Bylaw 2025-02 Water Utility Bylaw — full text

This is an automated transcription (OCR) of the captured official document — minor recognition errors are possible; the source document governs. Snapshot ed4afc3bbf0f · verified 2026-06-08 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

## VILLAGE OF ACME IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA BYLAW 2025-02 WATER UTILITY BYLAW Being a bylaw of the Village of Acme in the Province of Alberta, Canada RESPECTING THE WATER UTILITY SYSTEM in the Village of Acme. WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act authorizes a municipality to operate a water system as a public utility for the purpose of supplying and distributing potable water to residents, industrial and commercial users, for fire protection, and to all other customers in the Village of Acme and subject to Council approval to customers outside the Village boundaries. AND WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act authorizes a municipality to pass a bylaw respecting public utilities and services provided by the municipality. NOW THEREFORE THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ACME, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: ## SECTION 1 - TITLE - 1.1 This Bylaw may be cited as the "Water Utility Bylaw". ## SECTION 2 - INTERPRETATION - 2.1 In this Bylaw and any schedules to this Bylaw the following terms when capitalized shall have the following meanings: - a. "Account" means an agreement by which a Person agrees to pay for Potable Water supplied to a Premises. - b. "Bare Land Service Connection" means service connections are available at the property line for the Premises to connect to, but are not yet connected. - C. "Billing Date" means the date as identified on the utility bill. - d. "Builder" means a Person undertaking the construction of a building. - e. "Bulk Water" means Potable Water provided from the Waterworks System which is unmetered - f. "Bylaw" means this Water Utility Bylaw. - g. "Bypass" means plumbing, affixed with a Seal, installed on 50mm (2") lines and larger to divert Potable Water around the Water Meter if the Water Meter requires maintenance or repair. - h. "CAO" means the Chief Administrative Officer of the Village of Acme. - i. "Combined Line" means a Service Connection that supplies Potable Water for both firefighting and non-firefighting purposes including commercial, industrial or domestic purposes. - j. "Control Valve" means the part of the Service Connection (Private) consisting of a valve located in a Premises within a building which, when shut off, allows no  Potable Water to enter the building. - K. "Council" means the Municipal Council of the Village of Acme. 2. "Cross Connection" means a connection between a waterline and another pipe or apparatus whereby Potable Water could mix with liquids or solids and thus has potential to become contaminated. - m. "Curb Stop" means the part of the Service Connection (Village) consisting of a control valve located at or near the property line of a Parcel of Land which can turn on or off the Potable Water to the Parcel of Land. - n. "Customer" means any Person who is party to an Account with the Village. - o. "Designated Officer" means a designated officer as defined in the Municipal Government Act. - p. "Downstream" means the side of a Water Meter where Potable Water exits the Water Meter. - q. "Enforcement Officer" means an individual engaged by the Village as a Community Peace Officer or a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, a peace officer as defined in the Peace Officer Act, R.S.A. 2006, c. P-3.5 or a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. - r. "Fire Line" means a Service Connection that supplies Potable Water solely for fire protection purposes. - S. "Hydrant" means a discharge pipe with a valve and spout connected to the Waterworks System owned by the Village at which Potable Water may be drawn from a Water Main. - t. "Hydrant Permit" means a Permit authorizing a Person to access or obtain Potable Water from a Hydrant. - U. "Municipal Government Act" means the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26. - V. "Municipal Ticket" means a notice of a contravention of this Bylaw issued in accordance with section 17.3(a) of this Bylaw. - W. "Occupant" means a Person using or occupying a Premises who is not the Owner of the Premises. - x. "Once-through Cooling Equipment" means cooling, air conditioning or refrigeration systems in buildings, building systems and equipment (including stand-alone ice machines), which rely upon the temperature of the water supply for cooling purposes and deliver water to a drain or other discharge facility without having recycled that water. - y. "Operator" means employees of the Village of Acme authorized to operate and manage the Water Utility System. - Z. "Owner" means a property owner as defined in the Municipal Government Act. 17. aa. "Parcel of Land" means a parcel of land as defined in the Municipal Government Act. 18. bb. "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, company, society or government entity.  - "Plumber" means an individual certified pursuant to the Safety Codes Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. S-1 to install, repair, and maintain piping, fittings, and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building. - dd. "Potable Water" means water supplied from the Waterworks System that does not contain contaminates or infective matter and is considered satisfactory for human consumption, which is supplied through a Service Connection or a Hydrant. - ee. "Premises" means land, buildings, or both, or a portion of either occupied or used for any purpose within the Village. - "Private Hydrant" means a hydrant which has been installed for the purpose of fire suppression only for the Premises on which it is located, which is connected to the Waterworks System but which is not part of the public utility and which is owned by the Owner of the Premises on which it is located. - gg. "Private System" means the pipes, fittings, valves and appurtenances that convey Potable Water supplied from a Service Connection to fixtures within a building. - hh. "Pressure Reducing Valve" means the part of the Service Connection (Private) consisting of a valve located in a Premises within a building which reduces the pressure of Potable Water before it enters the Private System. - ii. "Provincial Offences Procedures Act" means the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. P-34. - ji. "Remote Readout Device" means a device attached to the outside, or inside of