PRIVATE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Philadelphia Code § P-614

in effect

SECTION P-614 PRIVATE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE P-614.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, design, and construction of Private Water Infrastructure. P-614.1.1 Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to Private Water Infrastructure. MASTER METER. A measuring device owned and maintained by the Philadelphia Water Department used to collect data and indicate water usage from multiple individually metered units in a Condominium or Planned Community. PRIVATE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PIPE. The pipe that is constructed on private property between the Master Meter and the Private Water Distribution Pipe owned and maintained by the Unit Owner’s Association to serve some or all units within a Condominium or Planned Community. PRIVATE WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPE. For the purposes of this section, this is limited to the section of pipe located between the Private Water Infrastructure Pipe and the individual building. P-614.2 Materials. The Private Water Infrastructure Pipe and Private Water Distribution Pipe shall conform to one of the standards listed in Table 605.3 of this code and the requirements shall be consistent with all materials, joints and connections listed in Section 605. P-614.3 Connections. The Private Water Distribution Pipe for each house or structure shall be connected to the Private Water Infrastructure Pipe separately. A Private Water Infrastructure Pipe used to convey both domestic and fire protection in a single pipe is permitted. P-614.3.1 Shut off valves. Each connection of the Private Water Distribution Pipe to the Private Water Infrastructure Pipe shall have an accessible shut off valve installed no less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the outside of the building wall and in line with the ferrule connection on the Private Water Infrastructure Pipe. P-614.4 Access for repairs. Separation of Private Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Infrastructure placed in the same alignment and at a depth not exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) shall comply with Section 603.2 of this code. Infrastructure placed at depths greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) shall be horizontally separated at a distance that allows for the approved sheeting and shoring and not less than 2 feet (609 mm). P-614.5 Protection of structures. The Private Water Infrastructure Pipe installed parallel to footings and walls shall not extend into the bearing plane of a footing or wall in accordance with Section 307.5 of this code. Private Water Infrastructure pipe shall not be installed within 5 feet (1524 mm) of any adjoining property line. Private Water Infrastructure Pipe shall not be installed within 3 feet (914 mm) of any parallel building foundation. P-614.6 Fire hydrants. The Private Water Infrastructure Pipe with Fire hydrant connections shall be metered and require backflow protection in accordance with Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) Regulations. The Philadelphia Fire Department shall govern the placement of fire hydrants. PWD may direct the placement of blow-offs and meters on the Private Water Distribution Pipe to ensure water quality. Exception: A master meter on a Private Water Infrastructure Pipe used to convey both domestic and fire protection in a single pipe shall be an acceptable method to meter hydrants. P-614.7 Easement required. Private Water Infrastructure Pipe shall require an easement with a minimum width of 12 foot (3657 mm) and must provide adequate space to replace/ repair the private infrastructure. Minimum vertical drive height clearance of 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm) or two times the pipe depth to pipe bottom, whichever is greater, shall be provided. The easement shall also provide access to individual private water distribution pipes and valves and allow for shut- offs when necessary. No permanent structures shall be built over or in the easement unless these vertical height clearances are met.

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/0-0-0-270877Fetched: 10/27/2026