[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § 1]
These rules and regulations are a part of the contract with
every person who takes water service, and every such person by taking
water agrees to be bound hereby.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § II]
This Part shall become effective at once and shall be applicable
on or after June 1, 1993, to all properties then connected to or as
soon as they respectively become connected to and have the right to
use the water system. The Township reserves the right to amend this
Part or to change the rates or charges in such manner and at such
times as, in its opinion, may be advisable.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § III; as amended by Ord. 99-5, 11/3/1999]
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A person who enters into a contract with the Township for
water service at a premises.
A remote receptacle mounted on the outside of the structure
that is electrically connected to the water meter that enables obtaining
a water meter reading without entering the premises.
A builder or other user of water on a temporary basis for
construction purposes.
The first valve on a service line from the main. This valve
is operated to turn on service to a customer.
Any connection, direct or indirect, which physically joins
a customer line or any piping extension thereof to a nonpotable body
or source of water or to a water supply system other than that of
the Township or to a possible source of contamination.
The second valve on a service line from the main after the
corporation stop. The valve and box cover is located near the right-of-way
line with the box cover set at ground level. The valve is operated
to turn on service or to shut off service to a customer.
Any person who receives water service from the Township and/or
is responsible for payment for water service to a property.
The entire water service pipe extending from the Township's
water service connection to the customer's building including
the curb stop or service valve, curb box or valve box and meter pit
or box, backflow preventer and, if required, a pressure reducing valve
and any other fittings deemed appropriate by the Township. The customer
service line is the property of the owner.
A one-time charge to owners of new fire service line that
connect to the Township's water system. This charge to a new
customer is equal to the equity of existing customers per gallon of
capacity, at a rate per gallon in an amount as established, from time
to time, by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. That is, new customers
purchase ownership in the system in a manner similar to the purchase
of stock ownership in an investor-owned company. This charge is based
on the cost of transmission lines and storage facilities only.
A connection made to the Township's water supply system to provide for flow of water to fire hydrants or to fire suppression systems contained within buildings. A fire service connection can be metered or unmetered (as in the case of fire hydrants) as provided in § 26-108 of this Part.
Extension of service requiring the construction of one or
more additional water mains.
A device for measuring the quantity of water used which is
a basis for determining charges for water service to a customer.
The person in whose name the deed for a property is recorded.
An individual, partnership, company, corporation, association,
corporate political body, joint ownership or any other entity capable
of functioning in the context used herein.
The property, building or other site to which water service
is furnished, including:
A building or combination of buildings owned and/or leased by
one person, served by one service line.
Each side of a double house or each housing unit; each side
or end of which is serviced by a separate customer service line and
meter.
Each apartment, office or suite of offices located in a building
having several such apartments, offices or suites of offices, each
being served by a separate meter.
Such other situations as the Township shall deem proper and
advisable.
A form, written and signed by a Township representative,
verifying the proper installation and/or disconnection of a customer
service line and compliance with this Part.
Water service provided by the Township, either metered or
unmetered, through which flows are not normally recorded and for which
the Township must maintain water service capacity at an agreed upon
level. Standby service can include service for fire protection as
well as to supplement service provided from a source of supply other
than that of the Township.
Temporary metered water service supplied to a customer at
a location which does not receive permanent service.
A person who leases or rents premises from an owner.
The Township of Valley, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
A one-time charge to owners of new buildings that connect
to the Township water system for the first time. It is a charge to
new customers that is equal to the equity of the existing customers
per gallon of capacity which is in an amount per gallon as established,
from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. That
is, the new customers purchase ownership in the system in a manner
similar to the purchase of stock ownership in an investor-owned company.
As a result, the new customer, whose rates are the same as existing
customers, is placed on an equal basis with existing customers who
have contributed the Township's capital requirements in past
years.
Reimbursement to the Township for the labor and materials
required to physically tap a water main for the connection of a customer
service line to a Township water main.
The permit describing capacity and connection fees required
from first time users and from those persons requiring a new tap.
Reimbursement to the Township for the labor and materials
required to physically disconnect a customer service line from a Township
water main.
Provision by the Township of water as a commodity.
An agreement between the developer/owner and the Township
for the purpose of obtaining water service for the unit(s) to be constructed
or existing that require public water service.
An application required for any person requesting or receiving
water service from the Township.
The fitting, owned by the Township and installed on a Township
water main, connecting a customer service line to a Township water
main. Primarily consists of a corporation stop valve, a short length
of pipe and a curb stop valve in a box to provide access to the valve
from the ground surface.
Township's water supply and distribution facilities,
taken as a whole, or any portion thereof.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § IV; as amended by Ord. 99-5, 11/3/1999]
1.
Water Connection Permit.
A.
Anyone desiring the installation of a new service connection into
the Township's water main shall first make application at least
five days before service is required for a water connection permit
which shall include the following fees:
(1)
Calculation of Connection Fee, Customer Facilities Fee, and
Tapping Fees.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2003-01, 1/21/2003; and by Ord. No. 2005-08, 9/6/2005]
(a)
Background.
