Water and Wastewater Utility System Control and Management Bylaw 24-20 — full text

This is an automated transcription (OCR) of the captured official document — minor recognition errors are possible; the source document governs. Snapshot 757c0a84558b · verified 2026-06-08 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

## THE COUNTY OF VERMILION RIVER BYLAW 24-20 ## WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY SYSTEM CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT BEING A BYLAW OF THE COUNTY OF VERMILION RIVER IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF... Respecting the Control and Management of the Water and A BYLAW Wastewater Utility System WHEREAS The County of Vermilion River being a municipal corporation in the Province of Alberta, owns and operates a water system as a public utility for the purpose of supplying and distributing water to residents, industrial and commercial users, and for fire protection within the hamlets of Blackfoot, Clandonald, Dewberry, Islay, Mclaughlin and Rivercourse. WHEREAS pursuant to the Municipal Government Act R.S.A. 2000, Chapter M26, and amendments thereto, including but not limited to Section 7{g) and Part 3 Division 3, the Council of the County of Vermilion River has the authority to enact a Bylaw affecting and controlling the public utility known as "Water and Wastewater Utility System"; NOW THEREFORE The Council of the County of Vermilion River in the Province of Alberta, duly assembled, enacts as follows: 1. This bylaw may be cited as the "Water and Wastewater Utility System Control and Management" 2. DEFINITIONS in this bylaw: - a. ACE Connected Hamlets means a hamlet connected to the ACE Corporation main line and are receiving water service. - b. ACE Water Corporation means the Alberta Central East Water Corporation - C. Application means the application made by the Consumer to the County for the supply of Water Utility Services Initials AB.  - d. C.A.O. means the person appointed to the position and title of Chief Administrative Officer by the Municipal Council of the County of Vermilion River; - e. Combined Water means a water service connection, which Service Connection supplies water for domestic use of a consumer and also for fire protection system in the same premises; - f. Consumer means any person or persons, corporation, any other federal, provincial or municipal corporation whose property is connected to the water and wastewater system or any lessee or occupant of such property or any person who obtains water from any County owned hydrant; - g. Contaminates means any substance that is hazardous to the operation of the water or wastewater systems operated by the County. This can include, but not limited to contaminates such as hydro-carbons, paints, hazardous materials, etc. - h. Council means the Council of the County of Vermilion River - i. County means the municipal corporation of the County of Vermilion River - j. County Service means that portion of a pipe used or intended to be used for the supply of water which extends from the Water Main to the Curb Stop. - k. Cross Connection means any temporary, permanent or potential water connection that may allow backflow of contaminates, pollutants, infectious agents, the water system and includes swivel or changeover devices, removable sections, jumper connections and by-pass arrangement; - I. m. Curb Stop means the Service valve on the County's water Service Enforcement Officer means a Community Peace Officer, Bylaw Enforcement Officer, RCMP Officer or an inspector appointed by and employed by the County with respect to the enforcement of Bylaws of the County. - n. Fire Line means a pipe intended solely for the purpose of providing a supply of water for fire protection purposes. 0. Flammable Liquids means a substance or mixture of liquids that has a flash point under 37.8°. - p. FOG (Fats, Oil and Grease) means organic deposits extracted during the process of food preparation, cooking, cleaning, consisting of fatty acids and glycerol from meats, lard, fats, oils, dairy, and grease laden products 13. Hamlet means designation for a community that is identified and has a boundary defined by the County of Vermilion River Land Use Bylaw  - r. Hydrocarbons means a compound composed of hydrogen and carbon, such as any of those which are the chief components of petroleum and natural gas. - S. Meter Spacer means a length of pipe, which can be removed from a water pipe for the purpose of installing a water meter; 3. Multi Family means a single building comprised of Residential three or more dwelling units separated one from another by party walls but sharing a single entranceway; - U. Municipal Violation Ticket means a County-issued notice that alleges an offence and provides a person with the opportunity to pay an amount to the County in lieu of prosecution for the offence. - V. Municipal Government Act (MGA) means the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M-26 R.S.A. 2000 and amendments thereto. - W. Non-Residential means all properties who use water utility for any purpose other than exclusively Residential purposes. - X. Occupant means the owner of any premises who resides or carries on any kind of business therein or any person or corporation residing therein or carrying on business therein as a Lessee of the owner or pursuant to a License of Occupation granted by the owner or the owner of any vacant premises connected to the Water System; - y. Owner means the registered owner of real property as designated on the Certificate of Title for the property; 9. Point of Delivery means the point of physical connection to a consumer's water system at property line of the street, lane or boundary of an easement granted to the County for its water system; 10. aa. Private Water Service means that portion of a pipe used or intended to be used for the supply of water, which extends from the Service Valve to a meter. 