[Last amended by Ord. No.
10-30[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.
A.
The Public Works Commission shall have general charge and direction
of all engineering work in connection with all improvements and extensions
made by the water utility, including the laying of water mains and
service connections, setting of hydrants, valves and connections,
as well as of any repair or reconstruction of the same, or of any
part thereof, and all the engineering records of the Department shall
be kept at the Water Department.
B.
The Commission shall supervise and superintend and in general shall
have charge of all work of extension or improvement of the waterworks
plant. All work of this nature which shall be let by formal contract
shall be under the direct supervision and be carried out as the Commission
may direct and when the Common Council provides the moneys therefor.
For any work of this nature to be done without the intervention of
a formal contract, the Commission shall have general supervision and,
subject to such statutory requirements and such ordinances as the
Council may make, shall purchase the necessary materials and employ
the necessary help and labor for such work.
C.
Construction work shall be left to the Commission to award as it
sees fit, but when awarded, the money to cover the cost of the work
to be performed shall be turned over to the Commission by the Council
for direct disbursement, and the City general fund shall be given
credit on the books of the Commission in the City equity account for
the amount so turned over. The Commission shall have authority to
contract directly for expenditures of an operating nature and shall
also have authority to contract directly for extensions, replacements
and improvements in sums not exceeding $10,000 in amount. Where the
Commission expends money for extensions or improvements for which
the general fund has provided the moneys, the Commission shall, after
the close of each year, be given credit in the City equity account
for the amount so paid.
D.
The Watertown Public Works Commission hereby adopts by reference
the standard rules and regulations of the Public Service Commission
of the State of Wisconsin.
A.
Application. Extensions to existing water mains shall be initiated
by application in writing. The application shall describe the proposed
extension by designating the point at which it shall connect with
the present facilities, the point at which it shall terminate and
the ways to be affected or the course selected. It shall state the
reasons or purposes for requesting the extension and shall set forth
the facts and information necessary to enable the Commission to determine
with a reasonable degree of certainty as to whether or not inconvenience
and necessity require that the request be granted and to determine
the terms and conditions under which the extension is to be made.
The application shall be signed by the owner (or his agent duly authorized
by proper power of attorney) of the property abutting the way affected
or the course selected. It shall describe the property so abutting
in definite terms, so as to permit its identification upon the tax
rolls of the City, and shall set forth especially the number of feet
frontage of each piece or parcel of property so abutting.
B.
Extension of mains. The City Water Department will extend water mains
for new customers and will decide whether the extension is to be six-inch
or larger pipe where fire protection service is needed, or eight-inch
pipe as a minimum size or larger where only general service is needed
on the basis provided therein.
C.
Special assessments for water main construction. Where the cost of
the extension is to be immediately assessed against the abutting property,
the procedure set forth under §§ 66.0703 and 66.0721,
Wis. Stats., will apply, and as follows:
(1)
The assessment for the first water service for any lot other than
corner lot shall be determined by the Commission on a per-front-foot
basis along the short side.
(2)
The assessment of corner lots, if served first by water along the
side street, shall be in accordance with the frontage of the short
side of the lot at the per-foot rate as determined by the Commission.
(3)
Corner lots. When a corner lot is already served by water along the
front or side and water service is added to the unserved side, no
assessment shall be made. However, if the dimensions of any corner
lot are sufficient to allow an area of 8,000 square feet for a site
on the front of the lot with sufficient front, rear and side yards
and also provide for a site with a frontage of not less than 80 feet
along the side street and an area of 8,000 square feet and proper
yard distances, an additional assessment at the current front-foot
rate shall be made for such frontage or property on the side street
which is available for a lot or lots on such street.
(4)
If, because of topographical conditions, adverse use of neighboring
property, doubtful accessibility or other unusual conditions, it is
believed that an assessment determined by the formula herein set forth
would work an injustice, the Common Council, by formal resolutions
setting forth its reasons, may reduce such an assessment to an amount
which it deems to be the true benefit under the circumstances. Further,
if because of unusual conditions it is believed that an assessment
determined by the formula herein set forth would work an injustice
to the City, the Common Council, by formal resolutions setting forth
its reasons, may increase such an assessment to an amount which it
deems to be the true benefit under the circumstances.
(5)
Payment for water main construction.[1]
(a)
Payment made be made in cash within 60 days after notice of
assessment with interest at 9% per annum from 60 days after notice.
