[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Common Council of the
City of Gloucester City 3-5-1970. Amendments noted where applicable.]
No plumber or other person shall, without a permit from the
Clerk of the Water Department, introduce a ferrule into any public
or private pipes or form any connection or communication whatever
with said pipes, or break ground for that or any other similar purpose
in the public streets or alleys, or introduce or use a ferrule of
a larger diameter than is specified in such permit.
Every person who may be supplied with the water from the City
Water Department from a branch to be hereafter connected with a private
pipe shall have a sufficient stopcock affixed to the said branch as
near as conveniently may be to the private pipe aforesaid so as to
stop the supply of water through the said branch when requisite and
not interrupt the supply of other persons having the right to use
the pipe with which such connection may be formed; and every person
who may hereafter be supplied with water from a private pipe having
a branch or branches connected therewith as aforesaid shall in like
manner have a sufficient stopcock affixed to such private pipe above
the said branch or branches for the purpose aforesaid.
All plumbers or other persons employed to lay branch pipes,
communications with private pipes, or private pipes having a branch
or branches aforesaid, or to alter or repair such branch pipes or
private pipes as aforesaid, are required and enjoined to affix to
such branch pipes and private pipes sufficient stopcocks covered with
improved iron extension box.
Over every stopcock placed either within the limits of any footway
or in the manner hereinbefore specified, there shall be used a cast-iron
extension stopcock box, placed in such a manner that the situation
of the laid stopcock may be readily distinguished, which covering,
if placed in public street or alley, shall be even with the surrounding
pavements.
In case information shall be lodged with an authorized employee
of the Water Department of the actual or probable evasion or disregard
of the provision of any ordinance relating to the distribution of
water in any building, lot of ground or premises into or through which
pipes for conducting a supply of water may be laid, it shall and may
be lawful for an authorized employee of the Water Department to enter
at all reasonable times into such building, lot of ground or premises
for the purpose of examining the pipes of conduit and ascertaining
whether the same and the cocks and fixtures thereof are in proper
order and repair and for cutting off the pipes of communication when
delinquencies occur in the payment of water rents.
An authorized employee of the Water Department may inquire,
at any dwelling or other place where any unnecessary waste of water
proceeds, into the cause of the same; and if said waste proceeds from
want of repair in the pipes or other fixtures and if the owner or
occupier of such dwelling or place shall neglect or refuse, upon 24
hours' written notice being given, to have the necessary repairs made
forthwith, the employee shall be and is hereby authorized and empowered
to shut off the water leading to such place or dwelling.
No person shall permit the water to flow unnecessarily from
any part of a private pipe or fixture thereof on his or her premises
or the premises by him or her occupied, either within a building or
enclosure or in any street, court or alley; and in all cases where
several premises receive a supply of water by branches, hydrants or
other fixtures uniting with a common pipe, each and every person who
may so receive the water shall be bound to keep such common pipe in
repair; and if at any time it shall be necessary to repair a private
pipe within the limits of a cartway of any public street, court or
alley, a permit shall be first taken out for so doing, and the expense
for repaving shall be paid by such owner or occupier.
[Amended 5-6-1993 by Ord.
No. 17-1993]
All contractors on new construction shall lay new water service
lines at a depth of three feet six inches from the surface of the
stopcock. Said stopcock shall be installed by the Water Department
into the water main. The new service lines shall be of K-copper. All
underground fittings shall be flared.
[Amended 9-3-1981 by Ord.
No. 5-1981]
A. No plumber or other person shall open or close any of the public
stopcocks of the pipes of any conduit in the streets without being
duly authorized by an authorized employee of the Water Department.
[Amended 9-7-2000 by Ord.
No. 21-2000]
B. In locating the public stopcock, if excavation is required, the restoration
of the area will be the responsibility of the owner.
C. A fee of $30 shall be charged the owner for turning off any public
stopcock.
[Added 9-7-2000 by Ord.
No. 21-2000]
A. All persons who may be supplied with water from any of the city water
mains shall keep their own service pipes, stopcocks and apparatus
in good order and repair and protected from frost at their own risk
and expense and shall prevent all unnecessary waste of water; and
it is expressly stipulated that no claim shall be made against the
city by the reason of the breaking of any service pipe or service
cock or from damage arising from shutting off water to repair a main
or making private connections with the same, provided that notice
shall be given to persons using water for steam purposes.