11. bb. Remote Reading Device means a device which is connected to a water meter by the County and provides a duplicate reading of the water consumed, which may be monitored from the exterior of a building. - CC. Rural Private Connections means customers or users outside the ACE Connected Hamlets who are connected, or have the potential to connect, through a constructed private vault directly to the ACE Water Corporation main line. - dd. Single Family means a single detached residential Residence building containing one dwelling unit only, but does not include any dwelling unit forming part of a multiple unit residential development or which forms part of a building in which any commercial activity or business is carried on; 14. ee. TSS (Total Suspended Solids) means an insoluble substance in liquid that is  removable by filtration - ff. Town House means a single building comprised of three or more dwelling units separated on from another by party-walls extending from foundation to roof, with each dwelling unit having a separate, direct entrance from grade and includes all row, linked, patio, garden court or other housing which meet such criteria. - gg. Turn On means the continuation of the supply of water. - hh. Two Family means a single detached residential Residence building containing two separate and distinct dwelling units, one above the other or the one immediately adjacent to the other, but each having a separate entrance but does not include any dwelling unit forming part of a multiple unit residential development or which forms part of part of a building in which any commercial activity or business is carried on; - il. Water Main means a water pipe in the street, public thoroughfare or easement area granted to the County, which forms part of the County water distribution network and delivers the water supply to the Water Service connections; - Wastewater Main means a wastewater pipe in the street, public right of way, or easement area granted to the County, which forms part of the County wastewater collection and treatment system. - kk. Meter means any device approved by the County and is designed to measure the quantity of water used by the Consumer. A water meter may have attached to it a remote reading device as a component of the meter; - Water Restriction means any condition where the County issues a restriction or ban on Watering activities within the County. - mm. Water Service Connection means that lateral water pipe which connects a Consumer's premises to the County water main with the consumer owning that portion of the pipe lying within the boundaries of the Consumer's premises, and with the County owning that portion of the pipe lying within the boundaries of any street, lane, easement area granted to the County for its' water system or County property; - nn. Wastewater Service Connection means the lateral pipe which connects a Consumers premises to the County wastewater main system with the consumer owning that portion of the pipe lying within the boundaries of the Consumers premises, and with the County owning that portion of the pipe lying within the boundaries of any street, lane, easement area granted to the County for its' wastewater system or County property; - Water Service Valve means the water valve on the County owned portion of the water service connection, located between the County water  main and the property line, installed for the purpose of enabling the County to turn on or off the water supply to a consumer's premises; - pp. Water Shut-off Valve means the water valve within a building on a consumer's premises, usually located near the water meter or point of entry of water service connection, which when closed, does not allow the flow of any water into the building or premises; - qa. Water System means the system of water reservoirs, water utility treatment plants, pumping stations, feeder mains, distribution mains, water service connections, valves, fittings, hydrants, meters, backflow prevention devices and all other equipment and machinery of whatever kind owned by the County and which is required to supply and distribute water to all consumers and which is deemed to be a Public Utility within the meaning of the Municipal Government Act; - rr. Watering means the application or use of water for the purposes of applying water to lawns or gardens where the water is supplied by the County. - ss. Wastewater System means the County's infrastructure used for the collection, transmission, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. ## 3. GENERAL - a. The County has the power and authority to do all things necessary for the general maintenance, management, and operation of the Water and Wastewater Utility Service. - b. The County having constructed, operates and maintains a water and wastewater system as a Public Utility and shall