(b)
Payment may be made in five equal annual installments, if the
total bill is $500 or more, with interest thereon at the rate of 12%
per annum. If the property owner shall sell or transfer title to said
property within the five-year installment period, any remaining balance
to be paid shall become immediately due and payable upon the sale
or transfer of ownership of said parcel.
(6)
The City Clerk shall notify each property owner after the project
has been completed and the assessments have been computed of the amount
of the assessment and the alternative methods of payment and that
unless the deferred plan is chosen by written notice to such Clerk
within 30 days, he will be considered to have chosen the cash payment
plan.
[Amended 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 22-63]
(7)
Special assessments for water main installation shall be paid to
the Watertown Public Works Commission at the time the assessment is
levied.
D.
Where the City is unwilling to make a special assessment because
of low density of prospective customers or for some other reason,
extensions will be made on a customer-financed basis, as follows:
(1)
CONTRIBUTOR
CUSTOMER
Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
The owner of property at time of a contribution or refund
unless otherwise specified by written agreement.
The owner of premises to which water is now or is to be furnished
unless specific written agreements specify otherwise. The customer
at all times means the property owner at the time a contribution is
to made or a refund becomes available.
(2)
Basis for determining contributions from original customers. The applicant (or applicants, pro rata) will advance the amount that would have been assessed under Subsection C above. The contribution must be paid in advance of construction.
(3)
Additional customers and refunds. When additional customers are connected to a water main that was originally financed in part by customers, the Department will require a contribution from each new customer equal to the existing average contribution. When the amount of customer contribution computed under this subsection is less than would have been assessed under Subsection C above, the applicant for service shall pay an amount equivalent to the assessment. This amount shall then be refunded pro rata to all contributors along the extension whose remaining contribution still exceeds what would have been assessed under Subsection C above. When refunds have reduced the contribution of any contributor to the applicable assessment per front foot, no further refund will be made to that individual. After all refunds have been made, the remaining premises that may connect will be charged at the rate per front foot established for the extension.
(4)
Limits of extension. When an extension beyond an existing extension
is required to serve a new customer, and the cost for a customer exceeds
the average remaining contribution in the original extension, then
the new extension will be considered as an entirely new project, without
refunds or other connection with the original extension.
E.
When customers connect to a transmission main or connecting loops laid at Department expense, there will be a contribution of an amount equivalent to the applicable assessment as determined in Subsection C above.
F.
The development period during which refunds shall be made will be
limited to 20 years.
The Commission shall cause to be prepared maps showing the locations,
size and type of all mains, valves, service pipes and hydrants, and
of the entire waterworks system and shall from time to time make such
additions and alterations as shall correspond to the changes in the
physical plant and shall keep one of the maps in the Water Department
office.
The water mains shall periodically undergo a thorough treatment
of flushing. This shall consist not merely in opening hydrants at
random, but the mains shall be taken section by section and gates
opened or closed so as to concentrate large flows of water through
the pipes being cleaned.
Provisions shall be made for flushing each dead-ended main,
and such flushing shall be done from time to time as the circumstances
of each case appear to require in order to forestall complaints from
consumers regarding stagnant and offensive water.
The valves on the water distribution system shall be thoroughly
inspected and operated at least once every two to five years [§ NR
810.13(2)(a), Wis. Adm. Code] and maintained in good operating condition.
A record of each valve shall be made and kept, showing its size, type,
location, date of inspection and results thereof.
The distribution system shall be equipped with a sufficient
number of gate valves, so located that no single case of accident,
breakage or repair in the pipe system in important mercantile or manufacturing
districts will necessitate shutting from service a length of main
greater than the side of a single block or a maximum of 500 feet or,
in other districts, lengths greater than two sides of a single block
with a maximum of 500 feet. It is vitally important that gate boxes
be kept raised to the street surface so that no time will be spent
unnecessarily in locating the same when occasion demands.
The Department shall make systematic inspections of all unmetered
water taps at least once in every 12 months for the purpose of checking
waste and unnecessary use of water, and a record of the date of each
inspection shall be made. In laying mains the Department or its authorized
representatives shall make systematic inspection of all joints, hydrant
connections, sleeves, etc., to prevent poor or careless work and hence
later loss of water by continuous leakage. Each main extension shall
be tested for tightness and joints before trenches are refilled. The
meter-testing apparatus shall be examined periodically to see that
its efficiency is up to the proper standard.
Periodical tests shall be made at different points in the City
of several hydrants simultaneously and discharges measured by some
suitable devices in order to show the amount of water available for
fire protection service. The pressure in the mains shall be observed
before the period of flow at a hydrant near the center of each group.
