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TOWN OF CARDSTON
IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
BYLAW 1582
UTILITY BYLAW
(Consolidated to Bylaw 1582J - January 14, 2025)
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 1 OF 26
Table of Contents
DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................ 2
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE AND RULES ........................................................ 6
GENERAL .............................................................................................................. 8
PENALTY ............................................................................................................... 25
COLLECTION & COSTS ......................................................................................... 25
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 2 OF 26
TOWN OF CARDSTON
IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA
BYLAW 1582
UTILITY BYLAW
A BY-LAW IN THE TOWN OF CARDSTON IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA RESPECTING
UTILITIES,
INCLUDING
WATER
TREATMENT
AND
DISTRIBUTION,
WASTEWATER
COLLECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND STORM SEWER COLLECTION AND
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority of the Municipal Government Act RSA, Chapter M26.1
and amendments thereto, the Council of the Town of Cardston, enacts the following By-Law
hereinafter referred to as the "Utility By-Law".
DEFINITIONS
1) Definitions:
(a) Application - means the application made by the consumer
to the Town for provision of water, sanitary sewer, storm
sewer and electrical service
(b) Backflow - means a situation that may occur within the
sanitary or storm sewer collection system where there
occurs a reversal in the normal direction of flow
(c) Backflow Prevention Device - means a mechanical device
specifically designed, constructed and approved for the
control and prevention of backflow
(d) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) - means a measure of
the oxygen equivalent of the organic matter content of a
sample that is susceptible to oxidation by process bacteria.
(e) Chemical Oxygen Demand (C.O.D.) - means a measure of
the oxygen equivalent of the organic matter content of a
sample that is susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical
oxidant.
(f)
Cross Connection - means an existing connection or a
potential connection between any part of the potable water
system and any other environment containing any
substances other than potable water which, under any
circumstances, allow such substances to enter the potable
water system. Other substances may be gases, liquids, or
solids such as chemicals, waste products, steam, water
from other sources (potable or non-potable), or any matter
which may change the colour or add odor to the potable
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 3 OF 26
water.
(g) Combined Service - means a potable water service
connection which supplies water for the domestic,
commercial, institutional, or industrial use of a consumer
and also for a fire protection service in the same premises
(h) Consumer - means that person utilizing the water, sewer or
electrical services whether it is an Owner or Tenant.
(i)
Cost - means the actual cost of the installation, including
man power, material and equipment costs
(j)
Council - means the Municipal Council of the Town of
Cardston
(k) Curb stop - (See Water Service Valve)
(l)
Enforcement Officer - means a Special Constable or By-
Law Officer of the Town of Cardston or any person
designated by Council
(m) Electrical Service - means the electric line connecting the
line side of a consumer's meter base to the Town's
electrical system.
(n) Fee - means the application fee of money required to be
paid under and by virtue of this By-Law by the consumer
before the Town supplies water, sewer or electrical services
to the consumer, which money is retained by the Town
(o) Grab Sample - means a sample collected over a short
period of time by taking and combining one or more
samples of wastewater flow.
(p) Household water use - water consumption only for the
purpose of sustaining life, no excess or unnecessary water
consumption.
(q) Inspector - those persons, either staff or appointed,
assigned to inspect Town utilities
(r) Industrial Building - means any building that processes or
manufactures goods and products.
(s) Industrial Wastewater - means wastewater from industrial
processes.
(t) Large Lot - a large lot is defined as a parcel of one (1) or
more acres that may be in a less developed area of Town
where complete services of all three of water, sanitary
sewer, and storm sewer are not available
(u) Meters - means meter and all other equipment and
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 4 OF 26
instruments supplied and used by the Town or authorized
by the Town to be used, to calculate the amount of water
and electricity consumed on the premises at which said
meters are situated.
(v) Multi Family Dwelling - means a single building
comprised of three or more dwelling units separated one
from another by party walls.
(w) Municipal Administrator - means the person appointed to
the position and title of the Chief Administrative Officer by
the Council of the Town, hereinafter referred to as the
Administrator
(x) Non-Potable Water/Raw Water - means untreated water
that is not suitable for human consumption
(y) Oil & Grease - means an organic substance recoverable by
procedures set forth in "Standard Methods" and includes
but is not limited to hydrocarbons, esters, fats, oils, waxes
and high molecular carbosylic acids.
(z) pH - means the measure of the intensity of the acid or
alkaline conditions of a solution determined by the
hydrogen ion activity of the solution in accordance with
procedures set forth in "Standard Methods". pH less than 7
is acid, pH above 7 is alkaline.
(aa)
Phosphorus (Total) - includes all orthophosphates and
condensed phosphates, dissolved and particulate, organic,
and inorganic expressed as "P" in milligrams per liter
(mg/l).
(bb)
Potable Water - means water that has been treated to
National and Provincial standards and that is suitable for
human consumption
(cc)
Public Works - means that department of the Town of
Cardston charged with the responsibility of constructing,
operating and maintaining the water, storm, sanitary sewer
and electrical systems
(dd) Raw Water Supply Lines - means the system of pipes,
valves, fittings, valve chambers and appurtenances which
supply raw untreated water to the water reservoirs and
Water Treatment Plant
(ee)
Sanitary Sewer - means a sewer, which carries wastewater
and to which storm, surface and groundwaters are not
intentionally admitted.
