[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of
Oakdale 3-5-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-3. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
American Water Works Association.
The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances
into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any
sources other than its original source. Backsiphonage is one type
of backflow.
The Borough of Oakdale, a body corporate and politic organized
and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A self-closing device which is designed to permit the flow
of fluids in one direction and to close without leakage if there is
a reversal of flow.
Provision of water to premises where the customer is engaged
in trade and/or commerce.
See "pollution."
Any physical connection or structural arrangement between
a potable water supply and any waste pipe, soil pipe, sewer, drain
or any unapproved source or system through which backflow can occur.
(Bypass arrangement, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel
or changeover devices, and other temporary or permanent devices through
which or because of which, backflow can occur are considered to be
cross-connections.) Also, any potable water supply outlet which is
submerged in wastewater and/or any other source of contamination.
See "backflow" and "backsiphonage."
The date upon which a bill or notice is mailed, as evidenced
by the United States Post Office mark.
Provisions of water for household residential purposes, including
water for sprinkling lawns, gardens (not commercial type) and shrubbery;
watering livestock; washing vehicles; and other similar and customary
purposes.
Any pipe that carries wastewater or waterborne wastes in
a building drainage system.
Installed receptacles, devices, or appliances supplied with
water or that receive or discharge liquids or liquid-borne wastes.
Provisions of water to premises in unmeasured quantities,
and/or a fixed periodic charge for an unmetered service.
Provision of water to premises for use in manufacturing or
processing activities.
Extensions of distribution pipelines, exclusive of service
connections beyond existing facilities.
Distribution pipelines which are located in streets, highways,
public ways or private rights-of-way, and which are used to serve
the general public.
Provision of water to a premises in measured quantities.
The person, firm, corporation or association having an interest
as owner, or a person, firm or corporation representing itself to
be the owner, whether legal or equitable, sole or only partial, in
any premises which is, or is about to be, supplied with water by the
Borough, and the word "owners" means all so interested.
Includes the water supply and distribution pipes, plumbing
fixtures and traps; soil, waste, and vent pipe; building drains and
building sewers, including their respective connections, devices,
and appurtenances within the property lines of the premises; and water-treating
or water-using equipment.
The presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic,
radiological, or biological) in water that tends to degrade its quality
so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness of the water.
The property or area owned in fee simple by the applicant,
including improvements thereon, to which water service is or will
be provided through water lines of the Borough on which the property
abuts, owned in fee simple by the applicant, and as used herein shall
be taken to designate:
A building under one roof, owned or leased by one customer and
occupied as one residence or one place of business.
A group or combination of buildings owned by one customer, in
one common enclosure, occupied by one family or one corporation or
firm, as a residence, or a place of business, or church, parochial
school or similar institution.
The one side of a double house having a solid vertical partition
wall.
One side or part of a house occupied by one family even though
the closet and/or other fixtures be used in common.
A public building devoted entirely to public use, such as a
town hall, schoolhouse, or fire engine house.
A single lot, or park or playground.
Each house in a row of houses.
Each individual and separate place of business and/or occupancy
located in one building or group of buildings commonly designated
as shopping centers, supermarket areas and by such other terms.
Each dwelling unit, a "dwelling unit" being defined as a building
or a portion thereof with exclusive culinary facilities, designed
for occupancy and use by one person or one family, even though said
dwelling unit may share sanitary facilities with other dwelling units.
Where a building is occupied by one family or by more than one
commercial user or by more than one industrial user, or any combination
of residential, commercial or industrial users, each such family,
commercial or industrial quarter shall constitute a premises.
Where a building or a portion of a building is occupied by one
customer and used for more than one purpose, that is, a combination
of residential and commercial or commercial and industrial or residential
and industrial; each quarter so used for separate purpose shall constitute
a premises.
Each trailer shall constitute a premises.
Provision of water to premises exclusively for fire protection.
The furnishing of service through public fire hydrants.
The entire body of effective rates, rentals, charges and
regulations, as published, and/or an individual sheet of rate schedules
and regulations.
The pipe, valves and other facilities by means of which the
Borough conducts water from its distribution system or main water
lines to the curb stop to be located at a point between the main water
line and the curbline or property line of the premises, and specifically
includes the corporation stops or other means of connection to the
main, the service line connected to the corporation stop and extending
to the point of connection to the curb stop, and the curb box.
The pipe, valves and other facilities by means of which water
is conducted from the curb stop to a point on the outlet side of the
meter to be located inside the walls of the service line extending
from the point of connection to the curb stop to a point inside the
walls of the premises or meter box, where approved, a stop cock or
compression valve placed immediately ahead of the meter connections
for the inlet and outlet sides of the meter, a stop and waste cock
on the outlet side of the meter.
Anyone occupying the premises under lease from a lessor and
obtaining water from the mains of the Borough.
Water that is not safe for human consumption or that is of
questionable potability.
Water free from impurities in amounts sufficient to cause
disease or harmful physiological effects. Its bacteriological and
chemical quality shall conform to the requirements of the Federal
Drinking Water Standards or to the regulations of the public health
authority having jurisdiction.
The Council shall have the exclusive charge and management of
the municipal waterworks, and may elect or appoint a Superintendent
and such other officers and employees as shall be deemed necessary
for the proper operation and maintenance of the same.
The Water Committee or Superintendent shall have charge of the
waterworks, pumps, pipelines and all machinery, work pertaining to
the same, and all records and accounts thereof under the supervision
of Council. And it shall be their duty to see that the provision of
this chapter and the rules, regulations and requirements of the Council
that are now or may be hereafter passed and enacted are properly executed
and complied with. They shall employ such labor or assistance at such
wages as may be approved by the Council, and shall have general supervision
over all the operations and interests of the waterworks, and shall
report to Council at least once a month as to the condition of the
works, with such suggestions as they may deem necessary, and perform
such of the duties in relation to the same as the Council may prescribe
and direct.
