LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN
GENOA-OCEOLA SEWER & WATER AUTHORITY
A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
WATER USE and RATE ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE NUMBER 960110
CONTENTS
Page
1. DEFINITIONS - 1
2. PROVISIONS DEEMED INCORPORATED IN ALL CONTRACTS - 4
3. ADMINISTRATION/MANAGEMENT - 5
4. AUTHORITY'S LIABILITY EXEMPTION - 6
5. ACCESS - 6
6. USE - 7
7. SYSTEM PROHIBITIONS - 10
8. ENFORCEMENT - 11
9. ESTABLISHMENT OF RATES - 11
10. PAYMENT FOR USE OF THE SYSTEM - 13
11. METERS - 15
12. CONNECTIONS - 19
13. HYDRANTS AND USE - 24
14. CROSS-CONNECTIONS RULES ADOPTED - 24
15. SEVERABILITY - 26
16. CONFLICTS or REPEALER - 26
17. PUBLICATION - 27
18. EFFECTIVE DATE - 27
19. CERTIFICATIONS - 27
THE GENOA-OCEOLA SEWER & WATER AUTHORITY ORDAINS:
Title: This Ordinance shall be known as the Genoa-Oceola Sewer &
Water Authority Water Use and Rate Ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH BY OPERATION OF THE GENOA-OCEOLA
SEWER & WATER AUTHORITY WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM ON A PUBLIC UTILITY BASIS
UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF ACT 94, PUBLIC ACTS OF MICHIGAN 1933, AS AMENDED,
AND TO PRESCRIBE THE CHARGE RATES FOR THE USE OF SAID FACILITIES AND TO
PROVIDE FOR OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO SAID SYSTEM.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Ordinance is to establish standards, rules
and regulations concerning the use of the Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water
Authority Water System: to provide for the rates and charges for the
connection to, and use of the System.
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1. For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section unless
the context in which they are used specifically indicates otherwise.
1.2. "AWWA" - American Water Works Association
1.3. "Commercial User" shall mean any user of the System other
than a residential user, or buildings used primarily as a domicile.
1.4. "Commodity charge" shall mean a variable unit charge
payable by a user based on the actual water consumption as determined in
this Ordinance.
1.5 "Consumer" - The person, or legal entity, served by or
using water supplied by the Authority.
1.6. "Consumer's installation" - All pipes, valves, stops,
plumbing, and contrivances of every kind and nature used in connection with,
or forming a part of, the consumer's installation for using water for any
purpose, connected directly or indirectly with the corporation stop at the
main.
1.7. "Corporation stop" - A valve which is inserted into the
main for the connection of the water supply service pipes in sizes up to and
including two inches in diameter.
1.8. "Cross Connection" - Shall mean a connection or
arrangement of piping or appurtenances through which water of questionable
quality, wastes or other contaminants could possibly flow back into the
Water Distribution System because of a reversal of flow.
1.9. "Curb Box" - A box or metal housing which encloses,
protects and provides access to the curb stop.
1.10. "Curb Stop" - A valve for insertion in the service pipes,
in size of three-fourths inch (3/4") to two inches (2") in
diameter, inclusive, at or near the curb line.
1.11. "Department" - The division of water distribution of the
Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water Authority.
1.12. "Director" - Shall mean the Director of Public Works or
his
authorized representative. The Director is the person designated by the
Authority to supervise the operation of the Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water
Authority Water System.
1.13. "Inspector" - The Livingston County Plumbing inspector or
his designee or the inspector for the Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water
Authority.
1.14. "Lot" - Shall mean a parcel of land occupied or intended
to be occupied by a main building. A lot may or may not be specifically
designated as such on public records.
1.15. "Meter Box" - Any approved box or vault for the housing
of water meter.
1.16. "Permittee" - A consumer or his agent receiving a permit
from the Authority allowing a connection to be made to the water system.
1.17. "Person" - Shall mean any individual, firm, partnership,
association, public or private corporation or public agency or
instrumentality or any other entity receiving water service.
1.18. "Premises" - Shall mean each lot or parcel of land or
building having any connection to the Water System.
1.19. "Revenues" - Whenever the words "revenues" and
"net revenues" are used in this ordinance, they shall be
understood to have the meanings as defined in Section 3, Act 94, Public Acts
of Michigan, 1933 as amended.
1.20. "Service Cock" - A valve for installation in water
service pipes, located at or near the main.
1.21. "Service Control Valve Box" - A box or metal housing
which encloses, protects and provides access to the service control valve.
1.22. "Stop and Waste Valve" - A valve installed at the
termination of the water supply service pipe of three fourths inch
(3/4") and one inch (1") sizes, and at the beginning of the
consumer's installation.
1.23. "System" - Shall mean Water System.
