[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of West Deptford 4-6-1978 by Ord. No. 78-2 (Section 8:1 of the General Ordinances); amended in its entirety 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-19. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
DEPARTMENT
The Township Water and Sewer Department.
FIRE SERVICE LINE
Any line which receives water supplied to a fire hydrant, standpipe, sprinkler system or any combination of the foregoing located on private property.
MAIN or MAINS
All pipes, hydrants and valves, other than supply pipes and service pipes, used for conveying water to or distributing water throughout the Township.
METER RATES
Rates or prices to be charged for water, based upon the quantity consumed as measured by an approved water meter.
NONPUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
A nonpublic water system includes any water system providing potable water to individual dwellings, and any water system regularly serving fewer than 15 service connections and fewer than 25 individuals as per N.J.A.C. 7:10.
ONE PHYSICAL UNIT
A property not dividable for sale or ownership by more than one owner or group of owners.
OWNER
Any person owning any property or premises which is or prospectively can be supplied with Township water, or his/her duly authorized agent or contractor.
PREMISES
A building, together with appurtenant land, used for either business or residential purposes, or both, together with any outbuildings used exclusively in connection with it, or any part of a building with the land appurtenant to it, when sold as a separate unit.
PRIVATE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Any service pipe or system of service pipes connected to a Township-owned water distribution main that serves more than one building and is not owned by the Township.
PUBLIC COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM
A public water system includes any water system providing potable water to individual dwellings, and any water system regularly serving at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents as per N.J.A.C. 7:10.
RESALE OF WATER
Any resale of Township water by any person. This excludes the sale of metered water by landlords to a tenant.
SERVICE PIPE
A pipe extending from the curb stop into privately owned property for supplying water.
SUPPLY PIPE
A pipe connected to the Township-owned distribution main and extending to the curb stop located within a public right-of-way or utility easement, typically just beyond the curb or curbline of the street.
TOWNSHIP
The Township water utility or any of the Township's authorized agents.
WATER UTILITY
The water utility of the Township of West Deptford.
A. 
Application required. The owner of any premises desiring to use Township water or to make a change in any existing water supply shall make an application, in writing, to the Township for water service upon forms provided by the Department. All connections from the water main to the curb shall be done at the expense of the property owner and by a plumber duly licensed by the State of New Jersey.
B. 
The application for a water service shall provide the following information: the name of the plumber who is to install the connection applied for; the Tax Map page, block, lot address of the premises; size of the water meter; and the purpose of the connection. The application shall be signed by the owner of the property for which the connection is being applied, or by his authorized agent, and shall be accompanied by the consent of the applicant to be bound by all the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted by the Township.
C. 
Inspection. Upon receipt of an application for service, the Township may make an inspection of the premises.
D. 
Bond required. Every plumber, who shall be licensed as a plumber as provided for in § 163-2A, shall provide the Township of West Deptford with a bond as per Chapter 11, Fees. With the approval of the Township Solicitor, the plumber must provide sufficient surety that West Deptford Township will be paid for and protected against all damages and costs from any injury which might occur to persons or property by reason of neglect or carelessness on the part of the plumber during the process of any work. Be it further stated that the plumber will pay for and protect the said Township against all damages and cost occasioned by any injury, damage or obstruction which may have been done or caused to have been done to any of the water mains of the water distribution system of the Township of West Deptford.
E. 
Payment of fees. No water service shall be made to any premises until all charges due the water utility are paid.
F. 
Required permits. No application for connection to the water distribution system shall supersede the requirement to obtain any and all requisite permits. The applicant will, at minimum, be required to obtain a plumbing permit through the Plumbing Subcode Official and a road-opening permit through the Township Public Works Manager (exception: county-owned and state-owned roads will require a permit through those bodies).
G. 
Water for building purposes.
(1) 
Application. Where it is desired to use Township water service in connection with the construction or repair of a building, application shall be made to the Township by the owner of the building on forms furnished by the water utility. The character of the work contemplated and the estimated quantity of water to be used shall be specified in the application.
(2) 
Metering. The water utility requires a water meter to be utilized during the construction or repair of a building upon payment of the fee prescribed in § 163-3A.
H. 
Inspection. Authorized agents of the Township, upon presentation of credentials provided by the Township, shall have access at any reasonable time to any premises supplied with Township water for the purpose of making any desired inspection. This inspection shall include the examination of the entire water supply and plumbing system upon the premises. Any person who refuses to admit a duly authorized agent for the purpose of inspection or hinders or interferes with an inspection shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter.
A. 
Water meter fees.
(1) 
Individual residential meters are to be of one inch in size, unless approved by Township Water Department, and purchased through Water Department at current contracted price. In new residential construction, that cost of the meter is included in the water connection fee.
