EAST SMITHFIELD WATER DISTRICT
RULES AND REGULATIONS
ADOPTED BY THE EAST SMITHFIELD WATER DISTRICT EXECUTIVE BOARD
April 14, 2007
(Revised November 02, 2011)
FOREWORD
This publication entitled Rules and Regulations of the East Smithfield Water District sets forth the duties and obligations of the East Smithfield Water District to its customers and the duties and obligations of its customers to the East Smithfield Water District in the District’s operation of providing public water service.
Applicability
All East Smithfield Water District Rules and Regulations and all subsequent changes, amendments, and additions thereto constitute a binding part of the contract of East Smithfield Water District and every person, party or entity that is an owner of property that is supplied with water from the East Smithfield Water District system. Customers’ acceptance and use of service constitutes consent and agreement to be bound by the Rules and Regulations set forth herein.
Lack of familiarity by any customer with the Rules and Regulations will not constitute release from contractual compliance as to the obligations and responsibilities of customer contained herein.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD
GENERAL INFORMATION
Main Office and Hours
Information, Inquiries, and Complaints
Emergency Calls
Servicemen, Inspectors and Meter Readers
SECTION 1 - RATES AND SURCHARGES
1.1 What your Water Rates Pay For
1.2 Rate and Surcharge Structure
SECTION 2 - WATER BILLS
2.1 Information Regarding Bills
2.2 Property Owners are Responsible for Water Bills
2.3 Responsibility for Water Charges
2.4 Payment
2.4.1 Liens and Charges
2.4.2 Charges on Overdue Accounts
2.5 Termination of Service
2.5.1 Customer Bankruptcy
2.6 Courtesy Notices
SECTION 3 - METERS
3.1 All Water Metered
3.2 Ownership and Installation of Meters
3.3 Location of Meters
3.4 Accessibility
3.5 By Whom Set
3.6 Damaged Meters or Meter Settings
3.7 Reserved
3.8 Meter Testing
3.8.1 Commercial and Industrial Meters
3.8.2 Adjustments
3.9 Repairs to Large Meters
3.10 Billing Non-Registering Meters
3.11 Unserviceable Meters or Outside Registers
3.12 Tampering or Defacing Meters and Seals
3.13 Spot Check of Meters
3.14 Meter Replacement Program
SECTION 4 - SERVICE PIPES
4.1 Locations and Easements
4.2 Application for Service Pipes
4.2.1 Applications to be Approved by Board
4.3 Connection / Main Charges for Service Pipes
4.4 Ownership and Purpose of Service Pipe
4.5 New Service Pipe from Building to Distribution Main
4.6 Location
4.7 Material for Service Pipes
4.8 Inspection, Testing, and Location to Sanitary Sewer
Line / Septic System
4.9 Main Shut-Off Valve
4.10 Horizontal Meter Setting
4.11 Back Flow Prevention Valves
4.12 Tapping Mains
4.13 Repairs to Property Owner’s Service Pipe and Fixtures
4.14 Road Opening and Sidewalk Permits
SECTION 5 - TEMPORARY SERVICES
5.1 For Building and Other Construction Purposes
SECTION 6 - FIRE SUPPLIES
6.1 Drawings
6.1.1 Conformance with Fire Flow Ordinance
6.2 Annual Charges
6.3 Installation to be Approved by Board
6.4 Connection to Domestic Service Prohibited
6.5 Number of Services
6.6 Use of Service
6.6.1 Fire Flow Inspections, Tests, and Liability
6.7 Cross Connections
6.8 Inspection
6.9 Vacant Buildings
6.10 Illegal Use
6.11 Meters
6.12 Valves
6.13 Violation of Rules
SECTION 7 - FIRE HYDRANTS
7.1 Authorization of Hydrant Installations
7.2 Hydrants are the Property of the Board
7.3 Duty to Inspect and Maintain Privately Owned Hydrants
7.4 Obstructing Hydrants
7.5 Use of Hydrants
7.5.1 Unauthorized Use of Hydrants
7.6 Hydrant Spacing / Main Extensions
SECTION 8 - CONDOMINIUM RULES & REGULATIONS
SECTION 9 - CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW
9.1 Cross Connection and Backflow Policy
9.2 Cross Connection Prohibited
9.3 Pump Connection
9.4 Lawn and/or Garden Watering Systems
9.5 Dishwashing and Laundry Machines
SECTION 10 - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
10.1 Interruption of Water Supply
10.2 Notice of Interruption of Service Not Required
10.3 Unauthorized Use of Water
10.4 Re-Sale of Water Prohibited
10.5 Water Charges for One Person
10.6 Water Waste
10.7 Rights to Make Inspection
10.8 Request for “Turn-On”
10.9 Refusal to Give Service
10.10 Penalty for Violation of Rules
SECTION 11 - CONSERVATION PROGRAM
11.1 Meter Accuracy and Seals
11.2 Waste and Leakage of Water; Conservation
11.3 Detection of Leakage
11.4 Conservation Measures
11.5 Peak Usage Reductions
GENERAL INFORMATION
Main Office and Hours
The main office of the East Smithfield Water District (ESWD) is located at 307 Waterman Avenue, Smithfield, RI 02917. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, excluding weekends and holidays.
