There is hereby created and established a Water Department of the Town of Tatum for the purpose of the management, maintenance, care and operation of the water works of the municipality.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Tatum as Ch. 8, Art. IV, of the 1984 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Director of Public Works shall have the overall control and management of all things pertaining to the municipal water works system, and he/she shall perform all acts that may be necessary for the prudent, efficient and economical management and protection of said water works, subject to the approval and confirmation of the governing body. The governing body may prescribe user service rates and other rules and regulations as it may deem necessary.
The Town Clerk-Treasurer shall keep a correct account of all receipts, make out all bills for water, rent and materials furnished to consumers, collect the same, and deposit the proceedings so collected to the account of the water works fund of the municipality, and in accordance with direction of the governing body.
Whenever he/she deems it necessary for the protection of the public health or safety, the Director of Public Works or his/her authorized representative may inspect the premises or buildings of any water consumer for the purpose of examining the condition of all pipes, motors, meters and water fixtures, or the manner in which the water is used. He/She shall be vigilant to protect and remedy all abuses, whether from waste or other improper use of water.
Application for the use of water shall be made to the Deputy Clerk by the owner or agent of the property to be benefited, designating the location of the property and stating the purpose for which the water may be required. If a new meter is required, the cost will include a meter, a lateral and a water meter deposit of $125. If a meter has been tapped, the only fee will be a water deposit fee of $125. Routing under streets will cause an additional charge of $75. The Town will only extend 150 feet of pipe from the water main. In the event application is made for water service for more than 150 feet from the Town water line, applicant must construct said line in accordance with the Town's specifications, and thereafter donate said line to the Town.
All water sold by the Town shall be metered by meters which may be installed either in a curb box or inside of the building at the option of the property owner. All water meters shall be owned and kept in repair by the Town.
Consumers shall prevent unnecessary waste of water and keep all water outlets closed when not in use. Hydrants, urinals, water closets, bathtubs and other fixtures must not be left running for any purpose other than the use for which they are intended. In addition to the penalty provided herein for Code violations, the water supply may be turned off where any such waste occurs.
[Amended 8-23-2006; 6-22-2010; 5-1-2012; 7-29-2019; 6-9-2020; 8-23-2022]
A.
Water rates. The water rates to be charged and collected by the Town of Tatum from each residential, commercial and industrial establishment obtaining service from the waterworks systems of the Town shall be as follows:
Residential and Commercial July 1, 2020 | |
|---|---|
Gallons | Rate |
0 to 3,000 | $19.85 |
3,001 to 10,000 | $8 per 1,000 gallons |
10,001 to 50,000 | $10.90 per 1,000 gallons |
50,001 to unlimited | $10.30 per 1,000 gallons |
Industrial July 1, 2020 | |
|---|---|
Gallons | Rate |
1,000 | $19.85 |
Residential and Commercial July 1, 2021 | |
|---|---|
Gallons | Rate |
0 to 3,000 | $24.25 |
3,001 to 10,000 | $10.25 per 1,000 gallons |
10,001 to 50,000 | $13.95 per 1,000 gallons |
50,001 to unlimited | $13.20 per 1,000 gallons |
Industrial July 1, 2021 | |
|---|---|
Gallons | Rate |
1,000 | $24.25 |
Residential and Commercial July 1, 2022 | |
|---|---|
Gallons | Rate |
0 to 3,000 | $24.25 |
3,001 to 10,000 | $10.25 per 1,000 gallons |
10,001 to 50,000 | $13.95 per 1,000 gallons |
50,001 to unlimited | $13.20 per 1,000 gallons |
Industrial July 1, 2022 | |
|---|---|
Gallons | Rate |
1,000 | $24.25 |
Residential and Commercial September 1, 2022 | |
|---|---|
Gallons | Rate |
0 to 5,000 | $24.25 |
5,001 to 10,000 | $10.25 per 1,000 gallons |
10,001 to 50,000 | $13.95 per 1,000 gallons |
50,001 to unlimited | $13.20 per 1,000 gallons |
NOTE: Amended rates shall become effective July 1, 2020, July 1, 2021, July 1, 2022, and September 1, 2022. All amendments to water rates must be reviewed and approved by the Council. |
B.
Meter and lateral installation charges. Effective June 23, 2010, the installation charges for water meters and laterals shall be as follows:
Meters | Laterals | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Size (inches) | Amount | Size (inches) | Amount | Total Amount |
3/4 | $160 | 1 | $490 | $650 |
1 | $225 | 1.5 | $520 | $745 |
1.5 | $380 | 2 | $850 | $1,230 |
2 | $510 | 2 | $850 | $1,360 |
[Amended 5-1-2012[1]]
Water meters shall be read monthly, and statements for water service shall be billed on a monthly basis. All water billings shall be due and payable on the 10th of each month. In the event such billing is not paid by the 10th of each month, the customer shall be advised by mail on the following day of nonpayment and the customer shall have three days from mailing to pay all amounts due. In the event such billing is not paid within said three days, the water service to the customer may be discontinued. In the event of such discontinuance, an additional reconnection fee of $30 shall be charged to the customer.[2]
[Added 11-26-2001]
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or entity to drill or cause to be drilled any water well or any well capable of producing water within the Town of Tatum without written consent of the Town Council for good and sufficient cause shown. Upon a violation of this section, any person, firm or entity found guilty shall be punishable by fine not to exceed $500 for the first violation and the Town of Tatum may, at its discretion, seek injunctive relief against any person violating this section in a court of competent jurisdiction.