A REVIEW OF CONNECTION FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES BY METER SIZE
Right-sizing premise plumbing systems has become a prominent topic of discussion in the plumbing and water industries, for good reason. Supply line and pipe sizing methodologies have been largely unchanged since Hunter’s Curve was created by Roy B. Hunter in 1940 -- yet fixtures and appliances such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, clothes washers, and dishwashers operate much more efficiently than they did in 1940 and thus have slowed the flows. Unfortunately, it is still common for meters and supply and waste lines to be oversized according to Hunter’s Curve. These oversized premise plumbing systems create multiple inefficiencies and worse, can have a negative impact on water quality.
- The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) conducted this research at the request of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to better understand the current range of connection fees and recurring service charges related to meter size across metropolitan areas.
- Installing new plumbing systems with properly sized piping can help address water quality issues associated with lower flows in oversized premise plumbing while also using less water and energy.
- Right sizing water supply lines can improve the performance of premise plumbing systems, help protect public health and safety by reducing water aging in premise plumbing systems, and generate water and energy savings.