1.24. "Tap" - The drilling and threading of an opening in a
main for insertion of a corporation stop.
1.25. "Authority" shall mean the Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water
Authority, a Michigan Municipal Corporation.
1.26. "Authority Board" - Shall mean the governing body of the
Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water Authority.
1.27. "Water Connection" - Shall mean that part of the Water
Distribution System connecting the water main to a point terminating at a
meter or meter pit or vault.
1.28. "Water Service Pipe" - Shall mean that pipe connecting
the water main with the premises served. This includes the connection to the
water main or the corporation cock, the shutoff valve, and the valve on the
inlet side of the meter.
1.29. "Water Distribution System" - Shall mean the entire
system for distribution of potable water in the geographic area of the
Authority's system.
1.30. "Water Main" - Shall mean that part of the Water
Distribution System located within easement lines or streets and designed to
supply more than one water connection.
1.31. "Water System" - Shall be understood to mean the complete
facilities of the Authority's Water Supply System including all wells, well
houses, pumps, water storage facilities, and transmission lines, including
all appurtenances thereto and including all extensions and improvements
thereto, which may hereafter be acquired. It shall also consist of all
plants, works, instrumentalities, lines and properties now or hereafter
existing, used or useful in obtaining of a water supply, its treatment,
distribution, and all other necessary functions, whether such installation
is owned outright or used under lease or otherwise, by the consumer. The
system may be comprised of separate facilities located in separate water
supply districts.
2. PROVISIONS DEEMED INCORPORATED IN ALL CONTRACTS
2.1.Contract for Service.
All provisions and sections of this ordinance about the Authority's Water
System(s) and sale and use of water and/or amendments or additions which may
be subsequently adopted, shall be considered a part of the contract with
every person that is supplied with water through the water system of the
Authority, and every person by taking water shall be considered to express
his consent to be bound thereby, and whenever any provision or section of
this ordinance about the water system is violated, the water may be cut off
from the building or place of violation at the discretion of the Authority
Board and shall not be turned on again except on correction of the violation
and payment of the expenses of shutting off and turning on.
2.2. Save Harmless Clause.
The consumer shall indemnify, save harmless and defend the Authority against
all claims, demands, cost or expense for loss, damage or injury to persons
or property in any manner, directly or indirectly, growing out of the
transmission and use of water by the consumer from water service pipes
installed by the consumer on the consumer's premises.
3. ADMINISTRATION/MANAGEMENT
3.1. Establishment of a Public Utility
It is hereby determined to be desirable and necessary for the public health,
safety and welfare of the property owners in the Authority that the
Authority's Water System be operated on a public utility rate basis.
3.2. Supervision and Control.
The operation and management of the System, shall be under the immediate
supervision and control of the Authority Board.
3.3. Rights.
The Authority has the exclusive right to establish, maintain, and collect
rates and charges for water supply service from the water system. The
Authority Board may make such rules, orders or regulations as it deems
advisable and necessary to assure the efficient management and operation of
the System. The Authority may employ such person or persons in such capacity
or capacities as it deems advisable to carry out the efficient management
and operation of the system.
3.4. Operating Year.
The system operation shall be based on an operating fiscal year commencing
on October 1 and ending on the last day of September 30 the next following.
3.5. Compliance with State and Federal Standards and Regulations.
Standards and regulations established in this Ordinance or pursuant hereto
are deemed to be the minimum standards consistent with the preservation of
the public health, safety and welfare and are necessary to fulfill the
obligations of the Authority concerning State and Federal Law and the rules
and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
3.6. Additional Regulations.
The Authority Board may by resolution make additional rules and regulations
concerning the Water Distribution System, connections thereto, meter
installation and maintenance, hydrants and water mains and appurtenances
thereto, which are not inconsistent herewith.
3.7. Restricting Water Use.
The Authority Board may regulate, limit or prohibit the use by a consumer of
the authoritys supplied water for any purpose. Such regulations may limit
use of water by a consumer to the extent deemed necessary to assure an
adequate supply for essential needs and for fire fighting.
4. AUTHORITY'S LIABILITY EXEMPTION
4.1 The Authority shall not be responsible for interruptions of service
because of natural calamities, equipment failures, or actions of the system
users. It shall be the responsibility of the consumer that all connected
equipment remain in good working order. No claim or cause of action may be
asserted against the Authority by reason of the breaking away of any pipe,
service cock, or for any other interruption of the water supply.
4.2 The Authority shall not be liable for any expense incurred by a
permittee in locating mains, services, curb stops, and water records.
5. ACCESS
5.1 Inspection
The Director and other duly authorized representatives of the Authority
bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter
upon all properties served by the water system at reasonable times for the
purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing to
determine compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance. Any person who
requests water supply and/or receives water from the Water System under this
Ordinance shall be deemed to have consented to inspections pursuant to this
section, including entrance upon such person's property at reasonable times
to make inspections.