It shall be the duty of the Water Committee and Superintendent
to report to the Council any mismanagement or lack of performance
of duty on the part of any officer or employee of said waterworks,
as soon as the same is known to them, and any officer or employee
so mismanaging or neglecting the performance of his or her duty may
be discharged at once.
The Committee on water and the Superintendent shall approve
all bills pertaining to the waterworks previous to the presenting
of the same to the Council for payment and shall issue written or
printed orders for supplies, tools, or materials that may be necessary
for the operation and maintenance of the works, subject to the approval
of the Council.
No person except a duly authorized representative of the Borough
shall take water from any fire hydrant, pipe or fountain (except for
the use of the Fire Department in case of fire), nor shall any person,
in any way, use or take water for private use until such person shall
receive a written permit from the Borough to do so.
A.
The Borough of Oakdale will furnish water and service only in accordance
with the currently prevailing, and as hereafter revised, rates, rules
and regulations of the Borough, which rates, rules and regulations
are made a part of every application entered into between the property
owner or customer and the Borough.
B.
The Borough hereby reserves the right, so often as it may deem necessary,
to alter, amend, and/or repeal these rates, rules and regulations,
or any part; and in whole or in part to substitute new rules and regulations
forthwith, without notice, become and thereafter be a part of every
such application for water service in effect at the time of such alteration,
amendment, and/or adoption.
C.
Conditions of plumbing system. The piping and fixtures on the property
of the customer are assumed to be in satisfactory condition at the
time service facilities are connected and water furnished, and the
Borough, therefore, will not be liable in any case for any accidents,
breaks or leakage that in any way are due to the connection with the
supply of water or failure to supply same, or for the freezing of
piping and fixtures of the customer nor for any damage to the property
which may result from the usage or nonusage of water supplied on the
premises.
D.
Service deposits required. The following general conditions shall
apply to deposits in connection with applications for water service:
(1)
Cash deposits are required from customers taking service for a period
of less than 30 days, in an amount equal to the estimated gross bill
for such temporary period. Cash deposits may be required with all
applications for service and will be required in all cases involving
contracts with tenants, provided that in no instance will deposits
be required in excess of the estimated gross bill for any single billing
period, plus one month, the maximum period not to exceed four months
with a minimum equal to minimum monthly rates for required size of
meter as prescribed in the schedule of rates. Any customer who becomes
delinquent may be required to make the cash deposit as indicated above.
(2)
The deposit will not bear interest.
(3)
Any customer having a deposit will pay bills for water service as
rendered in accordance with the rules of the Borough, and the deposit
shall not be considered as payment on account of a bill during the
time the customer is receiving water service.
A.
Service line connection defined. The term "service line connection,"
as used herein and as previously defined, shall include all pipes,
valves and other facilities by means of which the Borough provides
water from its distribution system or main water lines to the curb
stop to be located at a point between the main water line and the
curbline or property line, and said service line connection specifically
includes the corporation stop or other means of connection to the
main water line, the service line connected to the corporation stop
and extending to a point of connection to the curb stop and curb box.
B.
Service line extension defined. The term "service line extension,"
as used herein and as previously defined, shall include all pipes,
valves and other facilities by means of which water is provided from
the curb stop to a point on the outlet side of the meter to be located
inside the walls of the building or meter pit, if approved; said service
line extension specifically to include the service line extending
from a point of connection to the curb stop to a point inside the
building wall or meter pit, where approved, gate valve placed immediately
ahead of the meter, and connections for the inlet and outlet sides
of the meter, as more fully described in the Borough's standard
meter installation specifications supplied with each application for
service.
C.
Installation; service line connection.
(1)
The Borough will install and maintain, at its own cost, service line
connection, make all connections to main lines, furnish, install and
maintain all service lines from the mains to and including the curb
stop and service box which will be placed inside the curb or property
line, the said service line connection to be property of the Borough
and to remain under its control.
(2)
Only duly authorized employees or agents of the Borough will be permitted
to install a service line connection from the mains of the Borough
to the premises of the customer.
(3)
The installation of all service line connections is subject to the
submission of a written application to the Borough, as previously
set forth, to such requests being reasonable, to approval thereof
by the Borough and to the payment of such charges for the service
line connection installation and meter settings as are in effect at
the time of the application, said charges to be payable in advance.
Where the state or local governmental unit charges a fee for issuing
a permit or permits for street or road openings, the amount of the
fee will be charged to the applicant in addition to the other charges.
(4)
The Borough reserves the right to defer the installation of service
connections during inclement weather until such times as, in the judgment
of the Borough, conditions are suitable for an expeditious and economical
installation.
(5)
The Borough reserves the right to determine the size and kind of
the service line connection.
D.
Maintenance; service line connection.
(1)
When meter boxes are located at the curb, the riser pipes and connections
therein will be installed by and at the expense of the customer, and
no customer or workman shall alter, change or in any way tamper with
the meter box, meter, or piping and connections therein without authorization
from the Borough.
(2)
Prior to the laying of new cement sidewalks, making changes in grade
or of the changes in sidewalk construction, the customer shall notify
the Borough in order that the Borough may relocate the curb box and
meter box, if any, at the proper grade. If such notice is not given
and the box or boxes are covered or cemented over, thereby necessitating
additional expense to the Borough for finding and relocating the same,
the customer shall be billed for such additional expense, and the
Borough will, under no circumstances, be responsible for damages to
the sidewalk.[1]
E.
Installation; service line extension. The service line extension,
that is, the service line extending from the curb stop to the premises
and all required appurtenances, shall be installed by and at the expense
of the customer. This service line shall be subject to the following
requirements:
(1)
General.