1)
Act 57 of 2003 (House Bill 51, Printers' Number 3049) amends
Act 203 of 1990.[1] Act 57 of 2003 governs municipal authorities in the charging
of fees and, by reference, fees for other local government units providing
water and sewer service. Act 57 continues the imposition of three
separate fees for those connecting to the distribution facilities
of the Township. The three authorized fees are the connection fee,
the customer facilities fee, and the tapping Fees. The tapping fees
are composed of four parts or components. These components are the
capacity part, the distribution part, the special purpose part and
the reimbursement part. The fees are intended to allow the Township
to recoup the expenditure of certain specific capital costs related
to building the facilities.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 5607
2)
Act 57 has no bearing or affect on water bills. Water bills
are for operating and maintaining the water system and to pay off
related water revenue bonds.
|
Schedule Reference
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|---|---|
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Title
|
Reference
|
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Connection Fee
|
Schedule A
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Customer facilities fee
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Schedule B
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Tapping fee capacity part
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Schedule C
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Tapping fee distribution part
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Schedule D
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Tapping fee special purpose part
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Schedule E
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Tapping fee reimbursement part
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Schedule F
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(b)
Schedule A: Calculation of the Connection Fee.
1)
The connection fee covers the actual cost of the facilities
installed between the Township's water main and the curb stop
or right-of-way line of the property to be connected to the Township
water system.
2)
Valley Township requires that this installation be performed
by an approved pipe line contractor at the property owner's cost.
The Township's cost to open an account, explain the regulations
and issue a permit is chargeable to the property owner. The Township
Engineer inspects the work, and this cost is also the responsibility
of the property owner.
3)
Costs are broken down as follows:
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Administrative costs (50 minutes at $30 per hour)
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$25
| |
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Township Engineer
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Connection inspection (1 hour at $65 per hour)
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$65
| |
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Surface repair inspection (1 hour at $65 per hour)
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$65
| |
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Maximum allowable connection fee
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$155
| |
4)
Any conditions that result in extra work by Township Administration
or Township Engineer shall be charged at the cost of time and materials
in addition to the above fee. This shall include PennDOT and Township
road opening permits, when required.
(c)
Schedule B: Calculation of Customer Facilities Fee.
1)
The customer facilities fee covers the actual cost of the facilities
installed between the curb stop or right-of-way line of the property
and the property owner's building to be connected to the Township
water system.
2)
Valley Township requires that this work be performed by an approved
contractor and at owner's cost. The property owner must first
obtain a permit as described in Schedule A. The Township Building/Plumbing
Inspector inspects the work, and this cost is also the responsibility
of the property owner.
3)
Costs are broken down as follows:
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Township Building/Plumbing Inspector (1 hour at $30 per hour)
|
$30
|
|
Maximum allowable customer facilities fee
|
$30
|
4)
Any conditions that result in extra work by Township Administration
or Township Inspectors shall be charged at the cost of time and materials
in addition to the above fee.
(d)
Schedule C: Calculation of Water System Capacity Part Fee.
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Valley Township average household size from 2000 census
|
2.66 persons
|
|
Water capacity required per person from Act 57 of 2003
|
65 GPCD
|
|
Flow per connection per day (65 GPCD X 2.66 persons)
|
172.90 GPD
|
|
Capacity by contract with CCA (now PAWC) December 6, 19901
|
0.950 GPD
|
|
Total allowable cost
|
0.527 million dollars
|
|
Unit cost ($0.527M/.950MGD)
|
$0.555 per GPD
|
|
Maximum allowable capacity facilities tapping fee (172.90 GPD
X $0.555/GPD)
|
$95.91 per connection
|
|
Note 1: CCA is the City of Coatesville Authority. PAWC is the
Pennsylvania American Water Company which took over CCA.
|
(e)
Schedule D: Calculation of Water System Distribution Part Fee.
|
Valley Township average household size from 2000 census
|
2.66 persons
|
|
Water capacity required per person from Act 57 of 2003
|
65 GPCD
|
|
Flow per connection per day (65 GPCD X 2.66 persons)
|
172.90 GPD
|
|
Capacity by contract with CCA (now PAWC) December 6, 19901
|
0.950 MGD
|
|
Total allowable cost
|
0.0182 million dollars
|
|
Unit cost ($0.0182M/0.950MGD)
|
$0.0192 per GPD
|
|
Maximum allowable distribution facilities tapping fee (172.90
GPD X $0.0192/GPD)
|
$3.31 per connection
|
|
Note 1: CCA is the City of Coatesville Authority. PAWC is the
Pennsylvania American Water Company which took over CCA.
|
(f)
Schedule E: Calculation of Water System Special Purpose Part
Fee.
1)
The special purpose part is for special purpose facilities and
is applicable only to a particular group of customers or for serving
a particular purpose or a specific area based upon the cost of the
facilities, including, but not limited to, booster pump stations,
fire service facilities, water or sewer mains, pumping stations and
industrial wastewater treatment facilities. Such facilities may include
only those that provide existing service.
2)
This component of the tapping fee is computed for each particular
special purpose or group or area. The ultimate cost will depend on
the cost elements of the special purpose component. The special purpose
part tapping fee may not be collected after the cost of the special
purpose part has been paid by the original design capacity number
of units.
3)
The special purpose part is applicable to existing facilities
only and may not be used for future facilities.
4)
There are no special purpose part tapping fees in the water
system of Valley Township at this time. They may be included when
the need arises. Calculations of the special purpose part shall be
in accordance with Act 57.
|
Maximum allowable special purpose fees
|
$0
|
(g)
Schedule F: Calculation of Water System Reimbursement Part Fee.
1)
The reimbursement part shall only be applicable to the users
of certain specific facilities when a fee required to be collected
from such users will be reimbursed to the person at whose expense
the facilities were constructed as set forth in a written agreement
between the Township and such person at whose expense such facilities
were constructed.
2)
The reimbursement fee can only be charged to those who will
have a direct use of the facilities. Total reimbursement may not exceed
the actual cost of construction.
