Development & Connections

Capacity Assurance Program


Beginning in 2009, Charlotte Water implemented a Capacity Assurance Program (CAP). This program evaluates the impact of new development as well as redevelopment on our sanitary sewer system. Our engineers review the capacity of our system from point of connection through the local gravity system, through trunk lines and eventually to our wastewater treatment plants.  This program ensures that added connections to the wastewater treatment system can connect safely to the system without overwhelming existing pipes and plants. 

Capacity Reservations Extended

Charlotte Water will now be reserving sanitary sewer capacity for approved connections/applications for 24 months. This 24-month reservation is automatically effective for approvals provided on or after 1/1/2017. There will be no expiring capacity reservations for 2018. 

Over the past year, Charlotte Water has received input from the development community on how to improve our Program and better align with the development time frame from conception to completion. 

Once a review is completed and a sanitary sewer connection is approved, sanitary sewer capacity was reserved up to 12 months or when the connection/tapping fee was paid (whichever is sooner). Effective immediately, the capacity reservations are now reserved for up to 24 months or when the fee is paid (whichever is sooner). This change is retroactive to all approvals granted on or after 1/1/2017.

Apply Early for Capacity Reservations

Contact the New Services Group at 704-432-2854 for further information on reserving capacity up to 24 months. Charlotte Water encourages the development community to contact our staff to discuss potential projects-- even as early as conception. If a development is not ready to reserve capacity, our engineers can perform a similar review of our sanitary sewer system through our Willingness to Serve applications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. My capacity approval was granted in December 2016, is my reservation extended to 24 months? No. Only applications approved on or after January 1, 2017, are extended to 24 months.
  2. Do I need to contact Charlotte Water to receive the extension on an already-approved capacity reservation? No. Extensions to reservations are automatic if the reservation was approved on or after January 1, 2017.
  3. Will all capacity reservations be 24 months long going forward? Yes. Effective immediately all capacity reservations will be approved for 24 months or when the connection/tapping fee is paid (whichever is sooner).
  4. Are capacity reservations dated by application date or approval date? Reservations are good for 24 months from the approval date.
  5. My capacity reservation expired in 2017 because the connection fee was not paid, do I get an automatic extension? No. A new capacity assurance application must be submitted.
  6. My project is no longer moving forward and doesn't need the reservation. Do I need to contact Charlotte Water? Not required; however, providing an update to Charlotte Water aids in a more accurate analysis of the development's sewer basin and the basin's ability to support future growth.