continue, in so far as there is sufficient treatment plant capacity and supply of water or wastewater, upon such terms as Council considers advisable, to any resident or industry or other consumer within the municipality situated along any water or wastewater main, upon being so requested in writing by the owner. - c. The County undertakes to supply water to the owner's or consumer's water system at the property line of the street, lane or boundary of an easement granted to the County for its' water system. - d. The County undertakes to ensure acceptance of wastewater flows from the owner's or consumer's wastewater system at the property line of the street, lane or boundary of an easement granted to the County for its' wastewater system. - e. A consumer is responsible for providing such facilities as the consumer considers necessary in order to have a continuous and uninterrupted supply of water and flow of wastewater for the consumer's specific needs provided such facilities are approved by the County and also provided  that such facilities do not interfere with the operation of the water and wastewater system. - f. Within the specified Hamlets No person shall use a source of water supply other than the water system supplied without the consent of the County. - g. No person who has been granted permission to use an alternate source of water supply shall allow that alternate source of water supply to be connected to the water system. - h. No Person shall connect to the County's Wastewater Utility Service without first obtaining written approval. - i. No person shall be permitted to discharge unauthorized contaminates into the wastewater system. - j. The County, having constructed or caused to be constructed, operated, and maintained the Wastewater and Stormwater Systems, shall handle the disposal of effluent and stormwater. - k. No Person except authorized employees of the County shall make any connection, or contact whatsoever, with any of the public pipes or mains in the public thoroughfares of the County unless authorized by the County. ## 4. RATES / FEES - a. Where water or wastewater services are supplied by the County to the owner of a property they shall pay to the County the established monthly charge or the aggregate of: - i. The monthly basic charges, and - ii. The value of the volume of water shown by the meter as supplied for the applicable monthly period at the rate. - b. A separate Rate / Fee Bylaw authorizes and establishes the scale of fees and the enforcement for payment of all fixed rates, charges, tolls, fares or rents in respect to the operation and maintenance of the County owned public utilities. - c. No reduction in rates will be made in the monthly charge for water or wastewater services supplied to or made available for use by any consumer because of any interruption due to any cause whatsoever of water supply. ## 5. SELLING AND SUPPLY OF WATER - a. No Consumer shall operate, use, interfere with, obstruct, or impede access to the Water Utility or any portion thereof in any manner not expressly permitted by this Bylaw, in default of which, the County may cause the water being supplied to such Consumer to be Shut Off until such Consumer complies with all of the provisions of this Bylaw. - b. No person, unless authorized by the County shall:  - i. Sell, lend or give away water obtained from the water utility. - ii. Supply water by pipe or hose, from the water utility or otherwise to any other premises, which could be supplied, with water through its own water service connection. - ill. Use or apply any water to the use or benefit of others or to any other than their own use and benefit. - iv. Increase the usage of water beyond that agreed upon with the County, or extract or remove any water from any hydrant within the County without first obtaining a letter in writing signed by the County authorizing such removal. - V. Throw or deposit any injurious, noisome, or offensive matter into the water system, or Water Utility, or on the ice, in the case that the water is frozen, or in any way fouls the water or commit any willful damage or injury to the Utility System or water or encourage it to be done is guilty of an offence. ## 6. METER READING - a. All water supplied by the County to a Consumer shall be measured by a meter unless otherwise provided in this Bylaw - b. The County shall endeavor to read the meters once every month. - d. Where it has been determined by the County and that the meter is not recording the consumption of a utility, an authorized County employee, with reasonable notice (5 working days) to the Consumer, must be allowed to enter the premises to replace or repair the meter or meter reading receptacle. - c. If a meter reading cannot be obtained at least once a month for three (3) consecutive reading attempts, the County may, at its discretion, discontinue any or all Water Utility Services supplied to the premises until such time as the County is able to obtain an actual meter reading. - e. The Consumer shall ensure that access to the meter is safe, well lit, accessible free of hazards to the Person reading the meter. - f. If any water meter has, in the opinion of the County, failed to accurately register the flow of water through the meter since the last reading, the water charge shall be adjusted to the greater of the recorder amount or the minimum rate for water supplied to the premises. - g. In the event of a dispute with the accuracy of the water meter, at the Consumers request and expense the meter may be sent for third party testing to confirm accuracy. If the meter is deemed in-accurate, an estimated usage based on historical usage at the property will be utilized correct the disputed amounts.  - h. Where a Remote Reading Device is installed in addition to the water meter, the meter shall be the official reading. 7. WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS/ RELOCATIONS - a. The standard water service connection line shall be one (1) inch in diameter and installation shall meet the present day standards as set by the County. - b. Owners or developers of un-serviced lots or parcels of land must apply in writing for approval to service their parcel and the County may authorize the work to be carried out by the County or it's agents, with costs covered by: - i. the owners or developers will pay the costs for installation of that portion of the water service connections that are on County property and which runs from the County water main to the property line of the street, lane, or boundary or an easement granted to the County for its' water system as long as the main lines runs past the property. - ii. the developer or landowner who provide payment in advance for the cost of the extension of the main line to service their parcel of land with costs for the project to be determined by the County. - c. Any owner who desires to have an existing water service connection within any street, lane, easement or County property replaced with a connection of a different size or relocated to a different location, shall apply to the County in writing for approval and the County may authorize the work to be carried out by the County or its' agents, subject to payment in advance, of the cost of the project as determined by the County. - d. Separate services for every individual residence in a duplex, triplex etc, shall be serviced by a maximum of one service pipe of a size sufficient, in the opinion of the County to deliver an adequate supply of water. Where pipes are required over one (1) inch in diameter, the extra expense shall be charged to the owner or occupant. Where an application is made for additional service pipe/s or a larger service pipe, or change in the location of an existing pipe, or capping existing service pipe, a new service pipe will be installed only upon the cost thereof being paid in advance by the applicant. 8. MAINTENANCE - a. Responsibility - i. Water service connections on private property shall be installed, maintained, repaired and replaced by the owner at their expense and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as a condition  - of receiving water services from the County. The owner shall maintain in a state of good repair, with sufficient protection from freezing, free of leakage and infiltration or other water loss all to the satisfaction of the County, any water service connection, pipe line, or water system on private property or at the boundary of private property and any street or easement containing a County water main and through which the supply of water is conveyed from water utility system. - il. Any owners shall protect the water meter and connecting valves and pipes from freezing, excessive heat, overheating of water, external and internal damage of any kind or any other thing which may affect the operation or reading of the water meter and shall pay the cost of repairing or replacing any water meter facilities supplied and installed by the County that may be damaged from the foregoing cause or any other causes within the owner's control. - ili. If a water service connection is frozen on private property, it shall be the consumer's responsibility to have it thawed at the consumer's expense, and any damages to the water meter to be at the consumer's expense. - b. Corrective Actions / Costs - i. If the owner of the property neglects, fails or refuses to maintain, repair or replace a water service connection, pipe, or water system as required by the County, the County may: 1. Turn off the water supply until the repairs have been made to stop the water loss; and 2. Estimate the volume of water loss and other costs incurred to locate, mitigate the detrimental effects to other households in the hamlet and require payment from the owner for the amount of water estimated to have been lost and such payment shall become due and payable upon demand being made. 3. Where water has been shut off to a consumer's premises for water wastage, or leaks or defects in the consumer's portion of the water service connection or in other water pipes on private property or in the interior plumbing system within the consumer's premises, the County may refuse to turn the water on again until the consumer has delivered proof that the necessary repairs have been made and the outstanding charges to the utility account has been paid. 9. INTERFERENCE WITH WATER SYSTEM  - a. No person shall, in any way, damage, destroy, or cause any interference with the use of the water utility by another consumer and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no person shall attach any device to any water pipe which may cause noise, a pressure surge, contamination, or cause or permit water contaminants to enter the water - b. SEALS - i. No person shall tamper with, break