FAQs

Landowner/Developer Frequently Asked Questions

How does becoming part of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. water service territories benefit me?

Two of the many benefits of our services are the quality and quantity of the water you receive & the added safety of on-site water for fire protection. This alone should reduce your insurance premiums. Our employees are also your neighbors and will respond to local concerns promptly with the knowledge, expertise, and talent that our superior team offers.

What do I have to do to become part of Tidewater’s water service territory?

The attached petition allows you to request that your property be included within a Tidewater service area for water service. To have your property included in a future franchise area, all that is required is for you to sign the attached Water Service Petition and mail it back to Tidewater.

Water Service Petition >

I have an irrigation well for my farm/lawn but I would like to become a member of Tidewater’s water service area. Will I need to abandon my well and connect my irrigation to your service?

If you want to connect to our service when water becomes available in your area Tidewater will allow land owners to continue to operate their wells for irrigation purposes.

What is a CPCN?

A Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) is an authorization issued by the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) for the delivery and/or provision of a public service to a designated area or parcel of land. Designated areas are determined by the residents in the area and the PSC with review by Public Health – Office of Drinking Water, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and others.

When will water service be provided to my property?

That depends; if your property is located adjacent to the road where a water main currently exists, water service can become available as soon as a CPCN is granted. If your property is located in an area in which water mains have not yet been installed, water will become available as soon as water mains are extended to your area. Tidewater will contact property owners within each phase of all projects to inform them of the current schedule and steps required to receive service.

If you have further questions about the CPCN process, please feel free to contact a member of the Planning & Development Department at 1302-734-7500 ext. 1014, or by e-mail at [email protected].