The City's inspection sequence
The City of Dawsonville publishes a list of single-family residential inspections. It runs from site staking and footings through slab plumbing, a rough inspection that includes plumbing and all mechanicals, insulation, and a final inspection. Two items matter for plumbers in particular: the water connection and the building sewer connection, each of which requires affidavit approval. The City's Plans and Permitting Forms page holds the Building Water / Sewer Affidavit.
Requesting inspections
Inspection requests go by email to the City's inspections address. Inspections on the day of the request are currently unavailable, all inspections must pass, re-inspections carry fees, and other inspections may be required. Plan the schedule with that in mind; a missed or failed connection inspection holds up the final.
Know the adopted rates and the permit rules, then let an independent local plumber price the work.
Call (706) 807-8059Starting utility service
The City's utilities page links a new service application for water, sewer and garbage, and a commercial application for businesses. Ask the City for its tap and connection charges for your lot before construction pricing is final. Once connected, the residential rates adopted in Ordinance No. 02-2026 apply.
| Monthly usage | Inside city limits | Outside city limits |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 1,500 gallons, minimum (base charge) | $29.74 | $43.90 |
| 1,501 to 5,000, per 1,000 gallons | $7.09 | $9.91 |
| 5,001 to 10,000, per 1,000 gallons | $7.46 | $10.63 |
| Over 10,000, per 1,000 gallons | $7.79 | $11.33 |
Sewer rates after move-in
Sewer is billed on metered water from the first month. The adopted residential sewer tiers are below.
| Monthly usage | Inside city limits | Outside city limits |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 1,500 gallons, minimum (base charge) | $45.06 | $67.56 |
| 1,501 to 5,000, per 1,000 gallons | $12.62 | $15.31 |
| 5,001 to 10,000, per 1,000 gallons | $14.42 | $17.11 |
| Over 10,000, per 1,000 gallons | $16.22 | $18.93 |
Outside the city
In unincorporated Dawson County, the County issues building and trade permits and inspects, typically within 72 hours of a request. Public water and sewer usually come from the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority; the County's permit page lists Etowah as the contact. Lots without sewer need Environmental Health approval for septic first. The County's residential fees are below.
| Fee type | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| MEP (trade) permit, residential | $50.00 plus $10.00 for each additional 1,000 sq ft over 1,000 sq ft | Dawson County fee schedule eff. 8/1/26 |
| Administrative fee (in addition to a residential building permit) | $50.00 | Dawson County fee schedule eff. 8/1/26 |
| Residential additions, alterations or repairs | $0.33 per sq ft ($50.00 minimum) | Dawson County fee schedule eff. 8/1/26 |
| 1st re-inspection | $100.00 | Dawson County fee schedule eff. 8/1/26 |
| Additional re-inspections | $50.00 | Dawson County fee schedule eff. 8/1/26 |
| Construction before permit issuance | Double permit fees | Dawson County fee schedule eff. 8/1/26 |
Specifications
The City publishes Standard Specifications for Water Distribution Systems and Sanitary Sewerage Systems, revised December 6, 2021, along with standard details. Developers and plumbers working on connections to City lines should work from those. Homeowners do not need to read them, but should ask whether the builder's plumber has.
Why the affidavits exist
The water connection and building sewer connection are buried soon after they are made, and they are among the most expensive parts of a house to repair later. The City's affidavit process puts on record who made each connection and how, and the inspection confirms it before backfill. For a buyer, that record is reassurance that the line from the street to the house was checked. For the builder, it is a step that has to be planned into the schedule like any other inspection.
Ask your builder or plumber to give you copies of the approved affidavits and the inspection results at closing.
Tap and connection charges
Tap and connection fees are utility charges, separate from permit fees and from monthly rates. The City's rate ordinance left the other charges in its fee schedule unchanged, so ask the City for the current tap and connection amounts for your lot. Outside the city, ask Etowah. Get the figures in writing before construction pricing is final, since they can be a significant part of the cost of a new home.
If the lot needs a long service line from the street, the plumber's cost for that line is in addition to the utility's charges.
After move-in
Within the first few months, read the meter with everything off to confirm there are no leaks in the new system. Check that the main shut-off is accessible and labeled. Keep the specifications, affidavits, inspection records and warranty information together. If anything leaks during the builder's warranty period, report it in writing.
Questions for the builder
Ask who will make the water and sewer connections and whether that plumber holds a current Georgia license. Ask when the connection inspections will be requested and how the builder will make sure the trenches stay open until they pass. Ask where the main shut-off will be, where the cleanouts will be, and whether a pressure-reducing valve or expansion tank is planned. Ask whether irrigation will have a separate meter and backflow device. Ask for copies of all inspections and affidavits at closing. Builders who can answer these questions easily usually run organized jobs.
If you are buying a newly built home rather than building one, ask the seller for the same documents.
Pressure, expansion and shut-offs
Static water pressure varies by location in a hilly area, and some lots see high pressure from the street. A pressure-reducing valve protects fixtures and appliances, and where one is installed, a thermal expansion tank on the water heater is commonly needed because the system becomes closed. Ask the plumber what pressure they measured at the lot and whether either device is planned. Ask where the main shut-off will be inside the house and make sure it is easy to reach, not buried behind finished walls or stored items.
New connection checklist
Confirm City or County jurisdiction. Get tap and connection charges in writing. Make sure the plumber knows the City's specifications. Schedule slab, rough, water connection and sewer connection inspections by email, allowing for no inspection on the day of the request. Submit the water and sewer affidavit. Apply for utility service before move-in.
Sources for this article: City of Dawsonville: Single Family/Residential Inspections (PDF); City of Dawsonville: Plans and Permitting Forms; City of Dawsonville: Utilities; City of Dawsonville: Approved minutes, City Council meeting of June 15, 2026, with adopted Ordinance No. 02-2026 (Exhibit B) (PDF); Dawson County, GA: Building Permits; Dawson County, GA: Community Development Fee Schedule, effective August 1, 2026 (PDF). Checked 2026-10-29.
Describe the problem once. Independent plumbers who work in Dawson County can follow up.
Call (706) 807-8059In brief
Does Dawsonville inspect water and sewer connections on new homes?
Yes. The City's residential inspection list includes the water connection and the building sewer connection, each requiring affidavit approval.
How do I request an inspection in the city?
By email to the City's inspections address; inspections on the day of the request are currently unavailable.
Who serves new homes outside the city?
Usually the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority, with Dawson County issuing permits.