Please note: The following information is for plumbers working on residential properties. Plumbing specifications and guidelines for commercial and industrial customers can be obtained by calling (800) 544-7989.

A We Energies Water Services representative will calculate meter size and provide owners with written information for plumbers. Any plumbing work or changes that could affect meter size must be reported to We Energies Water Services at (800) 544-7989.

For new construction
Meter sizing for new construction will be based on fixture counts and maximum design flow calculated from the plumbing code. The maximum design flow will be less than the upper limit of the typical operating range of the meter size selected as specified by American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards. Pressure and flow requirements for plumbing fixtures will be accounted for in sizing the water lateral and internal plumbing.

For existing buildings
Meter sizing for existing buildings converting from a private well without an existing service lateral will be based on fixture counts and maximum design flow calculated from the plumbing code. The maximum design flow will be less than the upper limit of the typical operating range of the meter size selected as specified by AWWA standards. Pressure and flow requirements for plumbing fixtures will be accounted for in sizing the water lateral. If pressure and flow requirements are not met by adjusting the service lateral size, increasing meter size will be considered at the request of the building owner.

Material and design specifications
We Energies Water Services strongly recommends use of only high-density polyethylene tubing (not copper) due to lower maintenance costs. Plumbers must install a tracer wire to ensure that service can be located in the future. Pipe stiffeners must be used at all mechanical connections over 1".

• Meter sets must have a Mueller Mark II Oriseal Curb Valve H-15172, or approved equal, as the meter inlet valve.
• No valves or tees can be inside or connected to the service piping prior to the meter inlet valve.
• Swivels must be used on the meter horn inlet and outlet.
• All meter set outlet valves must be full port valves.
• Prior to activation of water service, the system must pass a We Energies Water Services inspection and all cross connections must be eliminated.
• We Energies Water Services must own the water main the service is connected to or the privately owned water main must meet We Energies Water Services specifications.
• Curb stop and box must be visible, accessible, operable, and at the final grade height.

A meter will be installed only after We Energies Water Services confirms all applicable standards and rules have been met.

Meter location/access

• Once the service lateral is installed, plumbers should call (800) 544-7989 to schedule meter delivery. Unauthorized charges could result from not having a meter installed.
• All meter sets must be located within 3 feet of the service piping entrance to the building and within 4 feet of the floor.
• Meter sets must have a minimum of 3 feet clearance all around, except for the exterior wall the meter set may be mounted on.
• Meter sets must be accessible without using any tools or damaging any surrounding material.

Turning on the Water
By law, only We Energies employees are allowed to connect to our water main. We Energies will install a water valve at the property line for plumbers to connect to. Plumbers can turn this valve on for no more than two hours to test the building piping for leaks. Then it must be turned off. Failure to follow this procedure could result in fines and/or criminal water theft charges.

Plumbers must install valves on both sides of the meter, which must be left off until it has passed the plumbing inspection. Upon passing the inspection and installation of the utility-provided water meter, plumbers can turn on all valves.