(ff)
Sanitary Sewer Main - means the system of pipes and
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 5 OF 26
manholes used to collect sanitary sewer within the Town
(gg)
Sanitary Sewer Service - means the sewer line connecting
a consumer's premises to the Town sanitary sewer main
(hh) Storm Sewer Main - means the system of pipes and
manholes used to collect stormwater within the Town
(ii)
Storm Sewer Service - means the storm sewer line
connecting a consumer's premises to the Town storm sewer
main
(jj)
Storm water - natural water collected from a foundation
weeping tile system, roof and other surface drainage
collection systems
(kk) Town - means the Municipal Corporation of the Town of
Cardston
(ll)
True Colour Units - means the measure of the colour of the
water from which turbidity has been removed.
(mm) Utility - means all utilities including water, sewer, storm
sewer and Electrical provided by the Town.
(nn) Wastewater/sewage - means any liquid waste from a
fixture
(oo)
Wastewater Collection System - means both the Sanitary
Sewer Main and Storm Sewer Main systems.
(pp) Water Main - means the system of pipes, valves, fittings,
valve chambers and appurtenances, including the water
service valve, which supply and distribute potable water
within the Town
(qq)
Water Service - means the water line connecting a
consumer's premises to the Town's water service valve
(rr)
Water Service Valve - means the valve on the Town owned
portion of the water service connection installed for the
purpose of enabling the Town to turn on or off the water
supply to a consumer's premises. Also known as a "Curb
stop"
(ss)
Water System or Water Utility - means the system of raw
water pipelines, water reservoirs, treatment plants,
pumping stations, feeder mains, distribution mains, service
connections, valves, fittings, hydrants, meters, backflow
prevention devices and all other equipment and machinery
of whatever kind owned by the Town and which is required
to supply and distribute potable or non-potable water to all
consumers and which is deemed to be a Public Utility
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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within the meaning of the Municipal Government Act.
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEDURE AND
RULES
2) Administrative Procedure and Rules
(a) The water, sewer and electrical utility of the Town of
Cardston comprising of all mains, lift stations, service pipes,
fire hydrants, valves, meters, services, treatment plants and
appurtenances, together with the sale of water and
electricity, shall be under the management and control of the
Municipal
Administrator,
hereinafter
called
the
Administrator
(b) Any person who requires any utility services shall apply to
the Town or its agent and pay the applicable costs as set
forth in the Utility Rate Schedule, as attached to and
forming part of this bylaw.
(c) Upon making application, providing all information
required by the Town, and Paying all fees required, there
shall thereupon be a binding agreement between the
consumer and the Town, for the utility service applied for,
and the provisions of the application and this By-Law, shall
constitute the terms and conditions of such agreement.
(d) No provision, agreement, term, condition, or representation
not contained in an application for utility service or in the
By-Law shall form any part of the contract between the
Town and a consumer for utility service.
(e) The Administrator has the authority to shut off water or
electricity to any consumer or consumers, for any reason,
which in the opinion of the Administrator necessitates such
shutting off.
(f) The Town does not guarantee the pressure, nor the
continuous supply of water, including interruptions caused
by freezing lines, and the Town reserves the right at any and
all times, without notice, to change the operating water
pressure and to shut off water, and neither the Town, its
officers, employees or agents, shall be liable for the change
in water pressure, nor for the shutting off of water, nor by
reason of the water containing sediments, deposits, or other
foreign matter.
(g) The Town does not guarantee a continuous supply of
electricity or is it responsible for the quality of electricity as
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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the Town does not generate the electricity.
(h) Consumers relying upon a continuous and uninterrupted
supply or pressure of water, or quality, shall provide
facilities to ensure the supply.
(i) The Town may, as a condition to the supply of water and
electricity, inspect the premises of a consumer who applies
to the Town for said supply, in order to determine if it is
advisable to supply water or electricity to the said consumer.
(j) The Town may, upon notice, inspect the premises of the
consumer in order to do any tests on water, sewer or storm
sewer piping or fixtures belonging to said consumer, so as to
determine compliance with this By-Law, and in the event
that such consumer fails or refuses to give such permission,
the supply of water to that consumer may be shut off.
(k) The Town may, upon notice, inspect the premises of the
consumer so as to determine compliance with proper
electrical codes and practices, and in the event that such
consumer fails or refuses to give such permission, the
electrical service to that consumer may be shut off.
(l) The Town is the owner of the water, sewer and electrical
service connections within any street, lane, and easement or
Town property. No person(s) shall make connections to any
of the service lines or water and sewer mains or electrical
system without first having obtained written permission to
do so from the Town.
(m) The Town may, at such times and for such length of time as
deemed necessary regulate, restrict or prohibit water use.
a. In exercising this authority, the Town shall provide
notice giving reasonable detail in any manner that the
Town deems expedient.
b. The notice may regulate, restrict or prohibit, as the
Town considers appropriate.
c. Any consumer not abiding by a restriction, regulation or
prohibition may be subject to the penalty section of this
By-Law.
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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GENERAL
3) General
(a) Supply of Service - The Town, having constructed, operated
and maintained water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and
electrical systems as a public utility, shall continue insofar as
there is sufficient capacity available in the systems and upon
such terms as Council considers advisable, to supply water,
electricity and collect wastewater/sewage and storm water
from any consumer within the municipality situated along
any water, sanitary or storm sewer main, or municipal right
of way, upon being so requested in writing by the owner.
The Town undertakes to supply water, sanitary, storm water
and electricity services to the respective main adjacent to
private property.