or remove any seal installed by the County on any valve or flagged outlet on water service connections or water metering facilities except in the case of an emergency. - ii. In the event a person breaks a seal on a valve in order to obtain a supply of water from emergency purposes, that person shall notify the County within Twenty-Four (24) hours. ## c. VALVES - i. No person, except someone authorized by the County, shall turn on or off a water service valve or any other valve or valves in the water utility. ## 10. SHUT OFF VALVES - a. All water service connections shall be provided with a water shut off valve placed immediately inside the outer wall of the premises and on the inlet side of the water meter to enable a consumer to shut off the supply of water in case of any emergency, or for protection of the building, pipes, or fixtures, 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 valve in good mechanical condition and easily accessible at all times to ensure that it is operable in case of emergency. ## 11. WATER METERS SYSTEM - a. All water meters, remote reading devises and attachments supplied by the County shall at all times be the property of the County. - b. All buildings (commercial, industrial, residential, or other) utilizing County water must have a water meter placed on the premises and attached to the water supply line unless a specific exemption has been granted. The meter must be accessible to any County Water Department employee. - c. Upon completion of a new meter installation the contractor and/or the owner of the property shall apply to the County for an inspection of the installation before the water can be turned on. - d. Any owners refusing to have a water meter placed on their premises during the water meter installation process, will be charged a water rate of not less than three (3) times the present flat water rate, as established  by the Rates / Fees Bylaw. - e. If a water meter or remote reading device is removed or stolen, the owner of the premises shall pay the cost of replacing the water meter and remote reading device including installation. If not paid, the cost may be added to the taxes levied on the property and collected in the same manner as water rates. - f. The County may charge for and recover from the owner, the cost of supply, installation, altering, repairing, relocating or removing a water meter or remote reading device out. Any such charges may be collected in the same manner as water rates. - g. Each Consumer shall provide adequate protection of the meter supplied by the County against freezing, heat, or any other internal/external damage, failing which the consumer shall pay to the County all costs associated with the replacement of such meter which amounts shall be recoverable in the same manner as all other costs and charges provided for under this Bylaw. - h. No Person other than authorized County employees or a licensed plumber shall remove, disconnect, reconnect, or tamper with a meter or remote meter reading receptacle attached to the premise. ## 12. INSTALLATION OF WATER METERS / PIPING - a. The owner shall make provisions for installation of water meters in a horizontal position, in accordance with the County of Vermilion River No. 24 standard specifications for water mains and services. If an owner wishes to have installed, other metering piping or valve arrangements, prior to installation the owner shall apply to the County for approval in writing. - b. If an inspection indicates the installations as shown on the standard drawings or any modified drawings approved by the County, have not been carried out, the owner shall correct or modify the installation at their expense, in order to comply with the drawings approved. If the owner does not make the installation in the manner approved by the County, the County shall have the right to refuse to supply water to the premises. - c. Any required modified installation shall be at the owner's sole responsibility and expense. The County shall accept no responsibility for such installation and the approval by the County shall not be an acceptance of responsibility. The County may in sole judgment, require the owner to indemnify the County prior to installation of other metering, piping, or valve arrangement. - d. No person shall relocate, alter or change any existing water meter piping without the written approval of the County. The owner or their authorized  agent may submit plans and specifications for any proposed relocation of water meter piping and, if approved by the County, the owner shall pay the entire cost, including any costs incurred by the County, in making such relocation, alteration or change. - e. If the County is dissatisfied with the location of any water meter due to alterations to a building, the County may require that the water meter be relocated to a more suitable or convenient location near the point of entry of the water service connection. All costs associated with relocating the water meter, including County costs shall be paid for by the owner. - f. Where the use of a water meter is mandatory under this bylaw, no person shall use a meter spacer in place thereof except for testing, as approved by the County, of a new plumbing system or a water meter. - g. All facilities/buildings/properties must have a water meter installed unless approved in writing by the County. If a Consumer's