(2) 
All other meters shall be purchased by property owner and must be approved by Township Water Department for size, make, and type.
B. 
Meters.
(1) 
Meter required. All water supplied through the Township's water distribution system and used on any premises, except for fire service lines, must pass through a Township-approved water meter, as specified in Subsection A.
(2) 
Duty of owners. All owners of property using water supplied by the Township shall have the duty of determining that the water is being supplied through a Township-approved water meter, except as provided in Subsection B(1). Failure to do so shall not relieve any person from liability for water supplied, and in such case the Township shall determine the amount of water used and the rates to be charged.
(3) 
Meter bypasses may only be installed where and when approved by the Township. All bypasses must remain in the off position and may only be turned on with prior written approval from the Township's Water Superintendent for purposes of servicing and/or replacing the meter, valves, and/or associated piping.
(4) 
Meter jumpers supplied by any non-Township entity are prohibited. If a meter jumper is used, both the owner and the plumber shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter. The Township will supply a Township-owned jumper only to facilitate the new installation of interior plumbing and allow pressure testing of new interior plumbing at the request of the Plumbing Subcode Inspector. This jumper will remain the property of the Township and must be returned immediately after the interior plumbing successfully passes a pressure test. The jumper shall not be used to facilitate any other construction activity.
(5) 
Meter installations. In all cases where meters are to be installed, the Township shall determine the size, proper location and manner in which the meter shall be installed and protected. Shutoff valves shall be provided and installed by the property owner on each side of and directly adjacent to the meter. All new meters shall be installed by the Township with radio reading devices so they can be read without the meter reader going inside the premises. The owner shall install a meter yoke and all facilities necessary to hold and house the meter.
(6) 
Meter yokes.
(a) 
Meter yokes shall be installed in a manner that provides easy removal, replacement, inspection and reading of the meter.
(b) 
Meter yokes shall be located as near as possible to the rear or side entrance of a building not having a basement.
(c) 
Under no circumstances shall meter yokes be installed in kitchen or bathroom areas or crawl spaces.
(d) 
Meter yokes shall be installed in a manner that will prevent unauthorized removal or tampering with a meter.
(e) 
Meter yokes shall be placed in a free and clear space at least two feet by two feet.
(f) 
The decision of the Department in regard to meter yokes shall be final.
(g) 
The property owner shall at their own expense correct any deficiency in this section prior to the Township installing or replacing a water meter.
(7) 
Care and protection of meters.
(a) 
The meter shall remain the property of the Township. The property owner shall be held responsible for the meter, including its care and protection from damage, freezing, hot water or similar causes. The property owner shall also be responsible for preventing unauthorized persons from tampering with the meter. In case of damage to the meter, its stoppage or improper working, the owner shall immediately notify the Township and the Township shall replace the meter if meter is of two-inch size or smaller. For meters over two inches in size, the responsibility for replacement or repair shall be on the property owner. Associated costs to replace a water meter shall be determined by the Department and based on reason for replacement and size of the water meter.
(b) 
Where replacements, repairs or adjustments of any meter, whether owned by the Township or not, become necessary due to any willful negligent act by the owner or occupant of any premises, the owner shall be responsible to the Township for any expense which it occasions as a result.
(c) 
Meters shall be sealed by the Township. No person shall disconnect, remove, break, injure or in any way tamper with the seal. The seal can only be disconnected, removed, serviced or installed by the Township or an agent of the Township.
(8) 
Testing of meters. The Township shall test the accuracy and condition of any meter upon the written request of the owner or occupant of the premises served by the meter. To have a meter tested, the meter in question will be replaced by a temporary meter and the original meter will be sent to a third-party tester to be flow tested for accuracy. Exception to this is for meters of over two inches in size. The Department assumes no responsibility and/or liability for accuracy of any meter that is over two inches in size. If the results of the meter test show the meter accuracy is within 3% of factory specifications, the property owner must pay for the time associated with replacing and getting original meter tested, and for the test itself. The tested meter will then be reinstalled at the property and the temporary meter be removed. If the meter registers greater than 103%, it shall be replaced by the Department at no cost to property owner. The Township may adjust the water bill upon whatever basis it deems to be just and reasonable. If the meter registers 97% or less, it shall be replaced by the Department at the Department’s discretion and the Department may adjust the water bill upon whatever basis it deems to be just and reasonable. If the meter is inoperative and fails to register, the customer will be charged on the basis of the average daily consumption shown by the meter when it was operative. The Department may make periodic tests of any and all meters.
(a) 
Exception to § 163-3B(8) is for meters of over two inches in size. The Department assumes no responsibility and/or liability for accuracy of any meter that is over two inches in size. Meters of over two inches in size may be tested in place by noninvasive testing and adjusted to read accurately when approved by the Department.