(b) Sole Source of Service - No person shall use a source of
potable water supply, sanitary sewage disposal, storm water
disposal or electrical supply other than the Town system
without written consent from the Town, or as provided for
elsewhere in this By-Law.
1) Further to section b, if the Town's consent is given, the
Town may specify terms and conditions it deems
necessary including periods of time for use of an alternate
supply, or collection system.
2) No person authorized to use an alternate supply shall
allow that supply to be interconnected to the Town
systems, without proper isolation devices.
(c) Alteration to water, sanitary, storm sewer or electrical
systems (hereinafter referred to the "Town's systems")
1)
No person(s) may maintain, repair, replace or
upgrade the Town's systems without prior
authorization from the Town.
2)
No person(s) may connect to or extend the Town's
systems without first obtaining approval from the
Town.
3)
All persons engaged in maintaining, repairing,
replacing, upgrading, or extending the Town's
systems must be Town employees, under contract
with the Town or have written permission from the
Town.
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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(d) Number of Services - Each single family residence, duplex
and townhouse unit shall be serviced with individual water,
sewer, storm sewer and electrical services serving no more
than one residential unit. Those residences built prior to this
bylaw coming into effect will not need to comply with this
clause unless major renovations make it feasible to do so.
(e) Owner's Responsibility to Obtain Utility Service
1)
The owner of a property shall be responsible for
making application to the appropriate authority for
utility service as soon as a building on the owner's
property is occupied or otherwise in use. In case of
development under construction, application must be
made as in the foregoing and the Town is responsible
to turn the systems on.
2)
In the case of rental or revenue properties, the owner
of the property, not any tenant, shall be responsible
for making application for utility service as soon as a
building on the owner's property is occupied or
otherwise in use.
3)
If a tenant fails to pay the fees for water and sewer
services, the landlord shall be responsible for said
fees, and the fees owing shall be applied to the tax
roll and collected as taxes.
(f) Water Service Valves - No person shall interfere with,
damage, or make inaccessible any water service valve or its
casing due to the construction of walks, driveways,
landscaping, or in any other way.
1)
If the water service valve has been damaged, the
Town shall charge the cost of repair or replacement
to the property owner.
2)
(i) No person, except those authorized by the Town,
shall turn on or off a water service valve or any other
main valve or valves in the water system.
(ii) In case of an emergency, water service valves
may be shut off without permission from the town,
but the Town must be notified of this action.
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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3)
All buildings constructed shall have water shut off
valves placed on the inlet side of the water meter to
permit the meter to be isolated for safe removal and
to enable a consumer to shut off the supply of water
in case of any emergency, when making repairs, or to
prevent flooding of the premises or in the event the
premises are permanently or temporarily vacated.
The owner shall maintain the water shut off valves in
good mechanical condition and easily accessible at
all times to ensure that it is operable in case of
emergency, or in case the water service valve is
faulty.
4)
For new development, water service valves and the
electrical service will only be activated after the
resident owner has registered water or electrical
service with the billing agent and the water and/or
electrical meter has been duly installed.
(g) Supply & Ownership of Meters & Remote Read-Outs - All
water and electrical meters and remote read outs shall be
supplied, maintained, tested and replaced by the Town. The
Town may, from time to time or at any time, authorize an
individual, firm or corporation to install, maintain, repair and
replace water or electrical meters. If a water or electrical
meter or remote readout is removed, broken or stolen, the
owner of the premises shall pay the cost of replacing any
such measuring device, including installation. Any such cost
may be collected in the same manner as utility rates.
1)
The Town will supply water meters up to 5/8 ". The
Town will determine the meter size based on line size
and demand for any water meter lines 1" or larger.
All water meters and remote readouts supplied by the
Town shall at all times remain the property of the
Town.
2)
a) The owner of a property shall pay the additional
cost for supplying and installing water meters,
where installation approved by the Town, requires
a fire service type water meter or other special
type of water meter. Notwithstanding the
payment of such additional costs, the water meter
shall remain the property of the Town.
b) Any fire suppression type of service may not
require a meter provided that all other non-
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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emergency water use is metered.
3)
All water & electrical meters and remote readouts for
residential establishments must be placed in a
location that is easy to access for reading and
maintenance. These meters and read outs are to be
placed not more than five (5) feet from the front of
the residence, outside of the fenced area of the yard,
or along the side of the house on the street side of a
fence, unless the Town gives written permission to do
otherwise.
4)
All Commercial users shall pay the cost of water
meters and remote readouts. All commercial water
meter remote readouts should be installed on the front
of the business or adjacent to the Electrical meter for
easy meter reading.
5)
The owner shall make provision and install the water
meters in accordance with Town specifications. If an
inspection indicates the installation has not been
carried out as indicated, the owner shall correct or
modify the installation at their expense in order to
comply. If the owner does not make the installation
in the manner approved by the Town, the Town shall
have the right to refuse to supply water to the
premises. Correction or modification of the
installation shall be at the owner's sole responsibility
and expense.
6)
If the Town is dissatisfied with the location of any
water meter or remote readout due to alterations to a
building, the Town may require that the water meter
or remote readout be relocated to a more suitable or
convenient location. All costs associated with
relocating the water meter or remote readout, shall be
the responsibility of the owner, including any costs
incurred by the Town.
7)
On all new construction, the building contractor shall
be responsible for installing the wire and
interconnecting the meter and remote readout for
water meters.