Information, Inquiries, and Complaints
Any information about water services, rates, rules, etc., may be obtained at our website at www.eastsmithfieldwater.com or by calling 231-0510 during regular business hours. Complaints of a minor nature may be made by phone. Major complaints should be made in writing and addressed to the East Smithfield Water District Executive Board, 307 Waterman Avenue, Smithfield, RI 02917. All inquiries and complaints will receive careful consideration.
Emergency Calls
The department maintains emergency service twenty-four hours a day, including Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Any emergency may be reported day or night by calling 231-0510.
Servicemen, Inspectors and Meter Readers
At times East Smithfield Water District employees must enter a customer’s premises to repair or inspect the water meter. Such work is normally done during normal business hours. All employees of the District carry an official photo identification card on their person, which is to be shown to the customer upon request for entry into the customer’s premises. No person claiming to be an employee of this District should be allowed to enter your premises unless he or she can show proper identification. Any occasion of doubt can be resolved by a telephone call to the District office (231-0510) to confirm and verify the validity of the service call prior to granting of admission.
SECTION 1
1.0 RATES AND SURCHARGES
The District supplies water to all premises through a meter only at rates approved by the District Executive Board and adopted by ratepayers at the District’s Annual Meeting which is held on the second Saturday in April at a time and place announced in advance by the Board.
1.1 What your Water Rates Pay For:
The District receives no tax revenues and must rely on rate revenues to cover operational expenses. Operational expenses include day to day expenses for operating and maintaining the water system. Ratepayer money is also used to pay for expansion or improvements to facilities and replacing outdated and worn equipment and infrastructure.
1.2 Rate and Surcharge Structure:
The District assesses a variety of rates and fees including a three tier retail water rate per 1,000 gallons of usage, an annual service charge, hydrant rental charges, connection / main charges for service pipes, and other miscellaneous charges and fees. State mandated surcharges are collected, where applicable, as is the Rhode Island state sales tax (commercial accounts only).
All rates are reviewed annually by the District’s Executive Board to determine their adequacy relative to operational costs and projected system improvements. The District’s financial records are audited every year by an outside accounting firm.
A copy of all current rates and surcharges can be found on our website at www.eastsmithfieldwater.com or obtained at the District office.
SECTION 2
2.0 WATER BILLS
2.1 Information Regarding Bills:
Requests for information regarding bills or notices should be made either personally or preferably by letter to the District office at 307 Waterman Avenue, Smithfield, RI 02917. Water bills are rendered to the owner of the property supplied. Large industrial, manufacturing and commercial accounts are billed monthly. Residential and smaller commercial accounts are billed quarterly.
2.2 Property Owners are Responsible for Water Bills:
To insure proper rendering of bills, the property owner shall notify the office of the District of any changes in the mailing address. Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the property owner from the obligation of its payment or the payment of additional interest.
2.3 Responsibility for Water Charges:
Customers and property owners shall be responsible for all charges occurring for water service until written notice has been given to the District office by the owner of the property served to discontinue the service or (in case of change in ownership of the premises) until notice has been given the District office of the change of ownership of the premises served and the new owner has filed with the District a written application for transfer of water service. A final meter reading shall be taken by the District. New owners using water at their premises without filing the proper application for water service shall be (1) liable and responsible for all water service provided and water used during their ownership of the premises, (2) subject to the penalties provided by law for the unauthorized use of water. In such cases, the District reserves the right to discontinue water services to any property for which the recorded owner has not filed an application for water service. Applicants for water services at all premises shall become responsible for all outstanding charges for water theretofore furnished to said premises. See Section 39-15-12 of the RI General Laws.
The owner of property is ultimately responsible for the costs attendant to water usage even though there are multiple downstream meters on a single parcel of property. It shall be the responsibility of the District to notify the property owner when a bill is (30) days past due.
2.4 Payment:
Water bills can be paid on the District’s website by credit card, by on-line banking, or by mail. Cash is not accepted. Payment is due on or before the due date as reflected on the bill.
2.4.1 Liens and Charges:
Within ninety (90) days after payment is due and unpaid, the District is authorized and empowered to file a lien against the title to property which has received District service and which property is owned by a customer of the District. If the lien is filed, the customer shall be liable for an additional one hundred ($100.00) dollar charge for such filing and an additional fifty ($50.00) dollar charge for removal of the lien.
If the customer does not own the property that receives the water service, the District is authorized and empowered to terminate service after giving written notice of its intention to terminate service.
2.4.2. Charges on Overdue Accounts:
Any balance for which payment has not been received at the District office by the close of business on the bill due date shall be increased one half of one percent (0.5%) effective on the tenth of the month. A processing charge of $4.00 shall also be added to that customer’s account. Additional overdue charges shall be assessed monthly thereafter until the balance of the account, including such overdue charges, is paid in full.
2.5 Termination of Service:
If bills remain unpaid sixty (60) days after the due date, the District may terminate water service to the property. If service is terminated a return to service fee as listed in the District’s “Schedule of Rates and Fees” shall be assessed before the service is turned on.
2.51 Customer Bankruptcy:
The District has adopted a policy prohibiting it from discriminating against a customer who has petitioned the Bankruptcy Court for protection against creditors. However, the bankrupt must within twenty (20) days after filing such petition give the District adequate assurance of payment for future water service. The District shall consider whatever security will protect the District for future water use. If the District and the customer cannot come to agreement as to adequate assurance of payment, the customer shall petition the court for further relief.
