The City Council shall establish such rules
and regulations as it deems necessary for the benefit of the water
system and facility.
A. Each building or structure, of any nature whatsoever,
hereafter used for any purpose whatsoever, using water and located
on property abutting or being provided access from any street wherein
there is located a public water supply main shall be individually
connected with the water facility and system of the City.
B. All buildings or structures, located on property abutting
or provided access from any street wherein a public water supply main
shall be installed, shall connect to the public water facility and
system of the City within 60 days of said installation.
C. All buildings or structures which are constructed
after the installation of a public water supply main and having access
or property abutting the road or street served by the public water
supply main shall be connected to the City's water facility and system
prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for such building
or structure.
D. No structure or building or premises shall use any
private well, pump or other means for furnishing of water to the premises.
However, upon application to the Director of the Division of Water
and Sewer and with explanation of the necessity for a relaxation of
the requirement to use City water, the City Council shall have the
power to permit the owner of any building or buildings to construct
and maintain private wells, pumps and other equipment for the furnishing
of water to the particular premises applied for. Such explanation
may include the unavailability of a public water main supply to the
property. The applicant must have all the necessary permits from the
state and/or county prior to the digging or driving of a well or to
the use of any water not supplied by the City. If a structure, building
or premises is connected to a source of water other than the City
water facility, the structure, building or premises shall not be connected
to the City water facility.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
E. All water service taps or connections shall be made
by or under the supervision of the City or its authorized agent.
A. All costs and expenses incidental to the installation
and connection of a building, structure or use to a public water supply
main shall be the responsibility of the owner(s) of the building,
structure or use.
B. All costs and expenses incidental to the maintenance
and repair of water lines or pipes from the public water supply main
to the building, structure or use shall be the responsibility of the
owner(s) of the building, structure or use.
C. Laterals from the public water supply main to the
curbline shall be laid, repaired or replaced at the expense of the
owner(s) of the building, structure or use. Said lateral shall be
laid, repaired or replaced by or under the supervision of the Division.
The Division shall provide or require that all new or replacement
water lines, meters, etc., be compatible with the existing water lines.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
(1) The Division shall install water lines or laterals
up to one inch. When the Division provides this service, the applicant
shall deposit a sum equal to the costs of the connection, renewal,
installation, repair, replacement, water meter or other service at
the time of application.
(2) The installation, repair and replacement for water
lines over one inch shall be contracted out by the owner at the owner's
expense to an approved contractor. The City shall approve the material,
supervise the installation and charge an inspection fee.
D. Lines from the curbline to the building, structure
or use shall be laid, repaired or replaced at the expense of the owner(s)
of the building, structure or use. All new or replacement lines must
be compatible with the City's water lines. The installation, repair
or replacement shall be contracted out by the owner at the owner's
expense to an approved contractor. The City shall approve the materials,
supervise the installation and charge an inspection fee.
E. The owner(s) of said building, structure or use shall
indemnify the City for any loss or damage that may, directly or indirectly,
be occasioned by the installation, connection, maintenance or repair
of water lines or pipes.
F. The owner(s) whose premises is supplied with water
from the public water supply main shall keep their 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.
G. The owner(s) whose premises is receiving water from
a branch, hydrant or service pipe or fixture uniting with a common
pipe shall be responsible for the maintenance, operation and cost
of repairs of the common pipe and shall be severally liable. If the
common pipe or line must be replaced, service by common pipe or line
shall be discontinued, and the owner of each property or premises
shall be individually responsible for the laying of its own pipe or
line.
H. It is expressly stipulated that no claim shall be
made against the City by reason of the breaking of any service pipe,
or service cock, or other fixtures, or from damage arising from shutting
off water to repair main, or make private connection with same.
I. If at any time it shall be necessary to repair a private
pipe within the limits of any street, court or alley, the expense
for permits, for repaving and repairs and for the costs of opening
the street, court or alley, if any, imposed by the New Jersey Department
of Transportation or the City or County of Cumberland shall be the
responsibility of the owner.
J. Expenses which are incurred by the City in repairing
or replacing or maintaining lines, pipes, apparatus and fixtures for
which the owner is responsible and, through neglect, refusal or otherwise,
the owner fails to repair, replace or maintain shall be billed by
the City and shall be subject to the same penalties for nonpayment
as are bills for water rents.
K. Any person violating this chapter or its rules or
regulations shall be liable to the City for any expense, loss or damage
occasioned by the City because of said violation.
A. Application for connection or renewal, for repairs
to or replacement or laying of water lines, from the public water
supply main to the curb and from the curb to the building, structure
or use, or for water meters or replacement thereof or any other services
from the Division of Water and Sewer shall be made in writing to the
Division on a form provided by the Division and signed by the owner
of the property or his agent.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
B. If required, the applicant must secure any necessary
state or Cumberland County permits, including any permits for opening
a state or county highway or road, as well as permits from the City's
code enforcement officers.