(a)
The installation shall include a connection of the service line
to the curb stop, extension of the service line from the curb stop
to a point within the building wall or facilities housing the meter,
the installation of a lever handle or wheel handle ball valve or gate
valve the same size as the service line on the street side and immediately
before the meter, and a stop and waste cock, ball valve or gate valve
on the outlet side and immediately after the meter, all facilities
inside the building to be located so as to be readily accessible,
protected from freezing and to provide proper drainage for the piping
in the building; the installation to include also all facilities further
required in these regulations.
(b)
No globe valves or similar restricting-type valves will be permitted.
(c)
The installation shall be made by skilled and qualified workmen.
(d)
The contractor for the customer shall notify the Borough when
the service line extension will be installed in order to permit the
Borough to schedule its work and install the service line connection.
(2)
Material.
(a)
The material for all service lines two inches in size and under
shall be first-quality, soft, seamless copper tubing, Type K as manufactured
in accordance with ASTM Specification B-88-62 and its latest revisions,
except that heavier weights shall be used, if necessary, for the operating
and static water pressure obtained in the particular district, and
the service line for all sizes over two inches shall be cement-lined,
cast-iron pipe or ductile iron pipe as specified by the Borough. Substitutions
of equal specification materials must be approved, in writing, by
duly authorized Borough personnel.
(b)
Piping or tubing previously used for gas, oil wastes or similar
purposes shall not be used for water piping. Inside surfaces of water
piping shall not be detrimental to potable water.
(3)
Sizing of pipes.
(a)
All water closets, urinals or other plumbing fixtures and devices
shall be provided with piping of sufficient size to permit ample flow
of water to keep them in a sanitary condition. The size of each potable
water supply line from the distribution main, the street to the supply
branches, risers, fixtures, connections, outlets, or other uses shall
be based on the total probable demand, and the size of the service
pipe, meter and house pipe and all fixtures, branches and risers shall
be determined by the Borough.
(b)
The Borough exercises the right at any time to revise these
requirements and to stipulate the size and weight per foot of pipe
and the kind and quality of all materials laid between the curb stop
and the premise which are to be furnished and installed by the owner
of the property.
(c)
The service line shall not be less than three-quarter-inch size.
(4)
Installation and testing requirements.
(a)
Installation.
[1]
The service line extension must be laid in a straight line as
near as possible at right angle to the street and at a depth of not
less than four feet and as is necessary to secure proper alignment
and avoid obstacles. The bottom of the trench shall be excavated so
as to conform to the curative of the pipe and afford good bearing
surface. Where rock is encountered, the excavation shall be carried
below the bottom of the pipe for the distance required and the excavation
backfilled with earth or clay well-tamped to the proper grade.
[2]
No metal pipe shall be placed in contact with cinders or other
corrosive material unless such installation is unavoidable, in which
case, after securing approval of the Borough to make the installation,
the pipe shall be treated with a protective coating approved by the
Borough.
[3]
The joints in all copper tubing and pipe laid underground shall
be made with a mechanical coupling of a design and material satisfactory
to the Borough, no solder joints shall be used, and no joints shall
be made within a distance of less than five feet from the exterior
wall of the premises. All pipe passing through foundation or bearing
walls shall be provided with suitable sleeves and the annular space
between the sleeve and the pipe made watertight, where required.
(b)
Hydrostatic tests.
[1]
No service shall be covered until the service line is filled
with water and subjected to a hydrostatic test. This test shall be
observed by a representative of the Borough.
[2]
The line shall be slowly filled with water, all air expelled
and the maximum pressure in the Borough system allowed to develop
in the service line, not to exceed the maximum allowable pressure
rating for all service line components. All pipes, fittings, valves
and joints shall be carefully examined during the test. All materials
found defective shall be removed and replaced with solid, satisfactory
materials and all leaks completely eliminated.
[3]
The Borough exercises the right to require that small service
lines be subjected to a hydrostatic test of 50% in excess of normal
operating pressures and will require such a test on all service line
extensions over two inches in size and all unmetered service lines,
including fire protection lines, the test pressure in no case in connection
with this increased pressure test to be less than 100 pounds.
[4]
No loss whatsoever due to leakage will be permitted on small
service lines.
[5]
The allowable loss due to leakage shown by tests on service
lines two inches in size and larger shall be determined on the basis
of ANSI/AWWA Standard C600-82, Section 4, Hydrostatic Testing, or
its latest revision.
(c)
Inspection. The Borough shall be notified when the installation
is completed and prior to backfilling, so that the service line can
be subjected to the aforesaid hydrostatic test in the presence of
a representative of the Borough and an inspection made of both workmanship
and materials. The notice shall include such data as the location,
the name of the owner and tenant and the time the work will be ready
for inspection. Water will not be supplied through the service line
extension or any related part thereof or of any service or supply
line which has not been inspected in the open trench and approved
by the Borough. This regulation applies to both original installations
and repairs.
F.
Maintenance; service line extensions.
(1)
All service line extensions, service lines and fixtures installed
by the customer shall be maintained by him in satisfactory condition,
and all valves, meters and appliances furnished and owned by the Borough
and on the property of the customer shall be protected and properly
cared for by said customer. When repairs, renewals or replacements,
or other necessary work, are required on the aforesaid facilities
of the customer, the customer shall employ, without delay, competent
tradesmen to do the work, all said work to be done at the expense
of the customer. All leaks in the service or any other pipe or fixture
in or upon the premises supplied must be repaired immediately by the
owner or occupant of the premises, under penalty of discontinuance
of service by the Borough.
(2)
No person shall clean the service line extension without first being
granted a permit by the Borough, and such approval shall be subject
to the disconnection of the service line at the curb stop before cleaning,
protection of the meter and other related requirements. The operation
or use of the curb stop shall be subject to control by Borough employees
only.
(3)
No person except an authorized agent of the Borough shall be permitted
to clean the service line between the main and the curb.