a building which allows the Water Meter to be read remotely, and may include a device that allows the Water Meter to be read via radio transmission. - kk. "Residential Premises" means a Premises used for residential purposes and includes a house, condominium, duplex, semi-detached house, and apartment complex, and includes mixed use Premises which include a residential component - II. "Seal" means a seal on any component of the Waterworks System which cannot be removed without physically damaging the seal. - mm. "Self-contained Unit" means a self-contained part of a building having regard to the use of the building, and includes a self-contained dwelling unit in a Premises. - nn. "Service Connection" means a service connection as defined in the Municipal Government Act and includes a Service Connection (Private) and a Service Connection (Village). - O0. "Service Connection (Private)" means the portion of a Service Connection located on, above or underneath a Parcel of Land that is not owned by the Village. - pp. "Service Connection (Village)" means the portion of a Service Connection from the Water Main to the boundary of the property, road, or easement within which the Water Main is located above or beneath a Parcel of Land that is owned or managed by the Village. 99. "Seasonal" means for the period of time not exceeding 12 months. - rr. "Take-Off" means any pipe connecting to a Service Connection between the   Water Main and the Water Meter. - SS. "Testable Cross Connection Control Devices" means valve assemblies installed on a Private System to prevent contamination caused by a Cross Connection, which are testable in accordance with the Safety Codes Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. S-1. - tt. "Village" means the Municipality of the Village of Acme in the Province of Alberta or, where the context so requires, its municipal boundaries. - uu. "Upstream" means the side of a Water Meter where Potable Water enters the Water Meter. - VV. "Provincial Violation Ticket" means a Provincial Violation Ticket as defined in the Provincial Offences Procedures Act. - ww. "Water Main" means the main line of the Waterworks System located on, above or underneath a road or easement granted to the Village for that purpose. - XX. "Water Meter" means a device installed by the Village to measure the quantity of Potable Water supplied to a Premises. - yy. "Water Meter Setting" means the portion of the Service Connection (Private) within which a Water Meter is or will be installed - zz. "Waterworks System" means the system or works established to supply Potable Water including Bulk Water within the Village and is a municipal public utility as defined in the Municipal Government Act. - aaa. "Water Use Restriction" means a restriction on the use of Potable Water as set out in the Village's Water Conservation Management Policy. - 2.2 Any references in this Bylaw to any statutes are to those statutes as amended or replaced from time to time and any amendments thereto. - 2.3 Whenever the singular or masculine form of a word is used in this Bylaw, it shall include the plural, feminine or neutral form of the word as the context so requires. - 2.4 The headings in this Bylaw do not form part of this Bylaw and shall not affect its interpretation. - 2.5 The word "may" when used in this Bylaw shall be construed as permissive and empowering, and the word "shall" when used in this Bylaw shall be construed as imperative. - 2.6 Whenever measurements are provided in both metric and imperial units in this Bylaw, the metric units form part of this Bylaw and the imperial units are provided for convenience only. ## SECTION 3 - AUTHORITY - 3.1 mai emance, mahagemen and operation of al thates ers Systor the general - 3.2 The Operator shall be a Designated Officer in respect of this Bylaw. - 3.3 The Operator is authorized to: - a. carry out the administration, control, care and management of the Waterworks System;   - b. enter into contracts on behalf of the Village in respect of the Waterworks System; - c. enter onto land and structures to carry out inspections, remedies, enforcement or other actions with respect to this Bylaw in accordance with the Municipal Government Act; and - d. delegate any or all of the powers of the Operator pursuant to this Bylaw to employees and or contractors of the Village. ## SECTION 4 - RESPONSIBILITY - 4.1 The Village, having constructed or caused to be constructed, operated and maintained the Waterworks System, shall supply Potable Water in accordance with this Bylaw and the Municipal Government Act. - 4.2 The Village may supply Potable Water for domestic, commercial, industrial and firefighting purposes to any Premises. ## SECTION 5 - SERVICE AND SERVICE CONNECTIONS ## Application for Service Connections - 5.1 No Person shall install, modify or expand a Service Connection except with the authorization of the Operator. - 5.2 The Owner of a Premises may apply for a Service Connection to be installed in respect of the Premises. - 5.3 The Operator may approve an application pursuant to section 5.2 of this Bylaw subject to - a. an account being set up in respect of the Premises; and - b. any conditions set out in a Development Permit or Development. - 5.4 The general layout for Service Connections shall be as set out in Schedules "A" and "B" to this Bylaw. These schedules are for guidance only, and in the event of any differences between this Bylaw or the Municipal Government Act and the layout described in Schedules "A" and "B" ", the Municipal Government Act shall prevail. ## Responsibility for Service Connections (Private) - 5.5 The Owner of a Premises shall be responsible for constructing, maintaining and repairing the Service Connection (Private) to the property line in respect of the Premises including, without limitation, connecting the Service Connection (Private) to the Service Connection (Village). - 5.6 The Owner of a Premises shall ensure that a Service Connection (Private) for that Premises is kept in good repair and protected from damage. - 5.7 Notwithstanding sections 5.5 and 5.6 of this Bylaw, the Operator may require the Owner of a Premises to give the Village authorization to construct, maintain and repair the Service Connection (Private) for that Premises as a condition of: - a. approving an application to install, modify or expand a Service Connection in respect of the Premises; or - b. supplying or continuing to supply Potable Water to the Premises. - 5.8 If the Village constructs, maintains or repairs a Service Connection (Private) pursuant to section 5.7, this shall be at the cost of the