3)
A reimbursement agreement between DHLP-Meadowbrook, LP and Valley
Township was signed on December 11, 2002, to compensate DHLP-Meadowbrook
for the cost of water mains constructed by them but that will be used
by other residences not in their development. See Exhibit C.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Exhibit C is on file in the Township office.
4)
The amount of this reimbursement is defined in the agreement
(see Exhibit A) attached.[3] It is calculated to be $643.35 per residence. A total
of 691 residences are allowed to connect after paying the fee. No
money may be collected after the developer has recouped his costs.
|
Maximum allowable reimbursement fee
|
$643.35
|
[3]
Editor's Note: Exhibit A is on file in the Township office.
(h)
Summary of Maximum Allowable Fees.
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Connection Fee (new service within the public right-of-way)
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$155.00
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Customer facilities fee
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$30.00
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|
Capacity fee
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$95.91
|
|
Distribution fee
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$3.31
|
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Special purpose part
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$0.00
|
|
Total maximum allowable fee
|
$284.22
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Reimbursement part, as applicable
|
$643.35
|
2.
Water Service Application.
A.
A new application for water service must be made and approved by
the Township at least five days before service is required for introduction
of new water service and in the case of any change in ownership of
property and/or tenancy where the tenant is the customer. In the event
of a change in billing name without a change in occupancy (i.e., owner
requests change from his name to tenant's name or vice versa)
a new application will be required. The Township shall have the right,
upon 10 days' notice, to discontinue existing water supply services
until a new application has been made and approved.
B.
All applications for water service are made subject to approval of
the Township. The application will not be approved until the Township
receives payment of the appropriate connection and capacity fees,
as stipulated in the schedule of rates and charges, and other charges
stipulated by the Township in duly adopted schedules of charges.
C.
The application for water service, which must be signed by the applicant
and all deeded owners, together with these rules and regulations of
the Township, shall constitute the contract between the customer,
owner and Township to regulate and control the service of water to
such premises.
D.
A tenant may enter into a contract for water service providing that
the application is cosigned by the owner and that the owner acts as
guarantor for the payment of all bills rendered on the account.
E.
If a customer is on the system less than six weeks prior to the Township's
quarterly billing date, the customer will not receive a bill that
quarter. During the next billing cycle the customer will be billed
for their current three months, along with the weeks not billed in
the previous quarter. If a customer is on the system for more than
six weeks prior to the Township's quarterly billing date, the
customer will be billed for usage based on meter readings, taking
into consideration minimum usage charges and quantity discount levels.
G.
All water service furnished by the Township must be provided through
approved connections, complete with water meters. Any water taken
through unmetered services or unapproved connections to Township water
mains will result in the discontinuance of service and the imposition
of other charges as deemed appropriate.
3.
Service Replacements.
A.
Anyone desiring to replace a service line or lines from the Township into his or her premises must make application for a new water connection permit. Rules and regulations applying to water connection permits, Subsection 1 above, shall apply to the installation of all replacement services.
B.
No new service connection will be activated by the Township for service
replacement until the old service connection is disconnected from
the main and the new service line is inspected and approved by the
Township.
4.
Deposits.
A.
Temporary Service. A deposit will be required in cases of temporary
service in an amount equal to the estimated gross bill for such temporary
period, and subsequently, will be applied to the actual usage charge.
B.
Special Cases. A deposit, based on prior years usage, shall be required
from the following customers:
(1)
A customer who has filed bankruptcy and is not legally required
to pay for past service.
(2)
A customer who has a record with the Township of late payments
at another Township service address.
(3)
A customer who violated this Part in the past.
(4)
A customer who has an outstanding final bill at another Township
service address.
(5)
Any other instance the Township deems necessary.
C.
Deposit will be returned, without interest, to the depositor when
he shall have paid bills for service on a timely basis for a period
of 12 consecutive months; or upon discontinuance of service by the
customer request and payment of all charges due.
D.
Any customer having a deposit shall pay bills for water service as
rendered in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Township
and the deposit shall not be considered as payment of a bill during
the time the customer is receiving water service.
E.
Deposit will be in an amount equal to the average or projected average
usage for six months. The deposit will not accrue interest for the
benefit of the customer.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § V; as amended by Ord. 99-5, 11/3/1999]
1.
Service Limited to Premises Only. No customer or any premises supplied
with water by the Township shall be allowed to supply water to other
persons or families or other premises except by written permission
from the Township. Customers who violate this rule shall have their
water service discontinued five days from the date of a written notice
mailed to the customer and the water shall remain off until the Township
is satisfied that the rules and regulations shall be observed. The
published turn-on fee will be charged and collected prior to turning
on the water.
2.
Customer Service Connection/Disconnection.
A.
After a customer applies for and obtains a new water connection permit,
pays all applicable capacity fees, connection fees, disconnection
fees and other charges and enters into a contract for water service
thorough an approved water service application, Township shall approve
installation of the fitting allowing for connection of the customer
service line to a Township main (water service connection) but water
service shall not be turned on until a complete customer service line
(see "definitions") is installed, tested by the installer under the
supervision of a Township representative and subsequently approved
through a service line inspection form completed by said Township
representative.
B.
In the event a new service line is to be installed at a location
where there is an existing service line to be abandoned, the Township
shall not turn on the new service line until the existing corporation
stop has been turned off and inspected by a Township representative
as evidenced by a completed service line inspection form.
C.
The customer or owner is responsible for excavation, backfill, street
restoration and any street opening permits at the location where there
is a new service connection or a disconnection of the old water service
connection. The connection or disconnection of water service shall
be made only by a Township authorized contractor. The cost is included
in the water connection or disconnection fee.