(4)
The Borough shall in no event be responsible for maintaining any
portion of the service line or service line facilities owned by the
customer; or for damage done by water escaping therefrom; or from
lines or fixtures on the customer's property; and the customer
shall at all times comply with Borough regulations with reference
thereto and make changes therein required on account of change of
grade, relocation of mains or otherwise.
G.
Length of service line. The Borough may exercise the right, in cases
where the length of the service line extension exceeds 100 feet, to
require the customer to construct, at his expense, a watertight brick,
tile, or concrete meter pit provided with a suitable iron cover and
constructed in accordance with a plan furnished by the Borough, said
meter pit to be constructed at the property or curblines and to be
used for the housing of the meter required for the service of the
premises.
H.
Penalty for placing obstruction over, in or around curb boxes. If
obstructions are placed over, in or around curb boxes in such a manner
as to prevent normal operation of the curb stop, or to result in damage
to the curb box, curb stop or service line, the Borough will shut
the water off at the curb stop and plug the curb box, or disconnect
the service line, or turn the water off at the corporation stop or
ferrule as it may deem necessary. Before service will be renewed,
the customer shall pay to the Borough the expenses incurred in shutting
the water off and in turning it on again, including the cost of necessary
trenching and backfilling, or cutting and replacing pavement, sidewalk,
or curbing, of any municipal permit or permits for opening the pavement,
and also shall settle any unpaid bill for water or other service and
make a satisfactory deposit to ensure the payment of future water
bills, and the minimum charge to be equal to the minimum monthly rates
for required size meter as prescribed in the schedule of rates.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The schedule of rates is on file in the Borough
offices.
I.
One service connection for each customer. A service line will be
used to supply a single customer only, and no premises shall have
more than one service connection except where impossible or impractical
to furnish an adequate water supply service thereto through one service
connection, in which event the Borough may agree to the installation
and use of more than one such connection.
J.
Single service line with two or more customers. When two or more
customers are supplied through a single service line, any violation
of the rules of the Borough by either or any of said customers shall
be deemed to be a violation as to all, and unless said violation is
corrected after reasonable notice, the Borough may take such action
as can be taken for a single customer, except that such action shall
not be taken until the customer who has not violated the Borough's
rules has been given reasonable opportunity to obtain service by a
separately controlled service connection.
K.
Other service pipe extension requirements.
(1)
The Borough reserves the right to require any owner to install, on
or in conjunction with the service, such valves, check valves, relief
valves, pressure regulators, or other apparatus of approved design
when and where, in its opinion, the condition may require it for the
safeguarding and protection of the Borough's property or the
water supply.
(2)
Should the use of water through a service line connection become
excessive during periods of peak use and cause substantial decrease
in pressure in the distribution system of the Borough to the extent
that normal water service to other customers is impaired, the Borough
may exercise the right to require the installation of properly designed
and adequate storage facilities.
(3)
The said facilities shall include all piping, valves, fittings, storage
structures, pumps, automatic controls and such other appurtenances
as are required to permit the storage of water and delivery therefrom
during periods of peak water use of the premises, and thereby avoid
a direct use from the system of the Borough during such periods. The
basis of design for such systems shall be subject to approval by the
Borough.
(4)
Service will not be furnished for any use where large quantities
of water are required in a short period of time, except through an
intermediate storage tank or unless approved by the Borough, the design
of the proposed facilities also being subject to the approval of the
Borough.
(5)
When steam boilers take a supply of water directly from the service
pipe, depending upon the hydraulic pressure in the pipe system of
the Borough for their supply under working pressure, it will be at
the risk of the parties making such attachments, as the Borough will
not be responsible for any accidents or damages to which such devices
are frequently subjected.
L.
Change in location of service line connection. The customer shall
pay for the cost of relocation of all service line connections made
at his request or for his convenience.
M.
Use of curb stops. Curb stops at the curbline shall not be used by
the customer for turning on or shutting off the water supply. The
control of the water supply by the customer shall be by means of a
separate valve located, in general, just inside the building wall.
Curb stops are for the exclusive use of the Borough.
A.
Furnished by Borough.
(1)
All meters, unless otherwise indicated, will be furnished and installed
by the Borough and will remain the property of the Borough and be
accessible to and subject to its control and maintenance.
(2)
A meter will be required for each premises and for each separate
service line connection supplying a premises.
B.
Size of meter.
(1)
The Borough reserves the right in all cases to stipulate the size
and type of the meter to be installed on each service line and to
require the installation of a larger size meter in any case where
the peak use of water places any meter under undue or unusual strain
and/or exceeds the recommended meter capacity.
(2)
The minimum size of a meter installed shall be the same size as the
service line, subject to a variance being granted at the sole discretion
of the Borough, and except on a three-quarter-inch line serving a
domestic customer, the privilege of using a five-eighths-inch meter
may be allowed.
C.
Location.
(1)
The location for the meter shall be subject to the approval of the
Borough, shall be at a convenient and accessible point, shall permit
control of the entire supply and shall allow proper protection of
the meter from freezing or other harm.
(2)
No fixture shall be attached to, or any branch made in, the service
pipe between the meter and the street main.
(3)
In cases where it is not practical to place the meter within a building,
the Borough may require the property owner to construct, inside the
property line, a brick or concrete meter pit with a suitable cover
or a similar type of approved meter box, such installations to be
made in accordance with a plan furnished or approved by the Borough.
The design of the meter pit shall permit adequate access to the meter
and its ready installation or removal.
D.
Installation of meter.
(1)
All piping, fittings, valves, check valves, gauges, bolts, nuts,
meter pit structures, manholes or other accessories or materials and
the labor for installing the same, used in connection with meter settings
within the property line of the premises, shall be at the expense
of the applicant. The customer shall employ for this work the services
of a skilled tradesman, qualified and approved by the Borough, who
shall cooperate with the Borough and install all the piping and appurtenances
in accordance with the dimensions and requirements for each specific
case so that the meter or meters can be properly installed and connected
by the Borough in accordance with the Borough's standard meter
installation specifications.