Owner. ## Responsibility for Service Connections (Village)   - 5.9 The Village shall be responsible for constructing, maintaining and repairing Service Connections (Village) up to the property line of the privately owned parcel. - 5.10 Notwithstanding section 5.9 of this Bylaw, the Operator may require the Owner of a Premises to be responsible for the cost of constructing, maintaining and repairing the Service Connection (Village) for that Premises, as a condition of: - a. approving an application to install, modify or expand a Service Connection in respect of the Premises; or - b. supplying or continuing to supply Potable Water to the Premises. ## Service Connections to a Premises - 5.11 To the extent the Operator considers it practical or desirable to do so, the Operator may authorize One (1) Service Connection per Parcel of Land. - 5.12 Notwithstanding section 5.11 of this Bylaw: - a. if a Parcel of Land contains more than one Self-contained Unit, the Operator may approve more than one Service Connection to a Parcel of Land; - b. if more than one Parcel of Land is located within a building, the Operator may approve one or more Service Connections to the building to be shared by Parcels of Land; and - c. the Operator may approve more than one Service Connection for a Parcel of Land if, in the opinion of the Operator, it is necessary or desirable to do so. - 5.13 No Person shall install or cause to be installed a Take-off. ## Refusal to Provide Service and Service Connections - 5.14 The Operator may refuse to authorize a Service Connection or an expansion, modification, or relocation of a Service Connection or refuse to supply Potable Water to a Premises if: - a. the Premises is not on a Parcel of Land adjacent to lands on which a Water Main is located; - b. in the opinion of the Operator, the Village is not reasonably able to supply Potable Water to the Premises; - c. in the opinion of the Operator, the Potable Water System is not reasonably able to accommodate the proposed expansion, modification or relocation of a Service Connection; or - d. the application is not made by the Owner of the Premises. ## Abandonment of Service - 5.15 The Owner of a Premises shall notify the Operator if a Service Connection for that Premises is or will be abandoned. - 5.16 The Operator may declare a Service Connection abandoned if: - a. use of the Service Connection is discontinued for SIX (6) months or more; - b. there is no building on the Premises and no building is currently being constructed; or - c. there is no Account in respect of the Premises.   - 5.17 If a Service Connection is abandoned in accordance with section 5. 15 or 5.16 of this Bylaw, the Operator may require the Owner to take any steps the Operator considers necessary or desirable for closure or removal of the Service Connection. ## Curb Stops - 5.18 No Person shall operate a Curb Stop without the authorization of the Operator. - 5.19 Notwithstanding section 5.18 of this Bylaw, the Operator may authorize a contractor to operate a Curb Stop subject to the following terms and conditions: - a. a contractor may only operate a Curb Stop for the purposes of testing, repairing or replacing a Control Valve or for a purpose authorized by the Operator; and - b. a contractor shall not cause damage or allow damage to any part of the Waterworks System as a result of the operation of a Curb Stop. - 5.20 An Owner or Occupant may apply in writing to the Operator to have the Operator operate a Curb Stop in respect of a Premises. - 5.21 If the Operator approves an application pursuant to section 5.20 of this Bylaw, the applicant shall pay to the Village the fees as set out in the Master Rates Bylaw. ## Responsibility for Private Systems - 5.22 The Owner of a Premises shall be responsible for constructing, maintaining and repairing the Private System in respect of the Premises including, without limitation, connecting the Private System to the Service Connection (Private). - 5.23 In the event that a Private System or Service Connection (Private) portions thereof is frozen, no Person shall use electrical means to thaw frozen pipes except as authorized by the Operator. - 5.24 The Operator may authorize a contractor to use electrical means to thaw a frozen Private System or Service Connection (Private) pursuant to section 5.23 subject to the following terms and conditions: - a. disconnection of the Water Meter and all electrical ground wires from the Private System prior to commencement; and - b. reinstallation, inspection, and Sealing of the Water Meter once the thawing work is complete. - 5.25 The Operator may, upon the application of the Owner of the Premises, thaw a Private System or Service Connection (Private) at the cost of the Owner. ## SECTION 6 - HYDRANTS ## Operation of Hydrants - 6.1 Except as authorized by the Operator, no Person shall: - open, close, interfere with, or connect a pipe or hose to a Hydrant; or - b. use Potable Water from a Hydrant. - 6.2 Section 6.1 of this Bylaw does not apply to members of a fire department engaged in the suppression of a fire or training exercises. ## Obstruction of Hydrants - 6.3 No Person shall allow anything to be placed, constructed, erected, or planted within the   clearance areas located within their premises specified in Schedule "C" to this Bylaw which may obstruct or interfere with the visibility, or access to use, or maintenance of a Hydrant. - 6.4 The Owner of a Premises on or adjacent to which a Hydrant is located shall ensure that nothing is placed, constructed, erected, or planted within the clearance areas located within their premises specified in Schedule "C" to this Bylaw which may obstruct or interfere with the visibility, or access to use, or maintenance of a Hydrant. ## Private Hydrants - 6.5 The Owner of a Premises on which a Private Hydrant is located shall: - a. protect the Private Hydrant from damage; - b. maintain the Private Hydrant in a state of good repair to the satisfaction of the Operator; and - c. Hydray ichading, viciout insuedo, requinear the Priest of yor Private a specific colour or design. - 6.6 Sections 6.3 and 6.4 of this Bylaw shall apply to Private Hydrants. ## Hydrant Permits - 6.7 The Operator may issue a Hydrant Permit authorizing a Person to open or close a Hydrant or use Potable Water from a Hydrant. - 6.8 A Hydrant Permit issued by the Operator pursuant to section 6.7 of this Bylaw shall be subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Hydrant Permit Application. - 6.9 A Person who dispenses Potable Water from a Hydrant shall pay the Village for that Potable Water at the flat rate set out