PROVISIONS GOVERNING USE OF WATER

Philadelphia Code tit. 13, ch. 13-500

in effect

Philadelphia Code § 13-501 Connections.

§ 13-501. Connections. (1) No connection shall be made to a city water main unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. (2) Connections to the city water mains shall be made only by authorized employees of the Water Department or by persons under contracts approved by the Water Department. (3) No such permit shall be issued unless the applicant furnishes the written consent of the owner of the premises to be supplied or of the owner's authorized agent and pays the charges required by subsection 13-305(1). (4) The fee for such permit shall be fixed by the Water Department and shall include the actual cost of installing the connection, including but not limited to the ferrule or other connections, the valve, the valve box and necessary pipe. (5) The Water Department shall issue regulations establishing charges for service, at least equal to the actual cost thereof, setting forth all specifications covering the material, weight and size of service pipe in relation to the water meter to be serviced. Notes 57 | Amended, 1972 Ordinances, p. 459.

Philadelphia Code § 13-502 Service Pipe, Valves, and Stop-Cocks.

§ 13-502. Service Pipe, Valves, and Stop-Cocks. (1) Every person having a connection to the City's water supply system of between 1/2-inch and 2 inches in diameter shall provide and maintain a sufficient stop-cock and shut-off valve affixed to such connection, and shall keep it adequately protected and easily accessible. (2) Every person having a connection to the City's water supply system of 2 inches or less shall maintain in good repair at his own expense a service pipe from the City's main into the premises. (3) Any person having a connection to the City's water supply system in excess of 2 inches shall not be required to maintain the service pipe from the City's main to the curb line. (4) The provisions of subsections 13-502(2) and (3) do not apply to existing connections made pursuant to ordinances which provide for maintenance and repair by the City.

Philadelphia Code § 13-503 Unnecessary Flow or Leakage.

§ 13-503. Unnecessary Flow or Leakage. (1) If any person permits water to flow unnecessarily or to leak from any pipe, fixture or appliance upon property which he owns or occupies or in his service pipes, the Water Department may shut off the supply of water to the property. (2) No person shall turn on water which has been shut off pursuant to subsection 13-503(1) unless the unnecessary flow or leakage has been repaired or corrected. (3) The Water Department or other City agency may enter and inspect any property at reasonable times to ascertain the existence of unnecessary flow or leakage of water, to read the water meter, or to repair or replace the water meter.

Philadelphia Code § 13-504 Single Connections Required.

§ 13-504. Single Connections Required. (1) Not more than one dwelling shall be supplied with water from a single connection or ferrule except with the written approval of the Water Department. (2) Whenever two or more premises have been supplied from a single connection or ferrule, and one or more of the owners or occupants of the premises becomes delinquent in the payment of water rent or permits water to flow unnecessarily or to leak from any pipe, fixture or appliance therein, the Water Department may shut off the supply of water to the premises. (a) Such supply shall not be renewed until: (.1) a separate connection is installed for each premise; (.2) the delinquent water rents are paid; (.3) the leakage is repaired; and (.4) the unnecessary flow of water is stopped. (3) Whenever the owner of one or more premises which have been supplied from a single ferrule makes application to discontinue the use of water, the owner of any other premises served from this ferrule shall install a separate connection.

Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-286649Fetched: 10/27/2026