[1985 Code § 19-1.1]
There is hereby established a Water Department for the Borough
operating under the direction of the Borough Manager, either directly
or by his duly authorized representatives or agents.
[1985 Code § 19-1.2; Ord. No. 2009-#11; Ord. No. 2012-#08]
As used in this Article:
Shall mean the person in charge of inspecting water, as may
be required by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
Shall mean all pipes other than supply pipes or service pipes
used for carrying or distributing water.
Shall mean the Office of the Borough Clerk or Borough Treasurer.
Shall mean that portion of the pipe from the curb box to
the water meter. "Service pipe" shall be type K copper, or other approved
material of a size and quality as approved by the Water Superintendent.
All service pipes must have a minimum pressure rating of 200 psi.
All service pipes must be traceable to allow for magnetic location.
Shall mean water supplied in those water distribution lines
not suitable for year-round usage.
Shall mean that portion of the pipe from the main to the
curb box. "Supply pipe" shall be type K copper and 3/4 inch in diameter
or larger and all fittings used must be Mueller or equal thereto and
be of approved model and approved by the Water Superintendent.
Shall mean the person in charge of the records of the Water
Department.
Shall mean the person responsible for the reading of all
water meters.
Shall mean the Director of the Department of Public Works
which Superintendent is hereby designated as a Superintendent of the
Water Department.
[1985 Code § 19-1.30]
The Borough Treasurer shall:
a.
Act as water register.
b.
Have charge of all the books of the Water Department that pertain
to revenues.
c.
Make all collections for water rents and have charge of all monies
that are collected by that office.
d.
Keep a separate ledger account for each person buying water from
the Borough.
e.
Collect for and receipt all permits before the Water Superintendent
issues them, and account for same upon the proper books of the Borough.
[1985 Code § 19-1.3]
A Water Clerk, a Water Superintendent, a Water Meter Reader
and a Licensed Water Operator shall be appointed by the Borough Manager.
[1985 Code § 19-1.28]
a.
No person shall have, wear or exhibit any badge or credentials of
the Water Department unless that person is an authorized agent of
the Borough.
b.
It shall be the duty of every employee of the Borough, upon resignation
or dismissal, to forthwith surrender and deliver at the Office all
badges or credentials of the Water Department.
c.
It shall be the duty of the Water Superintendent to keep a record
of all badges and credentials issued.
[1985 Code § 19-1.8]
[1985 Code § 19-1.8A; Ord. No.
2002-09; Ord. No. 2009-#11]
a.
Any consumer obtaining water supply from the Ringwood Borough Water
Department shall be required to seal all existing wells or water sources
that exist on their property.
b.
In the event that there are existing interconnections with a private
source of water supply that exist before the effective date of this
subsection,[1] those interconnections shall provide for proper backflow
prevention devices. An acceptable backflow prevention device shall
be considered a double gate valve and a check valve as approved by
the Water Superintendent. Furthermore, all such backflow prevention
devices shall be tested and certified in working condition at least
once every year by a New Jersey State certified backflow inspector.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 2002-09, contained herein, was
adopted on April 24, 2002 and amended by Ordinance No. 2009-#11 adopted
December 22, 2009.
[1985 Code § 19-1.12; Ord. No.
2012-#08]
a.
Application for introduction of water supply or for the change of any existing water supply shall be made at the office of the Water Superintendent by the owner of the premises or his authorized agent. The application shall be made upon a blank form furnished for that purpose. The applicant shall subscribe to the conditions thereon, stating fully the uses to which the water is to be applied. A fee as set forth in subsection 18-9.1 shall be charged for a supply line.
b.
Upon the receipt of an application for the introduction of a larger
supply line or for change of any existing water supply, the Water
Superintendent or his agent shall make an inspection of the premises
and shall prepare an estimate of the cost of work applied for and
render a bill to the owner of the premises. Upon payment in full of
such fee or bill, the work of making the proper connections with the
premises shall be proceeded with as promptly as practical. If the
estimated cost exceeds actual cost, a refund will be made to the applicant.
The Water Superintendent has the right to deny performing the construction
work. The applicant will then be required to perform the construction
work.
[1985 Code § 19-1.23]
a.
Application for water for construction of a building shall be made
to the Water Superintendent by the owner of the property on suitable
forms supplied by the Water Department.
b.
A fee, as set forth in subsection 18-9.1a4 for the temporary placement of a meter for the construction of a building shall accompany each application. Water shall be charged for at the current rate.
c.