in the Master Rates Bylaw. ## SECTION 7 - CROSS CONNECTIONS - 7.1 No person shall connect, cause to be connected or permit to remain connected to the Waterworks System a Cross Connection. ## SECTION 8 - ACCOUNTS ## Setting Up Accounts - 8.1 No Potable Water shall be supplied to a Premises unless an Account is in place in respect of that Premises. - 8.2 A Person who is to be the Customer in respect of an Account for a Premises pursuant to section 8.4 of this Bylaw may apply for an Account in respect of the Premises. - 8.3 An application pursuant to section 8.2 of this Bylaw shall: - a. include any information required by the Operator; - b. be made not less than TWO (2) business days prior to the date on which the applicant proposes as the starting date for Potable Water to be supplied to the Premises; and - c. be made in writing, by electronic transmission, or in person at the Village Office. ## Customers - 8.4 Where the Owner of a Premises requests that Potable Water be supplied to the   Premises, the Owner shall be the Customer in respect of the Premises. - 8.5 The Owner of a Premises shall be the Customer in respect of the Premises. Occupants of Premises shall not be eligible to be the Customer in respect of Premises. - 8.6 Notwithstanding section 8.5 of this Bylaw, the Operator may authorize the Occupants of a Premises to be the Customer in respect of the Premises if: - a. the Premises consist of multiple Parcels of Land within a building where each Parcel of Land does not have its own Water Meter and the Customer is to be the Condominium Association in respect of the building; or - b. the Premises is currently under construction and the Builder requests that Potable Water be supplied to the Premises and the Customer is to be the Builder. - 8.7 Where there is more than one Occupant of a Premises and an Occupant of the Premises requests that Potable Water be supplied to the Premises, the Operator may refuse the request unless the Owner and all other Occupants of the Premises agree in writing to be jointly and severally responsible for any fees and charges relating to the supply of Potable Water for the Premises. - 8.8 Where the Occupant of a Premises other than a Residential Premises requests that Potable Water be supplied to the Premises, the Occupant shall be the Customer in respect of the Premises subject to section 8.8 of this Bylaw. - 8.9 Where the Owner of a vacant Premises requests that Potable Water be supplied to the Premises, the Owner shall be the Customer in respect of the Premises. - 8.10 Accounts are not transferable. ## Terminating an Account - 8.11 Prior to vacating a Premises to which Potable Water is supplied, the Customer shall close the Account in respect of the Premises. - 8.12 A Customer may close an Account by: - a. providing TWO (2) business days' notice to the Operator in writing, by electronic transmission, or in person at the Village Office; and - b. paying all outstanding fees and charges owing pursuant to that Account. ## SECTION 9 - WATER RATES AND CHARGES ## Water Rates - 9.1 A Customer shall pay all applicable rates and charges for the supply of Potable Water to the Premises for which the Customer has an Account. - 9.2 Where Potable Water is supplied to a Premises, the rates and charges payable pursuant to section 9.1 of this Bylaw shall be as follows: - a. the Base Rates as set out in the Master Rates Bylaw; and - b. the Consumption Charge as set out in the Master Rates Bylaw multiplied by the quantity of Potable Water supplied to the Premises as indicated by the Water Meter for the Premises. - 9.3 Where Potable Water is not currently supplied to the Premises, but there is a Service Connection at the Property Line, the Owner shall set up an account and be charged a   Bare Land Service Connection fee as set out in the Master Rates Bylaw. ## Utility Bills | 9.4 | The Operator shall issue a utility bill for each Account, on a monthly basis or such other periods as determined in the discretion of the Operator. | |-------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | a. The Owner of a Premises may request that a copy of the utility bill be sent to the Occupant of the Premises if the Occupant is someone other than the Owner. | | 9.5 | A utility bill issued pursuant to this Bylaw shall specify the date on which it is payable. | | 9.6 | If a Customer fails to pay a utility bill on or before the date specified pursuant to section 9.5 of this Bylaw, the Customer shall pay a penalty as specified in Master Rates Bylaw, and this penalty shall be added to and form part of the Customer's utility bill. | | 9.7 | A penalty pursuant to section 9.6 of this Bylaw shall be in addition to any other remedies available to the Village for non-payment of a utility charge. | | 9.8 | If a Utility Account remains unpaid for SIXTY (60) days after the Payment Due Date, the unpaid balance may be transferred to the tax roll for the property for which the utility account relates. | | 9.9 | Failure to receive a utility bill, or an error on a utility bill, shall not constitute a valid defense for failure to pay the rates and charges for the provision of Potable Water to a Premises. | | 9.10 | The Operator may issue a combined utility bill including other public utility services provided by the Village in respect of a Premises in addition to the provision of Potable Water, in which case the utility bill shall state as a separate amount the amount payable pursuant to this Bylaw. | ## Adjustments to Utility Bills - 9.11 The Operator shall not reduce water rates and charges for any interruption of the supply of Potable Water without authorization from the CAO. - 9.12 In the event a customer believes a utility bill contains an error, they may request the Operator to review and adjust the bill. This request must be made within three (3) months of the billing date. - 9.13 If the Operator is satisfied that unusual circumstances beyond the control of a Customer have resulted in excessively high Water usage rates and charges, and is further satisfied that it is fair and equitable to do so, the Operator may adjust the utility bill. - a. adjustments will be made by taking the three (3) previous consumption amounts and using the average as the consumption for the billing period. - b. if subsequently the Water Meter is read and the amount of Potable Water supplied to a Premises is greater than the estimate, the Customer shall be liable for any additional fees and charges. - 9.14 In the event a customer is not satisfied with the decision of the Operator, they may appeal directly to the Village Council. This appeal must be within