The Department shall maintain all hydrants in good serviceable
condition at all times, and to this end inspections should be frequent
and thorough, and the results recorded in the Department office, so
that no hydrant may be found frozen or out of order when emergency
requires quick use, and the Chief of the Fire Department shall make
such reports of the use of Department facilities requested by the
Department as may be deemed reasonable so as to ensure excellency
of service at all times.
Any person who shall tap or make any connection with any street
main or distribution pipe without being authorized to do so, or who
now having such connection shall continue to use water through the
same, shall incur and be liable to the payment of a penalty of $40
and the water shall be shut off from such unauthorized tap or connection
until the same has been inspected and passed by the Department. As
a further penalty, such person shall be chargeable with all water
estimated by the Department consumed from date such connection was
made up to the time such connection is discovered.
All persons doing plumbing work in connection with the waterworks
shall take out a permit from the Department, which permit shall give
a date of commencement and date of notice of completion of work. The
owner of the premises shall be required to sign the proper application
as provided in the next section, which application must be on file
with the Department before work on any job is commenced. Proper blanks
for the same shall be had at the Department's office. The plumber
shall make a full return to the Department within 48 hours after the
completion of the work.
All new building construction within the corporate City limits
of the City of Watertown must make provision to have water mains extended
to the property upon which the construction is proposed, and the building
owners must connect to the water system. Applications for water connections
must be made at the Department office on forms provided for that purpose
by the Department. The application must state the name of the owner,
location of the property designated by correct street address, the
name of the licensed plumber installing the fixtures, a brief statement
of the conditions under which service is supplied, exceptional features,
if any, to be disclosed clearly, and the address of the owner in case
notice must be given for discontinuance of service for nonpayment.
All applications must be signed by the owner or his duly authorized
agent.
The Department shall tap the water main, furnish all pipe, fittings,
labor, etc., and install the service up to and including the curb
box and approve the shutoff cock at the meter upon the premises supplied.
Such service and connection up to and including the curb box shall
remain the property of the City of Watertown at all times, and said
applicant shall acquire no interest, right or title to the same by
virtue of the fact that he has paid a fee giving him the privilege
to receive water through such pipe, subject to all the conditions
set forth in these rules and regulations.
Whenever the Department permits the work of installing service pipes to be done by licensed plumbers, it reserves the right at all times to specify the kind of pipe and material to be used and to approve of all work done as provided in § 512-14, unless otherwise provided by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
A.
Plumbers shall not connect two or more services on one tap, but each
building must have one distinct and separate tap and service pipe,
laid not less than 6 1/2 feet below the surface after the street
is brought to a grade and, where physically possible in the judgment
of the Department, at least one foot horizontally distant from any
sewer service. Where the grade of a street is lowered so that service
piping is subject to freezing, the cost of lowering such service pipe
when freeze-up occurs shall be borne by the City. Where, however,
no change in grade has been made and the service pipe freezes due
to the fact that it was not laid at a proper depth to prevent freezing
when originally installed, the cost of relaying such service pipe
to a proper depth of 6 1/2 feet shall be borne by the property
owner from the curb to the property and by the City from the main
to the curb. The Department will thaw out frozen service piping for
the owner per the Public Service Commission (§ PSC 185.88,
Wis. Adm. Code). Relaying of water service pipes both by the City
and by consumers shall be contingent upon their freezing.
B.
Each service must be provided with a stop cock and a metal/plastic
extension box outside of the premises connected with the same. Where
a larger tap or a branch is required to replace a tap or taps previously
made, the tap or taps which are abandoned shall be shut off at the
corporation cock, and any larger tap or branch made shall be tapped
at the owner's expense. In case two or more taps are required for
one house, it may be granted only provided that each service is supplied
with sufficient facilities and connections at the meter so as to permit
each unit of service to be turned off separately for cause without
interfering with the service supplied to the other units and each
facility is supplied with a separate meter, and provided also that
in case the taps are on separate mains, or on opposite sides of a
gate on the same main, check valves shall be placed on each service.
Supply pipes shall not be laid across and connecting adjoining premises
whether owned by the same or different parties. Every service pipe
where it enters the cellar shall be furnished with a stop and waste
cock so situated below the action of frost that the water may be completely
shut off and drained from the pipes to prevent freezing. In case of
danger of frost, the service pipe shall be drained on both sides of
the meter connection.
C.
