(A) Private fire protection service for the purpose of supplying water to be taken for the extinguishment of fire shall be installed only after the approval in writing by the town of, and subject to the terms and conditions contained in, the application for private fire protection service, a copy of which is on file in the town’s office. All applications for private fire protection service shall also be submitted for the written approval of the Chief of the Fire Department having jurisdiction, who, by such approval, shall affirm that, in his or her opinion, the public fire protection will not be endangered by the proposed connection to be made for the applicant.
(B) Application for private fire protection service will not be approved unless there is suitable water volume and pressure, subject to the terms and conditions in the application, available in the distribution main abutting the premises to be supplied by such service.
(C) The applicant shall furnish, attach and make a part of his or her application, three complete sets of drawings approved by insurance services’ office or another comparable agency approved by the town showing the pipes, valves, hydrants, tanks, openings and appurtenances contemplated in the application. Such sketch must also show any other water supply system and pipe lines and appurtenances which may exist on the premises.
(D) The town shall determine the size and location of any new connections made to its distribution mains for private fire protection service, and will, at the cost and expense of the customer, install and maintain the connection to its distribution main. The customer shall install and maintain the service pipe from the distribution main to the property line.
(E) After the commencement of private fire protection service, the customer must obtain in advance the approval of the town for any change, alteration or addition in the fixtures, openings and uses specified in the application.
(F) The extent of the rights of the private fire protection service customer is to receive, but only at times of fire on his or her premises, such supply of water as shall then be available from the town’s distribution main and no other or greater supply. The town shall not be considered in any manner an insurer of property or persons, or to have undertaken to extinguish fire or to protect any customer, persons or property against loss or damage by fire or otherwise, and it shall be free and exempt from any and all liability on account of any injury to property or persons by reason of fire, water, failure to supply water or pressure, or for any other cause whatsoever.
(G) No pipe or fixtures connected with a private fire protection service served by the town shall be connected with pipes or fixtures supplied with water from any other source.
(H) Unless otherwise provided in written agreement between the application and the town, service lines for private fire protection serve shall be distinct and separate from the general water service line. A private fire protection service connection is furnished for the sole purpose of supplying water for the extinguishment of fires, and the use of water from such a connection for any other purpose is absolutely forbidden.
(I) Where one service pipe is used for both general water service and private fire protection service, separate charges will be made for each type of use, in accordance with the applicable tariff, the charge for private fire protection service being based on the size of the service pipe supplying the premises, and that for general water service being based on the consumption through and the size of the meter or meters installed. The responsibility for installation and maintenance of such a combination service pipe shall be the same as that provided for private fire protection service.
(J) Private fire protection service shall be furnished through a line guarded by an approved fire line meter or detector device which shall be furnished and installed by the customer at his or her cost and expense. The fire line meter or the detector device will be maintained at the cost and expense of the customer, subject to the inspection and approval of the town. The by-pass meter only, used with the detector device shall be furnished, installed and maintained by the town at its cost and expense.
(K) The rates for private fire protection service include only the water used for the extinguishment of fires and necessary for the testing of fire protection facilities on the premises. Unauthorized use of water for purposes other than those specified will subject the customer, after notice provided in this chapter, to discontinuance of private fire protection service.
(L) Under no circumstances shall anti-freeze or any other foreign substances be permitted in sprinkling systems or any other part of applicant’s fire protection service system.
(M) The customer’s private fire service system shall be subject to the inspection, test and approval of the town before the service is made effective, and at such times thereafter as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the town. Notwithstanding the approval of the town, the customer shall be solely responsible for the design, adequacy, function and maintenance of its private fire protection service system.
(N) Hydrants and other fixtures connected with a private fire protection service system may be sealed by the town, and such seals may be broken only in case of fire or as specially permitted by the town for testing or other approved purposes, and the customer shall immediately notify the town of the breaking of any such seal.
(O) Whenever a private fire protection service system is proposed to be tested, the customer shall notify the town at least two business days in advance of such proposed test, requesting approval of the day and hour when same is to be made, so that the town’s system will be adversely affected, and further so that, if desired, the town may have an inspector present during the test.
(P) Private fire hydrants shall be painted any color other than that adopted by the town for public fire hydrants.
(Q) A gate valve with post indicator controlling the entire supply shall be placed at the curb or property line of the street in which the main is located or at such other point as may be approved by the town, and shall be furnished, installed and maintained by and at the expense of the customer, and unless otherwise approved by the town, said valve shall be installed in a valve pit or vault which shall also be furnished, installed and maintained by and at the expense of the customer.
(Ord. 2010-2, passed 6-7-2010)