5.2 Meter Reader Access.
Any duly authorized agent or employee of the Authority shall have access to
the consumer's premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of reading
meters, inspections, doing repairs or installing or removing any or all
Authority owned apparatus used for providing service to the consumer.
6. USE
6.1 Consumers Use of the Water System.
Any person owning property within a water supply district established by the
Authority and conforming to the standards, rules and regulations established
in or under terms of this Ordinance shall be permitted to receive water, as
long as it is available, from the water system provided necessary water
supply lines are in existence and abutting the consumer's property.
6.1.1 Required Connection.
Each residential, commercial, or industrial premise and/or each new
structure built, other than sheds, residential garages, and/or additions to
existing structures, abutting the System or contained within the Authority's
Water District within the Authority's geographic area, shall be required to
connect to the System within sixty (60) days of delivery of notice to do so.
6.1.2. Turning on Water Service.
No person other than an authorized employee of the Authority shall turn on
or turn off any water service at the curb stop.
6.1.3. Turning Off Service.
The Authority reserves the right to terminate service to a consumer, after
due notice has been given where payment for water supply has not been timely
received, and/or for violation of this ordinance or any rules and
regulations adopted pursuant thereto. The Authority, may shut off the water
in any main to make repairs or extensions, or for any other necessary
purpose at any time without notice to consumers.
6.1.3.1. The consumer shall maintain all service pipes free from leaks at
all times. Whenever a leak appears in a consumer's installation, which
allows water to escape without registering upon the meter, the Authority
shall give the consumer written notice thereof and the consumer shall
immediately proceed to repair such service pipe. If such repairs have not
been completed within 48 hours after notice has been given, the Authority
may stop the service by shutting off the water at the curb stop or by
excavating to and closing or by the corporation stop. The costs incurred by
the Authority of excavating and shutting off such service shall be paid by
the consumer or by the owner of the property before service is restored. If,
in the determination of the Authority, any leak on the consumer's
installation is of such nature that endangers public safety or constitutes a
nuisance or a source of waste, the Authority may shut off or stop such
service until such leak is repaired.
6.1.4. Change of Consumer.
When premises are to be vacated or if there is a change of owner, occupant
or agent, prompt written notice shall be given to the authority's office.
The consumer may discontinue service by giving not less than 24 hours
written notice to the Authority's office during its regular office hours.
6.1.5. Outside Service Connections.
Water main extensions, and domestic water connections to premise outside of
water districts are prohibited, except where approved by the Authority
Board.
6.1.6. Water Extensions. The total expense of extending water mains shall
be borne by the benefited property owners in accordance with provisions of a
contract or by special assessments levied by the Authority in accordance
with State law.
6.2 Connection Permits Required; Applications; Deposits;
Contents
6.2.1. Application.
Any person desiring to connect to the water system shall file a written
application to the Authority's Chairperson and pay the water connection fee
established by resolution of the Authority Board. The applicant shall submit
plans and specifications as required by the authority director detailing the
water system, including but not limited to all meters, lines, valves,
sprinklers and attachments. The cost of review and Inspection shall be borne
by the applicant.
6.2.2. Permit Required. No person in the Authority's district shall
connect to the water system unless the proposed connection has been approved
by the Authority or its designated representative. Such application shall be
made on forms provided by the Authority and shall contain the street name,
house number, lot number, the name of the plumber or contractor, the names
of the applicant and the owner, the size of the service pipe required by the
consumer, and any other pertinent information which may be required by the
Authority. An application must be made and approval obtained from the
Authority at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time a tap is to be
made.
6.2.2.1. Builders.
Connection permits will be issued to Builders if the prospective lessee or
owner consents in writing to the obtaining of such permit by the Building.
6.2.3. Water connections and Authority approved water meter shall be
installed in accordance with the applicable building code and the
regulations of this Ordinance and upon the payment of the required charges
and fees.
6.2.4. The Consumer shall install the water meter at his own expense.
6.2.5. The expense of water pipe installation shall be paid by the
applicant.
6.3 Use on One Connection; Limitation
6.3.1. Unless written approval is granted by the Authority, separate
premises shall have separate curb stops, service pipe installations, and
shall be separately metered.
6.3.2. Whenever water is to be supplied to more than one consumer located
in a single building and supplied through one service, the property owner
shall be responsible for the payment of water bills.
6.3.3. In no event shall a consumer extend service pipes or plumbing
across any public way, or to an adjacent property in order to furnish
service thereto, even though such adjacent property be owned by him.
6.4 Existing Private Wells
6.4.1. Construction of private wells in established water service
districts where municipal water is available is prohibited.