2.6 Courtesy Notices:
It is the intention of the District to send courtesy notices of excessive increased consumption or delinquency in payment of bills, but failure to do this does not relieve the customer of his or her responsibility to repair leaky fixtures or pay water charges promptly.
Section 3
3.0 METERS
3.1 All Water Metered:
All water from the District will be supplied and billed through one primary meter for each separate service. Commercial properties will be billed through one primary meter. All water passing through such meters will be billed to the owner of the property supplied, as appears in the records of the East Smithfield Water District, whether the water is used or wasted. Customers are advised to read their meters frequently in order to detect leaks and to prevent waste of water and the resulting higher water bills.
3.2 Ownership and Installation of Meters:
Meters, except as otherwise provided in Sections 6 and 8, shall be installed by District personnel at the expense of the property owner and become the owner’s property. Payment for the meter and related components is to be made prior to the installation together with any installation service charge. The District reserves the right to designate the size and type of meter to be installed on any service.
The occupant, owner, or his/her agents shall be responsible for the protection of all the components of the meters and related components and shall be subject to the stipulations as set forth in that paragraph entitled, “Damaged Meters or Meter Settings”.
3.3 Location of Meters:
The property owner shall furnish a proper place for the meter, which is to be installed in a horizontal position immediately after the point of entry of the service pipe through the building wall. The meter shall be located in the building nearest to the street line, provided that the building is not more than one hundred (100) feet from the curb line, in which case the meter shall be installed just inside the property line in a suitable housing or water pit approved or supplied by the District, provided and maintained at the expense of the property owner.
3.4 Accessibility:
Meters must be easily accessible at all times so that they may be examined and read by employees of the District. They must not be exposed to danger from frost or contamination.
3.5 By Whom Set:
The installation, repair and disconnection of all meters are to be performed by employees of the Districts only, except as hereinafter provided. Residential meters will be installed by scheduled appointment only. The owner or owner’s contractor must be present when a new installation or any repairs to an existing installation are made within private property. East Smithfield Water District employees shall not enter the premise without the owner or owner’s contractor being present.
3.6 Damaged Meters or Meter Settings:
In case of breakage, stoppage or other irregularity or if the meters are damaged by frost, hot water, or external causes, either by carelessness or neglect by the owner or occupant of the premises or his/her agents, the District, except as hereinafter provided, shall repair or replace the meter and setting and the owner must reimburse the District for all cost of repairs or replacement, including labor. In case of breakage, stoppage or any other irregularity in the meter, the property owner is to notify the District immediately.
3.7 Reserved:
3.8 Meter Testing:
Every water meter is carefully tested before it is first installed and also before it is reset after being removed for repairs or other purposes. Periodic tests of each meter will also be made as often as the District may deem necessary. Should a property owner at any time question the accuracy of the meter on his/her service, it may be tested (preferably in his/her presence) after the District has received the request. Should the test show that the meter has been over-registering in excess of two (2%) percent, the owner will not be charged for the test, but the cost to repair or replace the meter shall be borne by the owner. If the test is within this limit (2%), the cost of the test will be borne by the owner.
3.8.1 Commercial and Industrial Type Meters:
Commercial and Industrial type meters shall be tested as determined by the District based upon consumption history. Such tests shall be paid for by the property owner.
3.8.2 Adjustments:
If the testing of a meter as hereinbefore provided shows that it fails to register correctly within two (2%) percent, the charge to the consumer shall be adjusted accordingly as the registration varies from one hundred (100%) percent. Such adjustment shall apply to the current period only, unless it is apparent to District personnel that previous periods of consumption have also been affected by the same error.
3.9 Repairs to Large Meters:
At the written request of the District, property owners shall return the meters two (2) inches or larger in diameter to the factory or District approved personnel for necessary and complete repairs. If the owner does not take action within fifteen (15) days, the District shall remove the meter for repair. If the owner takes the action, he/she shall notify the District when the meter will be removed for repairs, and will also notify the factory or District approved personnel to forward directly to the District a certified copy of the test on the meter before repairs are made, and another certified copy of the test after completing repairs. All expenses covering the repairs are to be borne by the property owner.
3.10 Billing Non-Registering Meters:
When a meter fails to register or has been removed for repairs, testing or other purposes during the billing period, the bill shall be issued based on the average daily rate of consumption as shown by the meter after it has been returned to service and is in proper working order. If the meter has not been returned to service, the bill shall be issued based on the average daily rate of consumption for the previous three (3) year period.
3.11 Unserviceable Meters or Outside Registers:
The District reserves the right at all times to remove, test, repair and replace any meter or outside register, and if such meter or outside register is found to be economically unserviceable, require another meter to be substituted in its place at the expense of the property owner.
3.12 Tampering or Defacing Meters and Seals:
The District shall press charges in accordance with Section 11-6 of the RI General Laws against any person who shall tamper or deface a meter to prevent the proper registration of the water consumed by altering the register index or otherwise, or for the breaking of any seal placed by the District for the protection of any meter, valve or fitting.
3.13 Spot Check of Meters:
The District reserves the right to have its representative spot check any meter at any time during the course of a working day.
3.14 Meter Replacement Program:
The District has a residential meter replacement program to ensure accurate readings at all connections. For commercial and industrial type large meters, the District may require monetary participation or payment of full replacement cost by owners.