six (6) months of the billing date of the utility bill in question. ## SECTION 10 - WATER METERS ## Water Meter Installation - 10.1 Without limiting the generality of sections 5.5 to 5.8 of this Bylaw, the Operator shall, as   a condition of supplying Potable Water to Premises, install Water Meters on the Premises in accordance with sections 8.8 and 8.9 of this Bylaw at the cost of the Village. - 10.2 The Operator may install Remote Readout Devices at the cost of the Village in respect of any Water Meters where applicable. - 10.3 All Water Meters and Remote Readout Devices shall remain the property of the Village. - 10.4 To the extent the Operator deems it practical to do so, the Operator shall install one Water Meter per Service Connection. - 10.5 Notwithstanding section 10.4 of this Bylaw: - a. if a Parcel of Land contains more than one Self-contained Unit, the Operator may install more than one Water Meter for the Parcel of Land providing there is a separate Service Connection for each Water Meter; - b. if more than one Parcel of Land is located within a building, the Operator may install one or more Water Meters for the building to be shared by the Parcels of Land (see section 8.6a); and - c. the Operator may approve more than one Water Meter for a Parcel of Land if, in the opinion of the Operator, it is necessary or desirable to do so. - 10.6 Where the Operator authorizes or requires two or more Water Meters for a Service Connection, the Operator may do so subject to the following terms and conditions: - a. the Water Meters shall be installed adjacent to each other as close as possible to the Control Valve or at such other location to the satisfaction of the Operator; - b. each Water Meter shall receive their own Utility Account and each Account shall be billed according to this bylaw. ## Private Water Meters - 10.7 An Owner or Occupant may install for their own purposes and at their own expense, a private water meter subject to the following: - a. private water meters shall be installed Downstream of the Water Meter; - b. private water meters shall be clearly identified as such by attaching a tag; and - c. private water meters shall not be used to calculate the quantity of Potable Water supplied to a Premises for any purposes with respect to this Bylaw, including billing purposes. ## Water Meters for Fire Protection - 10.8 Where fire protection is supplied to a Premises by a Fire Line, the Operator may authorize that Fire Line to be installed without a Water Meter. - 10.9 Where fire protection is supplied to a Premises by a Combined Line, a Water Meter shall be installed on that Combined Line in accordance with section 10.1 of this Bylaw. ## Water Meter Settings - 10.10 Without limiting the generality of section 5.5 of this Bylaw, the Owner of a Premises shall install a Water Meter Setting for each Water Meter to be installed on the Premises. - 10.11 Water Meter Settings installed pursuant to section 10.11 of this Bylaw: - a. Shall be designed and installed to the satisfaction of the Operator;   - b. Shall be installed Downstream of a Control Valve and Upstream of a Pressure Reducing Valve; and - c. Shall, unless otherwise authorized by the Operator, positioned such that: - i. the Water Meter is not less than 300mm (12 inches) beyond the wall or floor of the building immediately before the Water Meter position; - il. subject to section 10.12d.i. of this Bylaw, positioned as close as reasonably possible to the point where the Service Connection (Private) enters the building; and - iii. the Water Meter has safe and convenient access. - d. May be required to, in the case of Water Meters having a pipe size of 50mm (2) or larger, be equipped with a Bypass to the satisfaction of the Operator; ## Water Meter Failure, Damage or Removal - 10.12 Without limiting the generality of section 5.6 of this Bylaw, the Owner or Occupant of a Premises shall ensure that Water Meters, Remote Readout Devices, Water Meter Setting and any Pressure Reducing Valves, Control Valves and any portions of the Service Connection (Private) to which they are attached are kept in good repair and protected from damage and are maintained in good working condition. - 10.13 The Owner and Occupant of a Premises shall immediately notify the Operator if a Water Meter or Remote Readout Device on the Premises is damaged or does not appear to be functioning. - 10.14 No Person shall change, alter, remove, or otherwise tamper with a Water Meter or Remote Readout Device. - 10.15 If the Operator determines that a Water Meter has not accurately recorded the quantity of Potable Water supplied to a Premises, including without limitation if the Water Meter or a Bypass, Seal or any portion of the Service Connection (Private) on the Premises is damaged, the Operator may estimate the quantity of Potable Water supplied for the purposes of this Bylaw by taking the three (3) previous consumption amounts and using the average. - a. this shall be in addition to any other remedies available to the Village for failure to provide access to a Water Meter; and - b. if subsequently the Water Meter is read and the amount of Potable Water supplied to a Premises is greater than the estimate, the Customer shall be liable for any additional fees and charges. - 10.16 If a Water Meter or Remote Readout Device is malfunctioning by causes not within the control of the Owner or Occupant of a Premises, the Operator shall repair or replace the Water Meter or Remote Readout Device at the cost of the Village. - 10.17 If a Water Meter or Remote Readout Device is damaged due to physical means, tampering, freezing, excessive heat or any mechanism within the control of the Owner or Occupant of a Premises, the Operator shall repair or replace the Water Meter or Remote Readout Device at the cost of the Owner. This shall be in addition to any other remedies available to the Village for damaging, tampering with, or failing to prevent damage to a Water Meter or Remote Readout Device. - 10.18 Except with the authorization of the Operator or as authorized pursuant to this Bylaw, no Person shall install, test, remove, repair, replace, or disconnect a Water Meter or   Remote Readout Device. ## Water Meter Reading, Maintenance and Replacement - 10.19 As a condition of receiving Potable Water at a Premises, the Owner and Occupant of a Premises shall authorize the Operator to enter on the Premises for the following purposes: - a. reading Water Meters and Remote Readout Devices; and - b. installing, maintaining, testing, and replacing Water Meters and Remote Readout Devices. - 10.20 No Person shall obstruct access to a Water Meter or Remote Readout Device by the Operator for the purposes set out in section 10.19 of this Bylaw. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing; - a. the Owner or Occupant of a Premises shall ensure that access to a Remote Readout Device is safe and is not obstructed by decks, balconies, shrubs, trees, rences, animal feces or any other obstructions; and - b. the Owner or Occupant of a Premises shall ensure that all pets are under control and do not interfere with access to the Water Meter or Remote Readout Device. - 10.21 If access to a Water Meter or Remote Readout Device is prevented or impaired, the Operator may estimate the amount of Potable Water supplied to a Premises for the purposes of this Bylaw by taking the three (3) previous consumption amounts and using the average, subject to the following - a. this shall be in addition to any other remedies available to the Village for failure to provide access to a Water Meter; and - b. if subsequently the Water Meter is read and the amount of Potable Water supplied to a Premises is greater than the estimate, the Customer shall be liable for any additional fees and charges. - 10.22 The Operator shall attempt to make an appointment with the Owner or Occupant of the Premises to inspect, test, repair, or replace the Water Meter within a building on the Premises, subject to the following: - a. the Operator shall provide the Owner or Occupant with THREE (3) choices of dates for an appointment to take place during regular business hours, and if the Owner or Occupant does not accept one of these dates the Operator may select an appointment date and notify the Owner or Occupant of such appointment in person or by posting such notice on the door of the Premises; and - b. the Owner or Occupant of a Premises for which an appointment has been scheduled shall provide the Operator with unhindered, safe access to the Water Meter. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Owner or Occupant of a Premises shall ensure that: - i. access to a Water Meter is safe and not obstructed by any materials, including without limitation drywall, furnishings and stored items; and - ii. all pets are under control and do not interfere with access to the Water Meter. - 10.23 The Operator may remove Water Meters and Remote Readout Devices for maintenance, testing and replacement.   ## Water Meters for Seasonal Water Supplies - 10.24 If a Water Meter has been installed on a Premises where Potable Water is to be supplied on a temporary or seasonal basis, unless otherwise authorized by the Operator the Customer shall remove and return the Water Meter to the Village at the end of the season or period for which Potable Water is required. ## Water Meter Testing - 10.25 A Customer may request that the Operator test a Water Meter. - 10.26 If a request is made pursuant to section 10.25 of this Bylaw, the Operator shall test the Water Meter within a reasonable period of time. - 10.27 If testing conducted pursuant to section 10.26 of this Bylaw shows that the Water Meter is accurate to within THREE PERCENT (3%) of metered consumption of Potable Water, the Customer shall be responsible for all costs associated with the testing and those costs shall be part of the charges for the supply of Potable Water to the Premises. ## SECTION 11 - SEALS ## Installation of Seals - 11.1 The Operator may affix Seals on any part of the Waterworks System the Operator considers necessary. - 11.2 Without limiting the generality of section 11.1 of this Bylaw, the Operator shall affix Seals on all Bypasses and Water Meters. ## Breaking Seals - 11.3 No Person shall tamper with, break, or remove any Seal except in case of an emergency. - 11.4 If a Person breaks a Seal for emergency purposes, that Person shall notify the Operator within TWENTY-FOUR (24) hours. ## SECTION 12 - SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION OF WATER UTILITY SERVICES ## Suspension and Termination - 12.1 The Operator may suspend or discontinue the supply of Potable Water to a Premises if, in the opinion of the Operator, it is necessary to do so, upon giving reasonable notice to the Owner or Occupant. - 12.2 Without limiting the generality of section 12.1 of this Bylaw, the Operator may suspend or discontinue the supply of Potable Water to a Premises upon giving reasonable notice to the Owner or Occupant if: - a. the Customer in respect of the Premises has provided false or incomplete information in respect of an Account; - b. a Person has breached any term or condition of any authorization respecting the Premises issued by the Operator pursuant to this Bylaw; - c. a Customer has failed to pay the utility bill issued by the Operator within 60 (SIXTY) days after the payment date specified in that bill; - d. the Service Connection (Private) or Private System is not installed or maintained to the satisfaction of the Operator; or - e. the Owner, Occupant, or Customer in respect of the Premises has been  convicted of any offence pursuant to this Bylaw. ## Notice of Suspension or Termination - 12.3 If the Operator suspends or discontinues the Water Supply to a Premises for which a Fire Line has been installed, the Operator shall notify the fire department as soon as practicable. - 12.4 The Operator shall notify Alberta Health Services when suspending or discontinuing the supply of Potable Water to a food establishment, Premises consisting of more than one Self-contained Unit or any other Premises where the Operator considers it necessary to do so. ## Disconnection and Removal of Service Connections - 12.5 If the Operator has suspended or terminated the supply of Potable Water to a Premises, the Operator may close or remove the Service Connection at the cost of the Owner. ## Recommencement of Water Supply - 12.6 Where the supply of Potable Water to a Premises has been suspended or terminated, the Owner or Occupant may apply to have it recommenced subject to the following: - a. the application shall be in accordance with section 8.2 and, if the Service Connection has been removed, section 5.2 of this Bylaw; and - b. the applicant shall pay any arrears for the Water Supply to the Premises and a Water Reconnect Charge in accordance with the Master Rates Bylaw. ## SECTION 13 - RESTRICTON OF WATER SUPPLY AND WATER CONSERVATION ## Declaration of a Water Use Restriction - 13.1 A Stage 1 Water Use Restriction as set out in the Village's Water Conservation Management Policy shall be in force at all times unless otherwise declared by the Operator. - 13.2 If in the opinion of the Operator it is necessary or desirable to reduce