B. For purposes of this chapter, the city shall install, repair, replace
and maintain all public water mains, residential stopcocks and service
laterals of 3/4 inch and one inch which lay within and under the bed
of any street up to and including the valve at or near the curb known
as the "curbstop." All water main stopcocks and service lateral repairs
between the curb and the structure which is being serviced by the
water system shall be the sole responsibility of the owner, including
the replacement of broken or missing curb box caps and keeping the
curb box clear of dirt and debris.
[Added 5-6-1993 by Ord.
No. 17-1993]
No person or persons shall open or use any fireplug for building
purposes, street sprinkling or supply of shipping or shall permit
any plug to be used by any person in his or their employ for any purpose
whatever, except in cases of fire in the neighborhood, without a permit
for that purpose.
No person or persons who have been permitted to introduce upon
his, her or their premises a fireplug for the protection of their
property from fire shall use or permit the same to be used for any
purpose whatever except its legitimate use for the extinguishment
of fire.
No person shall obstruct the access to any fireplug, stopcock
or other fixture connected with the supply of water to the city, by
placing thereon stone, brick, lumber, dirt or any other material,
nor shall be permit any such material to be placed thereon by those
in his employ.
When it is desired to supply steam pumps, the owners or occupants
of the property shall provide a tank in which the water shall be discharged
before going to the pump, and no direct connection with the street
mains shall be allowed.
All permits shall be granted upon the express condition that
if, from any cause, the supply of water should fail, the city shall
not be held responsible for any damages which shall be claimed of
the city by the person or persons to whom the permit is granted.
No person, agent or contractor shall install on any premises
in Gloucester City any air conditioner which uses water as its cooling
element without first having obtained a permit from the Water Department
of Gloucester City.
[Amended 12-29-1997 by Ord. No. 38-1997]
No water shall be supplied to any person or persons, firm or
corporation or to any premises located in the City of Gloucester City
unless a water meter shall be installed to measure the supply of water
to said person or persons, firm or corporation or premises. Tampering
with or causing a meter to become inoperative by any means shall be
considered a violation of the City Code, Criminal Code of the State
of New Jersey and Civil Code of the State of New Jersey and will be
prosecuted to the extent the law allows, and such cost as may be incurred
by the city along with appropriate fines and penalty shall be ordered
and collected.
[Amended 5-6-1993 by Ord.
No. 17-1993]
The type and kind of meter required by §
90-23 of this ordinance shall be of a uniform type as specified by the Water Committee of the Common Council. Commercial and industrial meters may be purchased by the person, firm, corporation or owner of the premises from the Water Department of Gloucester City at the cost price plus 10% and may be installed by said person, firm, corporation or owner of said premises through his own registered plumber. Residential meters will be installed to existing meter connections by the Water Department, and the cost of the meter, plus 10% will be added to the water bill next issued after said installation has been completed and will become a charge against said premises, collected and enforced as all other water charges are collected and enforced. If said meters have not been installed, the consumer shall pay an unmetered rate, which shall be double the current water rate for said consumer for the prorated period of time, until a meter has been installed.
[Added 7-6-2006 by Ord.
No. O11-2006]
Due to various needs for water for construction, renovation
and demolition projects, a temporary water usage account is authorized
with the application to and approval of the Environmental Utilities
Department of Gloucester City. Any temporary account shall be read
monthly by city personnel and billing shall occur monthly. Unmetered
water usage shall not be permitted. Charges for a temporary water
usage account is as follows:
Project review
|
$90
|
Account setup
|
$50
|
Account review
|
$35
|
Inspection
|
$50
|
Monthly account service fee
|
$15
|
Deposit for city required equipment
|
$3,000*
|
*May be adjusted based on need
|
|
Usage rate (gallons)
|
|
0 to 5,000
|
$5/1,000 gallons
|
5,001 to 20,000
|
$5.10/1,000 gallons
|
20,001 to 30,000
|
$5.15/1,000 gallons
|
30,001 to 100,000
|
$5.20/1,000 gallons
|
All meters will be sealed by the Water Department, and no one
except an authorized employee of the Department shall break or injure
such seals.