(b) 
Meters sized over two inches and up to four inches of service size shall be tested for accuracy and adjusted to factory specifications every two years. The property owner is responsible for completing these tests, performing repairs and adjustments necessary to ensure accuracy, and supplying the Department with a certification from a qualified person. If the owner fails to do the required tests, the Department may hire a qualified person to do the test and charge the property owner for all costs incurred.
[Amended 11-13-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-26]
(c) 
Meters sized over four inches of service size shall be tested for accuracy and adjusted to factory specifications every one year. The property owner is responsible for completing these tests, performing repairs and adjustments necessary to ensure accuracy, and supplying the Department with a certification from a qualified person. If the owner fails to do the required tests, the Department may hire a qualified company to do the test and charge the property owner for the costs incurred.
[Amended 11-13-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-26]
(d) 
Fire service meters shall be tested as per § 163-3B(8). Replacement of fire service meters shall be at the discretion of the Department and all costs are responsibility of property owner.
(9) 
Replacement of meters. Meters sized over two inches must be replaced every 10 years at the expense of the property owner. Replacement will be considered as furnishing a new meter by an approved vendor or rebuilding the existing meter with new parts to factory specifications. It is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the water department upon replacement of their meter and to provide documents from the meter provider certifying accuracy. All meter replacements are subject to review by the water and sewer department superintendent. Should the department find a replacement to be unsatisfactory, the department reserves the right to require an additional replacement to reach compliance.
[Added 11-13-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-26]
A. 
In general. Service line pipes, supply lateral pipes, curb stops and all necessary plumbing parts used in the installation and connection to the water supply and distribution system of the Township of West Deptford shall be of material and manufacture approved by the Department. Such installation shall be at the cost and expense of the property owner.
B. 
Maintenance. Supply lateral pipes and water mains installed shall be maintained by the water utility and shall remain the property of the Township.
C. 
Installation.
(1) 
Supply lateral pipes and service line pipes of Type K copper tubing at least one inch in diameter shall be installed at the expense of the owner by a licensed plumber and shall be installed in accordance with installation specifications and materials specified by the Department and in accordance with applicable New Jersey statutes. The actual tap to the Township main shall be made by the Department. All supply lateral pipes consisting of Type K copper tubing shall be connected with brass copper fittings. Supply lateral pipes up to and including two inches shall be made of soft Type K copper tubing, and supply lateral pipes larger than two inches shall be of ductile, cement-lined. Service line pipes shall be maintained by the owner. Repairs shall be made by a licensed plumber, and a fee for the inspection of the work undertaken and performed shall be collected by the Plumbing Subcode Official from the plumber as prescribed by Chapter 78, § 78-18.
(2) 
All supply lateral pipes from the main to the curb stop and thence from the curb stop to the premises being supplied shall be at least four feet below the surface or finished grade to ensure against freezing. Such supply lateral pipes shall be separated from the sewer and other service pipes by at least 10 feet. The excavation and trench in which the water supply lateral pipe is laid shall remain open until inspected and approved by the Department. At least 24 hours' notice shall be given to the Department for the purpose of inspecting the work.
(3) 
The applicant shall furnish and install all curb stops, valves and supply pipes from the main to the curb box, including the connection to the corporation valve, all of which shall be in accordance with Department specifications. In all instances where a direct tap cannot be done because of pipe material, the applicant shall provide and install the necessary full gasketed repair clamp with CC connection in clamp approved by the Department before installation.
(4) 
Curb boxes shall be at grade level and equipped with a stem so that water can be shut off at the curb by use of a standard curb stop key. The curb box cover shall not be covered.
(5) 
All excavation and trench work must be done by the owner-applicant. Permits for road openings, where applicable, must be made to the Township before the issuance of a permit, in accordance with Chapter 87, Excavations in Streets. The cost of same is not included in the water service permit.
D. 
State and county fees. Additional charges shall be made, where applicable, as follows:
(1) 
On state highways, there shall be an added charge for any fees that may be charged by the New Jersey State Highway Department. The customer will be responsible for paying the fees or charges. The cost thereof shall be in addition to the water service charges defined in this chapter.
(2) 
On county roads, there shall be an added charge for a county road opening permit, for inspection and repair of pavement, as determined by the Gloucester County Road Department. Permits shall be secured directly from the county and fees paid directly to the county when required.
E. 
Water main extensions.
(1) 
The owner of any premises desiring to have said premises connected to the water system and/or to construct a water main extension or to make a change in any existing connection to the water system shall make an application in writing to the Water and Sewer Department upon forms provided by the Department.
(2) 
An application for a water main extension shall utilize a Form-C, by an engineer licensed by the State of New Jersey.