SECTION 4
4.0 SERVICE PIPES
4.1 Locations and Easements:
Water mains shall be installed in public roads and not in private easements. The District may consider exceptions to this rule only in rare instances of extreme circumstances.
4.2 Application for Service Pipes:
An application for the installation of news services shall be made, and signed, by the owner of the property or his/her authorized agent at the offices of the District. Applications for service must state fully and truthfully the purposes for which the water is to be used, together with the proper description of the property (Plat and Lot Number), the official name of the town street and the number of the premises to be supplied.
4.2.1 Applications to be Approved by the District:
The District shall review all applications for service and may approve them based upon the totality of circumstances. The District may require drawings and plans as outlined in Section 6.
4.3 Connection / Main Charges for Service Pipes:
Service pipes are installed by District personnel, or by a District approved contractor, from the distribution main in the street to the curb stop. The curb stop shall be located as specified by the District.
If installed by the District, the cost of installation shall be at the prevailing rate for labor and materials as determined by the District. In addition, the Service Pipe / Main Charge is a connection charge based upon pipe size as reflected in the most recent schedule of charges for services on file at the District office.
All charges shall be paid for in advance of installation.
4.4 Ownership and Purpose of Service Pipe:
The service pipe from the distribution main to the curb stop is owned and maintained by the District. The portion of the service pipe beyond the curb stop is the property of the customer and is installed and maintained by the owner through a plumber licensed by the State of Rhode Island.
Service pipes for domestic use are for the purposes of supplying water for the domestic use of the property to which connection is made only and not for any other residence. No person shall cause or permit a physical connection to be made to any service pipe from any District main.
4.5 New Service Pipe from Building to Distribution Main:
The service pipe from the curb to the building shall be laid by a licensed plumber and the installation completed for ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1 ½ inch and 2 inch sizes. In service sizes of two (2”) inches in diameter or larger, the District, or a District approved contractor, shall install the section from the street main to the curb first, and then the licensed plumber shall connect into the building.
The licensed plumber must lay his/her portion of the service in a straight line from the curb to inside the building and at a right angle to the street line. The service pipe shall be inspected and approved by a representative of the District before being covered.
Service pipes must have five (5) feet of approved cover material to avoid freezing.
4.6 Location:
The location where the service is to enter the property must be distinctly marked by the property owner and approved by the District.
4.7 Material for Service Pipes:
All service pipes one (1”) in diameter to and including two (2”) inches in diameter shall be type “k” extra heavy, soft temper cold drawn, seamless, deoxidized copper tubing, having a minimum ultimate tensile strength of not less than 30,000 pounds per square inch. Service pipes four (4”) inches through twelve (12”) inches in diameter shall be class 52 cement mortar lined ductile iron pipe AWWAC 151-71 or PVC pipe (AWWAC-900) as amended to date.
4.8 Inspection, Testing, and Location to Sanitary Sewer Line / Septic System:
All service pipes shall be installed in accordance with and as defined in the publication “10 State Standards” as adopted by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Service pipes shall be tested for water tightness in the presence of a representative of the District before being covered / back-filled.
NO SERVICE PIPE SHALL BE LAID IN THE SAME TRENCH WITH A BUILDING DRAIN OR SEWER PIPE. NOR SHALL THE WATER PIPE BE CLOSER TO A SEWER THAN TEN (10) FEET AT ANY HORIZONTAL POINT IN AN AREA SERVED BY A PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM. IN UNSEWERED AREAS, WATER SERVICE PIPE SHALL BE LAID AT A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) FEET FROM THE SEPTIC TANK AND A MINIMUM OF TWENTY-FIVE (25) FEET FROM A CESSPOOL SEEPAGE PIT, DISPOSAL TRENCH OR BED.
4.9 Main Shut-Off Valve:
On every new service pipe, immediately after its entry into the building, there shall be an angle ball valve meter stop supplied by the District. Existing service pipes not equipped with the above type of meter stop when renewed or replaced shall conform to the requirement for “New Service Pipes” and “Horizontal Meter Settings”.
4.10 Horizontal Meter Setting:
All small meters on new installations shall be set approximately six to eight inches (6” – 8”) above the floor, in a horizontal position, immediately after the angle meter stop and immediately after where the service pipe enters the building. Large meters may not be set directly on the floor, and current type meters shall have a straight length of pipe at least eight (8) times the pipe diameter before the meter. Small meter settings for ¾” and 1” meters shall be equipped with a double check valve as is provided by the District. Check valves two (2”0) or larger shall be supplied by the owner and approved by the District.
Whenever it is necessary to renew or replace a meter or service pipe, or when change in ownership occurs, the meter shall be reset to conform to the requirements for new installations.
4.11 Back Flow Preventative Valves:
The need to furnish reliable and inexpensive back-siphonage and backpressure protection for individual residences resulted in the debut of the residential double check valve. Protection of the main potable supply from household hazards such as home photograph chemicals, toxic insect and garden sprays, termite control pesticides used by exterminators, etc. reinforced a true need for such a device.
It is sized for 1” service lines and is installed immediately downstream of the water meter. The use of plastic check modules and elimination of test cocks and gate valves keeps the cost reasonable while providing good, dependable protection.
All new residential buildings are required to install a residential dual check device immediately downstream of the water meter. Installation of this residential dual check device on a retrofit basis on existing service lines may be instituted at a time and at a potential cost to the homeowner as deemed necessary by the District. Such dual check installations shall be performed by District personnel.