All necessary expenses of maintaining, repairing or replacing
meters will be borne by the Water Department, provided that said maintenance,
repairs or replacements are not rendered necessary by the act, neglect
or carelessness of the owner or occupant of any premises, in which
case the expense to the Department shall be charged against and collected
from the owner of the premises.
If a meter ceases to function for any reason, the owner of the
premises shall give immediate notice to the Water Department so that
the working parts of said meter may be replaced and the parts withdrawn
and repaired.
[Amended 9-3-1981 by Ord.
No. 5-1981; 9-21-2017 by Ord. No. O33-2017]
A. The accuracy of any meter on any premises will be tested by the Water
Department upon the request of the owner. If the meter is found, after
testing, to register over 3% more water than actually passes through
it, another meter will be substituted therefor without charge. If,
however, the meter registers, on testing, less than 3% more water
than actually passes through it, a fee of $10 will be charged the
owner for testing and will be made part of the water bill next issued
after said test has been made. If the meter, on testing, registers
more than 3% as above, an adjustment which is fair and just will be
made by the Water Department on the water bill next issued.
B. Water meter certification.
[Added 12-21-2011 by Ord.
No. O29-2011; amended 3-27-2014 by Ord. No. O14-2014; 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. O07-2023]
(1) Large diameter water meters greater than two inches shall be tested
and repaired or replaced every 10 years.
(2) At properties where two inch meters or larger are installed. The
City will have the meters inspected and tested by a qualified meter
testing company. If a meter is not functioning or if the meter is
found to register inaccurately by more than 1.5% it shall be removed
and a new meter installed and retested within 15 days of install.
(3) If any inoperative equipment is found it must be repaired, replaced
and inspected and approved by the City.
(4) The owner of the metered premises shall pay all costs incurred for
inspection, testing, replacement installation, repairs, maintenance
and any related costs. The City at its expense may test and inspect
any meter it believes may not be functioning properly. If the test
reveals any malfunctions a new or reconditioned certified meter must
be installed as well as all required equipment, the owner shall be
held responsible for improvements and cost.
(5) The City will supply replacement meters to its customers meters two
inches and larger and they shall be paid for by owner of the premises.
Where water is supplied through a meter, no restriction upon
the quantity of water used on any premises will be enforced, except
for the following reasons:
A. Water emergencies.
[Amended 2-26-2015 by Ord. No. O02-2015]
(1) Declaration of water emergency. Whenever the governing body shall
be satisfied and finds that water emergency exists in the municipality,
it may adopt a resolution declaring that a water emergency exists
in the municipality. Such resolution shall be adopted by the governing
body at any regular, special, adjourned or emergency public meeting
of the governing body. Such resolution shall identify that portion
of the municipality affected by in the water emergency, which may
include the entire municipality and shall specify which of the water
use regulations contained in paragraph (2) below is being imposed
as well as any exemptions as may be authorized. Such resolution shall
be effective immediately upon publication according to law and shall
continue in effect for 90 days, unless extended or repealed as set
forth in paragraph (3) below. For the purpose of this paragraph, a
water emergency shall exist if, for any of the following reasons:
(a)
City of Gloucester had adopted water use restrictions, has notified
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, as well as any
other State, county or local agency entitled to notice of such restrictions
and such restrictions are not overruled or declared invalid by any
State, county or local agency having the jurisdiction and power to
do so; or
(b)
The governing authority is otherwise satisfied that a water
emergency exists in the municipality.
(2) Water use restrictions. Upon adoption by the governing body of a
resolution declaring that a water emergency exists in the municipality
in accordance with paragraph (1) above, all citizens shall be urged
to observe voluntary indoor conservation measures and, any of the
following water use restrictions shall be imposed and shall be applicable
to all residents and tenants, except where a bona fide health emergency
exists and to exempt businesses, as specified herein during the water
emergency:
(a)
The complete ban and prohibition of outside water usage, including
the watering of lawns and plants, the filling of pools and the washing
of cars; or
(b)
Outside water usage on alternate days allowing outside water
usage by persons or businesses having even house or box numbers on
even days and those having odd house or box number on odd days with
outside water usage being completely banned and prohibited on the
thirty-first day of any month during the water emergency; or
(c)
Any other water use restriction specified by the governing body
in the resolution required by paragraph (1) above which is reasonable
under the circumstances considering the nature and extent of the water
emergency. Any water restriction imposed pursuant to this paragraph
shall be limited in application to that portion of the municipality,
which may include the entire municipality, identified as being affected
by the water emergency in the resolution of the governing body adopted
in accordance with paragraph (1) above.