All such meters shall be placed to the satisfaction of the Water
Superintendent or other duly authorized agent, and it shall be the
duty of the applicant to take care of the meter.
[1985 Code § 19-1.18]
No service connections shall be made from November 15 to March
15 except at the option of the Mayor and Council. The Borough shall
have full right to reject any application for the service connections
upon reasonable cause.
When connections are made during this period, the owner of the premises shall be liable for all charges incurred by the Department over and above the rates set forth in Section 18-9.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 18-2.6, Certification of
Availability of Municipal Water, 1985 Code § 19-1.32, was
repealed 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-05.
[1985 Code § 19-1.17]
No one except the Water Department or an authorized agent shall
tap the water mains, water supply or service pipes or shall turn the
water off or on at the curb box except in an emergency.
[1985 Code 19-1.5]
Water shall be turned on and admitted or flowed in the premises
of consumers only by the Water Superintendent or his agent and upon
notification by the Water Clerk.
[1985 Code § 19-1.5; 19-1.6); Ord.
No. 2009-#11]
a.
Except as hereinafter provided by this Article, all water taken or consumed shall be supplied through a water meter, and shall be charged for at such uniform rates as set forth in subsection 18-9.1.
b.
A physical reading of each water meter may be required at least once
per calendar year for water billing purposes.
[1985 Code § 19-1.7]
a.
Not more than one dwelling unit shall be supplied through a meter,
but nothing herein shall prohibit the supplying of a garage or other
accessory building on the same premises through one meter, provided
that the garage or other accessory building is not used as a dwelling
unit.
b.
Upon request to and approval by the Water Superintendent, one meter
may be used for a condominium development.
[1985 Code § 19-1.24; Ord. No.
2009-#11; Ord. No. 2012-#08]
a.
All meters shall be placed under the supervision and to the satisfaction
of the Water Superintendent or such person as he may designate, so
that they may be easily examined and read. That portion of the service
pipe within the building shall be kept exposed. All other pipes and
other appliances and equipment are required to be inspected and approved
by the Water Superintendent or his agent before being covered and
all such pipes outside the building shall be covered to a depth of
at least 42 inches.
b.
A meter opening of 12 inches must be provided. As directed by the
Water Superintendent for a meter installation, service pipes must
have a gate valve or a ball valve on the inside of the building within
two feet of the place where it enters the building, and a stop and
waste cock or valve on the outlet side of the meter. No outlet shall
be permitted in the service pipe between the curb box and the meter.
c.
Meters are to be installed at the risk of the property owner, and
such owner will be held responsible for any damage thereto including
damage by frost or freezing.
d.
No meters shall be installed in a building which did not previously
have a meter unless the property owner provides an appropriate wire
for the installation of an outside meter recorder satisfactory to,
and in a location approved by the Water Department.
[1985 Code § 19-1.25]
a.
The accuracy of any meter will be determined by the Department upon written request of the owner who shall pay in advance the fee set forth in subsection 18-9.1 to cover cost of the test.
b.
If on such test the meter shall be found to register over 3% more
water than actually passed through the meter, the meter will be replaced,
the test fee will be refunded to the owner of the premises, and the
Water Clerk shall adjust the water bill for the current term in such
manner as he may decide to be fair and just.
c.
Where replacement of a meter is requested by the consumer, and after
a test the meter in use is found accurate, such replacement shall
not be made unless the consumer pays the cost of all labor and material
necessary to make the change.
[1985 Code § 19-1.14]
Meters shall be set at a fee set forth in subsection 18-9.1. All meters are the property of the Borough.
[1985 Code § 19-1.26]
No person except an employee of the Water Department shall remove,
disconnect, repair, adjust or tamper in any way with a water meter
except that, in case of an emergency, a seal on a meter or a bypass
may be broken, provided that the Water Department shall be notified
of such action.
[1985 Code § 19-1.15]
The application for water connection shall be taken in all cases
to be a consent by the applicant, owner or occupier that the Water
Clerk, Water Superintendent or other duly authorized agents of the
Borough may enter the premises for inspection of the meter service
or other apparatus connected with the water supply at all reasonable
hours upon the presentation of the badge or other credentials provided
by the Water Department.
[1985 Code § 19-1.16]
Inspectors of the Water Department, or any other person so delegated
by the Water Clerk or Water Superintendent shall be allowed inside
of buildings, to shut off the water supply for the purpose of inspection
or in order that the repairs or alterations to water mains, pipes
or stopcocks, and the like may be made.