The owner must be aware that installation of a residential dual check valve results in a potential closed plumbing system within the residence. As such, provisions may have to be made by the owner to provide thermal expansion within this closed loop system: i.e., the installation of thermal expansion devices and or pressure relief valves in accordance with the prevailing plumbing codes.
All commercial and industrial enterprises using water in the production process or in providing a service shall within one (1) year of the promulgation of these rules install back flow preventative valves to maintain the integrity of the District system (See District’s Cross Connection Control Regulation).
4.12 Tapping Mains:
No person, except an authorized representative of the District, or a District approved contractor, shall be allowed, under any circumstances, to tap the mains or distribution pipes, insert corporation stops therein, set or remove meters on service pipes, or interfere with water gates or curb stops. No person shall cause a physical connection to be made between the District supply and any other water for commercial, domestic, sanitary, fire protection or boiler feed purposes or for any other intent whatsoever.
4.13 Repairs to Property Owner’s Service Pipe and Fixtures:
Property owners must keep their own pipes and all water fixtures connected thereto in good repair and protected from frost at their own expense. In case of a break in that section of the service pipe between the curb stop and the meter, water shall be shut off by the District, the property owner shall immediately obtain the services of a licensed plumber to make the necessary repairs. Failure to make repairs at once or to obtain the necessary permits covering these repairs shall be sufficient cause to shut off the supply. Restoration of service shall require payment of the water turn-on fee currently in effect and listed in the District’s Schedule of Rates and Fees.
4.14 Road Opening and Sidewalk Permits:
No public road, sidewalk or place shall be opened for the installation of service pipes until an appropriate permit is obtained from the proper town or state agency.
SECTION 5
5.0 TEMPORARY SERVICES
5.1 For Building and Other Construction Purposes:
Contractors, builders, etc. requiring water for construction purposes shall make application for a temporary service and will be subject to the same rules and regulations as apply to regular service installations. A meter and backflow protection will be installed on the temporary service, wherever possible, by District personnel and the cost of the meter and backflow protection device, plus the cost of installation, shall be borne by the applicant. Temporary services shall be subject to the charges described in Section 4, plus the cost of removing the service.
All charges, including the connection charge, cost of installing and/or removing the service, cost of setting and/or removing the meter, and setting the meter, shall be paid in advance. In addition, the applicant will be required to deposit a sufficient sum of money with the District to cover the cost of the estimated amount of water to be used in conjunction with the work. If, at any time during the course of construction, the estimated amount of water covered by the deposit is below the actual consumption shown on the meter, the applicant will be required to deposit additional sums with the District. After completion of the work, if the actual consumption registered on the meter is below the estimated amount, the District will arrange to refund the difference.
In the event that it is not possible to install a meter on a temporary service, the District will estimate the water usage for billing purposes.
SECTION 6
6.0 FIRE SUPPLIES
The District may authorize the installation of a special fire service to private property for private fire protection purposes. Unmetered dual purpose lines shall be considered fire service supplies as well and subject to the regulations of this section.
Application must be made by the owner of the property or his/her authorized agent and will be subject to all provisions, including the Connection/Main charge described in Section 4 entitled “Service Pipes” as far as they apply to this type of service.
6.1 Drawings:
The applicant must furnish two complete and correct drawings or sets of drawings showing the size and location of all valves, pipes, hydrants, and tanks, sprinkler heads and other appurtenances on the premises at the time of making application. The plans will remain the property of the District.
The applicant also agrees to furnish the District with drawings showing revisions to piping or appurtenances whenever the same are made. All drawings furnished must be evidenced, first, by the stamp of a professional engineer who has been duly registered and licensed by the Rhode Island State Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and secondly, must be approved and signed by the local fire chief or his/her authorized agent.
6.1.1 Conformance with Fire Flow Ordinance:
On August 13, 1996, the Town Council of the Town of Smithfield adopted a Fire Flow Ordinance entitled “Water Supply for Fire Protection”. Plans shall be in conformance with this Ordinance when applicable. Applicability and subsequent findings shall be determined by the District or its designee pursuant to Section 10-506 et seq. (of said Ordinance).
6.2 Annual Charges:
The annual charge for this service shall be made in accordance with the annual fire service charges as determined by the District. The annual charge shall be based upon the size of the service connection for each service connection from the main. Such charges are listed in the District’s “Schedule of Rates and Fees”.
Charges for fire service supplies shall be payable in advance of the date of installation, pro-rated for the remainder of the billing year, and then annually in advance on the regular billing period for the District.
6.3 Installation to be Approved by the District:
The District expressly reserves the right to determine the necessity for and the advisability of, as determined by the District’s engineer, granting any application of this special service, and also the right to determine the size of service pipe which will be granted; depending upon the size of the street main, the available pressure on the main, and the nature and capacity of the fire protection equipment within the building.
6.4 Connection to Domestic Service Prohibited:
No connection shall be made at any time between the fire supply system and the regular water supply to the premises. The only exception is a District approved combined fire/domestic system. Valves placed on the system shall be of a style that can be sealed by the District.
6.5 Number of Services:
One (1) fire service only will be allowed to any one building or premises; unless, in the opinion of the District, or their Engineer, more than one is absolutely necessary for the proper protection of the premises. All fire protection equipment connected to the District service shall be confined within the building or on the premises named in the application, and where two (2) or more connections are made for one building or premises, they will be kept separated, unless special permission is obtained from the District to connect the same in a manner to be approved by them.