(3) 
The application for a water connection and/or water main extension shall be signed by the owner of the property or by his authorized agent and shall be accompanied by the consent of the applicant to be bound by all the provisions of this chapter along with the rules and regulations adopted by the Township.
F. 
Change in piping between curb and premises; expense. Any necessary changes in the piping between the curb and the premises due to corrosion or otherwise must be made by the property owner and at the owner's expense. This would also include valves, connections, material and labor used to increase the water supply. Any and all changes in piping are subject to the inspection and approval of the Water and Sewer Department and the Construction Department.
G. 
Supplying several premises from single lateral supply pipe prohibited. Permission will not be granted to supply two or more buildings from a single lateral supply pipe.
H. 
House connections. Excavating work, house connection, finishing and installation of the house connection to the premises shall be under the supervision of the Plumbing Inspector. Said excavation and installation shall be at the expense of the property owner and shall be performed by the property owner's contractor.
I. 
Protection of service pipes.
(1) 
Freezing. Service pipes between the foundation wall and the meter that are likely to be exposed to freezing temperatures shall be effectively protected from freezing by the property owner.
(2) 
Heat. Pipes shall be installed in a manner that will prevent any possible damage resulting from external heat from boilers, heaters, etc.
(3) 
Corrosion. Service pipes shall be installed in a manner that will prevent any damage resulting from falling objects, corrosive products, paint sprayers and similar causes.
(4) 
Meter protection. Service pipes shall be installed in a manner that will prevent any hot water or other destructive product from returning to the meter.
J. 
Maintenance requirements; property owner's responsibility; leaks; replacement.
(1) 
The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of the building connection. The property owner shall keep the connection in good working order and shall be held liable for any damage or loss of water from failure to do so.
(2) 
All leaks in the house connection shall be reported promptly to the Department and then repaired by the property owner. If repairs are not so made, the water shall be shut off by the Department and not turned on again until the line is placed in serviceable condition and until all charges for damage or loss of water have been paid.
(3) 
Any necessary changes in the piping of the house connection due to corrosion or otherwise must be made by the property owner and at the owner's expense. This would also include valves, connections, material and labor used to increase the water supply or efficiency. Any and all changes in the piping are subject to the inspection and approval of the Construction Department.
K. 
Cross-connection.
(1) 
Cross-connections between a potable water system and nonpotable sources of contamination represent a threat to public health.
(2) 
The customer is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the system piping and water downstream of the curb stop or street valve servicing property. It is the responsibility of the owner/consumer to avoid cross-connections on their property and/or install appropriate backflow devices, maintain, test, and provide information to the Township.
(3) 
It is the responsibility of the Township to disconnect service upon failure of the property owner to comply with the requirements of the Township's cross-connection control program.
(a) 
The West Deptford Township Cross-Connection Control Manual (dated July 2022) prepared by Water Resource Management and for implementation and enforcement by the Township of West Deptford and the Water and Sewer Department is adopted and may be found in the Township offices.
[Added 12-7-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-23]
(4) 
National and state provisions.
(a) 
National: Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 EPA Cross-Connection Control Manual.
(b) 
State: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is authorized under the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act to establish standards for the construction of a water supply to assure compliance with the provisions of the act. Accordingly, Section 109.608 of DEP's rules and regulations requires that "a public water system may not be designed or constructed in a manner which creates a cross-connection." In addition, Section 109.709(b) further requires that "At the direction of DEP, the public water supplier shall develop and implement a comprehensive control program for the elimination of existing cross-connections or the effective containment of sources of contaminations, and prevention of future cross-connections."
A. 
At the request of the property owner. When requested by the owner or its agent, the Department shall discontinue service to a property. Turn-on and turnoff charges are as per Chapter 11, Fees. Whenever service shall have been temporarily turned off, the minimum charge hereinafter established shall not continue against said premises. No adjustment of water charges due to failure of the Department to disconnect or restore water service as requested by an owner shall be made unless the request for discontinuance or restoration is made in writing and duly filed with the Department.
B. 
Temporary discontinuance. In the case of temporary vacancy of any premises, a written request must be made to the Township to turn off the water at the curb stop. The written request must also state the period of discontinuance. The water will be turned on again at the expiration of that period following the payment of required charges.
C. 
Rebates prohibited. Where the premises are left vacant, no rebate will be allowed for water registered by the meter unless the water is turned off at the curb stop.
D. 
Discontinuance by Township.
(1) 
Service may be discontinued by the Township, after notice, for any of the following causes:
(a) 
The use of water for any property or purpose other than that described in the application.
(b) 
Waste of water through improper or defective pipes or fixtures.
(c) 
Failure to protect the water meter and connections from injury or damage, or failure to properly maintain the service line and fixtures owned by the person being served.