8)
Water meters shall be placed in all establishments
requiring municipal water, unless there are
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 12 OF 26
extenuating circumstances hindering installation.
The extenuating circumstance shall be at the Town's
discretion.
9)
A consumer shall notify the Town immediately
whenever a water meter or remote readout device is
not operating or if any part of it becomes damaged or
broken.
10)
Multi-unit buildings shall install one (1) water meter
per dwelling. In cases where, due to earlier
construction, it is not feasible to install one (1) water
meter per dwelling, a single meter may be allowed
and the fee respecting said meter shall be as per the
formula in the Utility Rate Schedule.
11)
Multi-unit buildings shall install one (1) electrical
meter per dwelling unit. In cases where, due to
earlier construction, it is not feasible to install one (1)
electrical meter per dwelling unit, a commercial
meter may be required.
12)
If it is found that a meter has been removed and a seal
is broken without the permission of the Electrical
Department the individual or company who removed
the meter and cut the seal shall be fined as per
Section 4 of this Bylaw.
(h) Access to Premises for water and electrical - For the purpose
of conducting surveys, sampling, leakage flows, pressure
tests, reading, installing, inspecting, repairing, replacing or
removing water meters, backflow prevention devices and
related equipment upon any water service connection, and
for electrical disconnects, notices, meter retests or repairs,
tree trimming around lines and for meter readings within or
without any house or building as may be required, employees
of the Town, Safety Codes Officer and other designated
contractors or persons, shall have free access at reasonable
hours of the day and upon reasonable notice given and
request made, or in case of written authority of the
Administrator, given in respect of a special case, without
notice, to all parts of every building or other premises in
which water and electricity is delivered and consumed.
(i) Discontinuance of Water or Electricity services
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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1)
Any owner and/or consumer about to vacate a
property or premises that has been supplied with
water or electricity, or who wishes to discontinue the
use of the said services, must give notice in writing to
the Town, or its agent, requesting that the Town shut
off the said services.
2)
If notice pursuant to Subsection (1) is not given, the
owner will be liable for the accruing rates, and for all
damages suffered or sustained to the Town caused by
failure to give notice.
3)
Notwithstanding Subsection (1) or (2) above, the fact
that a premises or land is vacant is not reason for
non-payment of specified rates.
4)
Where any owner, occupant, or consumer
discontinues the use of the water or electricity
supplied by the Town, or the Town refuses to
continue to supply the same, the Town may at all
reasonable times, enter the subject premises that was
supplied with water or electricity for the purpose of
removing any fittings, machines, apparatus, meters,
pipes, remote readouts or other things that are the
property of the Town and are located in or upon such
premises.
5)
When a building that is connected to the Town water
or electrical system is to be moved from its existing
location or when the water or electrical service lines
are to be permanently disconnected from any
building for any cause, the owner of the land on
which the building is situated shall make application
to the Town or the Town's agent and shall pay to the
Town a disconnect fee as defined in the Utility Rate
Schedule.
6)
The owner of the land, from which a building
connected to the Town water or electrical system, is
to be removed, shall make application to the Town,
or its agent, for disconnection from the Town systems
and pay all fees associated with the disconnection.
(j) Selling and Supply of Water
1)
No person, unless authorized by the Town shall:
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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a) Sell, lend or give away water obtained from the
water utility unless authorized by the Town. Any
such authorization shall be subject to charges as
set out in the Utility Rate Schedule.
b) Supply water by a pipe or a hose from the water
system, or any other source, to any other
premises, which could be supplied with water
through its own water service connection.
2)
Contractors may use water from the water service(s)
to a building for Construction purposes provided the
Contractor has entered into a utility Contract with the
Town, or its agent, and the water meter(s) have been
installed.
3)
Responsibility For Contamination & Pollution - Any
person who contaminates or pollutes the water
system by any means will bear the full cost of any
and all damages and/or repairs and maintenance
required for the Town to restore normal water service
to its customers.
(k) Ownership and Use Of Town Fire Hydrants
4)
All fire hydrants, except fire hydrants situated on
private property are the property of the Town.
5)
No person or persons, except Town employees or
Fire fighters or persons authorized by the Town shall
open, close or interfere with any fire hydrant, hydrant
gate or hydrant valve connected to the water system.
6)
Any person who wishes to have a fire hydrant
relocated that is situated on property owned by the
Town may request in writing to the Town that the
hydrant be relocated. If the Town considers it
feasible to relocate the hydrant, the person making
the request shall pay the full cost to relocate the
hydrant.
7)
No person shall, without the written permission of the
Town, authorize the use of water from a fire hydrant
for a purpose other than emergency fire protection.
The Town may authorize such other use upon such
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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terms and conditions and subject to payment of such
rates as the Town determines.
(l) Unimproved Properties - abutting onto roads or services in
the Town of Cardston, which have not contributed to the cost
of providing said services by way of local improvement cost,
or by way of special local benefit costs, shall, when a request
for subdivision of unimproved properties is made or a
development permit is requested or any other like use that
will require the use of Town services to the properties; that
the applicant or owner shall enter into a contract with the
Town to accept, at the then current rates, the costs of services
that are already in place.
(m)
Wastewater Collection System:
1)
Except as otherwise provided in this Bylaw, no
person shall discharge into any water course any
wastewater or waste, excluding storm water. (Illegal
Dumping)
2)
The provisions of this Bylaw shall apply to all
persons using the Town's wastewater collection
system both in and outside the Town, and regardless
of whether any person using this system has a
contract for service with the Town.