[1985 Code § 19-1.20; Ord. No.
2009-#11]
It shall be the duty of all persons who may be supplied with
water from any Borough water main to maintain their house service
pipes and all fixtures in good order and protected from frost and
freezing at their own expense and shall prevent all unnecessary waste
of water. It shall be the duty of each consumer having notice or knowledge
of leaks in service pipes or supply pipes to his premises or to those
occupied by him or under his control, forthwith to notify the Water
Clerk. It shall also be his duty to keep the curb box exposed and
in an accessible condition.
[1985 Code § 19-1.21]
a.
It is expressly stipulated that no claim shall be made against the
Borough by reason of the breaking of any supply or service pipe cocks,
or from shutting off water to repair any mains or making connections
with same.
b.
Should it become necessary to shut off the water from any section
of the Borough for the purpose of making changes or repairs, the Water
Department will endeavor to give timely notice to the users affected
thereby and will, so far as practical, use its best efforts to prevent
inconvenience and damages arising from any cause, but failure to give
such notice will not render the Water Department responsible or liable
for damages that may result therefrom or from any other cause.
c.
The Borough undertakes only to use reasonable care and diligence
to provide a constant supply of water through its pipes, but does
not undertake to render any special service or maintain any fixed
or definite quantity of pressure. In the event of the occurrence of
any break, failure or accident, the Borough shall not be liable for
any damage resulting therefrom.
d.
The Borough reserves the right to decrease or limit the quantity
of water used, whenever in the judgment of the Mayor and Council it
is necessary or expedient to do so.
[1985 Code § 19-1.19]
a.
Upon notification or discovery of any leaks in supply or service
pipes or stopcocks, the Water Department shall shut off the water.
Such notification shall be given to the Water Clerk.
b.
All repairs to or replacement of the service pipe shall be made at
the expense of the owner under the supervision of the Water Department
and shall be made during the regular work week. Any damage to supply
pipe, stopcock and the like encountered during replacement or installation
of service pipe shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
c.
The Water Department shall make all repairs to supply pipes without
charge. The material for a replacement of a supply pipe shall be the
responsibility of the Water Department.
[1985 Code § 19-1.22]
Any person desiring to discontinue service to his property shall
give at least five days' written notice thereof to the Water Clerk
who shall then notify the Water Department.
[1985 Code § 19-1.5]
Discontinuance of service may be made for any of the following
reasons.
a.
For failure to maintain in good order connections, service lines
or fixtures owned by the customer.
b.
For molesting any service pipe, meter, curb stopcock or seal or any
other appliance of the Department.
c.
In case of vacancy of premises.
d.
For nonpayment of water service charges or any other charges accruing
under the application.
e.
For refusal of access at reasonable hours to property or residence
for purposes of inspecting or for reading, caring for or removing
meters by properly identified Water Department personnel.
[1985 Code § 19-1.9; Ord. #2009-#11]
a.
The billing period for water shall be on a quarterly basis.
b.
All bills for water consumed shall be rendered quarterly between
the 10th and 20th day of each billing period for all water consumed
during the preceding quarter.
c.
All bills for standby connection charges, as set forth in subsection 18-9.1, shall be payable quarterly in advance.
d.
All bills shall be made payable to the Borough of Ringwood.
e.
All bills for water consumed shall be due when rendered, and all
bills for standby connection charges shall be due on the first day
of each quarter.
f.
Interest on delinquent bills for water consumed or standby charges
or assessments shall be determined by resolution of the Mayor and
Council and shall be charged from date the bill is rendered. No interest
shall be charged if the bill is paid within 30 days after the bill
is rendered.
g.
If a payment is not made within 60 days after due date, the water shall be shut off and not turned on again except on payment of arrears and a fee for turning the water on, as set forth in subsection 18-9.1.
i.
No bills will be rendered or payment accepted for less than the minimum
rate.
j.
Any and all water furnished to the Fire Department of the Borough
shall be supplied without cost and any Fire Company operating under
or as part of the Borough of Ringwood Fire Department shall not be
billed for water supplied.
[1985 Code § 19-1.10; Ord. No.