(d) 
Tampering with any service pipe, meter, curb stop, seal or other appliance of the Township.
(e) 
Nonpayment of sewer charges as provided in N.J.S.A. 40:14A-1 et seq.
(f) 
Nonpayment of any charges or fees for water service.
(g) 
Refusing to permit the duly authorized representatives of the Township to have access to the property for reasonable inspections.
(2) 
In no case shall the water service be restored until the defects have been remedied and any bills, fines or penalties imposed have been paid. Furthermore, the owner of the premises shall be liable for any loss sustained by the Department as a result of such defects.
A. 
Declaration of emergency. Upon independent investigation, the Director of Public Works may certify that an emergency exists in the water supply. The Township Committee, or if the emergency will not permit delay, then the Mayor, may proclaim a water emergency and prescribe regulations to do the following:
(1) 
Prohibit the use of water for any purpose not necessary to the health and safety of the public.
(2) 
Allocate the available water supply.
(3) 
Reduce consumption of water.
(4) 
Prevent use of water for the period of the emergency.
B. 
Effect on regulations. The proclamation of an emergency shall be conclusive as to the fact of the existence of an emergency and shall be binding upon all persons upon its filing in the office of the Township Clerk and publication in a newspaper circulating in the Township. Any regulations included in the proclamation and any regulations subsequently promulgated shall have the same force as if specifically set forth in this chapter. Every owner, lessee, tenant and occupant of any building or premises served by Township water shall, upon a proclamation of regulations, become bound by them and shall conform to them in the use of water and the maintenance of water service connections and equipment.
A. 
In general. Every owner of buildings and premises connected with the municipal water supply shall maintain the water service pipes, fixtures and connections in good order and repair in order to ensure that there shall be no waste of water, and shall immediately make necessary repairs to prevent the waste of water.
B. 
Duties of occupants and tenants. Every lessee, tenant and occupant of any building or premises connected with the municipal water supply shall immediately notify the owner or his or her agent and the municipality of any defective water service pipes, fixtures and connections causing waste of water.
C. 
Duty of owner. Upon receiving notice of any waste of water due to defective pipes, fixtures or connections, the owner of any premises served by the municipal water supply shall immediately make all necessary repairs.
D. 
Repairs by Township. Whenever an owner shall fail or refuse to make repairs to prevent the waste of water, the Township may make the repairs and charge the cost to the owner in the same manner as other water charges are made.
A. 
Unauthorized use of fire hydrants.
(1) 
No person other than a duly authorized agent or employee of the Township or a member of an authorized fire agency while engaged in the performance of duties shall open or attempt to open any fire hydrants or valves connected with the water supply system of the Township without obtaining written permission from the proper Township officers.
(2) 
No person shall obstruct or prevent free access to, tamper with, injure or damage a fire hydrant, nor shall any person place any material, debris, structure or object of any kind within a distance of 10 feet of a hydrant. Any obstruction, when discovered, may be removed at once by the Township at the expense of the person responsible. Removal of the obstruction shall be in addition to any penalty which may be imposed for a violation of this section.
B. 
Duty of property owners. The owner of any property upon which a fire hydrant is located, including the owner of any property which abuts upon a portion of a public street on which a fire hydrant is located, shall have the duty of keeping the hydrant and the area immediately surrounding it free from snow, brush, weeds, debris or any other thing which might impede access to the hydrant.
C. 
Private fire outlets. Where pipes are provided for fire protection on any premises or where hose connections for fire apparatus are provided for any pipe, each connection or opening on those pipes, except sprinkler heads, shall have a standard thread and integral locking Storz fitting with cap, as specified by the Township. No water shall be taken or used through such pipe openings for any purpose other than for firefighting or for testing fire apparatus after obtaining a special permit from the Water Superintendent to make a test. Each test must be conducted under the supervision of Township personnel.
D. 
Permit to open hydrant. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Township of West Deptford that the primary purpose of fire hydrants is for fire protection. However, the Water Superintendent is authorized to issue a permit to any person to open a fire hydrant for a purpose other than fire protection. Permits shall be issued by the Water Superintendent in accordance with rules and regulations which the Water Superintendent shall establish. These rules and regulations shall take into consideration the policy established by this section. Each permit shall specify the company or individual requesting the opening, the company doing flow test if test is being done, insurance information of company doing flow testing, the location of the hydrant to be opened, the date or dates upon which it may be opened, the length of time it may remain opened and the purpose for which such openings may be made.
E. 
Fee. Fees are as per Chapter 11, Fees.
A. 
The purpose of this section is to establish a policy for the inspection, testing and maintenance of all fire hydrants, public and private.
B. 
To ensure their readiness for instantaneous use, all fire hydrants should be inspected and maintained annually:
(1) 
Visually inspect for damaged or missing parts.