Every unit of service shall be supplied from the City's mains exclusively,
and any cross-connection whereby polluted water may be pumped or allowed
to flow into the Department distribution system is hereby prohibited,
except under special conditions authorized by the Department. The
Department reserves the right to order any cross-connection eliminated
if found faulty and may shut off the water supply to the respective
unit of service affected if its orders are not complied with.
The service pipe from main to curb will be maintained and kept
in repair at the expense of the Department. However, it is the duty
of the consumer to maintain the service pipe from the curb to the
property, and the Department cannot make an allowance for the loss
of water which has passed through the meter and has been wasted by
leakage or defective pipes and fixtures.
In case of leakage in service pipe between curb and property,
notice shall be given to the owner or occupant to make necessary repairs,
and if the same are not commenced within 24 hours after notice is
given, water will be shut off until repairs are made. If not made
within a reasonable time, the Department will repair the same at the
expense of the property owner, and an additional charge as set by
the Common Council and provided under separate fee schedule based
on the current tariff rate in effect will be made for turning on water
after repairs have eventually been made. The consumer shall protect
the stop box in his terrace and keep the same free from dirt and other
obstructions. Whenever the Department finds a stop box has become
defective because of dirt accumulation, breakage or otherwise, it
shall notify the owner of the premises served in writing at the premises
and proceed to make the necessary repairs. The cost shall be billed
to the owner of the premises served, unless otherwise provided. The
Department shall not be liable for damages due to failure to locate
the stop box promptly and shut off water in case of a leak on the
consumer's premises.
A record of the location of each service laid shall be made
by the Department.
In no case may water be turned on by any person other than an
employee of the Department authorized to do this work, with the exception
of a licensed plumber, who may do so only after having been specially
authorized to do so by the Department to this effect, and after having
arranged for means whereby consumption of water may be determined
by so doing.
Where it is necessary to lay blind laterals to vacant lots,
the cost of the same shall be paid for by the property owner and shall
be returned to the property owner of record at the time when application
is made for service and such service becomes active.
Meters will be furnished and placed by the Department. All meters
shall be so located that they shall be preserved from obstructions
and frost and to allow easy access thereto for reading and inspection.
The location shall be designated by proper employees or officers of
the Department. No bypass or other connection between the meter and
the main shall be maintained, unless specially authorized by the Department.
The Department by its duly authorized agents shall have the
right of access during reasonable hours to premises supplied with
water service for the purpose of inspection or the enforcement of
the Department rules and regulations. Whenever, in the opinion of
the Department, the right of access is unduly obstructed, the Department
may notify the property owner that a frost-proof box of an approved
design will be located outside of the building at a cost of labor
and expense, plus 10% to cover overhead charges. If installed, the
cost shall be billed to the owner of the premises served unless otherwise
provided, or the Department may notify the property owners at the
premises served that service will be discontinued unless access is
given within a reasonable time.
A.
In installing new service piping, if meters are to be set, the consumer
shall at his expense provide proper connections and a meter box if
necessary for meter. In setting meters, all connections shall be made
according to the rules and regulations provided by the Department.
Nipples attached to the union and coupling shall be cut to a standard
provided by the plans of the Department, so that it may later be removed
for the insertion of a meter into the supply line.
B.
There shall also be provided and set in proper position, in case
the meter is to be located below level of basement floor, a meter
box constructed according to the plans of the Department.
C.
In case a service is to be metered and there is no basement or where
it is impossible to properly set a water meter in a consumer's basement,
the Department will provide at the consumer's expense the proper frost-proof
box of an approved design (to be located outside the consumer's building)
at a cost of labor and material expense plus 10% to cover overhead
charges.
All water which has gone through the meter must be paid for.
If the meters register incorrectly, or if there is a sound of running
water, consumer shall notify the Department's office, and an expert
will be sent to examine the pipes and will give advice free of charge.
Meters will be repaired by the Department, and the cost of such
repairs caused by ordinary wear and tear will be borne by the Department.
Any damages which a meter may sustain resulting from carelessness
of the owner of the premises, his agent or tenant, or from negligence
of either of them to properly secure and protect same, including any
damage that may result from allowing said meter to become frozen or
to be injured from hot water or steam setting back from a boiler,
or otherwise, shall be paid to the Department by the owner of the
premises and may be charged and collected as a special tax against
the property.
Where the location of meters interferes with ready inspection,
reading and removal of same, such meters may be relocated as may be
directed by the Department at the expense of the property owner.
All new meters purchased and all old meters which have been
repaired or removed from service for any cause shall be tested and
adjusted to show not more than two-percent error before being placed
or replaced in service, and all meters shall be tested at least once
every 20 years. A complete record shall be kept of each meter, noting
all repairs and inspections made and results of each test.
