For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BACKFLOW. Water of questionable quality, wastes, or other contaminants entering a public water supply system due to a reversal of flow.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. Any device approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, which when properly installed and maintained will prevent backflow.
CAPITAL BUY IN CHARGE. The charge assessed to all customers connecting to the public water and/or sanitary sewer system. The CAPITAL BUY IN CHARGE shall consist of a Construction Fee and a Connection Fee.
CROSS CONNECTION. A connection or arrangement of piping or appurtenances through which a backflow could occur.
CURB BOX. A valve and related appurtenances generally located within the City right-of-way, or within an easement dedicated to the City, that allows the Department to turn the water on or off at each customer's building.
CUSTOMER. Any user of water supplied from the public water supply system operated and maintained by the City of Big Rapids.
DEPARTMENT. The office of the City Engineer/Utilities Director, or his or her designate.
MAIN. Any pipe, other than service pipe, used for conveying or distributing water.
METER HORN. A copper setting that holds the water meter connecting the service line to the building plumbing. The assembly generally includes a shut off valve on the service line side.
METER HORN ASSEMBLY. The meter horn, as provided by the manufacturer, plus a shut off valve installed adjacent to the meter horn on the property side.
NON-DEPARTMENT METER. A meter installed by the building owner for any non-department use that is not provided, maintained or read by the Department.
ON-SITE SYSTEM. Any water and/or sewage treatment and disposal system owned and maintained by a customer, such as a well or septic tank/tile field.
OWNER. Any person owning any premises supplied or to be supplied with City water, or his authorized agent.
PIPE. A long tube of metal or plastic used to convey water.
REMOTE READER. A device generally located on the outside of a building that allows the Department to electronically read the water meter located within the building.
SECONDARY METER. A meter owned by the City and used for lawn irrigation or other non-domestic use for which sewage charges are not applied. The meter shall be located upstream from the primary water meter.
SERVICE PIPE. The pipe tapped into the mains and extending thence to the meter horn.
SUPERINTENDENT. The Superintendent shall be appointed by the City Engineer/Utilities Director, subject to the approval of the City Manager, and shall meet the minimum qualifications established by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
UTILITY RATES. The rates to be charged for water and sewer use, based upon the quantity of water consumed on any premises as measured by a water meter or flat rate charged if no meter is used. Utility rates shall also include the volume of water measured by a water meter installed in a home served by an on-site well, when the home is served by a public sewer.
UTILITY INVOICE. All charges for water and/or sewer services other than consumption charges for a particular owner or customer. Charges may be authorized by this Chapter or Chapter 54. All such charges shall be collectible as currently allowed by Chapter 54.
UTILITY SCHEDULE OF FEES. The Utility Schedule of Fees may include, but is not limited to, shut-off/turn-on charges, collection of delinquent bills, meter replacement charges, service line installation, connection fee and such other charges as may be established by the City Commission. The Utility Schedule of Fees shall establish the billing system for collection of the utility fees as allowed by this chapter.
('88 Code, Title II, Ch. 22, § 2.31) (Am. Ord. 476-02-01, passed 2-5-01; Am. Ord. 572-10-06, passed 10-2-06)