(3) Duration of water use restrictions. The resolution of the governing body required by paragraph (1) above shall, in addition to complying with paragraph (1), provide a period of time during which the water use restrictions imposed shall be applicable and which shall be no longer than reasonably necessary to abate the water emergency under the circumstances considering the nature and extent of the water emergency. At the expiration of the time period specified in the resolution, the water use restriction shall lapse and be inapplicable and unenforceable. If the governing body shall be satisfied that the water emergency has been abated to the expiration of the time period specified in the resolution, it shall adopt a resolution declaring the water emergency ended and the water use restriction inapplicable. If, at the expiration of the time period specified in the resolution, the governing body shall be satisfied that the water emergency continues to exist, it may adopt a resolution in accordance with the requirements of this Subsection
A continuing the water use restrictions.
(4) Enforcement of water use restrictions. The water use restrictions
imposed pursuant to this subsection shall be enforced during a water
emergency by the local authorized official. Whenever a local authorized
official shall find a violation of the water use restrictions, such
authorized official shall give the violator a written warning and
explain the penalties for a second and third offense as provided in
paragraph (5) below. The local authorized official shall keep such
records as may be reasonable and necessary for the purpose of determining
the persons and businesses who have been warned upon first offense.
The local authorized official is hereby empowered to write summonses
for the violation of the water use restrictions imposed pursuant to
this subsection.
(5) Penalties. After a first offense in accordance with paragraph (4)
above, any person or business who thereafter violates the water use
restrictions imposed pursuant to this subsection shall be fined or
imprisoned in accordance with this paragraph. For a second offense,
the fine imposed shall be $500 or imprisoned for 10 days or both.
For a third and subsequent offense, the fine imposed shall be $1,000
or imprisoned for 30 days or both.
B. To avoid undue waste, the Water Department may shut off the water.
C. For failure of the consumer to maintain connections, service lines
or fixtures in good order, the Water Department may shut off the water.
D. For refusal of access for the purpose of inspecting or repairing,
caring for or removing meters, the Water Department may shut off the
water.
[Amended 12-20-1993 by Ord. No. 39-1993; 11-2-1995 by Ord. No. 25-1995; 5-6-2004; by Ord. No. O07-2004; 11-23-2010 by Ord.
No. O26-2010]
All water rents shall become due and payable quarterly to the
City Tax Collector at his/her office in the Municipal Building, Gloucester
City, New Jersey, within 30 days from the date of said bill. All water
rents shall be due regardless of whether the property is vacant or
occupied. Unpaid accounts after the thirty-day due date will receive
a penalty charge of 8% per annum on the first $1,500, and 18% per
annum on any amount about $1,500, to be charged from the date that
said water rent becomes due and payable, shall be paid. Twenty days
after the due date a delinquent fee of $65 per bill will be applied
to any and all overdue accounts. A notice of this fee will be mailed
at least 10 days prior to this charge. Said quarterly bills for water
rent shall be issued by the City Tax Collector on or about the first
day of each billing period. The Collector may request the governing
body, pursuant to law and by resolution, to annually authorize a year-end
penalty of 6% on any unpaid balances.
The Utility Department may cause the water to be shut off at
any property where payments are returned by the bank causing that
payment to be removed from the account, until that payment is replaced
with certified funds. Appropriate turn off and turn on and return
check fees will also be charged to the property account.
[Amended 12-20-1973; 9-3-1981 by Ord. No. 5-1981; 11-5-1987 by Ord. No. 16-1987; 11-18-1991 by Ord.
No. 18-1991; 12-3-1992 by Ord. No. 29-1992; 12-20-1993 by Ord. No. 42-1993; 1-5-1995 by Ord. No. 3-1995; 3-7-1996 by Ord. No.