Water meters, while in service, may be put under seal affixed
by an authorized employee or officer by authority from the Department.
The person responsible for water bills for water supplied through
a meter whose seal has been tampered with or broken shall be prima
facie guilty of a violation of this section.
The Department shall make a test of the accuracy of any water
meter not greater than two inches in size upon the written request
of a consumer filed at the office of the Department, provided that
consumer does not request such test more frequently than once in 12
months. Tests made more frequently than once in 12 months will be
made only on order of the Public Service Commission or at the expense
of the consumer where meter is within the tolerance of 2%. Meters
greater than two inches in size will be tested at instance and direction
of the Department, but not less often than once in every five calendar
years. All tests are made in conformity with the rules provided by
the Public Service Commission.
A.
Said fire protection service shall consist of connections for automatic
sprinkler systems, standpipes (where same are connected permanently
or conterminously to the mains) and private hydrants.
B.
Consumers who are regular users of water service may be supplied
with larger pipes with hydrants and hose couplings, or a sprinkler
system under the rules of fire underwriters, to be used only in case
of fire. Automatic sprinkler equipment shall be provided with controlling
valve or indicator post valve of a make and pattern to be approved
by the Department either in a valve pit near the main in the street
or at the curb.
Combination commercial fire hydrant and sprinkler service shall
consist of a pipeline with either:
A.
A meter
on a bypass of suitable size for commercial service required around
the valve of the same diameter as pipe placed on line, said valve
to be closed and sealed so as to divert all water through the meter
and opened only in case of fire; or
B.
A compound
or detector meter of standard make which will register accurately
everything passing through it from a no load to 50% overload under
varying pressures.
Automatic sprinkler service alone, as required by insurance
companies, with water supplied either direct to tank or a combination
of tank and direct pressure, shall have all manual valves sealed,
said seal to be broken only in case of fire. Any abuse or illegal
connection for the use of water through these services shall forfeit
the right of the consumer to such service for fire protection, and
the Department at its discretion shall have the power to require any
such service to be provided with a compound or director meter, to
be put in at any time as said Department may in each case prescribe,
and to make any change or just and reasonable requirements as good
service may from time to time require in each instance, either as
to said meter or to any other parts of said appliance pertaining to
the same.
[Amended 10-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-18; 4-20-2021 by Ord. No. 21-19]
A.
Private fire hydrant service shall consist of a pipeline with hydrants
on the same, the existing manufacturer must be Waterous. For any new
hydrant installation, the manufacturer and model shall be 5 1/4
Waterous Pacer Traffic Model WB67-250. Placement of private hydrants
if required shall conform to Fire Prevention Code § 303.
All hydrants shall be closed and sealed and opened only in case of
actual fire. When the seal is broken on any hydrant, the Watertown
Water Utility must be notified in writing at once, and hydrants will
be sealed and inspected by the Department.
B.
Operation and maintenance.
(1)
For any private fire hydrant to be considered for inclusion in the
Water Department's operation and maintenance program, the following
minimum conditions shall be met:
(a)
The department has deemed this hydrant as necessary to maintain
for the sole purpose of water quality improvement.
(b)
Hydrant equipment shall comply with current requirements of
the City of Watertown standard specification.
(c)
Hydrant installation shall be calendar year 2005 or newer.
(d)
In lieu of requirements above, the hydrant owner shall provide
records of minimum annual/biannual hydrant maintenance following installation.
No hydrants will be considered if installed before 1990.
(e)
Unless looped in a continuous flow back to the public watermain,
the fire line will be considered a private hydrant lead. The Department
will not accept the maintenance of hydrants on dead end mains into
private property with underground tap(s) coming off the fire line
for potable water use.
(f)
Hydrant owner shall provide written easement for a width of
20 feet centered over the main leading to the private hydrant in a
form as approved by the City Attorney. An easement is required to
the property for the sole purpose of flushing and oiling the hydrant
itself. There will be no liability of the Department to assume responsibility
for defective hydrant parts, water main, or lateral connections nor
maintenance thereof on private property.
(2)
Prior to including a private hydrant in its normal operation and
maintenance program, the Water Department will inspect the location
and condition of the hydrant and determine if it is functional. The
hydrant owner will be notified whether the hydrant is acceptable under
this policy or if repairs or modifications are necessary before the
hydrant can be included. The owner will also be notified of possible
concerns related to property damage that could result from flushing.