(2)
In all new installations or replacements made after January 1984,
the customer shall furnish and install on the service line a wheel
or hand-operated ball valve, or gate valve, without waste, the same
size as the service line on the street side and immediately before
the meter, and a stop and waste cock on the outlet side immediately
after the meter.
(3)
A suitable check valve shall be furnished and installed by the customer
at a point between the stop and/or waste cock and the meter. When
a check valve is installed, a safety valve shall be furnished and
installed by the customer at a convenient point in the housing piping
to relieve excess pressure due to heating of water.
(4)
Under certain conditions where there is a demand or necessity for
uninterrupted water service, in order to eliminate inconvenience to
both the customer and the Borough when repairs or replacement of the
meter is necessary, the Borough may, at its option, require the installation
of a battery of two or more meters on the one service line, with a
combined capacity approximately equal to the capacity of the single
meter requested. Such installations shall be properly valved to control
or cut any single meter out of service and permit its removal without
interruption of service through the remaining meter or meters. In
cases where meters are so installed, the minimum charge in accordance
with the schedule of rates for each meter will be separately rendered.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The schedule of rates is on file in the Borough
offices.
E.
Maintenance, care and responsibility for damage. The Borough will
maintain all meters at its expense, except meters used exclusively
for determining special service charges and fire line meters. The
customer is liable and responsible for all damage to meters while
on his premises. In the event of damage due to negligence of the customer,
the customer shall promptly notify the Borough. The Borough will furnish
and set another meter to replace the one damaged, and the cost of
the repairs to the same, including replaced parts, labor and transportation
charges, as well as the cost of testing and costs of reinstallation
of the meter, shall be billed to the customer and paid for by him.
F.
Meter tests.
(1)
Should any customer of the Borough at any time doubt the accuracy
or correctness of the meter measuring water delivered to the customer's
premises, the Borough will, upon a written request of the customer,
and if he so desires, in his presence or that of his authorized representative,
make a test of the accuracy of the meter. When a customer desires,
either personally or through a representative, to witness the testing
of a meter, he may require the meter to be sealed in his presence
before removal, which seal shall not be broken until the test is made
in his presence. If the meter so tested shall be found to be accurate
within the limits herein specified, a fee determined from the schedule
indicated shall be paid to the Borough by the customer requesting
such test, but if not so found, then the cost thereof shall be borne
by the Borough. When making such request, the customer shall agree
to the basis of payment herein specified.
(3)
The fee shall be payable by the applicant in advance. In the event
the meter so tested is found to have an error in registration in excess
of that amount specified by the manufacturer of said meter and/or
the American Water Works Association (AWWA) accuracy standards, the
cost of the test will be borne by the Borough and the advance fee
will be refunded. The bill, based on the last reading of such meter
or meters, shall be corrected accordingly. This correction shall apply
for both over- and under-registration.
(4)
At any time within 12 months from the date of last test made of a
meter measuring the water service to any premises, should the customer
doubt the accuracy of the meter measuring said service, he may have
said meter tested by making a deposit as set out in the schedule to
defray the cost. Should such test show the meter in question to be
correct within limits stated above, said deposit shall be refunded
and the account adjusted accordingly and the entire cost of the test
shall be borne by the Borough.
G.
Change in location of meters. The customer shall pay for the cost
of the relocation of all meters made at his request or for his convenience.
H.
Seals. No seal placed by the Borough for the protection of any meter,
valve, fitting or other water connection shall be tampered with or
defaced. It shall not be broken except upon authorization from the
Borough, or in the presence of a Borough inspector. Where the seal
is broken, the Borough reserves the right to remove the meter for
test at the expense of the customer, even though said meter registers
accurately.
I.
Leaks. Customers are urged to give careful attention to their plumbing
and fixtures and make immediate correction of all leaks. No allowance
will be made by the Borough for water used, lost, stolen or otherwise
wasted through leaks, carelessness, neglect or otherwise after the
same has passed through the water meter.
J.
Reading and registration of meters.
(1)
Regular meter readings will be made monthly, and the quantity recorded
by the meter shall be taken to be the amount of water passing through
the meter, which amount will be conclusive on both the customer and
the Borough, except when the meter has been found to be registering
inaccurately, has ceased to register or has been tampered with in
such a way so as to affect the accuracy of the meter.
(2)
In such cases, the quantity used for billing may be determined by
calculating the average daily consumption on the basis of previously
recorded monthly meter records and by multiplying this value by the
number of days the meter has been malfunctioning, but in no case shall
this number of days exceed 60 days, unless meter readings for the
previous monthly periods have been estimated.
K.
Notification relative to condition of meter. The customer shall notify
the Borough of damage to, or malfunction of, the meter, or of the
breaking of the seal or seal wire as soon as he is cognizant of such
a condition.
A.
Place of payment. Payments may be mailed or delivered to the Borough
Building (6115 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, PA 15071), and will be deemed
to be received as of the next point that the office is scheduled to
be open. Regular Borough Office hours are Monday through Thursday,
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
B.
Preparation and rendering of bills.
(2)
Regular meter reading will be made monthly. Bills will be rendered
at the end of the month.
(3)
Bills for monthly usage shall be due 20 days after the date of the
mailing or presentation. If the bill remains unpaid after a period
of 20 days from the date of mailing or presentation, said bill will
be subject to a 10% penalty. At the option of the Borough, customers
whose bills are unpaid within a thirty-day period after date of mailing
or presentation may be served with a delinquent notice stating that
unless the Bill is paid within 15 days, service will be discontinued.
If a delinquent account remains unpaid, a termination of services
notice will be issued and service will be discontinued. Discontinued
services will be subject to a turn-off fee and a turn-on fee as established
from time to time by resolution of the Borough Council and will be
charged after the payment of the bill prior to renewing of service.