6.4.2. Private water wells that are located within a water supply
district and are in operation prior in time to the establishment of the
water supply district shall be abandoned by the property owner in accordance
with procedures established by the Livingston County Health Department prior
to connection to the Authority's Water System.
7.SYSTEM PROHIBITIONS. No person in the Authority District shall:
7.1 Wilfully, negligently, or maliciously break, damage, destroy,
uncover, deface or tamper with or alter, any structure, property,
appurtenance, equipment or any other item which is part of the Water System.
7.2 Remove any water meter, water pipe, other water equipment or tools.
7.3. Prevent or circumvent a water meter from measuring water supplied by
the water system.
7.4. Fraudulently obtain water from the water system, or to waste water
from the water system.
8. ENFORCEMENT
8.1. Penalties
Any person found to be violating any provision of this Ordinance shall be
served with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing
a reasonable time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. The
offender shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, permanently
cease all violations. Any person convicted of a violation of any provision
of this Ordinance, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500, or by
imprisonment of not more than 90 days or both such fines and imprisonment in
the discretion of the court.
8.2. A violation of this Ordinance is also declared to be a public
nuisance and the Authority may enforce same by injunction or other civil
remedy, including the right to correct the violation and recover the costs
of obtaining the necessary correction from the owner or person in charge of
the premises therefore.
9. ESTABLISHED OF RATES
Purpose of Charges.
9.1.1. Charges for the installation and use of the Water System are
hereby established to recover the costs of administration, construction,
reconstruction, maintenance of said system as are necessary to preserve the
same in good working order, operation and replacement of the system, and to
provide for the payment of any debt service obligations of the Authority as
the same becomes due. Such charges shall be made in accordance with the
provisions hereinafter set forth and shall be made against all premises
which use the System.
9.1.2. Establishment of Rates.
The rates for water service charges are to be established by resolution of
the Authority Board, and may be established separately from time to time as
necessary to ensure sufficiency of revenues in meeting the expenses of the
water system. Rates need not be uniform for the separate water supply
district.
9.1.3. Publication.
Following approval by the Authority Board of the rates to be charged for the
water service under this Ordinance, the rate schedule shall be published.
Said notice is to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the
authority within thirty (30) days following approval by the Authority Board.
9.2 Types of Water Supply Rates.
9.2.1. Commodity Charge.
All the water use of residential, commercial, industrial, and other
consumers connected to the System shall be measured by meter and the
consumers shall be charged a commodity charge for water usage.
9.2.2. Readiness to Service Charge.
Consumers of the Water System shall be charged a readiness to service
charge. All consumers of the Water System, whether residential or
nonresidential, shall be charged a flat rate based on anticipated water
supply demand.
9.2.3. Connection Charge.
The Authority shall charge and the consumer shall pay as a precondition to
connecting to the water mains of the System, a connection charge and a
charge for the water meter. Said charges shall be paid at the time that an
application for permission to connect to the water mains of the System is
requested.
9.2.4. Special Service Charges.
The Authority may charge its customers and the customers shall pay for
special services for which a rate shall be established.
9.2.5. The Cost of Turn On/Off Charges. The Authority may establish a
charge to the customer, and the customer shall pay the charge whenever the
authority is requested to turn water services on or off; provided, however,
that whenever the Authority is requested to provide turn on or off service
at times other than the regular business hours of the Authority, the charge
will be made on time and material basis. The established fee to turn water
on shall be charged to a customer whose service has been disconnected
because of non-payment of a charge or fee due the Authority.
10. PAYMENT FOR USE OF THE SYSTEM
10.1 Responsibility for Payment.
10.1.1. The owner of the premises served by the water system shall be
liable to the Authority for any charges and fees authorized to be charged by
this ordinance.
10.1.2. When a single water service pipe serves two (2) or more consumer
units, the owner of the premises shall be responsible for payment of water
used on the premises.
10.1.3 The owner of the premises as well as any user of the water System
at the premises shall be responsible to reimburse the Authority for any and
all administrative costs and fees incurred by the Authority arising out of
the use of "Miss Dig" services at the premises.
10.2 Billing, Collections and Customers Payments.
10.2.1. Meter Reading.
Meters shall be read quarterly and annually as deemed necessary.
10.2.2. Bills.
The Authority shall render bills for water service and all other charges in
connection therewith. Bills for water service shall be sent to consumers by
first class mail.
10.2.3. Quarterly water bills for users of the System shall be based on
metered water consumption as set forth in the rate resolution.
10.2.4. Due Date of Charges.
All bills shall be payable by the due date specified on the bills, and shall
be paid at the office of the Authority in person or by mail.
10.2.5. Collections.
The Authority Treasurer shall collect all monies due for water service and
all other charges in connection with the water system.