(3)
Hydrant location shall be accessible for Fire Department use as determined
and approved by the Watertown Fire Department.
(4)
Hydrant shall be painted yellow for identification as a private hydrant.
C.
Operation and maintenance of private hydrants.
(1)
Flushing shall occur yearly and be consistent with the Water Department's
policies.
(2)
The Water Department will take reasonable precautions to control
the flow of water while flushing. The Water Department will not beresponsible
for damages to property that result from flushing private fire hydrants.
(3)
In the event normal operation and/or flushing results in failure
or required maintenance of a private fire hydrant, the hydrant owner
shall be responsible for replacement of, or repairs to, the hydrant.
The Water Department will inform the hydrant owner immediately of
deficiencies identified during operation and/or flushing. The hydrant
owner may hire a qualified contractor to complete the work needed
to restore the hydrant.
(4)
Charges for the Water Department to complete maintenance on private
hydrants shall be based on the cost maintain said hydrants.
Consumers having unmetered connections used for fire protection
may test their fire apparatus at any time under the following conditions:
A.
Upon notice given at the Department's office that such test is desired
and date and hour fixed when test is to be made.
B.
When test of fire service is made by duly authorized insurance representative
or insurance inspector, no permit shall be required to break any seals
on the system, but in each instance the Department shall be notified
at once before making test, and such seals replaced by the Department.
This notice must be made by property owner or representative.
Any private fire protection system supplied with water from
the City's service shall be supplied exclusively with City water,
and no connection will be allowed with any other system drawing its
supply from any other source, whereby the City's water may be contaminated
by failure to close valves or leaking check valves, etc., and no auxiliary
or secondary suction pipe to any underwriter's pump taking water from
a river or other source whatever will be permitted, except such other
source may be acceptable to and connection thereto specially authorized
by the Department in writing. Any private fire protection system using
water from a river, wells or other source than the City's service
shall be kept separate from any such system supplied from the City's
service.
The Department reserves the right to shut off the water supply
in the mains, temporarily, for the purpose of making repairs, alterations
and additions. When circumstances will permit a sufficient delay,
the Department shall give notification by newspaper publication or
by written notice delivered to the premises of the discontinuance
of the service and the approximate length of time service will be
discontinued. In such cases the Department shall not be liable for
any rebate, damages or inconvenience caused by such temporary suspension
of supply.
Consumers in accepting water service for their requirements
agree to accept such service at their own risk, and the Department
shall not be liable for any damage caused by lack of pressure, failure
to supply, leaks, breakage of machinery or facilities, or any cause
beyond the control of Department.
A.
When premises are to be vacated, the Department shall be notified
in writing at once, so that it may read and remove the meter and shut
off the supply at the curb cock. The owner of the premises shall be
liable for damage to any of the property of the City of Watertown
by reason of failure to notify the Department of vacancy. A change
of tenants in any unit of service within any particular monthly meter
reading period will not be construed as a vacancy, and the entire
billing for the period will be submitted to the owner, and any adjusting
in the way of apportioning the bill between the outgoing and incoming
tenants will have to be made by the owner.
B.
Premises which shall be and remain entirely vacant and the service
to which is shut off at the curb box by the Department shall be considered
as permanently vacant.
C.
Where a premises contains a number of conterminous units of service,
and where such premises is supplied by a single metered connection,
and, further, where absolute disconnection of service to such premises
is possible only by turning off water at the curb, the vacancy of
one distinct unit of service, such as a flat or an apartment building,
cannot be construed as a permanent vacancy unless plumbing is so arranged
that each distinct unit of service, such as each flat, can be disconnected
separately from the supply main.
A.
Water used for puddling trenches, construction work, building purposes
or emergency service must be covered by a written permit which can
be obtained only at the Department office. In no case shall any employee
of the Department turn on water for such work unless contractor first
presents a permit. Wherever practical, such service shall be supplied
through meters, and the water shall be charged for at the regular
published rates. Where it is impractical to supply water through a
meter, the supply shall be determined as accurately as possible upon
some fair basis and shall be charged for at the regular published
rates. The opening through which service is demanded shall in such
cases determine the service charge.
B.
If the permit is issued upon the basis of flat rates in force for building purposes, upon completion of the work, contractor must return original permit to the Department's office, together with a statement of actual amount of water consumed or work actually done. In such cases, the applicant for service must give a certified statement by architect or builder as to number of bricks, cords of stone used, square yards of plastering, cement work, etc. The Department reserves the right to check preliminary estimates with actual material used in construction. Separate permits for each individual construction job and piece of work shall be taken out by the contractor or builder where water is not chargeable to the owner of premises. Consumers shall not allow contractors, masons or other persons to take water from their premises without a permit from the Department. The Department reserves the right to decide whether permits for this class of work are to be issued on the meter basis or on the flat rate basis. See § 512-49.