3.
Customer Service Lines.
A.
Each premises must have a separate customer service line which shall
be installed and maintained by, and at the expense of, the owner.
It shall be laid not less than four feet below the surface (and not
less than four feet distant from any open area or vault) and shall
not be covered until the water service connection is inspected by
a Township representative authorized to make said inspection and the
service line is tested and approved by the authorized Township representative.
If any defects in workmanship are found, the service shall not be
turned on until such defects are corrected.
B.
Residential, commercial, industrial and fire service lines shall
be properly sized by the Township for the required demand, but shall
be no smaller than three-quarters of an inch in diameter.
C.
All water service piping less than three inches in diameter shall
be Type K copper tubing with flared joints. No soldered joints shall
be permitted underground. Piping three inches in diameter and larger
shall be ductile iron with push-on or mechanical joints.
D.
The location of the service line, curb stop and curb box shall be
designated by the Township and no water service line shall occupy
the same trench with any other facility, including a sewer lateral,
of any public or private utility unless such installation plan shall
have been previously authorized and approved by the Township as evidenced
by its written permission.
E.
No service connections shall be installed during the period that
street openings are prohibited by municipal regulations nor at any
time when, in the judgment of the Township, working conditions are
unfavorable for installation either by reason of weather, temperature,
conditions of the soil or otherwise.
F.
When the customer desires a change in location or size of an existing
line, or the replacement of any portion, the entire cost of the change
shall be borne by the customer.
G.
A curb stop with a four-inch diameter curb box and over shall be
installed in each customer service line between the main and the premises
out of the street cartway at a location at or near the street right-of-way
line. Failure to install a curb box to existing service lines, within
60 days of notice, shall result in excavation of the service line
by the Township at the point of connection to the water main and discontinuation
of service. The owner shall in turn be billed for all related costs
including costs of disconnection. If the owner fails to pay the related
costs upon billing, said costs shall be incorporated into a municipal
lien, appropriately filed and recorded against the property consistent
with state law.
H.
A separate stop or valve shall be installed by the customer or owner
in each customer service line immediately inside the wall between
the wall and the meter. The customer or owner shall also install a
stop or valve, with drain, on the outlet side of the meter.
I.
If the pressure in a service line at the water service connection
is deemed excessive by either the Township, customer or owner, the
responsibility of installing a pressure regulator (Watts model or
approved equal) and all costs thereof shall be borne by the customer
or owner. The Township assumes no responsibility for property damage
due to excessive system pressure.
J.
The customer service line including curb stop, curb box, valves and
meter pit or box shall be kept in good physical condition by the owner.
The curb box or meter pit/box shall be kept free of dirt and debris
by the owner. The Township has the right to require an owner to replace
a deteriorated customer service line or any part thereof within 60
days of notice. Failure to adhere to these requirements shall result
in discontinuance of service by the Township and a charge to the owner
for all related costs, including costs of disconnection.
K.
The Township shall not be responsible for damage done by water escaping
from the customer service line. All leaks must be repaired by the
owner within 72 hours of a written notice from the Township. If a
leak has not been repaired by the owner within 72 hours of said notice,
the Township may discontinue service and shall bill the owner for
all related costs, including costs of disconnection and water loss.
L.
If the Township finds a leak to be excessive and/or to create an
emergency condition, to protect the public, the Township may, without
notice, take any steps deemed necessary to reduce the leak and/or
discontinue service until repairs are made. The cost of such emergency
steps taken with regard to the customer service line shall be billed
to the property owner, together with the estimated cost of water loss.
M.
All service line work must be inspected and approved in writing by
Township personnel before back filling.
N.
When outside meter pits or boxes are deemed necessary by the Township,
installation standards will be determined by the Township and installation
must be approved by the Township as evidenced by a complete service
line inspection form.
O.
The methods and workmanship shall be approved by the Township Plumbing
Inspector. All work shall comply with the requirements of the local
and State plumbing codes and the work shall be of professional quality.
P.
No connections will be permitted to the service line prior to the
meter.
4.
Opening and Closing Valves.
A.
Under no circumstances shall a customer, plumber or any person not
authorized by the Township open or close the curb stops, corporation
stops or service valves in any public or private line. Violators shall
be charged for Township time expended in each case.
B.
The Township shall not be responsible for the failure of any customer's valves including, but not limited to, the curb stop and meter valves during use by the Township. Failure to repair or replace faulty customer service line valves shall result in the discontinuance of service as described in Subsection 3J.
5.
Two or More Customers on Same Service Line.
A.
Each customer with an inside meter shall be supplied through a separate
water service connection and line, including a separate curb stop
and curb box, and a separate meter. Two or more customers on the same
service shall separate such water within 60 days after issuance of
written notice. Failure to comply with such notice shall be considered
a violation of this Part and may result in discontinuance of service
and a charge to the owner for all related costs.
B.
Each customer with an outside meter shall be supplied through a separate
water service connection and line and a separate meter with an approved
meter pit. The customer or owner shall separate such water service
after receiving 60 days' notice. Failure to comply with such
notice shall be considered a violation of this Part and may result
in discontinuance of service and a charge to the owner for all related
costs.
C.
When two or more customers are supplied through a single water service
line, any violation of this Part, including delinquency on water and
sewer bills, by either or all of said customers, shall be deemed a
violation to all customers, and the Township may take such action
as could be taken against a single customer, except that such action
shall not be taken until the customer, who is not in violation of
this Part, has been provided 60 days to install a separate water service
connection. Failure to comply with such notice shall be considered
a violation of the rules and regulations and may result in discontinuance
of service and a charge to the owner for all related costs.
