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§ 51.08 BUILDING CONNECTIONS.
   (A)   BUILDING CONNECTION shall mean and include the water pipe line from (but not including) the curb box and stop to the meter location in the building, or such other point on the premises where the meter is to be placed.
   (B)   The city shall determine the size of all building connections.
   (C)   (1)   The city shall install and charge for such installation, or may permit the owner or his or her agent to install at his or her expense, the building connection for single-family houses on a street where a water main exists. For two-family housing, multi-family housing, commercial or industrial users, trailer courts and/or developments, the city may require that the owner or customer, or his or her agent, install the building connection or connections, or the city may install said connection. All such installations shall be made in accordance with city specifications and shall not be less than four feet below final grade.
      (2)   All connections between the curb stop and the meter for ordinary single-family domestic installations shall be of three-fourths inch Type K tubing one-half inch diameter, if approved) and approved fittings for such tubing. Larger services shall be of such material and of such size as the city may direct. The building connection shall include an approved shut-off valve at the meter location. These connections shall be installed in a workmanlike manner and shall be inspected by the city prior to backfilling of the trench, and if such installation is not in accordance with good workmanship, the city may refuse to provide water service. A request for such inspection shall be made to the city at reasonable hours and with as much advance notice as practical.
   (D)   The building connection shall be and remains the property of the city, and accessible to and under its control, and shall be maintained by the owner.
   (E)   The city shall not be liable for defective condition of pipes or connections. The city shall in no case be liable on account of any defective condition in any water pipe, or in any trench or ditch dug for the purpose of laying water pipe by any person or persons desiring to make connections with any of the city’s mains. It shall always be expressly understood that the person or persons using such water shall, at all times, keep the pipes and other connections in a good condition or repair, and shall be liable for all damages occasioned to any person or property by reason of any defective condition arising through the want of repair or otherwise, to the water pipe or the ditches in which the same are laid. The city shall make any repairs in any building connection when the city deems such repair necessary to conserve water or because of contamination hazards. Said repair may be made without prior notice and the cost shall be borne by the owner of the premises.
   (F)   Alterations between the street and the meter due to installation of an additional meter, relocation of meter, changes of grade, or changes in building walls will be made at the expense of owner or tenant.
   (G)   No water service line may be laid in the same trench or within three feet of gas or sewer lines or electrical wires, so that repairs or alterations can be made without damage to either.
   (H)   All meter pits shall be furnished and maintained by the owner or tenant where such pits are required by the city, such as for service to unheated buildings or trailers.
   (I)   The owner shall give prompt notice in the case of leakage, and afford access to the line at any reasonable time. The applicant’s connections and fixtures shall be maintained in good order, avoiding waste.
   (J)   All plumbers or workers, working on any piping connected to, or to be connected to, any part of the city water system, shall observe the following regulations and requirements.
      (1)   No plumber or workman shall do any work that would result in a violation of any of the provisions of these regulations.
      (2)   Every plumber or worker shall, within 24 hours after the completion thereof, report to the city of all work done by him or her that might in any way effect a change in the water rate on the premises on which such work is done. He or she shall also report any plumbing installation or use of water that is contrary to any of the provisions of these regulations which might come to his or her notice.
   (K)   All pipes, meters and fixtures shall at all reasonable hours be subject to inspection by employees of the city with proper identification.
(Ord. 1179, passed 2-5-1973 ; Ord. 1626, passed 12-19-2022) Penalty, see § 51.99
§ 51.09 FIRE SERVICE.
   (A)   No person shall take water from any fire hydrant except for fire purposes, or with written permission of the city.
   (B)   It shall be expressly understood and agreed by and between the parties receiving public or private fire service and the city that the city does not assume any liability as insurers of property or persons; and that the agreement does not contemplate any special service, pressure, capacity or facility, other than the ordinary or changing conditions of the city water system which exist from day to day. The city hereby declares, and it is agreed by the consumer, that the city shall be free and exempt from any and all claims for injuries to persons or property by reason of fire, water, or failure to supply water, pressure or capacity.
   (C)   There shall be filed as part of each application for public or private fire service (and, if required, of all applications for special services or supplies) full details, plans or copies thereof, showing the location of all pipes, valves and hose connections.
   (D)   (1)   All fire connection lines for standpipes and sprinkler systems, or related fire protection needs, shall be installed at the expense of the customer, whether public or private. The city shall, in all cases, make the tap to the main (or install the tee) and shall provide the service to and including a valve, said valve being located in a curb box on the side of the street, or within the street. The fee to be charged by the city to the customer for the service connection from the main to, and including, the valve and box shall be fixed by resolution of City Council.
      (2)   Fire connection fees are set by the most recent fee schedule, as amended from time to time and which is on file in the city offices.