Potable Water usage, the Operator may declare a Water Use Restriction as set out in the Village's Water Conservation Management Policy. - 13.3 The Operator's declaration regarding a Water Use Restriction shall be effective immediately upon declaration, unless another effective date and time is effectively stated, and shall remain in effect until the Operator declares that it has ended. - 13.4 No Person shall use Potable Water in contravention of a Water Use Restriction. ## Notice of a Declaration of a Water Use Restriction - 13.5 The Operator shall cause public notice of a declaration pursuant to section 13.2 of this Bylaw in any manner the Operator considers appropriate. - 13.6 Without limiting the generality of section 13.5 of this Bylaw, the Operator may cause public notice of a declaration pursuant to section 13.2 of this Bylaw to be given by notices on appropriate websites; social media; other electronic communication media; print advertising in local publications; notices to local media outlets; or signage. - 13.7 Notwithstanding sections 13.5 and 15.6 of this Bylaw, all Persons are responsible for determining whether a Water Use Restriction is in effect, and failure to receive notice of a Water Use Restriction shall not constitute a valid defense for a contravention of such Water Use Restriction.   ## Permits - 13.8 Notwithstanding section 13.4 of this Bylaw, the Operator may authorize a Person to use Potable Water contrary to the terms of a Water Use Restriction pursuant to section 16.3 of this Bylaw. ## SECTION 14 - WASTING AND CONSERVING WATER ## Prohibition Against Wasting Water - 14.1 No Person shall waste Potable Water by allowing a stream or spray of Potable Water to run off a Parcel of Land. - 14.2 Notwithstanding section 14.1 of this Bylaw, the Operator may authorize a Person to allow a stream or spray of Potable Water to run off a Parcel of Land for the purposes of: - a. health and safety; - b. the installation, testing, and maintenance of infrastructure, including Water Mains, Hydrants, and Service Connections; - c. preventing the freezing of parts of the Waterworks System; - d. training firefighters; or - e. other purposes as deemed necessary or desirable by the Operator. - 14.3 An Enforcement Officer, in determining whether a Person has wasted or is wasting Potable Water, shall take into consideration the following: - a. the activity being undertaken and the volume of Potable Water reasonably required to perform that activity; - b. the length of time that Potable Water has been allowed to run; - c. the degree of control exercised over the flow of Potable Water; and - d. the purpose to which the Potable Water is being put. ## SECTION 15 - PRIVATE WATER WELLS ## Alternative Supplies of Water - 15.1 No Person shall use any source of water other than the Waterworks System to supply water to a Premises which could be connected to the Waterworks System in accordance with the terms of this Bylaw without the authorization of the Operator. - 15.2 An authorization by the Operator pursuant to section 15.1 of this Bylaw shall not be interpreted as approval of the system or any endorsement of the quality or quantity of water supplied by that system. - 15.3 No Person who has been given an authorization to use an alternate source of water shall allow that source to be connected, either directly or indirectly to the Waterworks System. - 15.4 Any Person who has an alternative supply of water connected to the Premises: - a. shall not be permitted to have water from the Waterworks System connected to the Premises; - b. shall use the alternative supply of water at their own risk and cost; and - c. may request water sample testing from the Operator at no cost to the Owner. - 15.5 Any Person who has an alternative supply of water, whether connected to the premises   or not, may use it for irrigation purposes. - 15.6 Any future connection to the Waterworks System from a premises which has an alternative supply of water connected to the Premises: - a. Shall be at the cost of the Owner; - b. Shall be required to disconnect the alternative source of water from the premises prior to connection to prevent cross-connection; and - c. Shall provide verification to the Operator of the disconnection prior to the opening of the Service Connection. - 15.7 No Person shall be permitted to drill for a new or replacement well for an alternative source of water without the authorization of the Operator. ## SECTION 16 - GENERAL ## General Prohibitions - 16.1 Except as authorized by the Operator or as otherwise permitted by this Bylaw, no Person shall: - a. operate, handle, or interfere with any part of the Waterworks System; - b. obtain Potable Water that has not passed through a Water Meter or that has not been obtained pursuant to an Account; - c. make, keep, use, or dispose of any key or wrench for the purpose of operating any part of the Waterworks System; - d. release any substance or material into the Waterworks System or allow any substance or material to be released into the Waterworks System; - e. contaminate the Waterworks System or allow the Waterworks System to be contaminated; - f. hinder, disrupt, or cut off the supply of Potable Water to any Premises; - g. impede access to any part of the Waterworks System by the Operator; - h. impede access to any part of the Waterworks System by a firefighter engaged in the suppression of a fire; - obtain Potable Water from the Waterworks System except in accordance with this Bylaw; - j. provide any water utility system services of the type provided by the Village pursuant to this Bylaw; - k. sell Potable Water except for Bulk Water purchased for the purpose of resale or Potable Water that has gone through a re-treatment or re-manufacturing process for the purpose of resale; - I. enter any fenced or enclosed area of the Waterworks System; - m. climb on any structure that is part of the Waterworks System; - n. destroy, damage, remove, tamper with, or interfere with any part of the Waterworks System; or - o. carry out any activity for which that Person has been given or issued an authorization or permit in accordance with this Bylaw except in accordance with   the terms and conditions of that authorization or permit. ## Water Quality - 16.2 The Village shall not be responsible for the quality of Potable Water once it is taken from the Waterworks System and through a Service Connection. ## Authorizations - 16.3 Where pursuant to this Bylaw the Operator may authorize a Person to do anything or approve any application, that authorization or approval shall be: - a. subject to any terms and conditions