New Water Service Installation Guidelines
If you require water service for a residence under construction or need new water service installed at an existing location, please review and follow the guidelines below.
Septic Approval Requirement
Please Note: Before water service can be connected, BCWA #5 must receive septic system approval from the Arkansas Department of Health (“ADH”).
For a current list of Designated Representatives who can assist with the septic approval process, please visit the ADH website:
Arkansas Department of Health – Designated Representatives
You may also contact the Local Health Unit in Rogers at (479) 986-1300 for information regarding the septic permitting process.
Application Process
Please download and complete the New Service Application located at the bottom of this page or in the Forms and Reports section of this website.
The completed and signed application, along with the required septic approval documentation and payment of $2,600.00, must be mailed to:
BCWA #5
P.O. Box 591
Lowell, AR 72745-0591
DO NOT SEND CASH. Payment can be made by credit card, but please note that transaction fees will apply. See Rates & Fees under Customer Service for more information.
Road Bore Requirements
Prior to submitting your application, please contact the BCWA #5 office to determine whether a road bore will be required for your service installation.
BCWA #5 does not perform road bores. If a road bore is required, it is the customer’s responsibility to arrange and pay for the work through a qualified drilling contractor.
Service Installation Responsibilities
BCWA #5 will install the service connection from the existing water main to the meter box.
The property owner is responsible for installing and maintaining the service line from the meter box to the residence or structure being served.
BCWA #5 also requires the installation of a valve box between the meter box and the residence. This valve provides a convenient means to shut off water service to the residence if necessary.
All customer-installed service lines and plumbing connections from the meter box to the residence must meet or exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Department of Health Plumbing Code and all applicable rules and regulations.
Please note that the information provided herein has not been reviewed or approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. BCWA #5 strongly recommends consulting with a licensed master plumber prior to beginning installation. This information is provided solely as a general guide to assist customers in obtaining water service from BCWA #5.
Procedure to Activate Water Service
- Excavate Service Trench
Excavate a trench from the service connection point to the meter box. The trench must maintain a minimum depth of eighteen inches (18”) throughout its entire length. - Disconnect Existing Water Supply
Disconnect the service line from any existing well or alternative water source, if applicable. Existing wells may continue to be used for outdoor irrigation purposes; however, they may not be connected in any manner to the BCWA #5 service line. Compliance will be verified by a plumbing inspector. - Prepare Threaded Connections
Thoroughly clean all threaded connections and apply Teflon tape or approved pipe joint compound (“pipe dope”) to ensure a watertight connection. - Install Required Valves
Install both a shutoff valve and a pressure reducing valve on the existing ¾-inch nipple. These components are required and should preferably be installed within an accessible valve box equipped with a protective cover. - Install Service Line
Connect the opposite end of the valve assembly to a ¾-inch brass nipple and install the service line to the designated connection point.
Schedule 40 PVC pipe or copper pipe is recommended. Polyethylene pipe rated at Pressure Class 200 is also acceptable.
- Schedule Plumbing Inspection
Once water service is available and Steps 1 through 5 have been completed, contact the Benton County Planning Department at (479) 464-6166 to schedule a plumbing inspection.
Additional information may also be obtained through the Benton County Planning Department website:
Benton County Planning Department
Upon successful completion of the inspection, the water meter will be installed and activated. However, the customer shutoff valve will remain in the closed position. When ready to begin water service, simply turn the valve handle within the valve box to the “ON” position.
Billing Notice
Please note that once the water meter has been installed, the account will be considered active and monthly billing will begin, regardless of water usage.
Current rates and fees may be found in the Rates and Fees section of this website.
BCWA #5 recommends that customers do not request meter installation until they are prepared to begin water service.
Additional Notes
- Prior to activation of service, a valid 911 address must be visibly posted on the residence or mailbox. Address numbers displayed on a residence or business must be a minimum of three inches (3”) in height, in accordance with Benton County 911 Ordinance requirements.
- Installation of tracer wire is not required but is strongly recommended to assist in locating underground service lines in the future.
- Galvanized pipe, polybutylene pipe, and associated fittings shall not be used in any customer-installed water line. Such materials will not be approved during plumbing inspection.
- When installing a freeze-proof yard hydrant, a double check valve must be installed between the hydrant and the service line.
- All agricultural services are required to have an RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) backflow preventer installed prior to the first outlet. Please contact the BCWA #5 office for RPZ installation specifications.
- BCWA #5 recommends installation of a one-inch (1”) service line from the meter box to the connection point. Customers requiring a larger service line should contact the office prior to beginning installation.
Service Line Install