3)
Any owner or occupier of property connected or
required to be connected to the wastewater collection
system shall, upon request of the Administrator,
provide such information as the type quantity and
chemical composition of pollutants which are or may
be handled, stored or used on that property, or
discharged into the wastewater collection system.
4)
The Inspector shall be permitted reasonable access
upon all property in the Town for the purpose of
inspection, measurement, sampling and testing in
accordance with this Bylaw. If such inspection
discloses any act or omission contrary to the
provisions of this Bylaw or the inspection discloses
any defect or insufficiency in the location,
construction, design or maintenance of any
equipment in connection with the wastewater
discharge, the Inspector may direct the owner or
occupier of the premises to correct the act or
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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omission or any defect or insufficiency. No person
shall obstruct or interfere with the Inspector in the
discharge of his duties under this Bylaw.
5)
Where a public sanitary sewer is not available, the
owner of the property shall connect the building
sewer to a private wastewater disposal system which
shall comply with the provisions of this Bylaw, The
Safety Codes Act, the Plumbing Code and the
regulations of the Provincial Board of Health.
6)
At such time as a public sanitary sewer becomes
available to a property served by a private wastewater
disposal system, (as in 5 above). The owner shall
then make arrangements to connect to the public
sewer and any septic tanks, cesspools or similar
private wastewater disposal facilities shall be
abandoned and filled with suitable material, and the
owner shall pay the prescribed rates as set out in the
Utility Rate Schedule to connect to the said systems.
7)
Grease
a) The owner for all garages, gasoline service
stations and vehicle and equipment washing
establishments shall provide oil and sand
interceptors on private property. In case of
existing conditions, prior to the passing of this
bylaw, those in non-compliance may remain
unless another regulation requires compliance or
renovations to the facility are intended.
b) The owners of all commercial
(Institutions/Restaurants/Schools) food
establishments may be required to install grease
trap systems to lesson the problems associated
with grease in the treatment of wastewater.
c) Interceptors will be required for other types of
business if the Administrator or designate
determines they are necessary for the proper
handling of liquid waste.
All interceptors shall be:
i. of a type and capacity approved by the
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
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Administrator;
ii. located to be readily and easily accessible for
cleaning and inspection; and maintained by the
owner or occupier at the owner's expense.
8) The owner or occupier at his expense shall maintain catch
basins on private Property.
(n) Wastewater Strength Limits
1) Storm water System
Storm water shall be discharged to the storm water
system or to a natural watercourse. Water, including
storm water, surface water, clear water waste and
sub-surface drainage (except foundation drainage)
shall be considered to be unpolluted if:
i) it does not contain conventional, non-
conventional, or priority pollutants in measurable
concentrations other than those identified below
in less than or equal to the concentrations listed:
Conventional Pollutants
B.O.D. - 20 mg/L
C.O.D. - 40 mg/L
Grease and Oils - 5.0 mg/L
Nitrogen (ammonia plus organic) - 1.0 mg/L
Non-Filterable Residue - 20 mg/L
Total Phosphorus - 0.05 mg/L
Copper - 0.02 mg/L
Fluoride - 1.5 mg/L
Iron - 0.3 mg/L
Manganese - 0.05 mg/L
Sulfide - 0.5 mg/L
Zinc - 0.05 mg/L
Total Coliform density 5,000 per 100 ml in 90%
of samples
Faucal Coliform density 1,000 per 100 ml in 90%
of samples
Priority Pollutants
Arsenic - 0.1 mg/L
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 18 OF 26
Barium - 1.00 mg/L
Boron - 0.5 mg/L
Cadmium - 0.05 mg/L
Chromium - 0.05 mg/L
Cyanide - 0.01 mg/L
Lead - 0.05 mg/L
Mercury - 0.0001 mg/L
Phenolics - 0.005 mg/L
Selenium - 0.01 mg/L
Silver - 0.05 mg/L
Pesticides (total) - 0.01 mg/L
ii) its pH is greater than 6.5 and less than 9.0;
iii) it has a colour less than 30 true colour units;
iv) its temperature is higher than 65°C
These lists shall not be limited to the above materials.
They include any materials cited in Provincial and
Federal Legislation and amendments thereto
including priority pollutants listed in the Federal
Environmental Contaminants Act.
v) No person shall discharge or cause or permit to be
discharged any substance which, in the
opinion of the Administrator, is or may become
harmful to any recipient water course or storm
water system or part thereof, may interfere with
the proper operation of the storm water system,
may impair or interfere with any treatment
process, or may become a hazard to persons,
property or animals.
2) Sanitary Sewer
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged
any stormwater, surface water, sub-surface drainage
or unpolluted clear water waste to any sanitary sewer.
The Administrator may upon application authorize
such discharge where exceptional conditions prevent
compliance with the foregoing provision.