6.
Temporary Service. An approved water service application shall be
required prior to the Township granting temporary service. Water for
temporary service shall be furnished by metered service. The Township
shall install and disconnect the meters and shall charge for temporary
service in accordance with the Schedule of Rates and Charges. A meter
deposit in an amount as established, from time to time, by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors, shall be made.
7.
Nonpermissible Connections and Backflow Prevention.
A.
It is the intent of the Township to protect the quality of the potable
water in its water supply system by prohibiting connections within
its customer's plumbing systems to a source of contamination
and by preventing the backflow of water from its customer's plumbing
system into the Township water system.
B.
The Township shall have the right to inspect its customers'
plumbing systems for prohibited cross-connections, to require that
the cross-connection be eliminated and to require the installation
at the customer's expense of backflow prevention devices for
existing or new services.
C.
The following connections are prohibited:
(1)
Cross-connection of Township's water system with any other
water supply system, such as private wells, without Township authorization.
(2)
Cross-connection of the Township's water system with any
device that may create or cause the condition known as "water hammer"
in the water system.
(3)
Direct connection between a booster pump, boiler plant, boiler
pump or boiler and the water system.
(4)
Connections for water use as cooling water.
D.
With all new applications for water service connections, a backflow
preventer or approved equal shall be installed at the customer's
expense. For residential connections, a Watts series 7 dual check
valve backflow preventer or approved equal.
E.
The Township may order an existing customer, upon replacement of
service or meter set, to install a backflow device. If, upon inspection
by the Township, it is determined than an immediate hazard exists
because of the potential for backflow from the customer's property,
the Township reserves the right to disconnect the service. Customers
who have been ordered to install a backflow prevention device shall
do so within three days of notice from the Township or the Township
shall have the right to disconnect the customer's service. Disconnections
of service shall be subject to the payment of charges and all costs
as provided herein. The customer shall retain ownership of the backflow
prevention device and shall be responsible for such periodic testing
and maintenance as required by the Township.
F.
The Township shall approve the type of backflow prevention device
which shall be required.
G.
A double check valve backflow preventer assembly with built-in provisions
for testing the check valves shall be used for low and intermediate
degrees of contamination hazard. (Watts double check valve Series
709 with dual ball type shutoff valves).
H.
A reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly shall be used for
high degrees of contamination hazard. (Watts reduced pressure backflow
prevention Series 909 with dual ball type shutoff valves).
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § VI]
1.
Bills Rendered and Computed.
A.
All bills will be rendered quarterly for the period immediately preceding
the date of the bill. Bills for metered service shall be determined
according to the rates in the schedule of rates and charges by meter
registration or minimum charges, whichever is the higher. In every
case where a meter fails to register, a bill will be rendered based
on the last five quarters of full meter registration or average consumption
for the total period of service, whichever is shorter.
B.
Bills for new services and final bills will be computed for the initial
or final period of water use according to the schedule of rates and
charges on the actual consumption or a pro-rated minimum whichever
is the greater. The minimum charge shall be pro-rated on a daily basis
for the quarter in which service is established or terminated.
2.
Bills Due and Payable.
A.
All water bills must be paid by the due date stated on the bill.
B.
Charges for connections, temporary uses and special services shall
be payable at the time the application is submitted and before the
service is granted or on demand. Actual use shall be based on meter
readings.
C.
Payment must be received at the Township office by the due date.
If mailed, the postmark is not considered.
D.
The use of water by the same customer in different premises or localities
will not be combined and each installation shall be billed separately.
E.
Payments made at the Township office must be accompanied by the original
bill.
3.
Bills of Questionable Accuracy.
A.
Any customer, upon receipt of any bill and having reason to question
its accuracy, shall bring or mail such bill to the Township office
at least 10 days prior to the due date. In the event proper notice
is given, the Township will investigate the bill and confirm its accuracy
or issue a corrected bill and adjust the due date accordingly. In
the event a request for investigation is received without the proper
notice, the Township will investigate the bill and confirm the accuracy
or issue a corrected bill and there will be no adjustment to the due
date. The customer can, at his option, pay the questioned bill by
the due date to avoid the penalty. Should the bill prove to be incorrect,
an adjustment will be made to the account.
B.
If the Township has already verified a questionable reading as accurate,
and a customer requests an additional reading, a service charge will
be applied.
4.
Failure to Receive Bill. Failure to receive a bill shall not exempt
any customer from the obligation to pay the bill.
5.
Charge for Late Payment. Bills remaining unpaid after the due date
shall accrue interest charges until paid in accordance with the rate
in the Schedule of Rates and Charges.
6.
Bad Checks. If a customer's check is returned to the Township
from a financial institution, an additional service charge, in accordance
with the rate in the Schedule of Rates and Charges, will be made for
each occurrence.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § VII; as amended by Ord. 99-5, 11/3/1999]
1.
Determination of Metering. All water use shall be metered unless
otherwise approved by the Township.
2.
Size, Installation and Ownership of Meters.
A.
The Township shall determine the size of the meter to be installed
and will furnish the meter at the customer's expense. The meter
shall remain the property of the Township and access to same for reading
of the meter, inspection, testing, repairs, etc., must be permitted
at all reasonable times by the customer.
B.
Meters will have a remote readout device which shall be mounted on
the exterior of the building in an accessible location acceptable
to the Township. The readout device shall be wired to the meter by
the customer's installer in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
3.
Payment for Meters. The customer shall pay for furnishing the meter
and for the installation of the meter. Where a service line and meter
already exist, no meter payment will be required unless a change in
meter size is required or there is a change in the number of dwelling
units.
