Water, Drainage, and Wastewater Availability Certificate
SPU prepares a Water, Drainage, and Wastewater Availability Certificate (WAC) confirming SPU infrastructure exists to supply the parcel(s). The certificate identifies requirements, system improvements, and conditions necessary to provide water, drainage, and wastewater service to the parcel(s). A WAC is required for most development projects in Seattle, and in other jurisdictions within SPU's direct water service area.
Our drainage and wastewater system is generally limited to Seattle’s city limits. Our direct water service areas extend beyond Seattle’s city limits and include:
- Seattle
- Shoreline
- Burien
- Renton
- Lake Forest Park
- Parts of unincorporated King County
A WAC expires 36 months from the issuance date, and a new WAC application is required once a WAC has expired. WACs are issued based on the code requirements in effect at the time of application.
Apply for a WAC
- If your project is within the City of Seattle, and requires a building permit for new construction or a master use permit for a platting action from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), SDCI will request a WAC for you as part of their process.
- If your project is in an SPU direct water service area outside the City of Seattle, or is within Seattle, but does not require the above-mentioned permit(s) from SDCI, you may apply directly for a WAC through the Seattle Services Portal for water service requirements.
WAC Issuance
WACs are typically issued within 15 business days, depending on the volume of requests and complexity. There is no charge for this service.
A WAC is required for most development projects in Seattle or within SPU‘s direct water service area. It provides information about public water, drainage, and wastewater infrastructure serving a parcel. Information about on-site or privately owned systems are not included. The WAC is a basic report prepared for parcel owners who need new water, drainage, and/or wastewater service, such as for new construction or for renovating a facility for a new use. The WAC confirms whether SPU water, drainage, and wastewater infrastructure exists to supply the development project’s parcel(s) and identifies any requirements, system improvements, or conditions necessary to provide service to the parcel.
For water service, Washington state building code RCW 19.27.097 requires that building permit applicants provide proof of adequate water supply for the intended use of the parcel. For Seattle, the document used to provide adequate proof is the WAC.
In addition, the WAC process ensures that:
- Property owners are notified early in the permitting process if their project may require system improvements, such as a water, drainage, and/or wastewater main extension, water main valves, or other appurtenances.
- Adequate utility infrastructure exists to provide service to new development projects.
- New water, drainage, and/or wastewater service comply with current SPU regulations.
Property owners who are constructing a new building or renovating an existing building for a new use typically need a WAC. The following project types require a WAC:
- Any project requiring a new water, drainage, and/or wastewater service.
- Any project requiring a master use permit for the division or re-division of land (i.e., subdivision, short plat, unit lot subdivision, or lot boundary adjustment).
If you’re unsure whether your project requires a WAC, contact SPUWaterAvailability@seattle.gov or apply for a WAC through the Seattle Services Portal, as they are free of charge.
Reduce Delays
For water service, check with your local fire department to ensure the requested water service is sufficient to meet all fire department standards for the property. For example, fire sprinkler systems may require a separate or larger water service. If a hydrant flow test is required by your local fire department, submit a Hydrant Flow Request.
Changes to a project after a WAC is issued, particularly changes in parcel configuration or water needs (such as fire sprinklers or landscape irrigation), require a new WAC review. This may result in delays or additional costs to your project.