3) Sanitary Sewer System
a)
Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 19 OF 26
discharge or cause or permit to be discharged any
of the following described water or wastes to any
sanitary sewer system:
i) any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher
than 65°C;
ii) any gasoline, solvents or similar products;
iii) any tar or other viscous material of mineral
origin;
iv) any garbage that has not been shredded so as to
pass through a 6mm screen;
v) any ashes, cinders, wood, wood-shavings,
sawdust, rags, sand, mud, straw, metal, glass,
fiberglass, plastics, eggshells, feathers, and
improperly shredded paper or other solids.
vi) any water or wastes which contain material that
will solidify or become viscous at temperatures
between 5°C and 80°C;
vii) animal parts or wastes including; but not
limited to:
-
any manure or intestinal contents from horses,
cattle, sheep, swine or poultry,
-
hooves or toenails,
-
intestines or stomach casings or animal body
parts,
-
bones,
-
bristles and hair,
-
hides or parts thereof,
-
fat or flesh particles larger than will pass
through a 6mm screen,
-
fleshing and hair resulting from tanning
operations,
viii) any wastewater having a pH lower than 6.0 or
above 10.0;
ix) wastewater which is in or is capable of being
transformed into, two or more separate layers;
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 20 OF 26
x) wastewater containing substances in
concentrations exceeding the following:
-
Antimony - 1.0 mg/L
-
Arsenic - 1.0 mg/L
-
Barium - 3.0 mg/L
-
Boron - 1.0 mg/L
-
Cadmium - 0.05 mg/L
-
Chromium - 1.0 mg/L
-
Chlorinated hydrocarbons - 0.02 mg/L
-
Copper - 0.5 mg/L
-
Cyanide - 1.0 mg/L
-
Lead - 1.0 mg
-
Manganese - 1.0 mg/L
-
Mercury - 0.1 mg/L
-
Nickel - 0.5 mg/L
-
Total Pesticides - 0.1 mg/L
-
Phenolic Compounds - 0.1 mg/L
-
Selenium - 1.0 mg/L
-
Silver - 1.0 mg/L
-
Sulfide - 1.0 mg/L
-
Zinc - 1.0 mg/L
xi) Pollutants, under Federal or Provincial legislation
and amendments thereto, other than those listed in
x) are also prohibited from being discharged;
xii) Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance
capable of creating public nuisance including, but
not limited to, hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans
(thiols), carbon disulphides, other reduced
sulphur compounds, amines, and ammonia;
Wastewater containing substances in
concentrations exceeding the following:
-
1500 mg/L nonfilterable residue (suspended
solids), and/or
-
1500 mg/L B.O.D. and/or
-
2000 mg/L chemical oxygen demand
(C.O.D.) and/or
-
500 mg/L grease and oils and/or
-
100 mg/L hydrocarbons of petroleum origin
and/or
-
100 mg/L total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN)
and/or
-
25 mg/L total phosphorus
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 21 OF 26
xiii) lime slurry and residues
xiv) any substance which, in the opinion of the
Inspector, is or may become harmful to any
recipient water course or sewer system or part
thereof, may interfere with the proper operation
of the sewer system, may impair or interfere with
any treatment process, or may become a hazard to
persons, property or animals.
4) If a person discharges, or allows to be discharged,
clear water or wastewater to a sewer within or
entering the Town exceeding any of the following
characteristics and limits:
-
B.O.D. - 1000 mg/L
-
C.O.D. - 1500 mg/L
-
Non-filterable residue - 1000 mg/L
-
Grease and oils - 300 mg/L
-
Hydrocarbon of petroleum origin - 50 mg/L
-
TKN - 80 mg/L
-
Total phosphorus - 20 mg/L
then such persons shall pay a surcharge computed as
set out in the Utility Rate Schedule and the cost of
clean up and damages caused by the discharged
substance(s).
(o) Sampling and Pretreatment
1)
i) where the business, owner or person using the
sewerage system must provide pretreatment of
wastewater, clear water waste or storm water to bring
it within the limits established in this Bylaw, that
pretreatment facility shall be provided at the expense
of the owner
ii) where pretreatment facilities are required, they
shall be maintained continuously in
satisfactory and effective operation by the owner
at his expense.
2)
All measurements, tests and analyses of the
characteristics of industrial waste, wastewater or
water to which reference is made in this Bylaw shall
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 22 OF 26
be determined in accordance with:
-
Standard Methods
-
Methods Manual for Chemical Analysis of
Water and Wastes, Alberta Environment
Environmental Protection Services, Pollution
Control Division, Pollution Control
Laboratory
-
Annual book of A.S.T.M. Standards -
American Society for Testing and Materials,
or
-
Other methods consistent with, or
promulgated in, the professional literature.
The measurements, tests and analyses shall be
determined from aliquots of samples collected
from the sampling manhole or other sampling
points approved by the Administrator.
3) No statement contained in this Bylaw shall be
construed as preventing any special agreement or
arrangement between the Town and any industrial
concern whereby the Town for treatment subject to
payment may accept an industrial waste of unusual
strength or character thereof by the industrial
concern.
4) Sampling shall be conducted and the Inspector will
make decisions regarding sampling. The procedure
for taking individual and composite samples for the
purpose of determining surcharges and conducting
tests is outlined below. Any costs for sampling and
testing are the responsibility of the owner.
i)
monitoring to determine pollutant
concentrations may be performed on one or
more grab samples obtained at any time from
approved sampling points.
ii)
monitoring to determine wastewater over
strength surcharge assessment shall be
performed on daily composite samples
obtained from approved sampling points and
combined using a method identified below.
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 23 OF 26
The following is the standard procedure for
this sampling:
- grab samples of approximately equal
volumes will be taken at random time
intervals during the customer's operating
day or over a 24-hour period.
- The Town's water meter or the industry's
effluent flow meter will be read when they
are readily accessible and the reading
recorded each time a grab sample is
collected.
- Where the meter is not readily accessible,
or installed, the sampler may observe the
flow in the sewer line being sampled and
estimate the rate of flow.