(2) 
Remove one nozzle cap and turn the operating nut counterclockwise using a hydrant wrench to open hydrant. Note: A hydrant is fully open when turning the hydrant operating nut counterclockwise 19 times. If the hydrant wrench keeps turning numerous times after 19 times, the stem or internal parts need to be repaired; if the hydrant operating nut keeps turning, the hydrant is broken. Place the hydrant out of service, bag the hydrant with an orange out-of-service bag, and notify the Superintendent in writing by filling out a fire hydrant repair request form.
(3) 
Flush out the barrel and the hydrant lateral.
(4) 
Turn the operating nut slowly clockwise to close the hydrant valve.
(5) 
Replace the nozzle cap and tighten slightly and tighten the other caps.
(6) 
Turn on the hydrant.
(7) 
Finish tightening the nozzle cap when the water starts flowing.
(8) 
If the hydrant has an oil plug, remove it to check the oil level.
(9) 
Check the O-rings, stem packing, and all gaskets for leaks.
(10) 
Turn the hydrant off slowly.
(11) 
If the stem packing leaks, remove the bonnet and either tighten the two stuffing-box stud nuts or replace the two O-rings if necessary.
(12) 
Inspect and clean the stem; replace the stem if corroded or pitted.
(13) 
Replace the bonnet and retest for leaks by repeating steps five through 10. When replacing the bonnet, make sure that the filler plug hole is aligned with the offset portion of the oil reservoir.
(14) 
Remove all nozzle caps.
(15) 
Examine the inside of the barrel to make sure that the water has drained from the hydrant.
(a) 
If the water fails to drain from the barrel, it may be caused by one or more of the following conditions:
[1] 
Drains clogged.
[2] 
Not enough gravel material was placed around the bottom of the hydrant during installation.
[3] 
Water table in the ground is higher than the hydrant drains.
[4] 
Failure to leave the cap off after using the hydrant until the hydrant has fully drained.
[5] 
Hydrant main valve may not have seated correctly; reopen and flush, could have sediment or stone not letting it close properly. If continues, the main valve needs to be replaced. Record on the report.
(b) 
The following procedures can be used to open most blocked drain valves:
[1] 
With the nozzle caps in place, open the hydrant and fill the barrel. Close the hydrant and recheck.
[2] 
Dig up around the hydrant drain holes and clear them.
(16) 
Clean and lubricate all the threads. Replace all nozzle caps in a clockwise position.
(17) 
The fire hydrant body will be painted white. The bonnet, the pumper nozzle cap (unless Storz fitting) and the two-and-one-half-inch hose nozzle caps will be painted the color that reflects the NFPA GPM rating:
(a) 
Class AA: light blue, 1,500 GPM or greater.
(b) 
Class A: green, 1,000 to 1,499 GPM.
(c) 
Class B: orange, 500 to 999 GPM.
(d) 
Class C: red, less than 500 GPM.
(18) 
The two-and-one-half-inch hose nozzles are National Standard threads.
(19) 
The pumper nozzle will have a five-inch integral Storz fitting with cap.
(20) 
The operating nut is a one-and-one-half-inch hexagon which opens counterclockwise.
(21) 
The Superintendent will order all hydrants and hydrant parts.
(22) 
Bag any hydrant that is out of service, then record on the report, advise the Superintendent and Fire Marshal.
(23) 
The Superintendent will notify fire chiefs of out-of-service hydrants and locations.
C. 
Private hydrants. Private hydrants are determined if they are:
(1) 
Beyond the water meters provided to the rate payer; and/or
(2) 
Located within the private property of the rate payer; and/or
(3) 
When on a private road which has not been deeded to the Township of West Deptford by the maintenance bond being released by the Township Committee, causing the care, custody and control of that roadway to be turned over to West Deptford Township; and/or
(4) 
Where determined by the Superintendent of the West Deptford Water and Sewer Department because the hydrant is not under the direct control of his/her Department.
(5) 
Flushing and inspection of private hydrants. It is the owner's responsibility to flush and inspect all private hydrants once a year. Owners of private fire hydrants are required to keep their own records of hydrant maintenance, inspection, and flushing to be available upon request by the licensed operator for the Township of West Deptford. All maintenance and flushing procedures shall be as close to Township procedures to the extent possible.
D. 
Flushing. Flushing the water system is an important part of operations. Sediment builds up in the mains and must be removed by flushing. Dead ends should be flushed regularly to maintain a chlorine residual in the main. The system should be flushed semiannually during the spring and fall. No flushing will be done when the temperature is at or below freezing.
(1) 
The following tools and equipment are needed for flushing hydrants:
(a) 
Hydrant wrench.
(b) 
Fire hose.
(c) 
Heavy metal pans.