10.2.6. Late Charges.
If any charge for the services of the water which has been billed to a
customer of the water system, shall not be paid on or before the due date
specified on the bill, a delayed payment charge of ten per cent (10%) of the
amount of the bill shall be added thereto and collected therewith.
10.2.7. Unpaid Bills.
If any bills for the service of the
system shall remain unpaid after 30 days following the due date specified on
the bill therefore, the water supply for the lot, parcel of land, or premise
affected may be cut off and if cut off shall not be turned on again except
on payment in full of the delinquent charges therefore, and the fee charged
for resumption of service. The Authority shall send a notice to its
customers of intent to terminate service. If payment is not received, or
satisfactory arrangements have not been made within seven (7) days after the
shut off notice is sent to the consumer, the water service shall be shut
off. No water service that has been discontinued because of non-payment
shall be restored until all past due bills are paid or satisfactory
arrangements for such payment are made.
10.2.8. Non Receipt of Bill.
Failure of the consumer to receive any bill shall not relieve him/her of the
liability for the charges incurred, and the consumer shall notify the
Authority Chairman if a bill has not been received by the 15th day of the
end of a billing period.
10.2.9. Charges to Become a Lien Upon Premises.
The Authority shall have as security for the collection of water supply
rates, assessments or charges due or to become due for the use and
installation, repair, or maintenance to any house building, or premises, a
lien upon the building or premises, lot or lots, upon which the water system
service was supplied. This lien shall become effective immediately upon the
providing of the water system service to the premises or property supplied.
10.2.9.1. The lien created by this ordinance shall have priority over all
other liens except taxes or special assessments. The lien created by this
ordinance shall not apply if a written lease has been legally executed
containing a provision that the lessor shall not be liable for payment of
water use charges, providing the lease was executed prior to the supply of
water for which the charges are made and providing that the lessor has filed
an affidavit with the Authority Chairman verifying the execution of a lease
containing such provision. The lessor shall give the Authority twenty days
advance written notice of any cancellation, change, or termination of the
lease. The affidavit shall contain a notation of the expiration date of the
lease.
10.2.9.2 Charges for water services which are under the provisions of
Section 21, Act 94, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended, shall be made
a lien on all premises served thereby. The charges for water furnished to
any premises are hereby recognized to constitute such lien and whenever any
such charge against any piece of property or premise shall be delinquent for
six month, or more, that fact shall be certified on March 1st of each year,
to the tax assessing officer of the Authority. Whereupon such charge shall
be by him entered upon the next tax roll as a charge against such piece of
property or premises and the charges shall be collected and the lien thereof
enforced in the same manner as general property taxes against such premises.
11. METERS.
11.1 Meters Required: Use.
11.1.1. All Authority water used on any premises must pass through a
water meter. Any bypass between the meter and the main is prohibited.
11.1.2. All premises using Authority water shall be metered and shall pay
for water at the rates specified.
11.1.3. Water meters shall be obtained from the Authority.
11.1.4. All water meters existing and installed before the adoption of
this Ordinance shall be maintained at the expense of the property owner
and/or tenant.
11.1.5. Each water meter shall be served by its own water connection and
water service pipe unless another system incorporating exterior valves to
control water flow to each meter is approved by the Authority.
11.2 Water Meters; Type; Size Determination.
11.2.1. Unless otherwise authorized by the Authority, all meters shall be
of the disc type.
11.2.2. All meters shall be under the control of the Authority and shall
be equipped with an instrument capable of being remotely connected and read
away from the meter itself. Such instrument shall be installed on the
exterior of the building as directed by the Authority.
11.2.3. All new inside meters will require remote registers, or remote
telephonic reporting as the Authority?s Board specify.
11.2.4. Size: When requesting connection to the Water System, the
consumer shall furnish information about the amount of contemplated water
supply demand and the Authority shall determine the size and type of meter
to be installed.
11.2.4.1. For usual single family domestic use and
consumption of water, a 3/4 inch meter shall be installed by the consumer.
11.2.4.2. For multiple dwelling the meter size shall be
one inch for 2 to 4 dwellings and 1 ½ inch for 5 to 10 dwellings.
11.2.4.3. Except as stated above, where an application is made for a
meter larger than 3/4 inch the Authority shall determine whether a meter of
such size is required or authorized.
11.3 Water Meters; Installation; Location; Regulations
11.3.1. Meters shall be installed in readily accessible location and in a
manner satisfactory to the Authority.
11.3.2. A meter shall not be installed in a place where it cannot be
readily reached by the meter reader.
11.3.3. All meters shall be installed horizontally in dry, clean,
sanitary location and in such places that small leaks and the spilling of
water will do no damage.
11.3.4. All meters shall be in a suitable location to prevent the pipes
and meters from freezing in cold weather.