   (E)   The fire line from the above mentioned valve into the property shall be at the expense of the customer, and shall be installed by the customer or his or her agent, unless the city shall agree to make such installation for costs as may be agreed upon. All such lines shall be maintained at the expense of the customer outside of public rights-of-way.
   (F)   The fire service connection from the main, through and including the curb box and valve, and all portions of the service which are within public rights-of-way, shall be and remain the property of the city, and shall be accessible to and under its control.
   (G)   The city may, if it so elects, provide a domestic water service off a fire service line, if the service is for the same customer. The city shall, in such cases, provide all extra valving necessary for proper functioning in case of fire service shut-off.
   (H)   All hydrants shall be furnished at the customer’s expense, including all pipes and valves. All hydrants shall meet city specifications, except that nozzle threads may be as requested by the political subdivision in which the hydrant is to be located. All hydrants in public rights-of-way shall be maintained and owned by the city.
(Ord. 1179, passed 2-5-1973; Ord. 1256, passed 5-5-1980; Res. 10-02, passed 1-18-2010 ; Ord. 1626, passed 12-19-2022) Penalty, see § 51.99
§ 51.10 METERS.
   (A)   All meters shall be furnished and installed by the city, complete with couplings, and shall remain the property of the city and subject to its control. The size and kind of meter shall be as the city deems necessary. They shall be accessible and conveniently located at a point approved by the city so as to control the entire supply, and a suitable place and protection therefore shall be provided by the applicant. It is required by the city that each applicant shall furnish a flat head (stop-cock or lock wing) meter stop on the inlet side of the meter. Where pressure reducing valves are required or installed by the applicant, this installation shall be on the customer’s side of the meter. Prior to connection to the city water system, applicants having wells or private water supply shall disconnect their water supply from plumbing to be metered.
   (B)   Separate meters shall be used for each building supplied with water and the city may require a separate meter for each tenant in any building. Where buildings are remodeled to provide individual apartments, the city may require the installation of a meter for each apartment. A group of buildings on one site, occupied by one tenant for nonresidential purposes, may be served through one meter.
   (C)   The separate meter requirement for each tenant, however, shall not apply to hotels, rooming houses (where light housekeeping is not done) or houses where the owner or occupant lets only one or more rooms that are not separated as apartments with separate water fixtures.
   (D)   Separate meters shall be required for all mobile homes or trailers.
   (E)   A customer shall notify the city of any damage to, or the nonworking of, any meter as soon as it comes to his or her knowledge.
   (F)   (1)   Meters will be maintained by the city so far as wear and tear are concerned. The consumer, shall, however, at all times, properly protect the meter upon his or her property from damage, by frost or other cause, and shall be responsible for the cost of all repairs to any such meter damaged through his or her negligence or that of any of the members of his or her family, his or her agents, workmen, servants or employees. Such charge shall be payable in full at the time when his or her next water bill shall be due and payable. The fee for such repair of a frozen meter shall be fixed by resolution of City Council.
      (2)   Frozen meter charges are set by the most recent fee schedule, as amended from time to time and which is on file in the city offices.
   (G)   No person or persons, except duly authorized employees of the city, shall repair or work on meters.
   (H)   In case of a disputed account involving the accuracy of a meter, such meter shall be tested upon the request of the applicant. In the event the meter so tested is found to have an error in registration of 4% or more, the bills will be decreased or increased accordingly.
   (I)   (1)   Each request for the test of a meter for accuracy shall be accompanied by a deposit, the amount of which shall be determined by the size of the meter as follows: the fee for such meter test shall be fixed by resolution of City Council.
      (2)   Meter test for accuracy rates are set by the most recent fee schedule, as amended from time to time and which is on file in the city offices.
   (J)   If the meter so tested shall be found to have an error in registration of less than 4%, the deposit shall be retained by the city as compensation for such test. If the error is found to be 4% or more, then the cost of the test shall be borne by the city and the amount of the deposit shall be returned to the applicant.
   (K)   Where water is furnished through a meter, the quantity recorded by it shall be conclusive for both the applicant and the city, except when the meter has been found to be registering inaccurately or has ceased to register. In such case, the quantity may be determined by the average registration of the meter when in order, or by such other fair and reasonable method as shall be based upon the best information obtainable.
   (L)   No bypass or connection between the meter and the main shall be made, maintained or permitted except as may be directed or installed by the city or upon written permission from the city.
   (M)   The city may require a sealed bypass on any meter where water service is critical, and such a bypass, or a tandem meter installation, shall be required on all services one and one-half inch or larger. The cost of the necessary valves and piping and the cost of their installation shall be borne by the customer as part of the building connection.