C. The application shall designate the name of the plumber
who shall install the connection or make the repair, the address of
the premises applied for, and the purpose of the connection or repair.
D. The application must be obtained and all fees, expenses,
escrows and/or other costs must be paid prior to the start of any
installation, replacement, repair, construction or connection.
A. Application for an extension of a public water supply
main within the public right-of-way shall be to the Division of Water
and Sewer, who shall consult with the City Engineer.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
B. The applicant shall submit the necessary engineering
drawings and other details as determined to be necessary by the City
Engineer.
C. The application and submissions shall be reviewed
by the City Engineer, submitted to City Council and, if necessary,
to appropriate state and/or county agencies for approval. The City
Council shall determine whether to grant an extension of the public
water supply or service based upon its assessment of the need and
ability of the City's water supply system to accommodate the expansion.
The City Council may set reasonable terms and conditions and may make
the extension of the public water supply mains as local improvements
with costs assessable to owners of property abutting said mains.
D. Applicants will be responsible for all costs of the
extension project, including those for assessments, inspection escrows,
miscellaneous fees and costs, permits, costs of excavation and/or
bonding as may be required by the City Engineer and City Council.
E. Final approval of the extension project is dependent
upon the applicant paying all fees, costs, escrows, bonding requirements,
and/or permits as may be required by the City Engineer or ordinance.
All property within the City receiving water
service from the City shall have installed a water meter with suitable
shutoff valves.
A. Placement. The Division of Water and Sewer may determine
that conditions exist which make normal meter installation unfeasible
due to inadequate plumbing or due to lack of cellar, basement or crawl
space. Where such a determination is made, the Division shall require
the applicant, at the applicant's expense, to install the necessary
plumbing or appurtenances or to provide a meter box with vault located
outside the building, but as close as possible to the curb stop.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
B. Installation. The Division of Water and Sewer shall
install and/or replace water meters and shall charge as set forth
in the schedule of charges and rents. If the City installs the outside
meter boxes or vaults, it shall charge as set forth in the schedule
of charges and rents.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
C. Specifications. Where the applicant or property owner
provides for the outdoor meter box or vault, the installation must
be made complete with approved fittings and lid, in accordance with
specifications of the Division of Water and Sewer.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
D. Responsibility. The owner of any premises where a
meter is installed shall be held responsible for its care and protection
from freezing or other injury. The owner or occupant shall notify
the Division of Water and Sewer if the meter, including the seal,
is injured, damaged or not working; said notice shall be made as soon
as the owner or occupant is aware of the injury or damage to and the
nonworking of the meter. No by-pass around or disconnection of the
meter is permitted.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
E. Repairs to be made by the City. Repairs to water meters
will be made by the City pursuant to charges as set forth in the schedule
of charges. However, if a proper protection has not been provided
for a meter, wherever located, or if a meter has been damaged, injured
or destroyed, tampered or disconnected, all expenses incurred by the
City for repairs or replacement of the meter or fixtures shall be
charged to the owners of the premises or the consumer where the meter
is located. The repairs will be charged only when evidence is obtained
that such repairs were necessary due to the neglect of the owner or
consumer or to tampering.
F. Readings conclusive. Where water is furnished by meter
measurements, the quantity recorded by said meters shall be conclusive
as to the consumer or property owner and the City, except where the
meter has been found to register incorrectly or has ceased to register.
In such event, the quantity shall be determined by the quantity used
by another meter or the same meter after repair or testing for a thirty-day
period; or the quantity used during a previous corresponding period
may, at the option of the City, be used as a basis of settlement.
G. Testing of meters. Should a consumer or owner believe
that the meter is not registering properly, he shall file a complaint
with the Division of Water and Sewer whereupon the meter will be removed
and tested by the Division. If it is found to register against the
consumer or owner more than 3%, there will be no charge for removing,
repairing and resetting the meter. If, however, the meter is found
to register against the consumer less than 3%, the Division will charge
for the test, as set forth in the attached schedule. The Division
shall have the right to make periodic tests of all meters at no cost
to the consumer or owner. The user will be charged for water according
to the average rate as previously shown by the meter.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
H. Access to water meters. Authorized employees of the Division of Water
and Sewer shall have the right of reasonable access to residences
and businesses receiving water service from the City, at all reasonable
times, for the purpose of accessing water meters for meter reading,
meter repair, or replacement of a meter. Failure to provide authorized
employees of the Division of Water and Sewer access to a water meter
at or in a residence or business within 20 business days of receiving
written notice to the owner(s) and/or occupant(s) requesting water
meter access for the purposes of meter reading, meter repair, or replacement
of a meter, may result in fines as set forth below:
[Amended 7-16-2024 by Ord. No. 24-12]
(1) Violations of this section are punishable as follows:
(b)
Second offense and every offense thereafter: $100.