6.6 Use of Service:
No water shall be drawn from the fire service pipes for any purpose whatever except for the extinguishing of fires. This paragraph is not to be construed as prohibiting a reasonable use of water for fire drills, draining of the system to prevent freezing or other reasonable use in connection with proper fire protection. Whenever water is used for this purpose, either by the owner or the insurance inspector making the test, the owner shall notify the District office prior to making any test and forward this information, together with a brief description of the operations resulting in the use of the water, to the District.
6.61 Fire Flow Inspections, Tests and Liability:
All fire services shall be subject to periodic inspections by the East Smithfield Water District. The owner shall give all reasonable access for such inspection and shall provide such information as may be requested.
Owners may periodically test their fire protection system in accordance with the following procedures:
a) No tests shall be conducted prior to the District’s completion or its annual Spring seasonal flushing program in order to minimize rust complaints during testing of fire protection systems.
b) The owner or the agent of the owner shall notify the East Smithfield Water District prior to scheduling fire system tests.
c) The owner or the company that will be conducting the test shall place an advertisement in the Valley Breeze prior to testing, warning of the possibility of rusty water.
d) Notice of the scheduled test must be posted to the Town of Smithfield web page one week prior to the test.
e) Whatever information is obtained from the test shall be submitted to the East Smithfield Water District as public information.
f) The owner shall notify the appropriate fire department when the test is to take place.
The East Smithfield Water District reserves the right to have a representative present during the test and to limit the volume and/or the flow rate of the water used for the test.
The customer or its agent(s) will be liable for any and all damages sustained to both public and private property and any related costs incurred by the District.
6.7 Cross Connections:
Any fire protection system supplied with water from the District shall be supplied exclusively with that water and no connection will be allowed with any other system drawing its supply from any other source whereby the District’s water supply may be subjected to contamination.
Any fire protection system using water from any source other than the District’s service shall be kept entirely separate from the water system supplied from the District’s service.
6.8 Inspection:
All fire services shall be subject to periodic inspection by inspectors from this District. The owner shall give the inspectors all reasonable facilities for making the survey and any information concerning the fire services that they may require. Care will be taken that inspections will be made with as little inconvenience to the owner as possible.
6.9 Vacant Buildings:
If any building with a fire protection system should become vacant, all required sprinkler systems shall be maintained in operating condition during the period of time that the building is vacant. At no time will the District be able to turn off the supply of water without the written permission of the Town’s Fire Department.
6.10 Illegal Use:
No person, except an authorized representative of the District or Fire Department, shall be allowed, under any circumstances, to operate a fire service.
At no time shall the owner of any premise use water from a fire service for uses other than fire protection and applicable testing of the system. Water used for purposes other than the aforementioned permitted uses shall be billed at a flat rate per thousand gallons as determined by the District and additional charges may be assessed.
6.11 Meters:
All fire supplies shall be metered and conform to the provisions of Section 3 entitled “Meters”, with the following exceptions:
a. The owner may purchase and install a fire service meter assembly as directed by the District, provided it is a type approved by the District and the National Board of Fire Underwriters.
b. The owner may purchase and install a back flow prevention device, provided it is a type approved by the District and the National Board of Fire Underwriters. The District reserves the right, at any time, to require the owner to install a fire service meter assembly as described in the preceding paragraph (a).
6.12 Valves:
On the inlet and discharge side of each fire service meter assembly or double check valve back flow preventer, the owner shall install an OS&Y gate valve, manufactured to conform in all respects with the American Water Works Specifications for Gate Valves for Ordinary Water Works Service as amended to date. The valves shall be a type that meets the requirements of the national Board of Fire Underwriters.
On a double check valve back flow preventer installation with a metered bypass, the owner will be required to install a gate valve on the inlet side of the by-pass in conformance with all respects with Federal Specifications WW-V-54 Type 1, Class A, as amended to date. On the discharge side of the by-pass meter, the owner shall install a double check valve back flow preventer equipped with NRS gate valves and ball type test cocks with bronze strainer (Watts #S-709) or approved equal, designed for a working pressure of 175 pounds per square inch.
6.13 Violations of Rules:
For any violation of rules governing fire supplies, the District may discontinue the service immediately. Restoration of service shall require payment of a water turn-on fee in the amount specified in the District’s “Schedule of Rates and Fees”.
SECTION 7
7.0 FIRE HYDRANTS
7.1 Authorization of Hydrant Installations.
The District shall install public fire hydrants whenever written requests are received from the proper town authority or their location has been approved by the local fire department on new main extensions, and approved by the District subject, however, to all the provisions described within these regulations.
7.2 Hydrants are the Property of the District:
All public fire hydrants and their connections are installed and maintained by the District and remain part of the water works system. The use of all hydrants for public fire protection shall be paid for in advance by the local town authority at the prevailing rate per hydrant per year as determined by the District.
7.3 Duty to Inspect and Maintain Privately Owned Hydrants:
Privately owned hydrants shall be inspected and maintained annually. Annual inspection and maintenance shall include but not be limited to flushing; all ports shall be checked for ease of operation. A detailed list, by location, of said inspection and maintenance activities shall be furnished to the District and the Fire Department, annually, by June 1st. If the owner is unable to comply with any of these requirements, the District shall perform them, for fees to be borne by the owner.