   (N)   (1)   No charge shall be made for the furnishing of any meter, but a fee as fixed by resolution of City Council shall be charged for the furnishing and installation of an “outside reading” attachment to any present meter installation, if requested by the customer. Such installations shall be made by city forces when scheduling allows, and the cost included with the first water billing following installation. All new services provided by the city, except those in meter pits, shall be equipped with such attachments on the meters and shall be charged as an addition to the original cost of connection for water service.
      (2)   Outside reading attachment rates are set by the most recent fee schedule, as amended from time to time and which is on file in the city offices.
   (O)   (1)   Temporary meter removal shall be made upon request and the fee for such removal shall be fixed by resolution of City Council. Such fee shall include reinstallation of the meter during normal working hours upon request of the customer.
      (2)   Temporary meter removal (reconnection fee): flat fee of an amount set by the most recent fee schedule, as amended from time to time and which is on file in the city offices.
(Ord. 1179, passed 2-5-1973; Ord. 1256, passed 5-5-1980; Res. 10-02, passed 1-18-2010 ; Ord. 1626, passed 12-19-2022) Penalty, see § 51.99
§ 51.11 DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE.
   (A)   Service may be discontinued for any of the following reasons:
      (1)   For misrepresentation in application as to property or fixtures to be supplied or the use to be made of the water supply;
      (2)   For the use of water for any other property or purpose other than that described in the application, or for failure to make application for service;
      (3)   For neglecting or refusing entry of an employee of the city, after proper notice, to any building or premises by an occupant, owner or tenant, where the purpose of such entry is for inspection, installation, repair or replacement of a meter, lines or other water system equipment;
      (4)   For willful waste of water through improper or imperfect pipes, fixtures, meters or otherwise;
      (5)   For failure to protect and maintain in good order the meter connections, lines or fixtures;
      (6)   For nonpayment of any bill for more than 15 days after the same is rendered;
      (7)   For molesting any service pipe, meter curb stop-cock, seal or any other appliance of the city controlling or regulating the water supply;
      (8)   In case of vacancy of premises;
      (9)   For connection of a private water system to the city water system; or
      (10)   For violation of any rule or regulation herein contained.
   (B)   The city may order the water shut off from any premises connected with the city mains for repairs, extensions or other necessary purposes.
   (C)   All water rates and charges for water service to premises shall accrue and be charged against such applicant until such time as written notice, given by such applicant or by his or her duly authorized agent, to discontinue the service is filed with the city.
   (D)   It shall be the duty of the owners or agents to which water is furnished by the city to cooperate with the city by promptly giving notice when such property becomes vacant. If such notice is not given, the owners or agents of the property shall be liable for all water charges against such property until such notice is given or a new application is filed.
   (E)   The city reserves the right to shut off the water in its mains at any time without notice for making repairs, extensions or alterations, but will so far as practicable, notify consumers of the intention to shut off. It is expressly stipulated by the city that no claim shall be made against it by reason of the breaking of any pipe or for any other interruption of the supply of water. No person shall be entitled to any damages or to have any option of payment refunded for any stoppage for purpose of additions or repairs, which, in the opinion of the city, may be deemed necessary, or for causes beyond its control.
   (F)   In case of scarcity of water, whenever in its judgment the public welfare may require it, the city shall have the right to reserve a sufficient supply of water at all times in its reservoirs to provide for fire and other emergencies or may restrict or regulate the quantity of water used by consumers.
   (G)   (1)   A turn-on charge shall be paid where water has been turned off for any violation of the terms of the application or rules of the city or for any other reason stated under this section. The fee for such turn-on charge shall be fixed by resolution of City Council. In such cases, the water shall not be turned on until all water bills, repair bills and other accounts due to the city shall have been paid, including the turn-on charge.
      (2)   Turn-on fee: flat fee: $50.
(Ord. 1179, passed 2-5-1973; Ord. 1256, passed 5-5-1980 ; Ord. 1626, passed 12-19-2022)
§ 51.12 CONSTRUCTION BY CITY FORCES.
   City construction and installation charges for building connections or for any other construction which is at the expense of the owner, except main extensions, shall be computed on the basis of the actual hours expended times the hourly rate of the employees involved, including city paid fringes, together with the cost of material. The cost of material shall include a 15% surcharge for waste and handling.
(Ord. 1179, passed 2-5-1973 ; Ord. 1626, passed 12-19-2022)
§ 51.13 PAYMENT FOR SERVICE.
   (A)   Bills for all charges are made in accordance with this chapter and are due and payable on the fifteenth day of each month for water consumed, work done, or services rendered during the preceding bill cycle. If the bill for water furnished is not paid by the fifteenth day of the month a penalty of 10% will be added, with a minimum penalty of $.10 for any one bill. If the fifteenth day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, bills may be paid without penalty on the next business day.