(d) 
Valve key.
(e) 
Blow-off pipe.
(f) 
Blow-off key.
(g) 
Pipe wrench.
(h) 
Reflective cones.
(i) 
Residual kit.
(j) 
Grease.
(2) 
Go to the first hydrant location and wear a reflective safety vest.
(3) 
Protect the street and property by using the metal pan or fire hose as needed.
(a) 
If using the pan, make sure it is anchored securely so that it does not wash away during flushing.
(b) 
If using a hose, make sure that the end is anchored securely so that damage does not occur.
(4) 
Using a hydrant wrench, turn the steamer cap counterclockwise to remove. To remove a locking Storz cap, no tools are required.
(5) 
Place the hydrant wrench on the hydrant operating nut and turn counterclockwise gradually to open.
(6) 
Continue to open gradually until you reach the desired flow. Although you do not want to open the hydrant all the way, you do want to get a good flow from the hydrant. Usually, you want the hydrant water stream to flow 12 inches to 18 inches from the hydrant.
(7) 
Check the pan to make sure it is secure. Turn off the hydrant and start again if you need to adjust the pan. Do not cause property damage. Do not cause traffic hazards. Use reflective cones.
(8) 
Note the water conditions when it starts flowing.
(9) 
Flow the hydrant the amount of time specified. If it requires more time to clear, you are authorized to continue until it is clear.
(10) 
Turn off the hydrant clockwise slowly to avoid causing damage to the system by water hammer.
(11) 
Grease threads, replace the stemmer cap, and tighten clockwise.
(12) 
If using a blow off:
(a) 
Remove the blow-off pipe cap.
(b) 
Open the blow-off valve box lid.
(c) 
Place the valve key onto the blow-off valve stem.
(d) 
Place any additional pipe needed onto the blow-off pipe.
(e) 
Open the blow-off valve counter clockwise.
(f) 
Make sure you do not cause damage from the water pressure.
(g) 
Flow the blow off for time specified.
(h) 
Close the blow-off valve clockwise.
(i) 
Remove the key and replace the valve box lid.
(j) 
Remove the extra blow-off pipe and replace the pipe cap.
(13) 
After flushing at the location, write the following information on your report:
(a) 
Location.
(b) 
Condition of water at start.
[1] 
Color.
[2] 
Odor.
(c) 
Chlorine residual at end.
(d) 
Clarity of the water at end.
(e) 
Time run.
(f) 
Any problems encountered.
(14) 
Go to the next hydrant location and repeat the procedure.
E. 
Township flushing. For West Deptford Township flushing plans and procedures, refer the Hydrant Flushing SOP.
A. 
Minimum rates. There shall be a minimum quarterly charge for all water passing through meters installed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 11, Fees.
B. 
Frozen-meter charge. Whenever the Department shall replace a meter which has been frozen, a fee as per Chapter 11, Fees, shall be charged.
C. 
Special cases. In special cases not contemplated in the above schedule of rates or not clearly defined therein, the Township Committee of the Township of West Deptford is hereby authorized to establish special rates or rentals under such schedules or formulas as the Township Committee of West Deptford Township aforesaid may deem necessary to keep and maintain the Water and Sewer Department on a self-liquidating basis. The Township Committee may also make, execute and deliver such contracts with such special consumers as the circumstances may require.
D. 
Exclusions. Buildings occupied by churches (including parsonages and convents), fire companies and veterans' organizations, now or hereafter receiving water from a public system in the Township of West Deptford, shall receive such water without charge or fee, provided that said buildings are used primarily for said churches (including parsonages and convents), fire companies and veterans' organizations, respectively.
E. 
Billings; interest and shutoff. Billings for water service or water used shall be rendered in accordance with the standard billing period employed by the Department. Such bills will be mailed within a reasonable time of each billing date. Bills remaining unpaid for more than 45 days after the billing date shall accrue interest. This accrued interest shall begin from the date of billing. Interest shall be charged at the same rate as the maximum rate permitted for nonpayment of real property taxes in the State of New Jersey pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-67 or at such greater rate of interest as may hereafter be permitted by amendment to said statute or by adoption of a successor statute. Water services may be shut off in the event that any bill remains unpaid for a period of 150 days after a billing date, and such services shall not be restored until payment is made of the arrearages and interest. In all cases, there shall be a charge as per Chapter 11, Fees.
F. 
Bulk water sales. The purchase of water in bulk will only be approved by the Water and Sewer Superintendent. All bulk purchases will be sold from Jessup Road water tower.
