A. Definition: The "service connection" shall be that part of the water distribution system which connects the meter to the main and shall normally consist of corporation stop, service pipe, curb stop and box, meter, meter yoke and meter box. The "customer service line" shall be that part of the piping on the customer's property that connects the service to the customer's distribution system.
B. Ownership, Installation And Maintenance: The water department shall own, install and maintain all services and installation and maintenance shall only be performed by authorized employees of the water department. The customer shall own, install and maintain the customer service line.
C. Service Connection Charge: At the time the applicant files for service where no service previously existed, or if he is filing for a change in service size or location, he shall submit with his application the service connection charge. This charge is to cover the actual cost to the water department to install the service from the main to and including the meter and meter housing. The service connection charge shall be established by the council by resolution upon the passage of this chapter and be reviewed annually and updated by resolution of the council.
D. Size Of Service: The water department will furnish and install a service of such size at such locations as the applicant requests, provided such requests are reasonable and that the size requested is one that is listed by the water department. The minimum size of service shall be determined by the water department. The water department may refuse to install a service line which is undersized or oversized as determined by a study and report of the superintendent to the city council.
E. Changes In Service Size: Permanent changes in the size of the service line requested by the customer shall be paid by the customer on the basis of actual cost to the water department for making the change.
F. Length Of Service:
1. Where the main is in a public right of way, the meter if required will be placed at the right of way line nearest the property to be serviced for the standard connection fee, provided the length of service line does not exceed the width of the right of way.
2. Where the main is on an easement or publicly owned property other than designated rights of way, the services shall be installed to the boundary of the easement or public property by the water department, provided the length of service does not exceed thirty feet (30').
3. If, in either case cited above, the length of service line to the meter location exceeds the maximum stated, the applicant shall pay the extra cost of the line on the basis of actual cost to the water department for labor, materials and equipment plus fifteen percent (15%).
G. Joint Service Connections:
1. The water department may, at its option, serve two (2) or more premises with one connection. On new service connections, the inside diameter of such joint lines shall be sufficient to provide a carrying capacity of not less than the combined capacity of individual service lines of the same size as the meters installed.
2. Service extensions from an existing service to other occupancies or ownerships than that for which the existing service was intended shall not be permitted, nor shall separate residences be permitted to receive service through one meter except under special considerations approved by the city council.
H. Number Of Service Connections On Premises: The owner of a single parcel of property may apply for and receive as many services as he and his tenants may require, provided his application or applications meet the requirements of the policies, rules and regulations.
I. Standby Fire Protection Service Connections:
1. Purpose: Standby fire protection connections of two inch (2") size and larger will be installed only if adequate provisions are made to prevent the use of water from such services for purposes other than fire extinguishing. Sealed fire sprinkler systems with water operated alarms shall be considered as having such provisions. The water department may require that a suitable detector check meter be installed in the standby fire protection service connections, to which hose lines or hydrants are connected. All piping on the customer's premises shall be installed in accordance with the plumbing code of the state of Idaho.
2. Charges For Service: Charges for standby fire protection service shall be determined by resolution by city council upon written request for a standby fire protection connection. No charge will be made for water used in the standby fire protection services to extinguish accidental fires or for routine testing of the fire protection system. The customers shall pay the full cost of the standby protection service connection, any required detector check meters, and any required special water meter installed for the service to the standby connection.
3. Violations Of Regulations: If water is used from a standby pipe connection service in violation of these regulations, an estimate of the amount used will be computed by the water department. The customer shall pay for the water used at the regular rates, including the minimum charge based on the size of the service connection and subsequent bills rendered on the basis of the regular water rates.
J. Fire Service Connections Other Than Standby: A service having fire protection facilities on the premises and water for other purposes flowing through the same service connection shall be considered as an ordinary service and metered as such. All water used through that service, regardless of its use, will be charged at the regular rates.
K. Temporary Service Connections: For water service of a temporary nature, applicants shall be required to pay in advance the estimated cost of installation and removal of metering equipment and materials, plus a reasonable depreciation charge for the use of equipment and material furnished by the water department. The applicant shall also pay his water bill in advance and based on an estimate of the quantity to be used, or he shall otherwise establish satisfactory credit.
1. Time Limit: Temporary service connections shall be disconnected and terminated within six (6) months after installation unless an extension of time is granted in writing by the water department.
2. Charge For Water Served: Charges for water furnished through a temporary service connection shall be at the established rates set forth in the current water rate schedule.
3. Installation Charge And Deposits: The applicant for temporary service will be required:
a. To pay the water department in advance, the estimated cost of installing and removing all facilities necessary to furnish each service;
b. To deposit an amount sufficient to cover bills for water during the entire period such temporary service may be used, or to otherwise establish credit approved by the water department;
c. To deposit with the utility an amount equal to the value of any equipment loaned by the water department to such applicant under the terms of subsection K4 of this section.
4. Responsibility For Meters And Installation: The customer shall use all possible care to prevent damage to the meter or to any other loaned facilities of the water department. If the meter or other facilities are damaged, the cost of making repairs shall be deducted from the deposit fund. If the loaned materials are returned in satisfactory condition and all bills paid, the full amount of the equipment deposit will be returned to the temporary customer at the termination of service.
L. Customer's Plumbing:
1. Plumbing Code: The customer's plumbing, which shall include the customer's service line and all plumbing, piping, fixtures and other appurtenances carrying or intended to carry water, sewer or drainage, shall comply with the plumbing code of the state of Idaho.
2. Control Valves: Customers shall install a suitable control valve in the customer service line as close to the meter as possible, the operation of which will control the entire water supply to the premises served. In the event a customer's service is discontinued for any reason, a control valve must be installed, if none exists, as provided by this section.
M. Unauthorized Operation: It shall be a violation of these rules and regulations for the customer to operate, cause or permit unauthorized operation of the meter stop or any appurtenances on the service connection. (Ord. 350 § 7, 1993)