2017-05]
The owner(s) of any building, house, dwelling, structure, lot
or lots shall be liable for payment of the water rent and charges
imposed hereby for the use of water and water-connected services set
forth herein, whether or not the use of such water or services is
used by or for the benefit of a tenant, lessee, occupier or any other
person or entity other than the owner. The water rent and water service
charges so fixed and determined herein shall be and constitute a lien
upon the property, land, building, house, dwelling, structure and
lot, together with all appurtenances thereto, until the bill or statement
shall be paid and satisfied. In the event of nonpayment of said bill
or statement in full, the property, lots and land, together with any
building, house, dwelling structure and their appurtenances, shall
be liable to sale in the manner provided by law in satisfaction and
payment of the lien of said water rent and charges.
[1985 Code § 19-1.13; Ord. No.
2009-#11]
Where access to meters cannot be had during any meter reading
period, the user will be required to pay a charge, calculated on the
estimated usage based upon actual consumption of previous year and
quarter.
[1985 Code § 19-1.29; Ord. No.
1998-06; Ord. No. 2000-05; Ord. No. 2002-09; Ord. No. 2004-06; Ord.
No. 2006-#3; Ord. No. 2008-#09; Ord. No. 2009-#1; Ord. No. 2009-#11; Ord.
No. 2012-#08; Ord. No. 2014-06; Ord. No. 2017-05; Ord. No. 2018-01]
a.
There shall be established the following charges:
2.
For existing water customers requesting to change the size of their service. This includes the installation of a tap, corporation stop, meter and meter set fee up to and including one inch in diameter as set forth in Subsection 18-2.3: $2,150.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-05]
3.
For connections above one inch in diameter (actual installation shall
be responsibility of the water customer): $200.
4.
For temporary placement of a 3/4 inch meter for the construction of a building as set forth in subsection 18-2.4: $200.
6.
For non-water customers needing swimming pools filled, there is a
set-up fee in addition to the cost of water: $300.
7.
For final water read: $30.
8.
If other equipment is needed to complete the repair, an additional
hourly rate will be charged.
9.
Cost of Meters:
|
1/2 inches
|
$170
|
|
3/4 inches
|
$220
|
|
1 inches
|
$270
|
10.
For frozen meter replacement: Call-out plus the cost of the meter
and materials.
11.
To have a water service frozen: Cost of call-out plus $50.
12.
Charge for meter touch pad removal or damage: $100.
13.
Labor Rates:
|
Regular time
|
$35
|
|
Overtime
|
1.5 x $52
|
|
Overtime
|
2 x $70
|
|
Overtime
|
2.5 x $87.50
|
14.
In the event blasting is necessary for the installation of a water
service line from main to curb, the blasting expense shall be the
responsibility of the property owner.
b.
Fire Protection Systems. There is hereby established the charge of
$200 per year (billed at $50 per quarter) for an unmetered standby
connection to the Municipal Water System for fire sprinkler systems
and standpipes. This charge shall be in addition to all other charges
for water. This connection shall be used exclusively for fire protection
systems. Metered connections will be charged at the Water Consumption
Rates below.
d.
Water Consumption Rates. There are hereby established the following water consumption rates as set forth in Subsection 18-3.1:
[Amended 4-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03; 2-15-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-03]
|
Quarter-Annual Water Rates
| |
|---|---|
|
Total Quantity in Gallons/Quarter
|
Rates/Quarter
|
|
0 to 5,000
|
$42.76 (res. min.)
|
|
5,001 to 10,000
|
$76.72 (res. min.)
|
|
Over 10,000
|
$7.67 per 1,000 gallons
|
|
Minimum Quarter-Annual Charge Other Than Residential
| |
|---|---|
|
3/4 inch and smaller
|
$85.46
|
|
1 inch
|
$95.26
|
|
1 1/2 inches
|
$112.98
|
|
2 inches
|
$145.28
|
e.
Fire Hydrants. An annual charge of $100 for each fire hydrant shall
be paid by the Borough of Ringwood to the Water Department to cover
the cost of providing water to each such hydrant for one year.
f.
Connection Fee. Connection fee chargeable per service unit is $3,150.
Such charge shall be paid in full prior to the installation of supply
line to premises and it includes the meter and meter set fee.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-05]
g.
A bulk water sale to another water purveyor shall be at a rate of
the Borough's cost plus 15% for handling and administration.
[1985 Code § 19-1.33; Ord. No.