4.
Location of Meters.
A.
The Township will Determine the Location of all Meters. Outside meters
must be placed in an approved meter box provided by the customer,
at the expense of the customer, and must have suitable tops or valves
with drains approved by the Township. If the Township decides that
the meter is to be placed within the building, the customer will provide
free of charge and expense to the Township an easily accessible place
in the basement near the entrance of service pipes to the basement
with a check valve, stop or valve with drain on the outlet side of
the meter and a stop or valve on the inlet side of the meter.
B.
Notwithstanding the foregoing rules, multiple users may be supplied
through a single meter if all the customers are supplied through a
single service line and the application for water service is made
by the owner, and the owner accepts liability for billings resulting
from the building or buildings occupied by such users and if such
application is approved by the Township.
5.
Protection of Meters.
A.
The customer must, at all times, properly protect the meter against
loss or damage due to freezing, external causes or customer negligence.
Any loss or damage to the meter or readout device shall be repaired
by the Township at the customer's expense. In case payment for
any loss or damage is not made within 10 days after presentation of
the bill, the Township may terminate the supply of water to the customer
until all proper charges are paid.
B.
No one shall remove, replace or otherwise tamper with water meters.
Water meters will be installed, removed, replaced or maintained only
as directed by Township personnel.
6.
Meter Tests.
A.
The Township reserves the right to test or replace any meter at any
time.
B.
At the written request of a customer, the Township will make a test
of the accuracy of the meter supplying his premises. Each request
for a meter accuracy test shall be accompanied by a charge in accordance
with the rate in the schedule of rates and charges. If the results
of such a test indicate that the meter registers more than 4% high,
the fee shall be refunded. If the test shows the meter is registering
properly or low, the meter testing charge is retained by the Township
and the current water bill in question shall be recalculated.
7.
Leaks and Defective Plumbing.
A.
The Township shall not be liable for any damage resulting from leaks,
broken pipes or from any other cause, occurring to or within any house
or building, and it is expressly stipulated that no claims shall be
made against the Township on account of the bursting or leaking or
breaking of any main or service pipe or any attachment to the Township's
distribution system and the customer hereby expressly waives and relinquishes
all claims and agrees to hold the Township harmless from any such
claim of himself or his tenant.
B.
All water passing through a meter shall be charged for at the regular
rate and no allowance will be made for excessive consumption due to
leaks or waste.
C.
In order to prevent the loss of excessive water, the Township may,
upon notice to the customer, discontinue service until such time as
repairs are made to leaks or defective plumbing.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § VIII]
1.
Public Hydrant Service.
A.
Upon written request of a private user and when appropriate conditions
of water system pressure and supply exist to support the installation
of fire hydrants, the Township may approve installation of such hydrants
at its option. The installation shall be made by a contractor approved
by the Township at the expense of the private user. The private user
shall be responsible for payment of fire protection service in accordance
with the then prevailing Township Rate Schedule which shall be billed
monthly, quarterly or annually in advance.
B.
When a private user no longer desires service from a particular hydrant
the private user shall send written notice to the Township requesting
its removal. All costs associated with the removal shall be paid by
the private user with a deposit of the Township's estimated cost
submitted prior to the removal of the hydrant. The private user shall
retain financial responsibility for the hydrant for 30 days after
the Township's receipt of the written notice. If the private
user has already paid the annual hydrant rental fee, as specified
in the then prevailing Township rate schedule, a pro-rated rebate
or credit will be issued to them at the end of the 30 days' period.
After the thirty-day period the Township is no longer responsible
for the maintenance of the hydrant.
C.
When a private user desires removal of a fire hydrant, the user shall
send written notice to the Township for such change which shall be
made by the Township at the expense of the private user. A deposit
covering the Township's cost of removal must be submitted to
the Township prior to removal of the hydrant(s).
D.
No fire hydrant shall be used without the Township's permission
for any purpose other than the extinguishing of fires, nor may fire
hydrants be used for filling fire pumping equipment for use beyond
the limits of the Township without the permission of the Township.
A report to the Township must be made by the fire company after any
use of a fire hydrant including, to the extent available, the number
of gallons used.
E.
No person other than Township personnel may conduct flow tests or
otherwise tamper with a fire hydrant. Hydrants may be used only by
authorized trained firefighting personnel during the actual fighting
of fires.
F.
The Township does not assume liability as insurer of property or
person. Any municipality or customer receiving fire hydrant service
will not be entitled (in the event of fire) to any service, pressure,
capacity or facility other than available at the time. The Township
shall not be liable for any damage or injury to any person or property
by reason of any fire, water, failure to supply water or pressure
or capacity, or lack thereof, due to any cause beyond the reasonable
control of the Township and the customer hereby expressly holds the
Township harmless for any such damage(s) or injury (injuries) that
may result.
G.
The municipality or private user understands that fire hydrant charges
are a compensation for "standing ready to serve" and that for said
charge the use of water is not contemplated except for the actual
extinguishing of fires. All unauthorized hydrant use will be subject
to criminal prosecution as theft of service (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3926).
2.
Private Fire Service.
A.
Any person desiring a private fire service connection shall submit
an application for that connection and service to the Township. Applications
and service connections shall be made and paid for in accordance with
previous requirements contained in this Part. Availability of such
service is subject to conditions of pressure and supply in the Township's
water system.
B.
Fire service meters shall be required on all private fire service
lines. The fire service meters shall be furnished by the Township
at the expense of the customer.
C.
