Special Contracts are issued to Developers desiring to install water mains, fire services and/or fire hydrants for an individual or in subdivisions, apartments or other commercial and industrial developments. Developers normally hire private engineering firms to design their proposed installations. Occasionally, for jobs costing less than $10,000, the Engineering Department will design the proposed facilities if installation is performed by CAW distribution forces.
Engineering Technicians, with oversight from staff engineers, manage and inspect all capital, public, and private projects involving the construction and installation of potable water facilities
All water main installations must comply with Central Arkansas Water (CAW) Standard Pipeline Materials and Construction Specifications. Prior to facilities being accepted into the water distribution system, samples must be collected and analyzed by CAW’s laboratory to ensure that the water is safe for consumption
The Arkansas Department of Health requires that a public water system institute a cross-connection control program to protect the distribution system from backflow caused by cross-connections.
In accordance with the minimum standards, CAW requires the completion of a cross-connection control assessment survey prior to the installation of a commercial or industrial meter.
The use of the property will determine whether CAW will require the installation of a Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly to protect against a potential cross-connection.
The Arkansas State Plumbing Code mandates that only a licensed plumber install an RPZA. State plumbing and health codes further require the testing of the RPZA within 10 days of installation and annually thereafter.
Only personnel with Backflow Assembly Tester Technician certification from the Arkansas Health Department may test backflow assemblies within the CAW service area. These technicians must also be registered with CAW before testing in CAW’s service area. The technician must submit the test results to CAW. Failure to comply with the cross-connection control requirements may result in the discontinuation of service. An RPZA installation must be above ground on the customers’ side of the meter and before the first point of use. An installation inside a building must be in a location that provides for adequate drainage for discharge.
Contact a Regulation Specialist or the Director of Engineering to obtain requirements necessary to comply with the Cross-Connection Control Program.
Cross Connection Control Team
501.210.4960
Prior to applying for a Private Fire Service:
Central Arkansas Water forces do not install fire service lines or connecting mains for private fire service lines across public rights-of-way.
Central Arkansas Water has entered into an agreement with fire departments covering the requirements for placement of water mains and/or fire hydrants within the bounds of service for Central Arkansas Water and areas bounding to areas that may become part of the City of Little Rock. You may access each agreement per city by clicking on the button below.
REQUIREMENTS PER CITY - WATER MAINS AND FIRE HYDRANT PLACEMENT
Hydrant Flow Indicators and How to Report Problems with Fire Hydrants
Information - 2025 Financial Plan
CAW collects all bidder information in one place through AR Bid. Once you're in, you’ll be directed to the correct portal to submit your bid.