A unit of service shall consist of any coterminous aggregation
of space or area of space occupied for a distinct purpose, such as
an apartment, flat, store, office or factory. Suites in houses or
apartments where complete housekeeping functions (such as cooking)
are not exercised shall be classed as a rooming house. Thus, houses
and apartment buildings having suites of one, two or more rooms with
toilet facilities but without kitchen for cooking are classed as rooming
houses and may be considered as a single unit of service. Where any
conterminous unit of service is supplied through a secondary meter,
such secondary meter shall be considered primary, and the primary
service charge shall apply.
No free service shall be given any schools, fire stations, public
buildings, or for street sprinkling, sewer flushing, or any purpose
whatsoever, but all such service shall be supplied through meters
wherever practical and shall be charged for water service at the regular
rates. Where it is not practical to supply service through a meter,
the supply shall be determined as accurately as possible upon some
fair basis, and the regular published rates shall be charged therefor.
The opening through which service is demanded shall in such cases
determine the service charge. All water which has gone through the
meter or through the opening through which service is demanded must
be paid for.
All bills shall be rendered monthly to the premises described
in a clear and definite manner by house number. All bills except those
for special readings or purposes shall be dated on the last day of
the billing period in which service is rendered, at the net rate.
To each bill remaining unpaid 20 days after the date thereof shall
be added a penalty of 1% of the net rate, and this penalty shall be
collectable in the same manner as the original charge.
Service shall be discontinued to residents and customers pursuant
to §§ PSC 185.37, 185.38 and 185.39, Wis. Adm. Code.
Such regulations are adopted by reference and incorporated herein
as if they were set forth in full.
Where readings cannot be obtained because the premises are closed, an estimated reading bill will be submitted, based on the consumption for the past 12 months, or on such a basis as may be deemed fair and equitable by the Department. This estimated reading will be adjusted at the time the reading is obtainable in the course of the next reading period. Where readings cannot be obtained because right of access is unduly obstructed, § 512-23 shall apply.
If a meter fails to register, the account will be computed in the same manner as provided for in § 512-45.
When a meter is removed from the premises for any reason other than repairing or testing, or the premises are vacated as defined in § 512-39, water will be turned off and on and meters installed and removed only upon a proper application signed by the owner of the property served, or by his duly authorized agent, and not upon the request of the tenant.
Failure to receive a bill does not relieve a party of his/her
obligation nor relieve him/her of payment of the penalty if not paid
before the due date. Claims or complaints must be made within five
days from due date of bill.
Where the Department is required to render services which in accordance with statute are not chargeable to the premises to which such service is rendered, or where for just or sufficient reason it is found advisable not to do so, the Department may demand a deposit for a reasonable amount to insure prompt payment upon the date due, but such deposit must be uniform in all cases. (Occasional services: see § 512-40; private fire protection service: see §§ 512-31 to 512-36.)
[Amended 9-20-2016 by Ord. No. 16-16; 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 22-63]
On November 15 in each year, the Water Systems Manager or his
or her delegate shall furnish to the City Clerk a list of all lots
or parcels of real estate to which water was furnished during the
preceding six months and the amount due for the same if the same has
not been paid. A penalty of 10% shall be added and the Water Systems
Manager or his or her delegate shall proceed to collect the dues with
the penalty. All delinquent water bills shall be collected as regular
City taxes, pursuant to § 66.0809, Wis. Stats., which is hereby
made a part of these rules.
Any person, other than a duly authorized employee of the Commission, who, without written authority, operates any valve connected with the street or supply mains or operates any shutoff valve within a stop box controlling the flow of water to any premises, or breaks or tampers with the seal of any water meter in service, or opens or operates any hydrant connected with the distribution service or any valve thereon, except for extinguishing fire, whether the hydrant is City property or has been placed by the owner for his own protection, or wantonly injures or impairs the same, shall be subject to the penalty provided in § 512-98. Only authorized persons of the Fire Department, for fire purposes only, and others authorized by the Department shall use hydrant wrenches in the operation of hydrants connected with the water supply of the Department. Permits for the use of hydrants apply only to such hydrants as are designated in the permit for the particular use specified.
