Requesting Water Service

The following steps can be used as guidelines for requesting water service.  Please review each section carefully to determine which situation is applicable to your situation. If you have any questions at anytime, please do not hesitate to call or email us with your questions.

New Service for Existing Meter Box with an Existing Meter and Active Service

The following procedure is for homes requesting new service and a meter box already exists with a meter currently installed in the meter box.

Complete the New User Agreement form from our website. The New User Agreement Form must be completed, signed, and mailed, along with a payment of $75.00 to:

BCWA #4
P.O. Box 861
Lowell, AR  72745-0861

DO NOT SEND CASH - For credit card payments, please contact the office. A Credit card fee of 2.5% (minimum of $1.75) will be applied.

Contact the billing office and let them know when you wish service to begin.  Once the User Agreement form and payment have been received, we will set up your account and send you a welcome email with your account information and other useful information such as how to register for an online account..  

Existing Home with Existing Meter Box with No Meter

The following procedure is for homes requesting new service and a meter box already exists, but no meter is in the meter box:

Complete the New User Agreement form from our website. The New User Agreement Form must be completed, signed, and mailed, along with a payment of $400.00 to:

BCWA #4
P.O. Box 861
Lowell, AR  72745-0861


DO NOT SEND CASH - For credit card payments, please contact the office. A Credit card fee of 2.5% (minimum of $1.75) will be applied.


Once the User Agreement form and payment have been received, we will schedule the Water Operator to come out to install a meter in your meter box.   

New Home or Water Line Construction

If you need water service for a home under construction or if you need new service installed at an existing location please follow these guidelines:

Before any water service can be connected, we must have a septic approval from the Arkansas Department of Health.  To obtain a permit, please visit the Arkansas Department of Health's website at: https://onsitewastewater.adh.arkansas.gov/DesignatedRepLicenseesNearYou/Show-DesignatedRepLicenseesNearYou-Table1.aspx

Select License Type: Designated Representative Permit

Enter the zip code for the property in need of a septic approval

Enter the number of miles for your search perimeter (typically 25 miles).

You will be provided a list of qualified representatives you may contact for your septic approval.


Once you have a copy of your septic approval, please complete the New User Agreement form from our website.  The New User Agreement Form must be completed, signed, and mailed, along with the septic approval and payment of $2000.00 to:

BCWA #4
P.O. Box 861
Lowell, AR  72745-0861

DO NOT SEND CASH. - For credit card payments, please contact the office. A Credit card fee of 2.5% (minimum of $1.75) will be applied. 

Contact BCWA #4 to schedule a site visit by calling (479)877-9364.  The operator will need to verify the location of the existing water line as it relates to your property, determine if any easements or road crossings are needed, and discuss a potential location for your meter box.

BCWA #4 will install the connection from the existing water line up to your meter box.  It is the homeowner’s responsibility for the connection running from the meter box to the home.  Please download the “Procedures to Activate Water Service” document for steps necessary to do this. 

Once all the necessary steps have been completed as outlined in the “Procedures to Activate Water Service” section below, our operator will set and turn on your meter.   The operator will not turn on the water valve.  You will need to do that when you are ready for water. 

Procedures to Activate Water Service

*** NOTE: Before any water service can be connected, we must have a septic approval from the Arkansas Department of Health. To obtain a permit, please visit the Arkansas Department of Health's website at: 

 https://onsitewastewater.adh.arkansas.gov/DesignatedRepLicenseesNearYou/Show-DesignatedRepLicenseesNearYou-Table1.aspx

Select License Type: Designated Representative Permit

Enter the zip code for the property in need of a septic approval

Enter the number of miles for your search perimeter (typically 25 miles).  

You will be provided a list of qualified representatives you may contact for your septic approval.


 All connections and services shall meet or exceed the standards of the Arkansas Department of Health Plumbing Code (Rules and Regulations).  Please note this document has not been reviewed or approved by the Arkansas Department of Health, and it is recommended that a licensed master plumber be contacted before proceeding.  This document is only provided to assist you through the process to obtain water service from BCWA #4 to your home.


  1. Excavate a trench from your connection point to the meter box.  This trench shall be a minimum of 18” deep end to end.
  2. Disconnect service line from your existing well or other supply (if applicable).  You may continue to use your well for outside watering, but it cannot be connected in any way to the service line coming from BCWA #4.  A plumbing inspector will verify that this has been done.
  3. ​Clean the threads thoroughly and use Teflon tape or pipe dope on all threaded parts for a leak-free connection.
  4. Connect a cutoff valve and pressure reducing valve to the end of the existing ¾” nipple.  They are required, and we recommend them to be placed in an accessible box with a cover.
  5. Connect the other end of the valve to a 3/4” brass nipple.
  6. Install your service line and connect it to the existing line at your connection point.  Schedule 40 PVC or copper is recommended, but polyethylene (pressure class 200) will be accepted.
  7. When water is available and you have completed steps 1-6, contact the Benton County Planning Department at (479) 464-6166 to request a plumbing inspection.  After the inspection (providing it passes) a meter will be set and turned on.  However, your valve will be closed.  When you are ready for water you can activate it by turning on your valve.


Notes:

  1. Before service can be activated, a 911 address must be posted on your home or mailbox.  An address posted or your home or business must be at least 3” tall.  This is an Ordinance of Benton County for the 911 system.
  2. Tracer wire is not required, but highly recommended for finding your service line.
  3. Do not use galvanized or polybuylene pipe or fittings anywhere in the lines you install.  It will not be approved by the plumbing inspector.
  4. When installing a Freeze-proof yard hydrant a Double Check Valve is required between the hydrant and the service line.
  5. All agricultural service will require an RPZ backflow preventer to be installed before the first out.  Please contact the office for a spec for RPZ installation.
  6. You may install any size line from the meter box to your connection point.  We recommend a 1” line.