FAQs

1. To confirm water service is available through Fayette County Water System (FCWS), submit a Water Service Availability request through the online permitting system Sages.
2. Development staff will review the request and determine whether existing infrastructure and capacity (in some cases) is available.
3. You will need to provide:
   1. The parcel number and property address.
   2. If no address has been assigned yet, input the parent parcel number and the location details clearly (e.g. “the parcel immediately west of the library”).
4. Please note that water availability does not guarantee connection approval. Additional information may be required depending on your development type and location.

1. Sages is FCWS’s online permitting system used for all development-related submissions. This includes:
   1. Water availability requests
   2. Utility plan reviews
   3. Inspection scheduling

1. All water-related development activities must be submitted through the Sages permitting system.

1. Instructions for purchasing and installation of a meter are listed at the bottom of your Water Service Availability Letter.
2. If you’re unable to locate the letter, you can:
   1. Login to your Sages project to retrieve a copy
   2. Email the Water System Development staff at WaterSystemDevelopment@fayettecountyga.gov to have the letter re-sent

1. FCWS does not determine meter sizes. Please consult a licensed engineer or licensed plumber based on your project’s projected flow demand and fixture count.

1. Fees depend on the meter size and whether a tap or main extension is required. General fee schedules are available here.  Specific costs owed will be outlined in your Water Service Availability letter and/or Construction Plan Approval Letter.

1. If there is no existing water main within a reasonable distance of your property, you may be required to extend the line in order to receive service through FCWS.
2. The cost and feasibility of waterline extensions are the responsibility of the owner/developer. FCWS staff will guide you through the required design, inspection, and permitting process via the Sages permitting system.

1. Utility plans must be prepared by a licensed professional engineer. Plans should be submitted through Sages for Water System Development staff to review and approve.  FCWS cannot design or modify plans on your behalf.

1. No. Utility construction shall not begin until you receive formal approval from all applicable Fayette County departments and jurisdictions, including FCWS.

1. No. All water meters must be installed and/or inspected by FCWS to ensure compliance with FCWS standards and specifications.
   1. Meters 2 inches and smaller are installed by FCWS.
   2. Meters larger than 2 inches are installed by the developer, and FCWS staff must be present to inspect the meter installation.
      1. If a tap is performed or a meter is installed without FCWS inspection, the owner or developer shall be responsible for uncovering the tap and/or meter to allow a thorough inspection by FCWS. Any resulting damage to infrastructure or property, including excavation and restoration, is also the responsibility of the owner or developer.

1. Contact Water System Development staff to discuss your relocation request.
2. Depending on the scope of the work, you may be required to submit engineered plans through Sages. Relocations often require inspections and may incur additional fees.

1. A request must be submitted through the Sages permitting system.

1. Installation timelines vary based on the scope of your project, current workload, and any unforeseen emergencies (e.g. watermain breaks, inclement weather). Project-specific notes will be provided at the bottom of your Water Service Availability Letter.

1. Inspections can be scheduled directly through your Sages If you’re unable to access your project or have urgent scheduling needs, please contact the Field Operations Specialist to discuss options.

1. No. For meter sizes 2 inches and smaller, FCWS will install the backflow preventer.  For meter sizes above 2 inches, the backflow preventer shall be installed by the developer, with FCWS inspection.
2. FCWS has partnered with The Compliance Engine (TCE), a cloud based third-party inspection platform developed by Brycer, to manage and track backflow prevention test results. This transition aims to streamline the submission process for backflow testers and enhance compliance monitoring for the county.
3. If you are a certified backflow tester in Fayette County, all backflow test reports must now be submitted electronically through TCE.

1. You may submit a request through Sages; however, your project may be delayed until a valid address and/or recorded final plat is available.

Contact our Water System Development team by emailing us directly at WaterSystemDevelopment@fayettecountyga.gov or call 770-320-6020.  We’re happy to help.