No customer service line for private fire service shall be larger
than the maximum size permitted by the Township and each private fire
service shall be at least one commercial size smaller than the main
to which it is to be connected.
D.
No water shall be used through a customer service line for private
fire service except for the purpose of extinguishing fires. No cross-connection
shall be made between any such private fire service line and any regular
water service or supply line. Fire and regular water service shall
be metered separately.
E.
The Township does not assume any liability as insurer of property
or person. Any customer receiving fire service will not be entitled
(in the event of fire) to any service, pressure, capacity or facility
other than that available at the time, in view of the circumstances
of the Township at that time. The Township shall not be liable for
any damage or injury to any person or property by reason of any fire,
water, failure to supply water or pressure or capacity or lack thereof
due to any cause beyond the reasonable control of the Township.
F.
Private fire protection service charges shall be paid by the customer,
as contained in the Township's schedule of rates and charges.
These charges are compensation for "standing ready to serve" and such
charges include the use of water for the actual extinguishing of fires
and for the testing of the fire protection service system. No testing
is to be done unless prior notification is given to the Township and
written approval received.
3.
Boilers. The Township will not be responsible for any accidents or
damage resulting from the use of water for steam boilers or any facilities
depending upon the hydraulic or hydrostatic pressure in the pipe system
of the Township for supplying such boilers or facilities.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § IX]
1.
Discontinuance.
A.
The Township reserves the right to discontinue water service for
nonpayment of delinquent water bills after first giving the customer
10 days' notice of such proposed action in writing. Service so
discontinued shall not be restored until the delinquent payments are
made and turn-off and turn-on fees as stipulated in the schedule of
rates and charges have been paid to the Township.
B.
The Township reserves the right to shut off water for refusal to
comply with this Part until the costs of the Township's work
plus a 10% service fee has been paid.
2.
Reasons for Discontinuance. Service may be discontinued for any of
the following reasons:
A.
Violation of any rules or regulations of the Township.
B.
Misrepresentation in application as to property or fixtures to be
supplied or the use of the water supply.
C.
The use of water for any property or purpose(s) other than those
described in the application.
D.
Interference with any service pipe, meter, curb stop or seal, or
any appliance of the Township.
E.
Failure to install and maintain, in good order, connections, service
lines or fixtures for which the customer or owner is responsible.
F.
Waste of water through improper or imperfect pipes, fixtures or otherwise.
G.
Vacancy of the premises.
H.
Neglecting to make payments of any charges against the property.
I.
Refusal of access to property for purpose of inspecting or for reading,
servicing or removing meters.
J.
Refusal to conserve water during periods of restricted supply.
K.
Failure to pay all Township bills for a previous service within the
Township.
L.
Any cross-connection, such as private wells, which would introduce
water or liquid other than that supplied by the Township's system
into the service line of the Township.
M.
The Township shall have the right to discontinue water service, without
notice, in case of breakdowns or for other unavoidable causes or for
the purpose of making necessary repairs, connections, etc. Reasonable
notice will be given when practicable. In no case shall the Township
be liable for any damage or for inconvenience suffered.
3.
Discontinuance at Customer's Request.
A.
When the premises are vacated, the customer [owner(s) or tenant(s)]must
make a written request to the Township for the discontinuance of water
service. The customer will be responsible for payment of all water
used until the water is turned off. The customer must have as a part
of his water service facilities for discontinuing service, i.e., curb
stop and/or a service valve ahead of the meter. The Township has the
right to require installation of such valves at the customer's
expense before discontinuing service. When service is discontinued
the meter may be removed. Meters will be re-installed upon the completion
of a new application for water service, if appropriate, and payment
of all charges for the premises involved.
B.
All contracts for water service shall continue in force from day
to day and cannot be cancelled by the customer until all bills have
been paid in full but either party may cancel the contract by giving
five days' written notice that the contract shall terminate at
the expiration date contained in the notice. The final charge shall
be pro-rated on a daily basis for the quarter. In cases where water
is turned off and the meter removed for final billing, no further
charge for water service will be made until service is again requested.
The customer may request a temporary discontinuance of water service
without removal of meter, at a charge, but the monthly minimum water
charge shall continue during the period of discontinuance. If the
customer requests the removal of the water meter in order to suspend
minimum charges during the period of discontinuance, a turn-off and
a turn-on fee shall be charged as set forth in the schedule of rates.
C.
A new water service application must be entered into for any change
in ownership or property or customer identity. The Township shall
have the right to discontinue water service until a new application
is completed, signed and approved. Contracts may be cancelled by the
Township for proper cause, at any time, upon giving five days'
notice of such cancellation to the applicant.
D.
Where a building is to be demolished, the disconnection of service
will include excavation and disconnection of the service line at the
water main. The cost of such disconnection at the water main will
be borne by the customer and will be in addition to the disconnection
fee payable at the time of application for disconnection of service.
E.
No customer may disconnect or reinstall service to a property by
operating the curb stop or service line valve on the main side of
the water meter subject to charges for theft of service (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3926).
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § X]
1.
Main Extension Requirements.
A.
Applicants requiring a water main or system extension shall complete
an application form and submit preliminary plans for review by the
Township to determine system capability to accept the proposed additional
requirements.
B.
If Accepted, the Applicant will be Notified in Writing. Upon notification,
the applicant is required to proceed with detailed engineering and
plans in accordance with the Township's water service specifications.
C.
Upon completion, extension plans shall be submitted for engineering
and compliance review, by the Township's Engineer. With presentation
of the plans for review, the applicant shall deposit with the Township
an amount estimated by the Township Engineer to be required for the
performance of the review. This amount may increase depending upon
the number of resubmittals necessary to obtain approval. Any excess
monies deposited after completion of the review and approval process
will be returned to the applicant.