11.3.5. If a suitable and readily accessible location is provided in a
dry basement sufficiently well heated to prevent freezing of the meter
during the winter, the meter may be placed in the basement, if the Director
so allows.
11.3.6. Where the premises contains no basements or cellar, the meter
shall be installed in a location which shall be approved by the Director.
11.3.6.1. Where it is necessary to install the meter in a pit inside a
building, such pit shall be built as directed by the Authority.
11.3.6.2 With Director approval and when a sump pump or drain is
provided, meters may be installed below grade line in a brick or first floor
meter pit.
11.3.6.3 All meter pits shall be of brick or concrete, built in
accordance with specifications furnished by the Authority, with cover
openings directly over meters.
11.4 Failure to Register; Water Usage, Amount
11.4.1. Estimated Consumption. If any meter or metering system fails to
register properly or if a meter is inaccessible for reading, the department
shall estimate consumption based on former consumption.
11.4.2. Should a meter become defective or fail to register correctly,
the quantity of water used shall be determined by the amount used during the
corresponding period of the preceding year, or at the option of the
Authority, by averaging the amount for the period immediately preceding and
subsequent to the period wherein the meter registered quantities of water
usage. 11.5 Water Meters; Test, Inspections
11.5.1. The accuracy of the meter on any premises will be tested by the
Authority upon written request of the owner and/or user who shall pay in
advance a fee to cover the cost of the test. If on such test, the meter
shall be found to register over three percent more water that passes through
it, another meter will be substituted therefor, and the fee will be
refunded, and the water bill will be adjusted from the preceding and current
billing periods.
11.6. Meter Repairs
11.6.1. The expense of maintaining meters will be borne by the Authority.
11.7 Meters, Seals; Tempering, etc., Prohibitions 11.7.1. Meters shall be
sealed by the Authority and no person except an authorized employee of the
Authority shall break such seals. No unauthorized person shall change the
location of, alter or interfere in any way with any meter.
12. CONNECTIONS
12.1 Water Connections
12.1.1. Water Connections.
Water Connections shall not be made unless the water main extends across the
total frontage of a lot to be served or across the total frontage of the lot
facing one street in the case of a corner lot.
12.2 Tapping Mains; Applications, Requisites
12.2.1. All taps shall be made after proper application for service by
consumers or their authorized agents.
12.2.2. All connections to the System shall be made by a state licensed
contractor with the proper tools and equipment for performing connections to
the System's mains. All taps and connections to the Water Main shall be
installed at the main.
12.2.3. Location.
Before an owner, user, or contractor install a water service pipe, he shall
obtain from the Authority the location for making or connection of the water
service. The terminus of the water service pipe shall be located such that
the water service pipe is installed to the water main in a straight line
perpendicular to the main, and there are no obstructions such as driveways,
manholes, trees, fire hydrants, or any other obstacles.
12.2.4. Single corporation stops, or pipe saddles, will be used to supply
services or private mains.
12.2.4.1. Connection of services up to one and one-fourth inch
(1-1/4") to the Authority main shall be through a corporation stop with
branch connections making an angle of forty-five (45) degrees to the water
main service proper.
12.2.4.2. On one and one-half inch (1-1/2") and two inch (2")
services, a saddle will be required.
12.2.4.3. On approved three inch (3") services, a four inch
(4") connection at the main and a four (4") valve shall be
required. Approved services four inches (4") and over shall have the
same size connection as the service.
12.2.5. No permittee shall turn water off or on at the corporation or
stop cock to any service pipe, except to make repairs and test work, after
which he shall leave it off or on as he found it. No unauthorized person
shall turn the water off or on at the corporation or stop cock.
12.2.6. Pipe from the main to the curb stop shall be a minimum grade Type
K soft temper copper not less than 3/4" in diameter.
12.2.7. All holes or trenches dug in the public streets or roads shall be
backfilled to a minimum of 95% density by thoroughly tamping dry sand in
layers not to exceed 6". All excavated material shall be entirely
removed from the street. Excavated material that is wet, or otherwise unfit
for backfill, shall be entirely removed and the backfilling done with
suitable dry sand hauled in for that purpose.
12.2.7.1. Tunneling under streets will be prohibited except by special
permission of the Livingston County Road Commission and the Authority
Director. Open cuts shall be allowed in graveled streets with prior Road
Commission approval.
12.2.7.2. Connections under hard surfaced paving shall be made only by
boring or jetting with the prior approval of the Livingston County Road
Commission and the Authority Director.
12.3 Service Control Valves, and Curb Boxes.
12.3.1. Location. The customer will provide and install a shut off valve
in the form of a service cock and curb box one foot outside of the outer
sidewalk line, or as near the road right-of-way line as may be convenient.