(4)
If service is thus discontinued, it will not be restored until all
unpaid bills and charges, including turn-on and turn-off charges,
are paid in full. Water services will be shut off after two months
in arrears.
(5)
Each premises serviced by a meter will be subject to a fixed minimum
charge for each meter, based on the size of the meter in accordance
with the rate schedule, the use of a certain quantity of water being
allowed for each size meter without additional charge.
(6)
Such minimum charge shall be neither abatable or refundable with
respect to a nonuser of water, and noncumulative against subsequent
consumption. In the case of fractional bills covering less than a
month, minimum charges and allowances of water shall be prorated.
The charges for the use of water in excess of the quantity allowed
for each size meter will be in accordance with the rate schedule,
the allowance of water for the minimum charges to be deducted from
the actual quantity measured.
(7)
Special attention for adjustments for hardship cases will be reviewed
by the water or other designated committee upon request.
The Water Committee or the Superintendent, or other authorized
employees of the Borough, shall have free access at all reasonable
times and hours to the premises supplied with water to ascertain the
location and condition of hydrants, pipes and other fixtures attached
to the Borough's water system, and to examine and read the meter,
and perform such other duties as may be in the best interest of the
Borough.
A.
Discontinuance of service by customer.
(1)
By customer.
(a)
Any customer may terminate his contract with the Borough and
have his water service discontinued upon giving written notice thereof
to the Borough and upon the lapse of a reasonable time thereafter
to permit the Authority to take final meter readings and attend to
other details in connection with such discontinuance of service. The
customer shall remain liable for water furnished to the premises described
in his application until the Borough has received written notice from
him and the termination of service has taken effect as stated above.
(b)
Discontinuance of service by the Borough by nonpayment of bill
or violation of these rules shall not cancel the application for service
or constitute a waiver of this rule.
(2)
By Borough.
(a)
For misrepresentation in the application.
(b)
For the use of water for or in connection with, or for the benefit
of, any other premises or purposes than that described in the application.
(c)
For willful waste of water through improper or imperfect pipes,
fixtures or otherwise.
(d)
For failure to maintain in good order the service lines and
fixtures owned by the applicant.
(e)
For tampering with, or in any other way interfering with, any
service pipe, meter, meter box, curb stop, curb box, or with seals
or any meter or other fixtures of the Borough.
(f)
In case of continued vacancy of the premises.
(g)
For refusal of reasonable access to the premises for purposes
of inspecting the piping, fixtures, and other water system appliances
therein, or for refusal of reasonable access for purposes of reading,
caring for, repairing or removing meters.
(h)
For neglecting or refusing to make or renew advance payments
where required, or for nonpayment of water service, or for any other
charge accruing under the application.
(i)
Where the contract has been in any way terminated by the customer.
(j)
For making or refusing to sever any cross-connection between
a pipe or fixture carrying water furnished by the Borough and a pipe
or fixture carrying water from any other source.
(k)
For resale of water, except where subject to a special agreement.
(l)
For premises where the demand for water is greatly in excess
of past average or seasonal use, or where such excessive demands of
water by the premises are, or may be, detrimental or injurious to,
or make inadequate, or in any way impair, water service furnished
to other customers,
(m)
For premises where apparatus, appliances or equipment using
water is dangerous, unsafe and not in conformity with any laws or
ordinances.
(n)
For violation of these rules and regulations or other requirements
governing the supply of water furnished by the Borough.
B.
Renewal of service after discontinuance. Service may be renewed under
a proper application when the conditions under which such services
were discontinued are corrected, and upon the payment of all proper
charges or amounts provided in the schedule of rates[1] and rules of the Borough due from the applicant.
[1]
Editor's Note: The current rate schedule is on file in the
Borough offices.
C.
Suspension of service due to emergency.
(1)
The Borough shall have the right, as necessity may arise, in case
of breakdown, emergency or for any other unavoidable cause to cut
off the water supply temporarily in order to make necessary repairs,
connections and to such other work. The Borough will use all reasonable
and practical measures to notify the customer of such discontinuance
of service. In such cases, the Borough shall not be liable for any
damage or inconvenience suffered by the customer; or any claim against
it any time for interruption in service, lessening of the supply,
inadequate pressure, poor quality of water, or for any other causes
beyond its control; and such temporary shut-off of the water supply
shall not entitle this customer to any abatement or deduction in or
from the water service charges, nor the refund of any portion of such
service charge paid in advance during or for the time of such shutoff.
When a supply of water is to be temporarily shut off, notice will
be given, when practicable, to all customers affected by the shutting
off, stating the probable duration of the interruption of service
and also the purpose for which the shutoff is made.
(2)
Nothing contained in these rules, however, shall be construed as
a guarantee, covenant or agreement of the Borough to give notice of
any shutoff due to emergencies or otherwise.
D.
Restrictions. The Borough shall have the right to restrict and regulate
the quantity of water used by customers in case of scarcity or whenever
the public welfare may require it.
All streets or alleys broken up or excavated for the purpose
of laying or repairing water pipes shall be protected during the daytime
by a proper barricade and at night by danger light signals to prevent
accidents to traffic and pedestrians, and shall be repaired without
unnecessary delay, and all trenches shall be backfilled and tamped
and the street left in as good condition as the same was in before
the work was begun, to the satisfaction of the Street Department.
Such repairs to streets and alleys shall be made by the contractor
or plumber who has charge of the work and at his own expense, and
he shall be responsible for all damages that may occur to any person
or property by reason of any excavation being left open by him or
resulting from his negligence.
The Borough shall be responsible for tapping of all water mains
and furnishing the corporation stops, and all work shall be done under
the supervision of the Water Committee or the Superintendent at the
price fixed in the schedule of rates,[1] the payment for which shall be made before the application
for service is approved as provided herein.
[1]
Editor's Note: The current schedule of rates is on file in
the Borough offices.