7.4 Obstructing Hydrants:
No person shall obstruct the access to any fire hydrant by placing or permitting any snow, debris, building material or other obstruction to remain on or about the hydrant which will in any manner interfere with its immediate use.
7.5 Use of Hydrants:
Public fire hydrants are installed for the sole purpose of fire protection, and with the exception of the members of the Fire Department operating the same for the legitimate purpose of extinguishing fires, no other use of such hydrants shall be made without the written consent of the District.
7.5.1 Unauthorized Use of Hydrants:
The violation for unauthorized use of hydrant(s) shall be consistent with RI General Laws 11-35-7.
7.6 Hydrant Spacing / Main Extension:
All main extensions shall include hydrants spaced at five hundred (500) foot intervals.
SECTION 8
8.0 CONDOMINIUM RULES AND REGULATIONS
The condominium owners (hereinafter referred to as the “Owner”) shall purchase and install a master meter assembly with back flow device, which is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed & FM (Factory Mutual) approved for fire service use, and approved by the District, which shall be owned and maintained by the Owner. The Master Meter shall be installed in a “hot box” or District approved pit at least five (5) to six (6) feet in depth at the front property line giving the District full and ready access to it. Master meter pits shall be equipped with a Post Reader type remote reader box approved by the District; purchased and installed by the Owner.
In addition, the District may require the Owner to purchase and install individual meters for each condominium unit; the Owner and its successors or assigns shall grant to the District the right of access to read, improve and or repair each individual meter. Every individual meter shall have individual shut off valves and curb stops to be installed according to specifications of the District. If there is any difference between the total consumption on the Master Meter and individual meters, the overage shall be charged to the Owner.
The Owner shall supply fire hydrants according to the District Plans and Specifications. Such fire hydrants shall be owned and maintained by the owner. The District or its designee and the Smithfield (or North Providence, if applicable) Fire Department shall approve the location of such fire hydrants.
The Owner shall pay to the District an annual fire service charge in accordance with the District’s “Schedule of Rates and Fees”.
SECTION 9
9.0 CROSS-CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW
9.1 Cross Connection and Backflow Policy:
The District has adopted a Cross Connection and Backflow Policy and Program. Backflow devices shall be installed in high risk areas as determined by the District. They shall be tested annually at the property owner’s expense.
9.2 Cross Connection Prohibited:
No licensed plumber or others shall cause a physical connection to be made between the District supply and any other water supply for commercial, domestic, sanitary, fire protection or boiler feed purposes, or for any other fixture be supplied directly from the District water system through a flushmeter or other valve unless such valve is set above the water closet or urinal bowl or other fixture in such a manner as to prevent any possibility of back siphonage or pollution.
No plumbing fixture, device or construction shall be installed which will provide a cross-connection between the District supply and a drainage system, soil or waste pipe, so as to permit or make possible the back flow of sewage or waste into the water supply system. Draw-off pipes for draining sprinkler systems shall not be directly connected into a drainage system or a submerged pit.
If the District water supply is delivered to a tank that is also supplied with water from any source other than the public water supply, such tanks shall be open to atmospheric pressure and the District’s water supplied above the maximum level in the tank. The tank shall be equipped with an overflow pipe of ample size to fix definitely the maximum level of water. There shall be at least six (6”) inches between the invert of the pipe supplied with District water and the maximum tank level.
If the District water supply is delivered to a tank in which there are chemicals, dyestuffs, or other materials used in processing, the pipe supplied with District water shall not be submerged.
There shall be ample clearance between the invert of the District supply and the top of the tank to prevent back siphonage into the public supply.
In cases where premises may have (1) internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected, or (2) intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain whether or not potentially dangerous cross-connections exist, the public water supply system shall be protected against back-flow from the premises by installation of a back-flow prevention device in the service line, on the customer’s side of the meter of a type approved by the District dependent upon the degree of hazard that exists and at the customer’s expense. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to have back-flow prevention devices tested and approved by the District. A written copy of the test results must be submitted to the District for final approval.
9.3 Pump Connection:
No pump shall be directly connected to any main or service for the purpose of increasing the water pressure in the Owner’s system unless prior written authorization and approval has been obtained from the District.
9.4 Lawn and/or Garden Watering Systems:
The District reserves the right to approve any underground or concealed lawn and/or garden system. The District requires that a residential dual check valve or a commercial double check back-flow preventer shall be installed in the water supply line immediately downstream of the water meter.
The District reserves the right to inspect and have the owner initiate any steps that may be necessary for proper compliance.
9.5 Dishwashing and Laundry Machines:
District water supply to dishwashing and laundry machines shall be equipped with an approved vacuum breaker and a check valve located between the vacuum breaker and the fixture. The vacuum breaker shall be located at least four (4) inches above the highest elevation of the machine. The District is not liable for interruption in service or damage resulting from the failure to have proper vacuum breakers or check valves.
SECTION 10
10.0 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
10.1 Interruption of Water Supply:
The District furnishes water and not pressure, and does not guarantee a continuous supply. No responsibility will be assumed for any damage to any apparatus in any house or building due to the shutting off or turning on of water without notice, either for repairs or on account of a break in the pipe lines or other necessary operations.
