Do I need to upgrade my water meter?

[Hari Narayanan]

Hello folks,

I have a Duplex in East Bay where the incoming water pipe/meter (according to EBMUD records) is 5/8".

I am planning to add 2 ADUs in the backyard.

My question is - will the existing water service be sufficient to server the 2 additional units? Who can authoritatively answer this question - my architect/designer? My GC? A contractor with a C license? EBMUD said they cannot answer this question, which I understand.

I have already put in a request with EBMUD to measure and report the pressure at the pipe which I hope will help in figuring out the answer. It takes about 15 working days to get that answer though.

Upgrading the water meter is not only very expensive ($30K - $60K), EBMUD says the wait time is 4 - 6 months. Obviously I would love to avoid upgrading if not absolutely needed.

Can someone who has dealt with similar issue point me in the right direction please?