2009-#11]
An emergency water call-out shall be considered any call for
service by a user pertaining to the Borough water system. If Borough
employees are dispatched on an emergency water call-out and the problem
is determined to be the responsibility of the property owner, the
property owner shall be responsible for any costs incurred by the
Municipality in connection with said water call-out, these costs to
be in accordance with payment provisions of the Labor Agreement between
the Borough of Ringwood and the current collective bargaining unit.
The property owner's responsibility in connection with water service
extends from the property or curbline into the building being serviced.
The property owner is also responsible for water service within the
building.
[1985 Code § 19-1.27]
The opening of fire hydrants shall be allowed only by special
permission from the Water Superintendent or his agents, except in
case of fire. All volunteer Fire Departments shall; notify and obtain
the approval of the Water Superintendent before opening a fire hydrant
except in case of a fire or emergency.
[1985 Code § 19-1.4]
a.
No person shall make use of any water from any of the water mains
or supply pipes of this Borough except in the manner provided in this
chapter.
b.
All water customers having a swimming pool in excess of 2,500 gallons
capacity shall be required to obtain approval from the Water Superintendent
to fill same. Prior to granting permission, the Water Superintendent
shall consider the demands upon the system, other applicants for like
purpose, and shall designate time or times when water may be taken
from the system for this purpose by the applicant.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former subsection 18-10.3, Summer Water Service,
previously codified herein and containing portions of 1985 Code § 19-1.31,
was repealed in its entirety by Ordinance No. 2009-#11.
[1985 Code § 19-2.1]
The conditions and restrictions established in this section
shall apply to any property, facility, building, person, entity or
corporation receiving water from the Ringwood Water Department.
[1985 Code 19-2.2; Ord. No. 2005-#26]
Year round restrictions shall apply to all outside noncommercial
water usage including but not limited to: filling of swimming pools,
car washing and lawn watering.
[1985 Code § 19-2.3; Ord. No. 2005-#26]
All properties or houses with odd house numbers (those numbers
not divisible by two) shall be restricted from water usage as set
forth in the preceding subsection on even days of the month (those
days divisible by two). All properties or houses with even house numbers
shall be restricted from water usage as set forth in the preceding
subsection on odd days of the month.
[Ord. No. 2006-#12]
Any person, corporation, or entity who is the owner or occupier
of property on which there is a violation of the provisions of this
section shall be liable for a penalty of $25 for a first offense and
$50 for every subsequent offense in each calendar year.
[1985 Code § 19-2.5; Ord. No. 2006-#12]
Enforcement of this section shall be by the Ringwood Police
Department, the Code Enforcement Officer and the Ringwood Water Department
personnel.
[1985 Code § 19-3.1]
Whenever the Governing Body shall find that a 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 the water emergency, which may include the entire Municipality, and shall specify which of the water use regulations contained in subsection 18-16.2 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 subsection 18-16.3. For the purpose of this subsection, a water emergency shall exist for any of the following reasons:
a.
The public utility providing water service to all or a portion of
the Municipality has adopted water use restrictions, has notified
the Municipality, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, 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.
[1985 Code § 19-3.2]
Upon adoption by the Governing Body of a resolution declaring that a water emergency exists in the Municipality in accordance with subsection 18-16.1, 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.
Any other water use restriction specified by the Governing Body in the resolution required by subsection 18-16.1 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 subsection 18-16.1.
[1985 Code § 19-3.3]
The resolution of the Governing Body required by subsection 18-16.1 shall, in addition to complying with subsection 18-16.1, 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 prior 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 section continuing the water use restrictions.
[1985 Code § 19-3.4]
The water use restrictions imposed pursuant to this section 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 any additional offense as provided in subsection 18-16.5. The local authorized official is hereby empowered to write a summons for the violation of the water use restrictions imposed pursuant to this section.
[1985 Code § 19-3.5; New]
After a first offense in accordance with subsection 18-16.4, any person or business who thereafter violates the water use restrictions imposed pursuant to this section shall be fined or imprisoned in accordance with this subsection. For a second offense, the fine imposed shall be $500 or imprisonment for 10 days or both a fine and imprisonment.
[New]
b.
Violations of Summer Water Restrictions. Any person, corporation, or entity who is the owner or occupier of property on which there is a violation of the provisions of section 18-15, Summer Water Restrictions, shall, upon conviction thereof, be liable for a fine not exceeding $50 for the first offense and $100 for each subsequent offense. As a condition to conviction, it must be established that a warning notice previously has been issued or mailed or delivered prior to the issuance of a summons for this violation.