D.
Following engineering approval and prior to construction, the applicant
will be required to enter into a service agreement, a public improvement
escrow agreement and a professional services escrow agreement with
the Township.
E.
Mains shall be sized to meet the applicant's needs, except that
all main extensions shall be a minimum main size of eight inches in
residential areas and a minimum main size of 12 inches in commercial
and industrial areas. Main extensions at less than the minimum size
must be approved in writing in advance of installation by the Township.
F.
Where the size of a main is increased beyond the larger of either
of the minimum size or the size required to serve the applicant's
needs as determined by the Township and the increase is a requirement
of the Township, rather than a requirement of the service requested,
the additional cost thereof shall be borne by the Township.
G.
The applicant shall obtain for and supply to the Township executed
easements in a form approved by the Township providing for access
for construction, replacement, maintenance and repair of all water
mains and service connections to be installed in easements not a part
of public rights-of-way.
H.
Extension of service to a new area may require the construction of
facilities in addition to water mains such as pumping stations and
storage tanks. The necessity for these facilities will be determined
by the Township and the construction of said facilities shall be accomplished
in the same manner as water main extensions.
[Res. 93-12, 6/1/1993, § XI; as amended by Ord. 99-5, 11/3/1999]
1.
Access by Township Personnel. Any authorized employee of the Township,
upon presentation of credentials, shall be provided with access at
all reasonable hours to any premises connected to Township mains,
for the purpose of reading meters, making inspections or repairs and
securing such other information as may be deemed necessary by the
Township. Upon neglect or refusal on the part of the customer to provide
such access to the premises, service may be discontinued and in that
case the Township will not be liable for any damages or inconveniences
suffered by the customer.
2.
Temporary Interruption of Service. As necessity may arise, in case
of a break, emergency or other avoidable cause, the Township shall
have the right to temporarily interrupt service in order to make necessary
repairs of connections or to change or test water meters pursuant
to this Part. In such an event the Township will use all reasonable
practical measures to notify customers of the proposed discontinuance
of service but will not be liable for any damage or inconvenience
suffered by reason of an interruption in service, a lessening or decrease
in supply or inadequate pressure due to any cause beyond the reasonable
control of the Township and the customer hereby expressly holds the
Township harmless for any damages resulting from such interruption
of service.
3.
Drought and Scarcity of Water. In time of drought or any scarcity
of water the Township reserves the right to cause a discontinuance
of the supply of water for the following reasons: the sprinkling of
lawns, gardens, lots, streets, washing of cars (except commercial
car washing establishments), running of fountains or the use of water
in any other way which is not absolutely necessary for health or comfort.
Public notice of the discontinuance of water for such purposes shall
be given and any person or persons using the said water for any purpose
prohibited in said notice after the publication thereof, shall upon
conviction, pay a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $600 for
each and every offense, to be recovered as fine and penalties are
by law collected.
4.
Damage and Obstruction to Water Facilities. If any person or persons
shall break, injure or do any damage whatever to any facilities of
the Township or trespass upon the Township's property or deposit
trash upon the same or do anything to affect the quality of the water
the Township supplies or otherwise interfere with the operation of
the water system, such person or persons so offending and aiding and
abetting the same shall forfeit and pay for each offense a sum not
exceeding $600 and every such person or persons shall be liable to
an action to make good the damage done.
[Ord. 89-5, 9/19/1989; as amended by Ord. 96-4, 5/7/1996, § 26; by Ord.
97-2, 3/18/1997, § 26;
and by Ord. 99-7, 11/3/1999, § 20]
1.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner(s) of all real properties
within the Township presently or hereafter serviced by the Valley
Township Water System to have water meters in accordance with the
Valley Township water specifications.
2.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner(s) of all real properties
within the Township to connect to the Valley Township Water System
with the following minimum performance standards:
A.
For sink and lavatory faucets, maximum flow shall not exceed three
gallons of water per minute when tested in accordance with American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) A112.18.1M.
B.
For shower heads, maximum flow shall not exceed three gallons of
water per minute when tested in accordance with ANSI A112.18.1M.
C.
For water closets and associated flushing mechanism, maximum volume
shall not exceed an average of 1.6 gallons of water per flushing cycle
when tested in accordance with the hydraulic performance requirements
ANSI A11.2.19.2M and ANSI A112.19.6M.
D.
For urinals and associated flushing mechanism, maximum flow shall
not exceed 1.5 gallons of water per flush when tested in accordance
with the hydraulic performance requirements of ANSI A112.19.2M and
ANSI A112.19.6M.
3.
The performance standards of Subsection 2 shall apply to plumbing fixtures and fittings installed in new construction and in existing structures and undergoing renovations involving replacement of such fixtures and fittings. The performance standards of Subsection 2 shall not apply to fixtures and fittings such as emergency showers, aspirator faucets and blowout fixtures that, in order to perform a specialized function, cannot meet the standards specified in Subsection 2.
4.
Manufacturers shall certify that their plumbing fixtures and fittings comply with the water conservation performance standards specified in subsection (2). Such certification shall be based on independent test results.
6.
Penalties. Any person who shall violate any provision of this Part
shall be guilty of a summary offense punishable by a fine not to exceed
$1,000, together with all court costs and reasonable attorney's
fees incurred in any such enforcement proceeding, and may further
be punished by imprisonment to the extent permitted by law for summary
offenses. Each day that a violation continues may be considered a
separate offense.
