
Use the Water Division’s linked Laserfiche application rather than sending personal information through a third-party utility website.
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3
Submit the requested property and account-holder information
Complete every required field accurately so the Water Division can associate the request with the correct premises.
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4
Watch for the Water Division’s email
The current Water Division instructions state that the account number and online-access information are provided after the account is opened.
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5
Follow any additional turn-on instructions
The Water Division reviews the request and can provide additional steps needed before service can be completed.
The Water Division strongly recommends keeping water service in the property owner’s name and states that responsibility for charges remains with the property owner even when another person is the account holder.
The City’s service guidance specifically warns that processing may be delayed when a balance is owed on a prior account at the premises.
Physical water connection
How a New St. Louis Water Tap Connection Works
Your contractor performs substantial preparation and site work, but the actual connection to the Water Division’s main is controlled by the Water Division.
Preparation checklist before the Water Division schedules the tap
The plumbing contractor named on the tap application must also appear on the plumbing and excavation permits. Inconsistent contractor information can stop the application from being completed.
Typical smaller services
St. Louis Small Water Service Connections
The Water Division’s current guidance says the plumbing code requires a minimum 1-inch copper service line, while a small copper service line cannot be greater than 3 inches.
Direct tap into Water Division mains 6 inches and larger.
A tapping saddle is required on a 6-inch main; larger mains can be directly tapped under current standards.
A tapping saddle is required on 6-inch and 8-inch water mains.
The Water Division describes a 3-inch tap as two 2-inch taps under its small-connection design.
Water Division Distribution Section
4600 McRee Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
The Water Division specifically instructs small-tap applicants to bring copies of the plumbing and excavation permits when applying for the tap.
Larger / complex projects
St. Louis Large Water Service Connections
The Water Division also treats certain older 3-inch and 4-inch connections designated as cast-iron connections as large service connections.
Where to apply
Water Division Estimator
4600 McRee Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Large-tap application package
- Payment for the Water Division’s tap cost estimate
- Excavation Permit copy
- Plumbing Permit copy
- Backflow-device purchase proof when required
- Approved and stamped drawing when required
- Completed Water Division service application
The Water Division’s tap instructions call for Fire Marshal approval for applicable fire connections and/or Plumbing Section approval for domestic-service connections.
Do this before the tap
Permits Required for a St. Louis Water Connection
Plumbing Permit
Issued through the City Building Division to licensed plumbing contractors certified by the City.
Excavation Permit
Required when a portion of the public right-of-way is removed to perform the work.
The City currently lists a $30 plumbing permit application fee plus a $25 tap/water-connection-or-extension fee. Other permit items and inspections can add charges.
The Streets Department currently lists a $125 excavation permit fee for cuts under 20 feet. Blocking lanes, sidewalks, parking meters, longer trenches and restoration can add charges.
The City’s excavation instructions require notification to Missouri One Call at least 48 hours before digging so underground utilities can be located.
A new connection can involve separate plumbing permit fees, excavation charges, contractor costs, restoration charges and the Water Division’s project-specific tap cost.
Who does what?
Water Division vs. Plumbing Contractor Responsibilities
City-controlled work
- Controls connection to the City water main
- Reviews Water Division tap requirements
- Determines whether requirements are satisfied
- Schedules the tap after the application package is complete
- Owns and maintains Water Division meters
Project preparation
- Correctly size the service tap and service line
- Obtain plumbing and excavation permits
- Excavate for the connection
- Install required service piping
- Install valves, boxes and meter boxes/vaults as required
- Backfill and restore grade
- Clearly mark the desired tap location
The City’s public tap instructions are explicit that the Water Division is the sole agency permitted to make the tap into an existing City water main.
Budget before construction
How Much Does a New St. Louis Water Connection Cost?
Larger service connections require more material and Water Division work.
Main size, location and site conditions affect connection design.
Depth, pavement, traffic control and site accessibility affect labor.
Some services require approved backflow equipment and documentation.
Connection design and meter requirements affect required infrastructure.
Public right-of-way restoration can create separate Streets Department charges.
The Water Division’s FAQ currently says a bonded plumber’s connection permit is issued after required plumbing approval plus payment of the tap cost and a $2 insertion fee. Confirm the project-specific total before submitting payment because tap and related department charges vary.
Major 2026 change
New St. Louis Water Meter Rule Effective November 1, 2026
As of this guide’s August 21, 2026 review date, the ordinance has been enacted but its stated effective date is still in the future.