- The series of grab samples collected will
be combined into a composite sample for
analysis. The grab samples may be
combined in proportion to the volume of
water used or discharged during the
sampling period, in proportion to the
estimated flow, or where neither actual
nor the estimated flow is available, the
grab samples may be combined on an
equal volume basis. Any combination of
the above may be used in the appropriate
circumstances.
p) Liability for Damages Incurred
1) Except as provided for in the Municipal Government
Act, being Chapter M-26, of the Statutes of Alberta,
2000 and amendments thereto, or other relevant
legislation, the Town is not liable for damages
(including but not limited to electrical hot water
tanks):
i) caused by the breakdown of any Town electrical
lines or transformers, water and/or sewer main,
water and/or sewer service connections or other
pipe or from the settlement of any excavation or
trench made for the installation or repair of any
part of the utility or,
ii) caused by the disruption of any electrical or water
supply from the Town utility whether proper
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 24 OF 26
notice is provided or not. In the event of such a
situation, no deduction shall be made from the
utility billing.
iii) caused by emergencies as determined by the
Inspector, force majeure, acts of God including
freezing of pipes, strikes, and other utility
disruptions of outages.
q) General
1) Water service repairs from the source in the street to
the water service valve will be the Town's
responsibility. From the water service valve to the
building will be the property owner's responsibility.
2) Sewer service blockage and repairs from the source
to the Town sewer main will be the property owner's
responsibility. Within the Town's sewer collection
system will be the Town's responsibility.
3) Repairs or upgrades in the streets, boulevards or
easements of Town utilities are to be done by the
Town or by a contractor approved by the Town.
4) All machinery charges and other miscellaneous
charges will be according to the rate as established by
resolution of council.
5) The Town reserves the right to not provide services
to areas that request said services if the cost is
prohibitive.
6) All charges and rates, when levied, shall become a
debt due and chargeable against the properties to
which service is rendered, as outlined in Section.42
(1) of the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M-
26.1.
7) All new construction must make provision to connect
the weeping tile to the storm sewer system, if storm
sewer service is available, or, if not available, provide
lift pumps to exit the stormwater for surface drainage
to the street, such that it does not enter into the
sanitary sewer system, or does not enter onto private
property.
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 25 OF 26
r) Repairs done for normal deterioration of water and sewer
mains:
1) On properties where taxes or grants in lieu are paid,
the Town shall stand all the costs after making the
necessary arrangements with the property owners
whose land abuts the repair.
2) On all tax-exempt properties, the property owners
shall pay 100% of costs or as negotiated.
s) Private Developers
1. All utility infrastructure constructed by private
developers shall be installed as per specifications
provided by the Town of Cardston. After one year of
operation, such utilities shall be transferred to the
Town, at no cost, for maintenance purposes. The
property owners shall be responsible for the services
from their residence to the main system.
PENALTY
4) Penalty
Fines for contravention of this By-Law are as follows:
1st Offence
$ 250.00
2nd Offence
$ 500.00
3rd & Subsequent Offences
$1000.00
- Repeated contraventions of this By-Law may result in
discontinuation of services provided by the Town.
If it is found that a meter has been removed and a seal is
broken with out the permission of the Electrical Department
there will be a fine charged to the individual or company
who removed the meter and cut the seal of:
$ 236.00 for Residential
$ 536.00 for Commercial
COLLECTION &
COSTS
5) Collection & Costs
All of the charges and rates within this bylaw, when levied,
shall become a debt due and chargeable against the
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582
PAGE 26 OF 26
Received First Reading this 12 day of January, 2010
Received Second Reading this 9 day of February, 2010
Received Third & Final Reading this 23 day of February, 2010
Signed by the Mayor and the Chief Administrative Officer this 25 of February, 2010
Amended by bylaw 1582A this 9th day of February 2011
Amended by bylaw 1582B this 4th day of February 2012
Amended by bylaw 1582C this 24th day of February 2015
Amended by bylaw 1582D this 23rd day of February 2018
Amended by bylaw 1582E this 11th day of February 2018
Amended by bylaw 1582F this 25th day of February 2019
Amended by bylaw 1582G this 10th day of February 2019
Amended by bylaw 1582H this 22nd day of February 2022
Amended by bylaw 1582I this 26th day of November 2024
Amended by bylaw 1582J this 14th day of January 2025
properties to which service is rendered, as outlined under
Section # 553(1) of the Municipal Government Act.
On passing of this bylaw, the Bylaw 1529 and all
amendments shall be rescinded.