12.3.2. An approved type round way, inverted core, Minneapolis pattern,
tee head curb stop of good bronze material shall be installed on all
three-fourths inch (3/4"), one inch (1"), one and one-half inch
(1-1/2"), and two inch (2") service lines at a point as near the
road right-of-way line as practical and permissible.
12.3.3. Valves of non-rising stem gate valves or plug type valves may be
used for the larger size connections. They shall be of approved standard
manufacture, and housed in an approved type service or roadway valve boxes.
12.3.4. A cast iron extension curb box of an approved pattern shall be
centered over the curb stop so that it is readily accessible for turning on
and off by Authority representatives. Curb stop boxes shall be Buffalo type,
with 2 ½" shaft, 4 ½ foot to 6 foot long, in two sections with a lid.
The top of the stop box shall be so placed that it is never below the grade
nor over three inches above grade and must be set on a brick or concrete
foundation to prevent settlement.
12.3.5. No person is permitted to turn water on or off the curb stop
except for the testing his work, in which event the curb stop shall be left
in the same condition and position as he found it.
12.4. Water Service Pipe; Installation, Requirements.
12.4.1. Water Service Connections shall be installed in accordance with
State and local building regulations. Water Service connections shall also
be installed in compliance with the following specifications;
12.4.2. The connection of the Type K copper service pipe to the
corporation stop shall be made by using an approved adapter fitting.
12.4.3. Water connections and water service pipes shall be installed in a
separate trench from the sewer service. The water service pipe may not be
placed in the same trench with the building drain. The water service pipe
and the building sewer must be ten feet (10') apart.
12.4.4. All Water Service Pipe on either private or public property shall
be laid on a solid bottom not less than four and one?half feet (4 ½') under
ground or below the established grade.
12.4.5. The consumer shall continue the water service pipe connection
from the valve at the sidewalk line to the riser pipe and valve inside the
building entirely at his expense.
12.4.6. The service line from the main to the premises shall have an
inside diameter no smaller in diameter than three?fourths inch (3/4").
All service pipes of two inches (2") or less, in diameter shall be of
U.S. Government specification Type K copper tubing; other service pipe
materials must be approved by AWWA. Those over two inches (2") in
diameters may be of ductile iron.
12.4.7. The water service pipe shall be laid to provide for earth
settlement and for contraction and expansion through arching or bending to
form an expansion loop in the form of a half "S" bend, and shall
contain at least six inches (6") of excess material to provide for
settlement and flexibility.
12.4.8. There shall be no joints between the curb stop and the meter
unless commercial lengths are not available to allow for this provision
(say, because of excessive building setbacks). Only three-part flared unions
shall be used for connections in copper pipes and all other types of flared
unions are prohibited.
12.4.9. Plugged tees, or other accessible outlets between the meter and
the main are prohibited. No Connections or outlets shall be made on this
line other than for sprinkler heads or fire fittings. It shall be unlawful
for the customer, or any employee or agent of the customer, to make any
connections on or use said sprinkler system for any other purpose or
purposes than for fire protection; and any other use thereof shall be and
constitute a violation of this ordinance.
12.4.10. Any repairs to any water service pipe shall be made at the
expense of the owner whose premises are served by the water service pipe.
12.5 Completion of Work; Inspection Required
12.5.1. Upon completion of any new service pipe installation or repairs,
it shall be the duty of the permittee to obtain approval by the Livingston
County Plumbing Inspector or his designate before covering same.
12.5.2. The service trench shall not be covered, backfilled, or floored
until the tap has been completed and the Livingston County Plumbing
Inspector or his designate has approved the installation. Clean earth or
sand shall be carefully tamped every two feet (2') above the top of the
service line. This material shall be carefully and solidly rammed with
proper tools. The use of clay for such purpose is prohibited.
12.5.3. If any building drainage or plumbing system or part thereof which
is installed, altered or repaired, is covered, it shall be uncovered for
inspection after notice to the plumber, contractor, owner, or other person
to uncover the work has been issued either by the Authority or the
Livingston County Plumbing Inspector.
12.5.4. A separate gate valve and waste cock, must be placed on the water
service pipe just inside the building wall so that the water may be turned
off and drained from the pipe in the event of accident or in order to make
repairs. Such stop shall be equal in quality to the curb stop.
12.6. Repair
12.6.1. Water Service Pipe from main to curb stop, the curb stop, and all
water service pipe from the property line to the meter shall be the
responsibility of the owner of the premises.
12.6.2. Any plumber called upon to shut off water and drain pipes in any
premise shall do so inside the building only.
12.6.3. Damage to Pipes and Meter. Persons taking water must keep their
service pipe and their meter protected from frost and hot water at their own
expense. Where the service pipe or meter is damaged by frost or hot water,
the service pipe shall be repaired by a licensed plumber, to be employed and
paid by the customer. The water meter shall be repaired by the customer.