Meter required
New water service connections covered by the ordinance must be served by an approved meter before service is activated after the ordinance becomes effective.
Can trigger meter requirement
Qualifying service-line replacement or rehabilitation work can also trigger the meter requirement under the new ordinance.
Not automatically retrofitted
An existing active connection is not automatically required to add a meter solely because the ordinance exists; a qualifying project can trigger the requirement.
Do not design the connection using only pre-November standards. Confirm meter size, type, location and setting requirements with the Water Division before construction.
Water Division guidance says the new meter requirement can affect subdivision, building-permit and certificate-of-occupancy approval for properties requiring a new connection after the ordinance applies.
Review the enacted ordinance and effective date before finalizing a late-2026 connection project.
Connection protection
Backflow Prevention & Fire-Service Connections
When a device is required
If the service design requires a backflow-prevention device, the Water Division tap package can require proof that the device has been purchased.
Do not select a backflow device solely from an online example. The required device depends on the water use and approved design.
Approved fire drawings
Applicable fire-service connections require approved drawings stamped and signed through the Fire Marshal’s office before the Water Division schedules the connection.
Domestic-service drawings can require approval through the Building Division’s Plumbing Section.
The Water Division’s current guidance says lawn sprinkler systems connected to potable water require backflow prevention and installation by a licensed plumber in accordance with City plumbing/building requirements.
Existing account
Restore St. Louis Water Service Without Opening Another Account
Use the Restore Water Service request
The Water Division separates restoration from the new-account application. If the account already exists and simply needs water turned back on, use the restoration form.
The City’s service guidance explains that if additional work is needed to restore or initiate service beyond the normal turn-on work or applicable service-line program coverage, the property owner may be responsible for that extra work.
After account setup
St. Louis Water Online Account Access & Bill Payment
Online Account Access
View current utility account information. Existing users sign in with their email address; new users can create a profile and then link the utility account.
Open Water AccountPayIt St. Louis
The Water Division links customers to the City’s PayIt St. Louis payment system for online water/refuse bill payments.
Pay Water BillThe Water Division states that new applicants receive an email with their account number and online-access information after the account is opened.
Project sequencing
Best Order for a New St. Louis Water Connection
Determine whether a new physical tap is actually needed.
The contractor should understand St. Louis Water Division and permit requirements.
Determine domestic, fire, combined-service and peak-demand needs.
Get plumbing, excavation and any required drawing/backflow approvals.
Complete Water Division Customer Service requirements.
Small connections go through Distribution; larger connections go through the Estimator.
Excavation, piping, valves and required boxes/vaults must meet the approved design.
The City controls the tap into the water main.
Complete required inspections and right-of-way restoration procedures.
The Water Division says it schedules the installation only after the required application items have been supplied. Permit, plan or documentation problems can delay scheduling.
Avoid rework
Common New Water Connection Mistakes
Existing buildings with a usable connection generally start with Customer Service.
The contractor on the tap application must match the plumbing and excavation permits.
The customer is responsible for correctly sizing the tap and service line.
Small-tap applicants are specifically told to bring plumbing and excavation permits.
A required backflow device can become part of the tap-application package.
The Water Division controls the actual tap into its water main.
Permits, plumbing, excavation and street restoration can be separate costs.
Projects extending into late 2026 should be designed around Ordinance 72168 where applicable.
When the project stalls
St. Louis Water Connection Troubleshooting
| Problem | Best Next Step |
|---|---|
| Moving into an existing building | Start with the electronic New Account Application rather than a tap application. |
| Existing account but water is off | Use the Restore Water Service request. |
| Unsure whether connection is small or large | Discuss sizing with the plumbing contractor and Water Division before permits are finalized. |
| Small-tap application | Contact Distribution at (314) 633-9029. |
| Large / complex tap | Contact the Estimator at (314) 633-9024. |
| Application is delayed | Check permits, contractor-name consistency, prior account balance, drawings, backflow documentation and account status. |
| Need excavation permit | Use the City Streets Department excavation-permit service. |
| Need plumbing permit | Use the City Building Division plumbing-permit process. |
| Project completes after Nov. 1, 2026 | Confirm Ordinance 72168 meter requirements before proceeding. |
| Active water-main leak / emergency | Call Water Division dispatch at (314) 771-4880. |
Use the right office
St. Louis Water Division Phone Numbers, Addresses & Hours
Water Division Customer Service
1640 S. Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 771-2255
Email: customerservice@stlwater.com
Regular office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Open MapDistribution Section
4600 McRee Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 633-9029
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Open MapWater Division Estimator
4600 McRee Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 633-9024
Fax: (314) 644-4074
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tap application location
Map to St. Louis Water Division Distribution / Estimator
60-second answer
What Should You Do Next?