The tap-in fees for all sizes of service lines shall be equivalent
to the actual cost of installation, including, as part of said costs,
the Borough's overhead costs, plus any and all additional charges
and costs to the Borough, including repair of damages to streets.
Subsequent to approval of an application for service, the Borough
shall supply water for construction use subject to minimum rates charged
on the basis of meter size and prevailing volume rates applicable
to usage in excess of that allowed under the minimum charges.
A.
The rates for the delivery of water to all Borough customers shall
be as provided for in the Borough's schedule of water rates and
charges.[1] All charges for usage in excess of that allowed under
the minimum shall be calculated on the basis of meter reading(s) made
or taken monthly.
[1]
Editor's Note: The current schedule of rates is on file in
the Borough offices.
B.
If a meter malfunctions or fails to register, the customer will be
charged on the basis of recorded average daily consumption for an
equivalent period of record during which the meter was operable.
The Borough Secretary or Treasurer, and any other officer or
employee authorized to receive payment of fees, water rents, or other
charges due the Borough of Oakdale in connection with the waterworks,
shall be bonded with approved surety in such sum as the Council shall
direct, conditioned for the faithful performance of his or her duties,
and for a true and honest accounting of all monies received.
(Reserved)
A.
General policy.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of this section is:
(a)
To protect the public water supply system from contamination
or pollution by isolating within the consumer's water system
contaminants or pollutants which could backflow through the service
connection into the public water supply system.
(b)
To promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections,
actual or potential, between the public or consumer's potable
water system and nonpotable water systems, plumbing fixtures and sources
or systems containing process fluids.
(c)
To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection
control which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination
or pollution of the public and consumer's potable water system.
(2)
Application. This section shall apply to all premises served by the
public water supply system of the Borough of Oakdale, County of Allegheny,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(3)
Policy. The public water supplier and the consumer have the joint
responsibility for protection of the public water supply system from
contamination due to backflow of contaminants through the water service
connection. If, in the judgment of the public water supplier or any
authorized representative(s), an approved backflow prevention device
is required, the supplier shall give notice to the consumer to install
such approved backflow prevention device at each service connection
to his premises. The consumer shall immediately install such approved
device or devices at his own expense, and failure, refusal or inability
on the part of the consumer to install such device or devices shall
constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises
until such device or devices have been installed.
B.
Water system.
(1)
The water system shall be considered as made up of two parts: the
public water supply system and the consumer's water system.
(2)
The public water supply system shall consist of the source facilities
and the distribution system and shall include all those facilities
of the public water supplier up to the point where the consumer's
water system begins.
(3)
The source shall include all components of the facilities utilized
in the production, treatment, storage, and delivery of water to the
public distribution system.
(4)
The public distribution system shall include the network of conduits
used for delivery of water from the source to the consumer's
water system.
(5)
The consumer's water system shall include all facilities beyond
the service connection which are utilized in conveying from the public
distribution system to points of use.
C.
Cross-connections prohibited.
(1)
No water service connection shall be installed or maintained on any
premises where actual or potential cross-connections to the public
water supply system or consumer's water system may exist unless
such actual or potential cross-connections are abated or controlled
to the satisfaction of the public water supplier.
(2)
No connection shall be installed or maintained whereby water from
an auxiliary water supply may enter the public or any consumer's
water system unless any such auxiliary water supply and the method
of connection and use of such supply shall have been timely approved.
D.
Survey and investigations.
(1)
The consumer's premises shall be open and made available at
all reasonable times to the public water supplier, or any authorized
representative(s), for the purposes of conducting surveys and investigations
of water use practices within or on the consumer's premises to
determine whether there are actual or potential cross-connections
to the consumer's water system through which contaminants or
pollutants could potentially backflow into the public potable water
system.
(2)
Upon timely and reasonable request by the public water supplier or
any authorized representative(s), the consumer shall furnish information
on any and all water use practices within or on his premises.
(3)
It shall be the responsibility of the water consumer to conduct periodic
surveys of water use practices on his premises to determine whether
there are actual or potential cross-connections to his water system
through which contaminants or pollutants could potentially backflow
into the public water supply system.
E.
Where protection is required.
(1)
An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed prior to
the first branch line leading off each service line to a consumer's
water system where, in the judgment of the public water supplier,
an actual or potential contamination hazard to the public water supply
system exists.
(2)
An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each
service line to a consumer's water system where the following
conditions exist:
(a)
Systems having an auxiliary water supply, unless such auxiliary
supply is accepted as an additional source by the public water supplier
and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
(b)
Systems where any substance is handled in such a fashion as
to create an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply
system, including, but not limited to, systems having sources or auxiliary
systems containing process fluids or waters originating from the public
water supply system which are no longer under the sanitary control
of the water purveyor.
(c)
Systems having internal cross-connections that, in the judgment
of the public water supplier, are either not correctable or include
intricate plumbing arrangements which make it impracticable to determine
whether or not cross-connections exist.
(d)
Systems where, because of security requirements or other prohibitions
or restrictions, it is impossible or impractical to make a complete
cross-connection survey.
(e)
Systems having a repeated history of cross-connections being
established or reestablished.
(f)
Others specified by the public water supplier.
(3)
An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each
service line to a consumer's water system serving, but not necessarily
limited to, the following types of facilities, unless the public water
supplier determines that no actual or potential hazard to the public
water supply system exists:
(a)
Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, nursing homes.
(b)
Laboratories.
(c)
Piers, docks, waterfront facilities.
(d)
Sewage treatment plant(s), sewage pumping station(s) or stormwater
pumping station(s).
(e)
Food or beverage processing plants.
(f)
Chemical plants.
(g)
Metal plating industries.
(h)
Petroleum processing or storage plants.
(i)
Radioactive material processing plants.
(j)
Car wash or truck wash.
(k)
Other specified by the water purveyor.
F.
Type of protection required.