13. HYDRANTS AND USE
13.1 All water mains on private property, 6" or larger with fire
hydrants, shall be installed at the property owner's expense and shall be
conveyed to the Authority by the property owner, and at his expense the
property owner shall provide a recorded easement sufficient for maintenance
and repair of the same.
13.2 No person shall open an Authority owned fire hydrant without the
express permission of the Director, excepting a municipal fire department,
who may at any time open a fire hydrant for the purpose of obtaining water
for extinguishment of fires.
14. CROSS-CONNECTIONS RULES ADOPTED
14.1 Cross Connection; Prohibition
14.1.1. Cross connections shall be prohibited. It shall be Unlawful for
any person to make, permit to be made, or permit to exist, any cross
connection on any lot or parcel of land owned or occupied by him.
14.1.2. The Authority adopts by reference the Water Supply Cross
Connection rules of the Michigan Code of Public Health being R325.11401 to
R325.11407 of the Michigan Adminsitrative Code s amended and modified.
14.2 Inspections
That it shall be the duty of the Authority to cause inspections to be
made of all properties served by the public water supply where a cross
connection with the public water supply is deemed probable. The frequency of
inspections and re-inspections based on potential health hazards involved
shall be established by the Authority. The cost of inspection as determined
by the Authority shall be borne and paid by the property owner upon which
the inspection takes place.
14.3 Entry Rights
That the Director, or his designee shall have the right to enter at any
reasonable time any property served by a connection to the public water
supply of the Authority, for the purposes of inspecting the piping system or
systems thereof for cross connections. On request the owner, lessees, or
occupants of any property so served shall furnish to the inspection agency
any pertinent information regarding the piping system or systems on such
property. The refusal of such information or refusal of access, when
requested, shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the presence of cross
connections.
14.4 Cross Connection Shutoff
Where contamination of any water main is an immediate possibility or
where contamination of any main occurs and a cross-connection, is found, the
Authority may order the water to be immediately shut off without giving
notice to the owner or occupant of land as prescribed herein.
14.5 Correction Required
Water service to such property shall not be restored until the cross
connection(s) have been eliminated in compliance with the provisions of the
ordinance.
14.6 Protection and Notification
That the potable water supply made available on the properties served by
the Water Supply System shall be protected from possible contamination as
specified by this ordinance and by the State and County Plumbing Code as
adopted, amended and modified by Livingston County and the State of
Michigan. Any water outlet which could be used for potable or domestic
purposes and which is not supplied by the potable system must be labeled in
a conspicuous manner as:
**************************************
*WATER UNSAFE FOR DRINKING *
**************************************
14.7 Supplemental
That this ordinance does not supersede any State of Michigan or
Livingston County Plumbing Code or ordinance, and it shall be supplementary
to such other lawful regulations as may from time to time be adopted.
14.8 The Authority is authorized and directed to take such other
precautionary measures as may be deemed necessary to eliminate any danger of
contamination of the water system. Water service to the land in question
shall not be restored until either the cross-connection has been eliminated,
or evidence furnished and access permitted to enable the Authority to
determine that no cross-connection prohibited by this Chapter exists.
15. SEVERABILITY
15.1 If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Ordinance
shall be held invalid, the invalidity of such section, paragraph, clause or
provision shall not affect any of the other provisions of this Ordinance.
16. CONFLICTS or REPEALER
16.1 Conflicts
All ordinances, or parts thereof, in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.
16.2 Repealer
If part or parts of this ordinance are for any reason held to be invalid
or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity or
constitutionality of remaining portion of this ordinance.
17. PUBLICATION
This ordinance shall be published once in full, in a newspaper of general
circulation or a summary thereof within the boundaries of the Authority,
promptly after its adoption, and the same shall be recorded in the Ordinance
Book of the Authority Secretary and filed with the County Clerk, and such
recording authenticated by the signatures of the Authority Chairman and
Authority Secretary.
18. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall become effective upon publication. Adopted at a
Regular session of the Authority Board for the Genoa-Oceola Sewer &
Water Authority On ________________________________________.
________________________________
ROBERT MURRAY
Chairman
Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water Authority
________________________________
EVELYN CORNELL
Secretary
Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water Authority
19. CERTIFICATIONS
CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION
I, EVELYN CORNELL, Secretary of the Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water
Authority, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true, correct, and
complete copy of Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water Authority Water Use and Rate
Ordinance adopted by Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water Authority at a regular
meeting held on the _____________________________ and that public notice of
said meeting was given according to the requirements of law, as made and
provided.
___________________________________
EVELYN CORNELL
Secretary
Genoa-Oceola Sewer & Water Authority
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