A. Definitions: As used in this section, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection:
CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE: That part of the piping on the customer's property that connects the service to the customer's distribution system.
SERVICE CONNECTION: 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.
B. Ownership, Installation, And Maintenance:
1. The customer shall own, install, and maintain the customer service line. All trenching and laying of the service pipe to be installed as part of the service connection shall be performed exclusively by the applicant, at the applicant's expense, and under such supervision of the city that the city deems appropriate. The applicant shall use materials approved by the city. The city shall connect the service connection to the main lines and install the meter box, meter curb stop, and related appurtenances.
2. After installation of the service connection, the city shall own and maintain the entire service connection. Maintenance shall only be performed by authorized employees of the city.
C. Service Connection Charge:
1. Payment Required: At the time the applicant files for service where no service previously existed, he shall submit with his application the service connection charge for water service and sewer service. This charge is to include a service connection fee plus the actual cost to the city to connect the service to the main and the meter and meter housing and related appurtenances.
2. Fee Established: The service connection fee (or charge) shall be established by the city council by resolution upon passage of this ordinance and be reviewed from time to time and updated by resolution of the city council.
D. Size Of Service: The city will furnish and connect a service of five-eighths inch (5/8") in diameter. The applicant may request another size service, provided such requests are reasonable for the applicant's needs. In such event, the applicant shall pay to the city the actual costs to the city for labor, materials, and equipment, plus ten percent (10%).
E. Changes In Service Size: Changes in the size of a service line or service connection requested by the customer shall be paid by the customer on the basis of actual cost to the city for making the change, including labor, materials, and equipment plus ten percent (10%).
F. Length Of Service:
1. Public Right Of Way: 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. Easement Or Publicly Owned Property: 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 city, provided the length of service does not exceed thirty feet (30').
3. Length Exceeds Maximum Stated: If, in either case cited in this subsection, 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 city for labor, materials and equipment, plus ten percent (10%).
G. Joint Service Connections:
1. The city 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 occupancies or ownerships other 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 service connections as he and his tenants may require, provided his application or applications meet the requirements of the policies, rules, and regulations. However, the owner shall be required to pay for all service connections.
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 city 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 city. 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 city 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 city.
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 city, 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 city.
c. To deposit with the utility an amount equal to the value of any equipment loaned by the city 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 city. If the meter or other facilities are damaged, the cost of making repairs shall be paid by the customer and reimbursed to the city. The city may also deduct the cost of repairs and replacement from the deposit fund and require the customer to restore the deposit fund to its previous amount. 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:
a. Customers shall install a control valve in the customer service line, 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.
b. 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. 2004-3, 9-23-2004)