The owner of any house, tenement, building or lot shall be liable for the payment of the price or rent fixed herein for the use of water and for installation, purchase price, repair and testing of any water meter or water meters, water service or water services, connections, appliances or parts and renewals thereof heretofore or hereafter furnished or made by the Department in or upon such house, tenement, building or lot, or connecting with such house, tenement, building or lot, and the interest and penalties charged. Such price or rent or other costs, expenses, interest and penalties as fixed herein shall be a lien upon said house, tenement, building or lot until the same shall be paid and satisfied.
Any person residing in West Deptford Township who is aged 65 or over or less than 65 years of age and permanently and totally disabled according to the provisions of the Federal Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 401 et seq., or disabled under any federal law administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs where the disability is rated as 60% or higher, who meet income eligibility criteria as established by law, shall be entitled to a 10% reduction of water rents to be charged or otherwise collected under this chapter.
Annually, the Chief Financial Officer shall prepare and submit to the Township Committee for its approval income eligibility guidelines in accordance with law which shall determine a person's income eligibility under this section. Said deduction shall be limited to and apply only to owner-occupied residences.
A. 
Preamble. The State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has determined that certain private properties located within the Township of West Deptford are located in an area defined as containing properties that have contaminated or threatened private potable wells and should be connected to the public water supply system and the private potable wells sealed.
The State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Township of West Deptford have entered into an agreement for the construction of a public water supply system that includes the construction of service connections and sealing of private potable wells at those properties defined as having contaminated or threatened private potable wells.
The Township of West Deptford has determined that once a public water supply is available to these properties the properties shall be required to hook up to the public water supply system and abandon the private potable wells located on the property.
The Township adopted Ordinance No. 2015-16 on September 2, 2015, mandating the connection to the public water system and the sealing of contaminated potable wells for those properties located on Clement Drive and including any other properties with contaminated potable wells located within the Township of West Deptford.
The Township Committee determined that additional properties needed to be added to the list of properties.
The additional properties were added to the list, and Ordinance No. 2015-16 was supplemented by the adoption of Ordinance No. 2015-18 on October 21, 2015, and Ordinance No. 2015-23 on December 2, 2015.
The Township Committee has determined that the necessity to connect to the public water supply and seal private potable wells is not the fault of the property owners.
The Township Committee desires to waive the initial costs of the installation of water meters and water connection fees for all properties to be connected to the public water supply through the NJ DEP Potable Well Project in the Township of West Deptford.
B. 
The following properties are required to connect to the public water supply in the Township of West Deptford:
Block
Lot
342
34
342
34.02
128
2
342
34.03
351
8.03
351
8
351
8.01
346.07
21.02
4
4
357
4.04
357
4.01
357.03
6.02
358
6.02
368
26
350.03
45
357
4
353
1.04
346.07
21.01
325
7.02
C. 
Installation of meter costs and connection fees waived. All initial costs for the installation of water meters and water connection fees from West Deptford Township for all private properties to be connected to the public water supply through the NJDEP Potable Well Project in the Township of West Deptford shall be waived.
D. 
Applicability. This section pertains to the private properties as listed herein and shall apply to any private properties that may be added and/or included in the NJ DEP Potable Well Project in the Township of West Deptford.
E. 
Time for connection to public water system. Upon notification of the completion of a public water supply servicing their properties, the properties referred to in Subsection B above shall be required to connect to the public water supply system within 30 days.
F. 
Wells to be sealed. Upon completed hookup to the public water supply system, all potable wells on the properties referred to in Subsection B above shall be sealed within 60 days.
G. 
Penalty. Any person who commits a violation of this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to the penalty in § 1-15, Violations and penalties. In addition to the above penalties, if the owner of any house, building or structure referred to in Subsection B hereof shall fail to make the installation or connection required by this section within the time herein required, then the Township shall have the right to seek an order from a court of competent jurisdiction to compel a property owner to comply with the requirements of this section and to make the connection to the public water system and seal the well, together with attorney fees and costs incurred by the Township in seeking such enforcement, or, in the alternative, to have the Township enter onto the property to make such connection or installation and assess the cost thereof as a lien against the property pursuant to and in accordance with provisions of applicable regulations and statutes.
A. 
All private water distribution systems meeting the definition of nonpublic water system are required to meet all requirements of N.J.S.A. 58:31-1 seq., Water Quality Accountability Act (WQAA), and maintain records of such activities.
(1) 
Keep all valve exercising records on file for file years and provide copies of these records on a yearly basis to the Department in September of every year. Valve exercising records are to contain size of the valve, location of the valve, valve number, any issues found with the valve and valve box, and date of exercising.
(2) 
GPS locate all valves and fire hydrants as per WQAA and provide that information to the Department upon request.
(3) 
Label each hydrant with the purveyor's name (e.g., abbreviation or corporate symbol), as well as an identifying number or symbol, with paint, brand, or soft metal plate.
B. 
All private water distribution systems classified as a public community water system must meet all New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requirements for public community water systems.