   (B)   Bills for service to the federal government, state or local governments, or their departments and institutions shall be payable without penalty within 30 days of the date rendered.
   (C)   If any bill is not paid prior to the date of adding penalty, service may be discontinued after five days’ written notice.
   (D)   (1)   The city may, at its option, in cases deemed hardships, enter into an agreement of time payments, for a period not to exceed one year, for installation or repair charges on the following:
         (a)   New service or renewal of service for owner of single-family or owner-occupied multi-family dwellings; or
         (b)   Damage to city owned property.
      (2)   All such time payments shall bear interest in the amount of 6%, not compounded, on the unpaid balance, until paid.
   (E)   All meters shall be read at least quarterly, and bills shall be rendered as stated above. If the meter reader is unable to procure a monthly reading of the meter, because ingress to the meter is obstructed in any manner, or entrance to the premises is made precarious by a vicious dog, or for any other reason, an estimate shall be made of the amount of water consumed, and the billing shall be based on the estimate.
   (F)   In addition to the foregoing remedy and such other remedies as are provided by law for the collection of delinquent water rents, it shall be lawful for the proper officers of the city to file a lien or liens against the property for any and all delinquent accounts, in the same manner provided by law in the case of unpaid city taxes on real estate and to proceed to collect the same.
(Ord. 1179, passed 2-5-1973; Ord. 1565, passed 12-19-2016; Ord. 1587, passed 12-17-2018; Ord. 1599 , 12-2-2019; Ord. 1606, passed 12-7-2020; Ord. 1613, passed 12-20-2021; Ord. 1626, passed 12-19-2022; Ord. 1627, passed 12-19-2022; Ord. 1647, passed 12-18-2023)
§ 51.14 MAIN EXTENSIONS.
   (A)   The city may refuse the extension of any main because of insufficient water supply, lack of anticipated revenue sufficient to justify city expenditures or for any other reason deemed fit by the city.
   (B)   The cost of the extension of any main shall be borne by the political subdivision in which it is located or by such person as may agree to pay for the extension, except for such credits as hereinafter specified.
   (C)   City specifications shall be followed in all construction of water mains. Such specifications shall be approved by City Council and be kept on file in the office of the City Engineer.
   (D)   All permits required by the state or federal government, or their agencies, for extensions of mains shall be secured by the political subdivision in which the main extension is to be constructed, or shall be secured by such person as the political subdivision may delegate.
   (E)   Adequate plans and dimensions shall be submitted to the City Council to secure approval for main extensions. Such plans shall be submitted by the political subdivision in which the extension is to be made. All bidding documents required for contracting such work done, including all drawings, specifications, bid forms, advertisements, and permits shall be provided by said political subdivision. The city may require that such plans submitted for major extensions shall be certified to by a professional engineer licensed in Pennsylvania.
   (F)   The minimum size of all main extensions shall be as the city deems necessary, and shall be in accordance with accepted good engineering practice. Any political subdivision desiring to install smaller mains shall provide proof of adequacy for all potential needs. The size of the existing mains from which extensions are proposed shall not be a limiting factor in sizing of main extensions. The city reserves the right to regulate the use of cross-connections from another source of its mains.
   (G)   All main extensions not constructed by city forces shall be inspected and tested by the city, and the actual cost of said inspection and testing shall be billed by the city and considered in all respects as a part of the cost of extending the main or mains. No trench shall be closed on any new main installation until said installation is approved by the city. The city may, with City Council approval, allow such inspection and testing to be done by a professional engineer registered in the State of Pennsylvania, providing such approval is given before the project is underway, and providing that all costs are borne by the political subdivision in which the extension occurs, or by such other person as may agree to pay such costs.
   (H)   Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the city from electing to install all or any part of any main extension with city forces, or to negotiate with any political subdivision, person or firm as to a charge for such work, whether said extensions are in public right-of-way or within private property.
   (I)   Main extensions shall be permitted in proposed subdivisions only if such subdivision meets all county and/or local subdivision regulations, as may apply, and only if the political subdivision in which the development is located has agreed to accept and maintain the streets and roads therein.
   (J)   All main extensions into private developments shall be at the expense of the developer, except for such credits as hereinafter specified.
   (K)   Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting any political subdivision from entering into agreements with developers for the purpose of sharing in the cost of the extensions of water mains.
   (L)   Upon completion of any main extension, including testing, chlorination and final approval by the City Engineer, the main extension shall be accepted by the city as part of its water distribution system and shall become the property of, and be maintained by, the city.
(Ord. 1179, passed 2-5-1973 ; Ord. 1626, passed 12-19-2022)
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