[Adopted 10-26-2011 (Ch. 100, Art. IX, of the 2016 Code)]
A. 
While the provision of utility services is a proper municipal function, the municipality must receive fair consideration from all private individuals or associations for these services. Pursuant to Article VIII § 1 of the New York State Constitution, the Village of Bloomfield hereby defines its public utilities policy for water, sewer, and stormwater drainage.
B. 
Water and sewer lines are often located on private property and run to and connect with water mains and sewer laterals of the Village system situated in rights-of-way and under Village streets. Drainage piping may also be located on private property.
Pursuant to the New York State Constitution, the Village of Bloomfield will not:
A. 
Enter private property to install or repair water mains or sewer lines.
B. 
Maintain a private water or sewer connection under the roadway.
C. 
Pay a homeowner for damages incurred by reason of a ruptured water main or sewer lateral, unless there is a legal basis for liability.
D. 
Expend funds to repair a drainage pipe on private property in a residential area that will benefit only the residents of one street.
E. 
Install a storm sewer pipe on private property.
F. 
Reduce or "forgive" consumption from a water meter, unless said meter is found to be defective.
G. 
Pay for the cost to test a water meter, unless the results of the test confirm that the meter is defective.
Exceptions under Village Law § 11-1112 to the above-mentioned prohibitions include:
A. 
Repair or replace water pipes or sewer lines on private property where the property owner refuses such direction and to assess the costs back against the private owner.
B. 
When an emergency occurs which endangers public health, safety and welfare, work may be performed on private property but cannot be recouped unless there is a previously adopted local law providing for this.
C. 
Repair a break in a private sewer line if it is seeping onto the street.
A. 
The Village DPW requires that all Village and private systems to be dedicated to the Village utilize Mueller curb stops, gate valves and corp stops because they are made in the USA, replacement parts are readily available- (especially in an emergency), are of superior construction, are easy to repair and their use will eliminate the need for stocking of additional parts for other types of curb stops, gate valves and corp stops.
B. 
Mueller are the only oil-filled hydrants currently on the market at this time.
When a resident makes a complaint about a water or sewer issue, be it taste, odor, color, or other physical change, the complaint will be written down on a complaint form and forwarded to the Supervisor of Public Works. The DPW will make every effort to respond to the complaint within one working day. If the concern is deemed a public hazard, the Mayor will be notified and proper procedures will be followed to report to the residents of the Village, the New York State Department of Health and/or the media. A record of all complaints will be kept on file with the DPW and reported periodically and at least annually to the Village Board.