(1)
The type of protection required under Subsection E(1), (2) and (3) of this section shall depend upon the degree of hazard which exists, as follows:
(a)
An approved air gap separation shall be installed where the
public water supply system may be contaminated with substances that
are dangerous to the public health and could cause a severe health
hazard.
(b)
An approved air gap separation or an approved reduced pressure
zone backflow prevention device shall be installed where the public
water supply system may be contaminated with a substance that could
cause a malfunction of the system or present a health hazard.
(c)
An approved air gap separation or an approved reduced pressure
zone backflow prevention device or an approved double check valve
assembly shall be installed where the public water supply system may
be polluted with substances that would be objectionable but not dangerous
to health.
G.
Backflow prevention devices.
(1)
Any backflow prevention device required by this section shall be
of a model or construction approved by the public water supplier and
shall comply with the following:
(a)
Air gap separation to be approved shall be at least twice the
diameter of the supply pipe, measured vertically above the top rim
of the vessel, but in no case less than one inch.
(b)
A double check valve assembly or a reduced pressure zone backflow
prevention device shall be approved by the public water supplier and
shall mean a device that has been manufactured in full conformance
with standards established by the American Water Works Association,
entitled AWWA C506 Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle and Double
Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices. Said AWWA standards are herein
adopted by the public water supplier. Final approval, however, of
the reduced pressure principle backflow preventer and the double check
valve assembly shall be evidenced by a certificate of full approval
issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance
with the said AWWA standards.
(c)
An interchangeable connection to be approved shall be either
a swing-type connector or a four-way valve of the lubricated-plug
type that operates through a mechanism which unseats the plug, turns
it 90° and reseats the plug. Four-way valves shall not be used
as stop valves but must have separate stop valves on each pipe connected
to the valve. The telltale port on the four-way valve shall have no
piping connected and the threads or flange on this port shall be destroyed
so that a connection cannot be made.
(2)
Existing backflow prevention devices approved by the public water supplier at the time of installation and properly maintained shall, except for routine inspection and maintenance requirements, be excluded from the requirements of Subsection G(1) of this section, providing the water supplier is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the public potable supply system in place. Whenever the existing device is moved from the present location or requires more than minimum maintenance, or when the public water supplier finds that the maintenance of the device constitutes a potential hazard to health, the device shall be replaced by a backflow prevention device meeting the requirements of this section as aforesaid.
H.
Installations.
(1)
Backflow prevention devices required by this section shall be installed
at a location and in a manner approved by the public water supplier
and shall be installed by a person properly qualified and at the expense
of the water consumer.
(2)
Backflow prevention devices installed on the service line to a consumer's
water system shall be located on the consumer's side of the water
meter, as close to the meter as is reasonably practical, and prior
to any other connection.
(3)
Pits or vaults shall be of watertight construction, be located and
constructed so as to prevent flooding, and shall be maintained free
from standing water by means of either a sump pump or a suitable drain.
Such sump pump or drain shall not connect to a sanitary sewer nor
permit flooding of the pit or vault by reverse flow from its point
of discharge. An access ladder and adequate natural or artificial
lighting shall be provided to permit routine maintenance inspection
and testing of the backflow prevention device.
I.
Inspection and maintenance.
(1)
It shall be the duty of the consumer at any premises on which backflow
prevention devices required by this section are installed to have
inspection, tests and overhaul made in accordance with the following
schedule, or more often where inspections indicate such a need:
(a)
Air separation shall be inspected at time of installation and
at least every 12 months thereafter.
(b)
Double check valve assemblies shall be inspected and tested
for tightness at the time of installation and at least every 12 months
thereafter. Further, they shall be dismantled, inspected internally,
cleaned and repaired whenever needed and at least every 30 months.
(c)
Reduced pressure zone backflow prevention devices shall be inspected
and tested for tightness at the time of installation and at least
every 12 months thereafter; they shall be dismantled, inspected internally,
cleaned and repaired whenever needed and at least every five years.
(d)
Interchangeable connections shall be inspected at the time of
installation and at least every 12 months thereafter.
(2)
Inspections, tests, and overhaul of backflow prevention devices shall
be made at the expense of the water consumer and shall be performed
by the public water supplier or a person properly certified to inspect,
test and overhaul backflow prevention devices.
(3)
Whenever backflow prevention devices required by this section are
found to be defective, they shall be repaired or replaced at the expense
of the consumer without delay.
(4)
The water consumer must maintain a complete record of each backflow
prevention device from the time of purchase to retirement, if any.
This shall include a comprehensive listing that includes a record
of all tests, inspections and repairs. Records of inspections, tests,
repairs and overhaul shall be timely submitted to the public water
supplier upon request.
(5)
Backflow prevention devices shall not be bypassed, made inoperative,
removed or otherwise made ineffective without specific authorization
by the public water supplier.
J.
Booster pumps.
(1)
Where a booster pump has been installed on the service line to or
within any premises, such pump shall be equipped with a low-pressure
cutoff device designed to shut off the booster pump when the pressure
in the service line on the suction side of the pump drops to 10 pounds
per square inch gauge or less for a period of 30 seconds or longer.
(2)
It shall be the duty of the water consumer to maintain the low-pressure
cutoff device in proper working order and to certify to the public
water supplier, at least annually, that the device is operating properly.
K.
Violations.
(1)
The public water supplier may deny water service or discontinue with
service, after reasonable notice to the occupants thereof, to any
premises wherein any backflow prevention device required by this section
is not installed, tested and maintained in a manner acceptable to
the public water supplier, or if it is found that the backflow prevention
device has been removed or bypassed, or if an unprotected cross-connection
exists on the premises, or if a low-pressure cutoff device required
by this section is not installed and maintained in proper working
order.
(2)
Water service to such premises shall not be restored until the consumer
has corrected or eliminated such conditions or defects in conformance
with this section and to the satisfaction of the public water supplier.
(Reserved)
