City Hall Roundup: DWU Now Requires Bonded Third-Party Contractor For New Single-family Construction

Effective Oct. 1, Dallas Water Utilities discontinued the option to use a city contractor for water and wastewater installation. That means builders have to hire a bonded third-party contractor at their own expense, which will undoubtedly be passed on to the homeowner. 

This change aims to streamline the process and ensure more reliable timelines for the development community, DWU officials said in a recent newsletter emailed to stakeholders. 

Key Changes

• No more city contractors: The option to use a city contractor for these installations is being discontinued.
• Bonded contractors required: Customers must now hire a bonded contractor.
• Fees and processes remain unchanged: Other fees, deposits, charges, and procedures will remain the same.
• Existing permits: Permits issued before Oct. 1 will be processed and completed within two years or refunded.

A list of bonded contractors is posted here.

A representative from the Dallas Builders Association could not be reached for comment.