Understand the project
St. Louis Water Connection Terms
- Water Service Account
- The customer billing/service account for a property already connected or being connected to the Water Division system.
- Service Tap
- The physical connection made to a City water main to supply a service line.
- Service Line
- The piping carrying water from the service connection toward the property.
- Small Service Connection
- A Water Division classification for qualifying connections using a service tap below 6 inches and approved service-line materials.
- Large Service Connection
- Generally a service tap 6 inches or larger, plus certain connections designated by the Water Division as cast-iron connections.
- Excavation Permit
- A City Streets Department permit required when public right-of-way is excavated for qualifying connection work.
- Plumbing Permit
- A Building Division authorization covering qualifying plumbing work performed by an approved plumbing contractor.
- Backflow Prevention
- Approved equipment designed to prevent water from flowing backward into the public drinking-water system.
- Water Meter
- A Water Division-owned device that measures water use on metered service connections.
- Tap Estimate
- The project-specific Water Division cost determination used for qualifying service-connection work.
Primary sources
Official St. Louis Water Connection Resources
10 high-intent questions
St. Louis City Water Department New Service FAQs
1. How do I start new water service in St. Louis City?
If the property already has a usable City water connection, use the City of St. Louis Water Division’s electronic New Account Application. After the application is processed, the Water Division says it will email the new account number and information about online account access. Customer Service is available at (314) 771-2255.
2. Do I need a new water tap when moving into a St. Louis house?
Usually not if the property already has a usable water service connection. A new account application handles the customer/account side. A water tap application is for physical connection work involving a tap into the City water main or another qualifying service-connection project.
3. Who is allowed to tap a St. Louis City water main?
The City states that the St. Louis Water Division is the sole agency allowed to make the tap into an existing City water main. The plumbing contractor performs required excavation, piping, valves, boxes, backfilling and other approved preparation but does not independently make the City main tap.
4. What permits do I need for a new St. Louis water connection?
The Water Division’s tap process requires a Plumbing Permit from the Building Division and an Excavation Permit from the Streets Department. Depending on the project, approved drawings and backflow-prevention documentation can also be required. The contractor name on the tap application must match the names on the plumbing and excavation permits.
5. Where do I apply for a small St. Louis water tap?
Applications for small service connections are handled by the Water Division Distribution Section at 4600 McRee Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. The current phone number is (314) 633-9029, and listed hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
6. Where do I apply for a large St. Louis water service connection?
Large service-connection applications are handled through the Water Division Estimator at 4600 McRee Avenue. The current Estimator phone number is (314) 633-9024. Large tap packages can require the tap cost-estimate payment, plumbing and excavation permits, applicable backflow documentation, approved drawings and a completed Water Division service application.
7. How much does a new St. Louis water connection cost in 2026?
There is no single universal tap price because the Water Division connection cost depends on the service and project. Separate City permit charges can also apply. Current City schedules list a $30 plumbing permit application fee, $25 for a listed tap/water connection or extension permit item, and $125 for an excavation permit involving a cut under 20 feet. Contractor, restoration, backflow, vault and other project costs can be additional.
8. Are water meters required for new St. Louis connections in 2026?
St. Louis Ordinance 72168 has been enacted and becomes effective November 1, 2026. It establishes meter requirements for new service connections and qualifying rehabilitation projects after it applies. Existing active connections are not automatically required to install a meter solely because the ordinance exists. Projects extending beyond November 1 should confirm current Water Division meter specifications before construction.
9. What is the St. Louis Water Division customer service phone number?
Water Division Customer Service can be reached at (314) 771-2255. The Customer Service office is at 1640 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110, and regular listed hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The customer service email is customerservice@stlwater.com.
10. What number do I call for a St. Louis water emergency?
For a water-system emergency such as a main break or open hydrant, the Water Division lists (314) 771-4880. For a taste or water-quality concern, the Water Division lists (314) 592-8222. Account and new-service questions should instead go to Customer Service at (314) 771-2255.