The Department reserves the right hereunder to require a controlling
valve to be placed upon hydrant nozzle, when water is being used for
any purpose other than for fires, in order to prevent damage to fire
hydrants and consequent impairment of fire protection.
For the purpose of a reasonable enforcement of the within provisions
the Commission may designate any person or persons upon whom may be
conferred such police powers as is usual and proper in the appointment
of special police, upon the person or persons designated complying
with all laws, rules and regulations provided in cases of special
police appointment.
"Department" as used in this article shall include the Public
Works Commission and employees thereof.
A.
Purpose and authority. The residents of the City of Watertown depend
exclusively on groundwater for a safe drinking water supply. Certain
land use practices and activities can seriously threaten or degrade
groundwater quality. The purpose of this section is to institute land
use regulations and restrictions to protect the City's municipal water
supply and well fields and to promote the public health, safety and
general welfare of the residents of the City.
B.
Application of regulations. The regulations specified in this section
shall apply only to lands within 1,500 feet of Wells 8 and 10 of the
Watertown Water Department (cones of depression) or within the five-year
time of travel (TOT) of these wells and which also lie within the
City of Watertown corporate limits.
C.
AQUIFER
CONE OF DEPRESSION
FIVE-YEAR TIME OF TRAVEL (TOT)
RECHARGE AREA
WELL FIELD
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
A saturated, permeable geologic formation that contains and
will yield significant qualities of water.
The area around a well in which the water level has been
lowered at least 1/10 of a foot by pumping of the well. The Wisconsin
Geological and Natural History Survey Special Report No. 10, titled
"Wellhead Protection Districts in Wisconsin: An Analysis and Test
Applications," identified the cone of depression for the neighboring
Township of Emmet to be a radius of 1,500 feet. For ease of determination,
the cone of depression or groundwater protection overlay district
has been established as being 1,500 feet from the Watertown wells.
The recharge area upgradient of the cone of depression, from
the outer boundary of which it is determined or estimated that groundwater
and potential contaminants will take five years to reach the pumping
well. The five-year TOT for the Watertown well fields is established
based on flow path modeling contained in the report titled "Watertown
Case Study: Wellhead Protection Programs and Monitoring System Design."[1]
Area in which water reaches the zone of saturation by surface
infiltration and encompasses all areas or features that supply groundwater
recharge to a well.
A piece of land used primarily for the purpose of locating
wells to supply a municipal water system.
D.
Groundwater flow direction. The flow of the groundwater within the
TOT is from the northeast to the southwest.
E.
Groundwater protection; cones of depression.
(1)
Intent. The primary portion of the Watertown recharge area to be
protected is the land within 1,500 feet of the boundary of the Watertown
wells, known as the cones of depression, as shown on the attached
map.[2] These lands are subject to the most stringent land use
and development restrictions because of close proximity to the wells
and the corresponding threat of contamination.
[2]
Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Water Department.
(2)
Prohibited practices. The following uses are prohibited uses within
the groundwater protection area. Uses not listed are considered permitted
uses.
(a)
Septage and/or sludge spreading.
(b)
Landfills or waste disposal facilities.
(c)
Wastewater treatment facilities.
(d)
Spray wastewater facilities.
(e)
Bulk fertilizer and/or pesticide facilities.
(f)
Asphalt products manufacturing.
(g)
Salt storage.
(h)
Electroplating facilities.
(i)
Paint and coating manufacturing.
(j)
Hazardous and/or toxic materials storage.
(k)
Radioactive waste facilities.
(l)
Gasoline stations.
F.
Wellhead protection plans. The wellhead protection plans for Wells
7, 8, 9 and 10, prepared by Earth Tech Engineers dated October 2001
and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on December
17, 2001, are incorporated by reference herein.
Within 30 days after installation of all utilities in an approved
subdivision, excluding the surface layer of asphalt, the permittee
shall notify the City and submit drawings documenting construction.
The person who designed the subdivision for the permittee shall submit
as-built certification to ensure the constructed subdivision and installed
public utilities comply with the specifications included in the approved
plans. At a minimum, as-built certification shall include a set of
drawings comparing the approved subdivision plans with what was constructed.
Other information shall be submitted as required by the City. Failure
to submit as-built drawing within 30 days of subdivision completion,
excluding asphalt surface layer, shall negate the permittee's ability
to obtain building permits for lots located in the subdivision.
Work done by the Water Department or by a private contractor
for the Water Department shall be warranted for one year from the
completion of work. This warranty shall not apply to any damages caused
or repairs made necessary by the homeowner's negligence.