6-1996; 5-2-2002 by Ord. No. 10-2002; 7-7-2005 by Ord. No. O17-2005; 11-5-2007 by Ord. No. O24-2007; Ord. No. 12-21-2011 by Ord. No. O29-2011; 3-27-2014 by Ord. No. O14-2014; 9-21-2017 by Ord. No.
O33-2017; 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. O07-2023]
The following schedule of quarterly charges shall become effective
on April 1, 2023, commencing with third billing in 2023:
Water Rate Schedule
|
---|
Meter Size
(Inches)
|
Minimum Charge Per Quarter
|
Allowance in Gallons
|
---|
5/8 inch x 3/4 inch
|
$82
|
10,000
|
3/4 inch
|
$115
|
10,000
|
1 inch
|
$180
|
10,000
|
1 1/2 inch
|
$325
|
10,000
|
2 inches
|
$505
|
30,000
|
3 inches
|
$820
|
40,000
|
4 inches
|
$1,130
|
70,000
|
6 inches
|
$2,260
|
80,000
|
8 inches
|
$2,890
|
150,000
|
10 inches
|
$3,610
|
160,000
|
Excess Usage Rates
|
Any additional metered amounts over the allowance per quarter
as follows:
|
|
Charge per 1,000 gallons
|
---|
Gallons
|
Residential Rate
|
Commercial Rate
|
---|
0 to 5,000
|
$7.50
|
$7.75
|
6,000 to 10,000
|
$8.35
|
$9
|
11,000 to 15,000
|
$9.25
|
$10
|
16,000 to 20,000
|
$10.65
|
$11.85
|
21,000 to 30,000
|
$11.50
|
$12.65
|
Over 31,000
|
$12.65
|
$12.65
|
[Added 5-2-2002 by Ord.
No. 10-2002; amended 11-5-2007 by Ord. No. O24-2007; 12-21-2010 by Ord. No. O29-2010; 3-27-2014 by Ord. No. O14-2014; 9-21-2017 by Ord. No.
O33-2017; 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. O07-2023]
The following schedule of fees shall be assessed by the Utility
Division of the Department of Public Works and paid to the Tax Collector
upon notice from the Division of Utilities:
Service
|
Rate
|
---|
Administration fee
|
$42
|
Water turn on or off (normal hours)
|
$24
|
Water turn on or off (after hours/holidays)
|
$60
|
Reprocessing charges (check cashing)
|
$100
|
Collection fee - City personnel posting of notice on property
for shut off
|
$25
|
Final read/Utility Inspection
|
$75
|
Reread of meter
|
$35
|
Charge for missed appointments (after 1st miss)
|
$35
|
[Added 5-2-2002 by Ord.
No. 10-2002]
The following schedule of fees shall be assessed by the Utility
Division of the Department of Public Works and paid to the Tax Collector
upon notice from the Division of Utilities:
Service
|
Fee
(Per hour)
|
---|
Jet truck with operator
|
$100
|
Vacuum truck with operator
|
$100
|
Back hoe with operator
|
$95
|
Support vehicles (pick up, vans, etc.)
|
$25
|
All portable equipment (pumps, tools, etc.)
|
$25
|
Consultant fee superintendent
|
$90
|
When any dwelling unit is owned and occupied by a person or
persons who is or are over 65 years of age and who are not gainfully
employed and are the sole support of themselves, then in such instances
the minimum charge for water per quarter shall be at the rate of 1/2
the regular minimum charge, provided that the section shall not apply
to the charge made for water used over the allowance gallonage per
quarter.
All arrears of water rent and all expenses incurred thereon
against the owner or reputed owner of real estate by virtue of this
ordinance shall be and remain a lien against said real estate from
the time the same is certified until the same shall be paid and satisfied,
and in case of the nonpayment thereof, said real estate shall be proceeded
against in the manner and under the same regulations and restrictions
prescribed by Section 10 of an act entitled "An Act to Enable Cities
to Supply the Inhabitants Thereof With Pure and Wholesome Water,"
approved April 21, 1876, and the supplements thereto.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance
shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days, or both.
All ordinances or portions of ordinances inconsistent with this
ordinance be and the same are hereby abrogated and repealed.
This ordinance shall take effect after final passage and publication
as provided by law.