Water and sewer taps - This is tapping into existing water and sewer lines. Except for the hefty fee you'll pay, this is not a really big deal, it's good to get it on your schedule so you don't forget it. If you're going to have a well and septic tank, you can skip this page. If there is city water and a sewer line nearby (usually in the street in front of the property), you may want to (or be required to) tap into these for your water and waste disposal.
The Water Tap
Once you get your yard roughly graded you can pay the fee and have the city or county come out and tap the water line for you.
They will dig a hole, install a water meter (so they will know how much to charge you each month) and run a supply line from the city's line in the steeet to your new meter.
It's a good idea to get this done early so you can have water available during construction. Your plumber can install a "stand Pipe" which is just a vertical pipe coming out of the meter with a spigot attached.
The plumber will run a supply line from the meter to your house when it is time to make water available inside the house.
The Sewer Tap
The sewer tap is just what it sounds like. It is where the waste line (the line through which all the gray water from sinks, showers, tubs, washer, dishwasher, etc. and the sewage from your toilets flow) from your home ties into the sewer line in the street. The acutal tap is probably already installed and capped off, in which case the plumber can make the attachment. If a tap needs to be installed, the city will probably do it.
These are things you will find out when you talk to the building official when getting your permits. and from your plumber when interviewing him for the job.