the Operator considers necessary and desirable, in addition to any terms and conditions required or permitted pursuant to this Bylaw; - b. revocable by the Operator upon written notice to the Person; and - c. of no force and effect unless in writing. - A Person carrying out any activity pursuant to an approval or authorization pursuant to section 16.3 of this Bylaw shall keep that approval or authorization available and shall show or surrender it to an Enforcement Officer or the Operator upon request. ## Inspections and Access to Premises - 16.5 The Operator may, after giving reasonable notice to the Owner or Occupant of a Premises, enter any Premises connected to the Waterworks System to inspect the Premises for compliance with this Bylaw and to remedy any contravention of this Bylaw. ## Owners and Occupants - 16.6 Whenever this Bylaw imposes an obligation or prohibition on an Owner or Occupant of a Premises, the obligation or prohibition shall apply to both the Owner and Occupant and to each of them individually. - 16.7 Whenever this Bylaw imposes an obligation or prohibition on more than one Person, each Person shall be liable to prosecution for breach of this Bylaw, and it shall be no defence for any such Person that any other Person is responsible for such breach. ## SECTION 17 - COMMUNICATION - 17.1 The Village shall notify residents about the Water Services in regard to: - b. maintenance to the Water System or a Service Connection; - a. disruption to water services; - c. requirement for boil water advisories; - e. other situations regarding Water Services that may have an impact on residents. - d. potential significant discolouration to Potable Water; and - 17.2 Notifications pursuant to section 17.1 may be done through: - a. the Village of Acme website; - C. flyer mailouts; - b. the Village of Acme Social Media sites; - d. reader boards; - e. directly by door-to-door notification; or - f. any other method the Village deems appropriate.  ## SECTION 18 - CONVICTIONS AND PENALTIES ## Offences - 18.1 A Person who: - a. does something that is prohibited in this Bylaw; - b. fails to do something that is required in this Bylaw; or - c. does something in a manner different from that which is required or permitted in this Bylaw; - d. is guilty of an offence. - 18.2 Where a contravention of this Bylaw is of a continuing nature, a contravention constitutes a separate offence in respect of each day, or part of a day, on which the offence continues and any person guilty of such an offence is liable to a fine in an amount not less than that established in the Master Rates Bylaw for each such day or part of a day. ## Enforcement - 18.3 Where an Enforcement Officer believes that a Person has contravened any provision of this Bylaw, that Enforcement Officer may: - a. serve that Person with a Municipal Ticket by personal service or by regular or registered mail; or - b. serve that Person a summons by means of a Provincial Violation Ticket in accordance with Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act. - 18.4 If a Provincial Violation Ticket is issued in respect of an offence, the Violation Ticket may: - a. specify the fine amount established in the Master Rates Bylaw for the offence; - b. be double the fine amount of a Municipal Ticket provided in respect of the same infraction; or - c. require a Person to appear in court without the alternative of making a voluntary payment. - Nothing in this Bylaw shall prevent an Enforcement Officer from issuing a summons for a mandatory court appearance of any Person who the Enforcement Officer has reason to believe is committing, or has committed, a breach of any provision of this Bylaw. ## Penalties - 18.6 A Municipal Ticket or Provincial Violation Ticket issued pursuant to section 18.3(a) of this Bylaw shall state the minimum penalty payable in respect of the contravention of this Bylaw, as set out in the Master Rates Bylaw. - 18.7 Notwithstanding section 18.5 of this Bylaw: - a. where a Person has been convicted of a contravention or been issued a Municipal Ticket or Provincial Violation Ticket for a contravention of the same provision of this Bylaw twice within the same TWELVE (12) month period, the minimum penalty payable in respect of the second contravention shall be double the minimum penalty set out in the Master Rates Bylaw; and - b. where a Person has been convicted of a contravention or been issued a Municipal Ticket or Provincial Violation Ticket for a contravention of the same  provision of this Bylaw three or more times within the same TWELVE (12) month period, the minimum penalty payable in respect of the third or subsequent contravention shall be triple the minimum penalty set out in the Master Rates Bylaw - 18.8 A Person who has been issued a Municipal Ticket pursuant to section 18.3(a) of this Bylaw and has paid it to the Village prior to the date specified on that Municipal Ticket shall not be liable to prosecution for the subject contravention. - A Person who is convicted of an offence pursuant to this Bylaw is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000.00) and in default of payment of any fine imposed, to imprisonment for not more than ONE (1) year. MGA Section 566(1) - 18.10 The levying and payment of any fine or imprisonment for any period provided in this Bylaw shall not relieve a Person from paying any fees, charges, or costs for which that Person is liable pursuant to this Bylaw. ## SECTION 19 - GENERAL PROVISIONS AND COMING INTO FORCE - 19.1 If any term, clause or condition of this Bylaw or application thereof is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Bylaw or application of such term, clause or condition shall not be affected and shall remain in force and effect. - 19.2 The Schedules to this Bylaw may be amended or replaced from time to time by resolution of Council. - 19.3 Nothing in this Bylaw relieves any Person from compliance with any other Bylaw or any applicable federal or provincial law, regulation or enactment. - 19.4 This Bylaw repeals Bylaw 2018-02 and any amendments thereto. - 19.5 This Bylaw comes into force on the date of third reading.   Read a first time this \_13 \_day or Jan water, 2025. Bruce McLeod, Mayor Gary Sawatzky, CAO   Read a second time this 13 day or Januury, 2025. Gary Sawatzky, CAO ## MOTION TO PROCEED TO THIRD READING CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY   Read a thred and fal lim and passed this 13* day or January, 2025.  Schedule "A" - Residential Premises Service Layout   Schedule "B" - Premises other than Residential Service Layout    Schedule "C" - Hydrant Clearance