Analysis
NAICS 237110 is the 2022 national industry for water and sewer line and related structures construction, part of 23711 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction). Census lists 31 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 10,841 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 166,727 people at an average annual payroll of $80,513 per employee (69th percentile of national industries). 47% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include aqueduct construction, artesian well construction, capping of water wells and construction management, water and sewage treatment plant, among 31 in all.
Census lists 4 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 237990, 238910, 213111 and 2213. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, constructing marine facilities (e.g., ports), flood control structures, dams, or hydroelectric power generation facilities are classified in 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the construction of water and sewer lines, mains, pumping stations, treatment plants, and storage tanks. The work performed may include new work, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and repairs. Specialty trade contractors are included in this industry if they are engaged in activities primarily related to water, sewer line, and related structures construction. All structures (including buildings) that are integral parts of water and sewer networks (e.g., storage tanks, pumping stations, water treatment plants, and sewage treatment plants) are included in this industry.
Illustrative Examples:
Distribution line, sewer and water, construction Sewer main, pipe and connection, construction Fire hydrant installation Storm sewer construction Irrigation systems construction Water main and line construction Sewage disposal plant construction Water treatment plant construction Pumping station, water and sewage system, construction Water system storage tank and tower construction Reservoir construction Water well drilling, digging, boring, or sinking (except water intake wells in oil and gas fields)
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Constructing marine facilities (e.g., ports), flood control structures, dams, or hydroelectric power generation facilities | 237990 Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction |
| Installing septic tanks | 238910 Site Preparation Contractors |
| Drilling oil and gas field water intake wells | 213111 Drilling Oil and Gas Wells |
| Installing and maintaining water and sewer lines performed by water and sewage utilities companies | 2213 Water, Sewage and Other Systems |
Index entries (31)
- Aqueduct construction
- Artesian well construction
- Capping of water wells
- Construction management, water and sewage treatment plant
- Construction management, water and sewer line
- Distribution line, sewer and water, construction
- Drilling water wells (except water intake wells in oil and gas fields)
- Fire hydrant installation
- Geothermal drilling
- Hydrant and flushing hydrant installation
- Irrigation project construction (except lawn)
- Lagoon, sewage treatment construction
- Pumping station, water and sewage system, construction
- Reservoir construction
- Sanitary sewer construction
- Sewage collection and disposal line construction
- Sewage disposal plant construction
- Sewage treatment plant construction
- Sewer construction
- Sewer main, pipe and connection, construction
- Storm sewer construction
- Utility line (i.e., sewer, water), construction
- Water desalination plant construction
- Water filtration plant construction
- Water main and line construction
- Water pumping or lift station construction
- Water sampling station installation
- Water system storage tank and tower construction
- Water treatment plant construction
- Water well drilling, digging, boring or sinking (except water intake wells in oil and gas fields)
- Water well pump and well piping system installation