Residential Meter Downsizing Request
An appropriately sized meter for the right use
The size of your service line and meter was likely determined by an architect, plumber, builder or other
professional at the time of your home’s construction. Some of the older neighborhoods in our
community may have meters that are larger than what is necessary per today’s plumbing standards.
Before you commit to having your meter downsized, there are several things that need to be considered
first:
Determine if the original fixtures are still in use.
Many of the original fixtures in older homes do not have the water saving features that the
newer fixtures have today. Items such as low flow toilets and shower heads, if not currently
installed, may still require the use of a larger meter regardless of your overall monthly usage.
Determine if there is a fire suppression system installed.
A fire suppression system requires a significant flow rate to function properly. Tucson Water will
not downsize a meter that has an installed fire suppression system.
No refunds for System Equity fee and CAP Water Resource fee.
Refunds will not be given for either the CAP Water Resource fee or the System Equity fee should
a customer choose to decrease the size of their meter connection. Customer must acknowledge
that all equity on their current meter is forfeited.
Determine your required household flow rate.
The flow rate is different than your daily or monthly consumption rate. Meters are sized based
on the International Plumbing Code’s (IPC) Fixture Unit count. It is the property owner’s
responsibility to know and understand the number of fixtures that are installed at the home in
order to determine the maximum flow rate. Tucson Water will not perform a meter downsize
that does not meet the current Water Meter Sizing Guidelines.
Determine the impact (if any) to Pima County Wastewater’s connection fees.
It is important to understand that there are sewer connection fees that are associated with the
size of a water meter. It is recommended that you understand these fees and the impact that a
change in water meter size can cause prior to making a downsizing request. Links to Pima
County Wastewater Reclamation fee structure are referenced below:
o Main: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=53278
o Sewer Connection Summary:
https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Wastewater%2
0Reclamation/Development%20Process/ConnectionFee_Summary.pdf
Once you fully understand the risks of downsizing a meter you may make a meter downsizing request by
filling out the Request to Reduce Residential Meter Size form and returning it to
[email protected]. Tucson Water New Services personnel will process the application. If
approved, it usually takes 2-4 weeks to have the new meter installed.
Beware: If upon downsizing, you decide you do not like the level of service from the new meter and you
wish to increase the size of the meter, all active and current costs associated with an increase in meter
size will apply. These may include, but limited to, CAP Resource fee, System Equity fees, meter costs,
installation charges, etc.
Please Note: Tucson Water personnel will not make the necessary connection to the private side of
the new water meter. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to
have the private plumbing installed to the new meter once it is set.
Step by step Instructions for downsizing a meter:
1. Contact Tucson Water New Services to discuss the possible downsize of meter at (520) 791-5174.
2. Speak with Pima County Wastewater to discuss how a reduction in size may impact the sewer
connection fee.
• Main Page: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=53278
• Sewer connection fee by meter size:
https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Wastewater%20Recla
mation/Development%20Process/ConnectionFee_Summary.pdf
3. Prepare to provide fixture count and descriptions.
4. Fill out Meter Downsizing Request Form.
5. Return online form to TW Common@tucsonaz.gov
6. Tucson Water New Services personnel will begin to process the application.
7. Tucson Water New Services personnel will contact you to review the information provided and either
approve or deny the request. If approved, a tentative schedule for replacement will be made. This
generally will take 2 – 4 weeks. If denied, a reason for denial will be provided.
8. Once a date is specified for replacement, the homeowner, or a qualified plumber, should be present
to reconnect the customer service line to the new meter. Tucson Water does not perform the
reconnection of new meter on a downsizing request.
(Small meter size 5/8” or ¾” will have a ¾ inch connection)
(1-inch meter will have a 1-inch connection)