(2) A first violation of this section shall not require a Court appearance
unless a not guilty plea is entered. Violations after the first offense
may, at the discretion of the enforcing agency, require a court appearance,
and in such instance may be subject to additional penalties up to
an amount not to exceed $500 at the discretion of the Municipal Court
Judge.
(3) Written notice requesting water meter access shall be on a form prescribed
by the Director of Public Works and shall list the address, block
and lot, and the purpose for which the meter is to be accessed and
shall require compliance within 20 business days of receipt of such
notice. Such notice shall be served on the owner(s) and/or occupant(s)
personally or sent by registered or certified mail and posted in a
conspicuous location on the property wherein the meter is located.
(4) The Director of the Division of Water and Sewer or his or her agent
shall have the authority to issue a notice of violation or a summons
and complaint for failure to allow water meter access in accordance
with this section. Any municipal fines imposed under this section
may be paid without appearance in court unless the summons otherwise
indicates that a court appearance is necessary before the Judge of
the Municipal Court of the City of Bridgeton. If a court appearance
is required, the court may impose additional penalties as set forth
herein.
A. Any person who shall permit water to flow unnecessarily
from any part of a private pipe or fixture or permit any waste of
water or any person who shall permit water to flow unnecessarily from
any private pipe or fixture on his premises, either within a building
or enclosure, street, court or alley, shall be in violation of this
chapter.
B. The Director of the Division of Water and Sewer or
his agent shall be authorized to inquire at any dwelling or other
place where any unnecessary waste of water is apparent, into the cause
of the waste and shall, if necessary, request the owner or occupier
of the building to have the pipes or fixtures repaired to prevent
the wasting of water.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
C. If the waste arises from the need for a repair in
the pipes or fixtures and if the owner or occupier of the dwelling
or building or premises shall neglect or refuse to obtain the necessary
repair, the Director of the Division of Water and Sewer is authorized
to shut off the water leading to the building or dwelling within 24
hours of written notice, cause the repairs to be made and charge the
owner for costs. No person shall turn on the water until the repairs
are made. If, in the opinion of the Director, the repair must be made
immediately to protect the public safety, the Director is authorized
to immediately make the repairs and charge the owner for costs.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
D. No person shall molest, tamper or attempt to molest
or tamper with any service pipe or line, curb stop, seal, water meter
or any other appliance or piece of equipment or apparatus which is
part of the water system or facility.
E. No person except the Director of the Division of Water
and Sewer shall open or close the stopcocks or valves in any public
or private pipe.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
A. The construction or laying of private pipes or changes
in the plumbing which may affect water meters, stop, valves or the
public water supply shall conform to the requirements of the uniform
construction codes, plumbing subcode and any other applicable code,
rule or regulation of the City or state. Permits and inspections may
be required.
B. In all cases where an opening shall be made in any
of the streets, lanes or alleys of the City, for the purpose of connecting
any private pipe with the public water supply main or of extending,
repairing, renewing or removing the private pipe, the opening shall
be filled up as soon as the circumstances will permit, and the roadbed
or surface of the streets and the paving and curbs firmly relaid and
fixed in good order at the cost of the owner of the private pipe,
and as set forth in the schedule of charges, if applicable.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
The Director of the Division of Water and Sewer
or other persons authorized by his or her shall at all reasonable
hours have free access to all parts of the premises, grounds or buildings
to which water is supplied for the purpose of inspection, examination,
repair, or disconnection of fixtures, mains, lines, equipment, etc.
No one shall oppose the access provided for in this section.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 11-7-2007 by Ord. No.
07-16]
A. Right to limit water. The City reserves the right
to decrease or limit the quantity of water used in the City of Bridgeton
whenever, in the judgment of the Director of the Division of Water
and Sewer, it is necessary or expedient to do so. The Director of
the Division of Water and Sewer shall promulgate such restrictions
by announcement in a local newspaper and by posting in the office
of the Municipal Clerk.
[Amended 12-1-2009 by Ord. No. 09-04; 9-19-2017 by Ord. No. 17-20]
B. Violation of water restrictions. It shall be unlawful
for anyone to fail to abide by the restrictions placed upon water
use by the Director of the Division of Water and Sewer, after promulgation
of such restrictions.
[Amended 12-1-2009 by Ord. No. 09-04]
(1) Violations of this section are punishable as follows:
(a)
First offense: a written warning.