No person shall be entitled to damages, nor to have any portion of a payment refunded, for any stoppage of supply occasioned by accident to any portion of the works nor for the stoppage for purpose of additions or repairs; or for non-use occasioned by absence or for any other reason.
10.2 Notice of Interruption of Service Not Required:
While it is the intention of the District to give notice, in advance of any work which must be done that will necessitate interruption of the supply, such notice is to be considered a courtesy only and not a requirement on the part of the District. In case of a break in the pipelines, water will be shut off at any time without notice.
Failure of tenants or property owners to receive notice of interruption of service shall entail no responsibility on the part of the District or its employees. Property owners must install boilers, hot water tanks and other installations connected with the water supply system, with adequate safeguards so that damage will not occur if the water is shut off without notice.
10.3 Unauthorized Use of Water:
The District will prefer charges in accordance with Section 11-35-7 of RI General Laws, as amended, against any person who, without proper authorization from the District, taps or makes any connection with any street main or service or other distributing pipe connected with the water system, including hydrants. Also in accordance with Section 11-35-7 of RI General Laws, as amended, the District will prefer charges against any person who, without such authorization opens any gate or valve connected with the water system so as to obtain water from the system or for the purpose of obtaining such water; or who shall in any way or by any device obtain the use of such water without authorization. The District may estimate the cost of such water use and charge fees and costs to recover such money. The District is authorized to immediately shut off such water supply without recourse to its consequences.
10.4 Re-Sale of Water:
No consumer, except with the previously obtained written consent of the District, will be allowed to furnish water to other persons or property or to allow such persons to take it themselves. Violations of this regulation may cause the supply to be shut off and the water rate already paid forfeited.
10.5 Water Charges to One Person:
When water shall be supplied to more than one party, through a single service, the bill for the whole supply furnished through such service will be made to the owner of the property. In case of non-payment, the water may be shut off, notwithstanding one or more parties may have paid the proportion due from him/her or them.
10.8 Renewal of Service:
After service has been shut off for any reason, and a subsequent request for turn-on has been received, for such turn-on, a charge will be levied to the owner of the property or to some one tenant who shall agree to be responsible therefore. Current charges for such “Turn-On of Service” are listed in the District’s “Schedule of Rates and Fees”.
10.9 Refusal to Give Service:
No water shall be furnished to any property which is indebted to the District for water service (domestic or fire).
10.10 Penalty for Violation of Rules:
If the owner, agent, lessee, tenant, or person in charge of any premises, violates any rule or regulation of the District affecting said premises, and fails to remove any violation or comply with any written order of the District pertaining thereto, within thirty (30) days after such order shall have been sent by mail to the last known address of such person, the District may discontinue service to such premises.
If water service shall be so discontinued, it shall not be resumed until the rule or regulation so violated shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the District and applicable fees as listed in the District’s “Schedule of Rates and Fees” for both turning the water off and turning the water on have been paid to the District.
The District reserves the right to make such amendments to the rules and regulations as may be necessary for the preservation and protection of the District water supply system.
SECTION 11
11.0 CONSERVATION PROGRAM
The District actively promotes a water conservation program by checking meter accuracy, and addressing issues such as waste, detection of water leakage, promotion of conservation measures, and peak usage reduction.
11.1 Meter Accuracy and Seals:
Water meters are made with great care and precision and should with reasonable care, give years of satisfactory service. A defective meter will invariably under-register, or work in favor of the consumer. All meters before being placed in service have been carefully checked and tested for accuracy. THE CONSUMER MUST NOT TAMPER WITH OR DEFACE METERS. (Reference: See Sections 3.8, Meter Testing; 3.12, Tampering or Defacing MeterS.
11.2 Waste and Leakage of Water; Conservation:
If a meter suddenly shows an increase in consumption, with no apparent cause, one of two things has happened; a leak has started, or water has been allowed to run to waste.
Waste and leakage of water is an economic waste, not only to the customer, who pays much larger water bills than is necessary, but to the District as well, which must provide a system of sufficient capacity to meet demands resulting from leakage and waste in addition to the requirements of the customers. Conservation of water results in indirect savings to the consumer. It eliminates large capital expenditures required in expanding the supply, either at its source or in the distribution system, to meet usual demands from leakage and waste.
11.3 Detection of Leakage:
The flow of water from all fixtures supplied by the meter should be shut off, and the pointer on the circle observed for a period of ten (10) or fifteen (15) minutes. If the pointer moves, a leak is indicated, the size of which may be determined by timing the pointer.
If the leak cannot be located, a licensed plumber should be called, as the District is not authorized to do the work on private property.
11.4 Conservation Measures:
The District shall promote conservation measures and encourage consumer education in this area; devices such as low-flow shower heads, and fixtures, and leak detection tablets are encouraged. Conservation kits shall be made available to consumers at no cost. The District shall advertise such measures on cable television and through the local media to the extent possible.
11.5 Peak Usage Reduction:
The District believes that it is important to have contingency plans in place to reduce peak hour demand during extended heat waves and emergency conditions, and during periods of drought. Further, the District recognizes that reduction of peak usage is useful in reducing capital investment and prolonging the use of the source of supply.
The District shall publicize the need to reduce peak water usage when necessary on cable television and through the local media to the extent possible. First, this would consist of a request for customers to voluntarily restrict outside water use. If necessary, a mandatory, complete ban on outdoor water usage may be imposed by the District.