SCHEDULE "A"
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582J SCHEDULE "A"
PAGE 2 OF 4
Please note that all flat rates are per 30 day cycle, and all consumption and metered rates are per m3
WATER RATES
In Town and Blood Reserve
Residential
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Metered
Flat Rate
$28.10
$28.70
$29.30
$29.90
Consumption
$1.39
$1.42
$1.45
$1.48
Multi unit
Flat Rate - 2 Units
$42.15
$43.00
$43.90
$44.80
Flat Rate per Additional Unit
$15.05
$15.30
$15.60
$15.90
Consumption
$1.39
$1.42
$1.45
$1.48
No Meter
$125.80
$130.00
$130.00
$130.00
Commercial and
Industrial
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Metered
Flat Rate
$28.10
$28.70
$29.30
$29.90
Consumption
$1.39
$1.42
$1.45
$1.48
No Meter
$125.80
$130.00
$130.00
$130.00
Institutional
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Metered
Flat Rate
$21.80
$35.00
$45.00
$55.00
Consumption
$1.47
$1.50
$1.53
$1.56
Other
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Water Filling
Station
Metered Rate
$6.00
$6.20
$6.40
$6.60
Community
Irrigation Line
Per acre per year
$22.00
$24.00
$26.00
$28.00
Minimum parcel charge per
year
$350.00
$360.00
$370.00
$380.00
Stock Water
Flat Rate
$28.10
$28.70
$29.30
$29.90
Consumption
$1.39
$1.42
$1.45
$1.48
No Meter
$125.80
$130.00
$130.00
$130.00
Out of Town Water
Rural
Residential
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Metered
Flat Rate
$56.20
$57.40
$58.60
$59.80
Consumption
$1.80
$1.84
$1.88
$1.92
No Meter
$251.60
$260.00
$260.00
$260.00
SCHEDULE "A"
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582J SCHEDULE "A"
PAGE 3 OF 4
Commercial and
Industrial
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Metered
Flat Rate
$56.20
$57.40
$58.60
$59.80
Consumption
$1.80
$1.84
$1.88
$1.92
Other
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Stock Water
Flat Rate
$56.20
$57.40
$58.60
$59.80
Consumption
$1.80
$1.84
$1.88
$1.92
No Meter
$251.60
$260.00
$260.00
$260.00
Rural Raw
Water
Flat Rate
$28.10
$28.70
$29.30
$29.90
Consumption
$0.75
$0.77
$0.79
$0.81
SEWER RATES
Residential
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
In Town
Metered
$54.00
$56.00
$58.00
$60.00
Blood Reserve
Metered
$54.00
$56.00
$58.00
$60.00
No Meter
$70.50
$74.00
$76.00
$78.00
Rural
Metered
$81.00
$85.00
$88.00
$91.00
Multi Unit
Structure
Flat Rate (2 Units)
$81.00
$85.00
$88.00
$91.00
Flat Rate per Additional Unit
$27.00
$29.00
$30.00
$31.00
Consumption
$0.46
$0.48
$0.50
$0.52
Commercial and
Industrial1
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Metered
Flat Rate
$54.00
$56.00
$58.00
$60.00
Consumption (20 - 50 m3)
$1.95
$2.00
$2.05
$2.10
Consumption (Over 50 m3)
$1.75
$1.80
$1.85
$1.90
No Meter
$130.00
$130.00
$130.00
$130.00
Institutional2
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
1 Commercial Water Loss Factor: A water loss factor may be applied to non-residential customers that have
significant water loss. Water loss is defined as incoming metered water that is diverted away from the town's
sewer system, and therefore does not get treated. For example, commercial customers with significant irrigation
or water consumed in a product or manufacturing process may qualify for a water loss factor. Customers that have
significant water loss can make application to the town for consideration of a water loss factor. The customer will
be required to prove significant water loss.
SCHEDULE "A"
TOWN OF CARDSTON
BYLAW 1582J SCHEDULE "A"
PAGE 4 OF 4
Metered
Flat Rate
$54.00
$58.00
$60.00
$62.00
Consumption (20 - 50 m3)
$2.70
$2.75
$2.80
$2.85
Consumption (Over 50 m3)
$2.30
$2.35
$2.40
$2.45
Other
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Hauled
Wastewater
Volume Charge (m3)
$12.70
$12.95
$13.21
$13.47
CONNECTION FEES
Type
2024
2025
2026
2027
Treated Water,
Sanitary Sewer,
and Storm
Sewer
Flat Rate3
$5,900
$6,000
$6,100
$6,200
Blood Reserve Water4
$300
$300
$300
$300
Blood Reserve Sanitary
Sewer4
$300
$300
$300
$300
Irrigation
Water
All costs (materials, labour, machine time, etc.) to be determined
per connection.
SALE OF WATER
Any person who sells, lends, or gives away water obtained from the Town's water utility will
pay the same rate as the current water fill station rates.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
When underground services need to be installed when there is ground frost, the rate will be as
per the applicable schedule, plus 40%.
The Town requires full pre-payment before commencing any work for new service connections.
OTHER COSTS
- Disconnect and Reconnect Fee (Water)
o $70 During Work Hours
o $140 After Work hours
- Water meter testing and repairs at cost, including labour.
- Water meter fees as per Water Meter Policy PW-069.
2 Institutional Water Loss Factor: A water loss factor may be applied to Institutional customers that have significant
use of metered water for irrigation purposes. Where there is significant irrigation use, billing will be capped at the
maximum of average winter consumption from November 1st to March 31st of the previous year. In cases where
there is no historical data, average winter consumption will be based on similar properties or other relevant
measures.
3 This connection fee includes a ¾" or a 1" water connection, a 3/4" water meter, a 4" sanitary sewer connection,
and a 4" storm sewer connection. No discount will be provided if only one type of service connection is required.
The owner may not arrange for their own excavation. The fees do not include GST or other sales taxes or
pavement and sidewalk repairs (if required). All services are defined as the area from the Utility main to the
property line. Special circumstances will be treated on a case-by-case basis. Connection to the Community
Irrigation Water Service may be provided at cost.
4 Residents on the Blood Reserve that require utility services from the Town of Cardston will pay the prescribed
connection fee of $300 per water connection and $300 per sanitary sewer connection, as established by the
agreement dated December 16, 2003. Actual work to connect properties will be done by the Blood Tribe or by its
agent.