Contractor Resources

Overview

This page focuses on things that a contractor needs when performing work in the Saint Paul Regional Water Services service area. If you need additional assistance, contact our engineering service desk at 651-266-6270 from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (Monday - Friday).

Standards for the Installation of Water Mains 

2025 Water Main Standards

Specifications, materials, and construction details that contractors must follow for water main projects in the SPRWS service area.

2025 Water Main Standards

Standard Plates

Diagrams and technical drawings for proper installation and component assembly.

Standard Plates

Backflow Preventer Permits 

SPRWS requires plumbing contractors obtain a plumbing permit before installing or replacing a backflow preventer. 

Only a person licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as a journeyman plumber may lawfully install, replace or rebuild backflow preventers; such person must also have a Certificate of Competency as a plumber/gasfitter issued by the City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections.

Online Testing and Customer Portal

For Testers: Certified testers must submit results online through the AquaResource Portal. Paper or email submittals are not accepted. 

For Customers: Property owners can view the compliance status of their devices through the SPRWS Backflow Customer Portal

Who Needs a Backflow Preventer

Per Saint Paul City Code Sec. 94.18, a backflow preventer is required anywhere there is a potential risk of contamination to the public water supply. Typical properties that must have backflow preventers include: 

• Commercial and industrial properties with equipment or processes that could introduce contaminants.
• Irrigation systems (lawn sprinklers) connected to the public water supply.
• Boiler systems, cooling towers, and other mechanical systems tied to water service.
• Multifamily or large residential properties with complex plumbing, private wells, or auxiliary water sources.
• Fire sprinkler systems connected to the drinking water system.

If you are unsure whether your property requires a backflow preventer, contact SPRWS at WaterRPZ@ci.stpaul.mn.us for guidance.

Program Requirements

1. Annual Testing: All backflow preventers must be tested once per year by a certified tester.
2. Certified Testers: Only state-certified testers may perform backflow tests. Test results must be submitted electronically through the SPRWS online testing platform, AquaResource.
3. Compliance Date: Your compliance date is listed in your annual notification letter. You have 30 days from that date to complete testing and ensure results are submitted.

Compliance Timeline and Fees

1. First Notice: Sent each year with your assigned compliance date. Testing and online submission required within 30 days.
2. Second Notice: Sent if results are not received by the compliance date.
3. 30 Days Past Compliance Date: A $250 Non-Compliance Fee is added to your water bill.
4. 60 Days Past Compliance Date: A second $250 Non-Compliance Fee is added and a placard may be affixed to your property.
5. Continued Non-Compliance: Water service may be suspended after proper notice.

Program Administration Fees

In accordance with Saint Paul City Code Sec. 85.08, an annual Backflow Preventer Testing Program Administration Fee is applied to your regular water bill. The current program fee is $35 per year. This fee supports administration of the program, including compliance notifications, recordkeeping, and system support.

Emergency Plumbing Work 

Work requiring a plumbing permit and inspection that is performed on an emergency basis is exempt from obtaining a plumbing permit prior to the commencement of work. However, a plumbing permit must be obtained within 24 hours (weekends and holidays excluded), from the time of inspection or a double fee will be applied.

Plumbing Permits 

Applying

The City of Saint Paul is now using PAULIE. This new platform reimagines how we handle permits, licenses, inspections, and enforcement. You can now apply, track application status, and communicate with City staff in one centralized, secure, and mobile-friendly platform.​

To get started, click the "Get Ready" button below. This will take you to our dedicated PAULIE webpage, providing important information about what to expect in the new platform.

Get Ready to Apply in PAULIE

Types of Work Requiring a Plumbing Permit from SPRWS

1. The installation and replacement of underground water services from the property line to the meter and underground piping within the property after the meter.
2. The installation or replacement of backflow prevention devices and plumbing work associated with meter settings.
3. The installation and replacement of water piping above ground after the meter in new and existing plumbing systems when the estimated value of the total market cost of the plumbing work exceeds $600.*

*#3 Exception: In the city of Saint Paul ONLY, an SPRWS plumbing permit is not required if both of the following conditions are met:

• Work is on an existing plumbing system with existing water service.
• The contractor has obtained a plumbing permit from Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspection for both waste and water portions of the plumbing system.

Areas Requiring Plumbing Permits

Plumbing permits from SPRWS must be obtained before plumbing work starts in the following cities:

• Falcon Heights
• Lauderdale
• Lilydale
• Maplewood
• Mendota
• Mendota Heights
• Saint Paul
• West Saint Paul

Delivery Mode and Time

Upon SPRWS' acceptance of a valid credit card payment, the permit will be emailed to the contractor using the email we have on file within 24 hours.

Refund Policy

If the work has not started, a full refund will be made upon request of the permittee for cancelation of the permit.

Hydrant Permits 

Hydrant Permits

Permits are required to operate water hydrants for construction use. As needs for each use vary, as do locations, size, and other options, if you require a permit to operate a hydrant, you will need to talk to someone at the engineering service desk to help determine the best fit for your needs. The engineering service desk can be reached at 651-266-6270 from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (Monday – Friday).

Once you have a permit to use a water hydrant, it is essential to operate the hydrant properly. Failure to operate the hydrant properly can result in damage to the water mains near the hydrant. Operating a hydrant without a permit is against the law and subject to a fine of $1,000. Fire departments and other city departments also have the need to operate water hydrants as required by their work. It is essential for these personnel to operate the hydrants safely as well, to prevent damage to the water mains.

Operating Hydrants

This video demonstrates the proper procedure for opening and closing a fire hydrant safely and effectively.

Steps for Operating a Hydrant

1. Prep the ground so you don’t do damage
2. Remove the cap from where you are going to attach your diffuser or other attachment.
3. Attach a diffuser or other attachment for dispersing the water. Be sure the other caps on the hydrant are closed.
4. Open the hydrant clockwise.
   • For non-pacer hydrants - open a minimum of four turns and no more than eight turns. Some older hydrants may ‘chatter’ – if so, continue to open to a maximum of eight turns.
   • Pacer hydrants can be opened all the way.
   • If you are not sure of the difference, do not open more than eight turns.
5. When finished, close the hydrant, turning the wrench counter-clockwise VERY SLOWLY. This means turn the last few turns at a rate of 20 seconds per turn. If you fail to close the valve slowly, it could create a water hammer in the system. A water hammer can cause main breaks.
6. Use the hydrant to turn off the water. Do not turn off the water using a ball valve attached to the meter assembly.
7. After closing the hydrant, be sure the water in the hydrant is wasting—the water needs to drain out completely before you put the cap back on the hydrant. 

External GIS Map 

The SPRWS External Map on ArcGIS Online offers access to our water facilities GIS data online. Please visit our external map hub page for more information and to submit an access form.

Water Code 

The water code is the Title XI - WATER UTILITY section of the Saint Paul Code of Ordinances.

Typical Settings for Plumbing Work 

Standard installation configurations and requirements for plumbing systems to ensure compliance with local codes and efficient water service.

Small Meters

Guidelines for typical installation of small water meters, typically used for residential and light commercial properties.

Settings for Small Meters

4 and 6-inch Meters

Guidelines for typical installation of larger water meters used in commercial and industrial settings.

Settings for 4 and 6-inch Meters

Lawn Sprinklers

Guidelines for typical installation of seasonal lawn sprinkler services.

Seasonal Lawn Sprinkler Service