(b)
Second offense: $50 municipal fine.
(c)
Third offense: $100 municipal fine.
(d)
Fourth offense and every offense thereafter:
$250 municipal fine.
(2) The Director of the Division of Water and Sewer or
his or her agent shall have the authority to issue a notice of violation
or a summons and complaint for violations as set forth herein.
(3) If, in the opinion of the Director of the Division
of Water and Sewer, the immediate shut off or termination of water
service is necessary to prevent further wasting of water in violation
of this section, the Director may shut off the water or discontinue
water service without notice. If water service is terminated, a service
charge of $100 shall be imposed for the water turn on.
C. Any municipal fines imposed under this section may be paid without appearance in court unless the summons otherwise indicates that a court appearance is necessary before the Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Bridgeton. If a court appearance is required, the court may impose additional penalties as set forth in §
1-17.
D. The City shall not be responsible for damages by reason
of the failure to supply water insofar as it may affect any property
or use thereof.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 11-7-2007 by Ord. No.
07-16; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No. 09-04]
The Director of the Division of Water and Sewer
or his or her agent shall have the authority to shut off water or
to discontinue water service. Notice shall be as provided by statute
or ordinance, elsewhere.
A. Service may be discontinued for the following reasons:
(1) For the use of water for any other purpose or property
than that described in the application for service, repair, etc.
(2) For the willful waste of water through improper or
imperfect pipes, fixture, or otherwise.
(3) For failure to maintain in good working order the
connections, service lines or fixtures for which the owner or user
is responsible.
(4) For molesting, tampering or attempting to molest or
tamper with any service pipe, curb stop, seal, water meter or any
other appliance or piece of equipment of the Division.
(5) For refusal of access at reasonable hours to property
for purposes of inspecting or for repairing, caring for or removing
meters.
(6) For nonpayment of bills or service rendered or water
consumed or fines and penalties or for any other reason causing or
tending to cause a loss to the Division of Water and Sewer.
(7) For violation of water use restrictions promulgated
by the Director of the Division of Water and Sewer.
B. Service may be discontinued until any necessary repairs
or alterations are made.
C. If the Director of the Division of Water and Sewer
or his agent has reason to believe there is actual or probable evasion
or disregard of the provisions governing water use, supply or distribution,
or if alterations, extensions or repairs are necessary, he may enter
upon any land or water to examine the pipes, conduits, or other fixtures
or equipment to ascertain whether there is evasion or disregard of
the rules or whether the mains, equipment, etc., are in proper order.
D. Service may be temporarily discontinued, in order
to inspect and examine.
E. The City or its agents shall not be liable under any
circumstances for a deficiency or failure in the supply of water,
whether occasioned by shutting off the water to make inspection, repairs
or connection, or for any other cause whatsoever, including attaching
or repairing meters.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
No person shall supply water to others, except
by special permission from the Director of the Division of Water and
Sewer. For every person so offending, the supply of water will be
stopped and the rent already paid forfeited.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
No private hydrant for domestic use shall be
allowed to be erected on any public street or alley where it may become
a source of supply to any persons who are not entitled to the use
of the same. The corporation cock and lead goose neck at the main
is owned and controlled by the City and is not to be removed or tampered
with except by orders from the Director of the Division of Water and
Sewer.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
No person shall, without a permit from the Director
of the Division of Water and Sewer, introduce a ferrule into any public
or private pipe or from any connection or communication whatever with
the pipes or break ground for any purposes; nor shall any person introduce
or use a ferrule of larger diameter or make any attachment or do anything
otherwise than is specified in his permit.
Any person or persons using water for steam
boilers or for irrigation purposes, or in connection with the operation
of an air-conditioning system, or to supply a foundation or jet which
permits free flow of water when unattended shall use water for such
purposes only when supplied through a meter at established meter rates.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
Where it is desired to supply steam pumps, the
Director of the Division of Water and Sewer may direct that the owner
or occupant of the property shall provide a tank into which the water
shall be discharged before going to the pumps, and that no direct
communication with the street mains be allowed.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
No person, unless authorized by the Division,
shall take water from any public fire hydrant except for fire purposes
or for the use of the Fire Department. No fire hydrants shall be used
for sprinkling the streets, flushing sewers or gutters or for any
other than fire purposes, except by the Division of Water and Sewer.
[Amended 11-21-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12; 12-1-2009 by Ord. No.
09-04]
If a premises or building becomes vacant, the
owner may apply to have water service discontinued. The application
shall be on a form provided by the Division of Water and Sewer. No
vacancy permit shall be granted except by the Division of Water and
Sewer and then only upon 30 days' notice of the intention of the owner
or occupant to vacate the premises and upon payment of the turnoff
fee.