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If you are building a new property or require water for a construction project, an application for a new water service must be submitted to ENWIN. Effective [Insert Date], construction water services will be managed by ENWIN through an updated process.
ENWIN provides temporary water services for construction projects within the City of Windsor. An application must be submitted to ENWIN for construction water prior to use and must comply with all applicable Windsor Utilities Commission (WUC) by-laws and technical requirements. Applications may be submitted by property owners, contractors, or developers; however, the property owner and account holder must authorize the application by signing it.
Construction water is billed monthly in accordance with WUC By-Law (Schedule A). Charges are based on the approved meter size, or pipe size, where a meter has not yet been installed.
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Construction Water Service Process and Charges
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Contractors and property owners may require temporary water use during construction before a permanent water system is in place.
Construction water is billed under one of two rate structures, depending on the approved service setup:
- Unmetered Water (Flat Monthly Rate)
- Metered Water (Usage Rate + Fixed Meter Charges)
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) properties will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine meter location and configuration. Projects requiring 6-inch and larger water meters must have the meter installed in a vault at the outset. Construction water service is not available for these sizes.
Rate #1: Unmetered Water (Flat Monthly Rate)
Where a water meter has not yet been installed, a flat monthly rate will be applied based on property type and the approved meter or pipe size. Monthly rates are available here: Water Rates | ENWIN
Flat-rate charges will continue until a permanent metered service is installed and activated.
Rate #2: Metered Water
Once a water meter is installed, flat construction charges cease and standard water billing begins. Ongoing charges will be applied in accordance with the Windsor Utilities Commission (WUC) water rates, as well as City of Windsor wastewater (based on the installed meter size) and stormwater fees (based on impervious area).
Current rates are available here: Water Rates | ENWIN
Construction Water Requirements
Before construction water service can be initiated:
- A completed application must be submitted by the account holder, who assumes responsibility for all charges. A property owner signature is also required. Where possible, it is recommended that the property owner remain the account holder for both electric and water services until the property is transferred to a new account holder, such as a new property owner or tenant.
- Water services must meet City of Windsor and WUC design guidelines and specifications Water Projects and Construction | ENWIN.
- Pressure testing and water sampling may be required before meter installation for services greater than 50 mm. ENWIN determines this during the water service application review and approval phase. The meter size is also available on permit submitted drawings to confirm whether pressure testing is required. Backflow prevention may be required in accordance with:
- WUC By-Law
- Ontario Building Code
- CSA B64.10 standards.
Construction water charges apply until a water meter is installed and activated.
How to Apply
To request construction water service follow these steps:
- Complete and submit the Application and Undertaking for Water Service, Construction Water Service and Meter Installation along with all required documentation.
- Submit completed forms and required documentation:
- 📧 By Email: tsd@enwin.com (subject line: Water Service Application), or
- 📍 In person (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by mail:
ENWIN Utilities Ltd.
4545 Rhodes Drive
Windsor, ON N8W 5T1
For questions, please contact Technical Services at 519-251-7303,.
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Meter Installation & Transition to Permanent Service
- A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to schedule meter installation.
- Larger meters (3” and above) may require additional lead time.
- Construction water charges will end once the permanent water meter is installed and activated. The installation date will serve as the effective date for switching the account from construction water to a permanent meter.
- Standard water, wastewater, and stormwater billing will begin upon installation and activation of a permanent water meter.
Important Conditions
- The account holder remains responsible for all charges until the account is formally closed or transferred.
- Use of fire lines for construction purposes is strictly prohibited and may result in charges and penalties.
- Property owners are responsible for:
- Installation and maintenance of water services
- All backflow prevention compliance (Link to backflow webpage Backflow | ENWIN)
- Reporting leaks, damage, or irregularities
- Failure to comply with WUC By-Law requirements may result in:
- Fines and/or additional charges
- Disconnection of service
Need Help?
For assistance with construction water applications or requirements, please contact:
Technical Services Department
📞 519-251-7303
📧 tsd@enwin.com
Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more please select a question from the list below or scroll down the page.
What is construction water?
Construction water refers to water service used during building or construction activities.
Do I need to apply for water service?
Yes. A completed application must be submitted and approved by ENWIN before water service can be provided.
Is this a new process?
No, this is a process update. ENWIN has historically worked with the City of Windsor to coordinate construction water services, with charges managed through the City as part of the permit process. This process update is designed to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency and provide greater clarity for contractors and developers requiring water for construction projects.
Who should apply for construction water service?
The application must be submitted by the ENWIN account holder, who is responsible for all construction water charges. It is recommended that the property owner be listed as the account holder wherever possible. The property owner must also sign the application.
When do construction water charges begin and end?
Construction water charges begin once water service is activated. Depending on the service setup, you will either:
- Pay a flat monthly rate (unmetered), or
- Be billed based on actual usage (metered)
Construction water charges will continue until a water meter is installed and placed into service. At that time, construction charges cease and standard consumption-based billing begins.
How are construction water charges determined?
Construction water charges are set in accordance with Windsor Utilities Commission (WUC) By-Law (Schedule A).Charges are based on the approved meter size or, where a meter has not yet been installed, the available service or pipe size.
Is a water meter required during construction?
A water meter may be required during construction, depending on the approved service configuration outlined in the water service application form.
Are there any regulatory or technical requirements?
Yes. Projects must comply with all applicable requirements, including:
• City of Windsor design standards
• WUC By-Law
• WUC Design Guidelines and Specifications
• Ontario Building Code
• CSA B64.10 standards (backflow prevention, where applicable)
Can a fire line be used for construction water?
No. Fire line services are strictly for fire protection purposes. Unauthorized use for construction may result in charges, penalties and enforcement action.
How is the unmetered flat rate determined?
The unmetered flat rate is based on:
• Property type (Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional [ICI], or Residential)
• Approved meter size or service/pipe size
Metering Related Questions
How long does it take to get a meter?
• A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to schedule meter installation.
• Larger meters (3” and above) may require additional lead time
Where is the meter installed?
Meter installation requirements are outlined in the Windsor Utilities Commission (WUC) Design Guidelines and Specifications.
What needs to be done before the meter is installed?
Before installation:
- Required pressure testing and water sampling must be completed, where applicable, for water services with a pipe size greater than 2 inches
- A required backflow prevention device must be installed and tested by a WUC-approved backflow company. The requirements depend on the type of backflow prevention device installed:
- Temporary Construction Backflow Prevention Device
- Must be installed and successfully tested by a WUC-approved backflow company.
- A copy of the passing test report must be emailed to backflow@enwin.com with the subject line "Temporary Backflow".
- Construction water meter installation can proceed once the test results have been received and accepted.
- Permanent Backflow Prevention Device
- Must be installed and successfully tested by a WUC-approved backflow company.
- Passing test results must be submitted through the ENWIN Backflow Prevention Web Portal.
How long is construction water service available?
As a general guideline:
- Residential projects: up to 3 months
- Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI) projects: up to 6 months
A water meter is expected to be installed in advance of occupancy to allow for transition to permanent service.
If additional time is required, extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to project details and supporting justification. To request an extension, please send an email: tsd@enwin.com.