facility/building/property is proven not to have a water meter, when one is required per the County, they shall have 30 days to contact the County for the supply of a meter and proceed with installation along with a Remote Reading Device; at their own cost (this includes paying the water meter fees per the County's Rates Bylaw). ## 13. ACCESS TO PREMISES - a. For the purpose of conducting water use surveys, or sampling, leakage, flows and pressure tests, or reading water meters, backflow prevention devices and related equipment upon any water service connection within or without any house or building as may be required, employees of the County employed for that purpose, 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 C.A.O. given in respect of a special case, without notice, to all parts of every building or other premises in which water is delivered and consumed. - b. Where any owner, occupant or consumer discontinues the use of the water utility furnished by the County or the County refuses to continue to supply water, any Water Department Employee may at all reasonable times enter the premises in or upon which such owner, occupant or consumer was supplied with the water utility for the purposes of removal there from any fittings, machines, apparatus, meters, pipes, outside readouts or other things that are the property of the County in or upon such premises and may remove them there from. ## 14. METER MAINTENANCE AND TESTING - a. Water meters may be removed by the County for maintenance and testing on a periodic basis. The County may require that a water meter be  tested on site, or be removed and tested. 15. DISCONTINUANCEOF WATER USE OR TEMPORARY WATER SHUT OFF - b. A consumer may request the County to test a water meter located on the consumer's premises. If the water is found to be measuring within the manufacturers recommended accuracy variance, the consumer shall pay the fee established the Rates / Fees Bylaw. - a. Any consumer about to vacate land or premises that has been supplied with water, or who wishes to discontinue the use of water supply, must give notice in writing to the County requesting that the County shut off the water supply. - C. An Owner may request a temporary Shut Off of a Service in which case the Owner shall be responsible for the monthly flat charge as indicated in the County's Rates Bylaw. If there is any consumption over and above the flat charge during this temporary discontinuance, the Owner shall be responsible for its payment. If upon investigation, the Count determines that the Service was turned on by someone other than the County, or their representative, the Owner shall be responsible for the penalty indicated in Schedule "A". - b. If notice pursuant to Subsection (a) is not given the owner will be liable for the accruing rates, and for all damages suffered or sustained by the County caused by failure to give notice. - d. The County may discontinue the supply of all Water Utility Service for any of the following reasons: - i. Non-payment of any Utility accounts, or inability of the County to obtain access to a Residential premise to read, repair or replace any meter for a period of one month, or to a Non-Residential premise to read, repair or replace any meter for a period of one month, or - ii. Failure by, or refusal of a Consumer to comply with any provision of this Bylaw, or - ili. Failure by, or refusal of, a Consumer to comply with any provisions of any Provincial Acts, the Plumbing Code, or any regulations thereunder, or - iv. In any other case provided for in this Bylaw. - e. And in such an event the County, its officers, employees, or agents shall not be liable for any damages of any kind from such discontinuance of Service. ## 16. SERVICE DISCONNECTION AND/OR DEMOLITION - a. No Person shall cause, permit, or allow a building connected to a Water Utility Service line or main to be demolished until the water meter and  appurtenances have been disconnected. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County may, in circumstances which they considers appropriate, permit the service to remain connected to the Water Utility Service line or main. - b. When a building that is connected to the County water utility is to be moved from its existing location or when the water 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 pay to the County a disconnect fee as per the Rates / Fees Bylaw - c. A demolition request shall be submitted to the County through a formal Application submitted by the Person. Requests for a permit for demolition or removal of a building shall be given at least twenty working days prior to starting said work. - d. The Person shall be responsible for returning the water meter and remote reading device (as applicable), and coordination of a final read of the meter. Failure to return the water meter and/or remote reading device prior to demolition shall result in the Person being charged for replacement, as per the fees outlined in the County's Rates Bylaw. ## 17. DELIVERY OF WATER SUPPLY - a. The County shall not be liable for any damages which may result to any person or premises from shutting off the water main or service, or from failure of the water supply, for any purpose or cause whatsoever, even where no notice is given and no deduction from water billing shall be made in consequence thereof. - b. In the event of an emergency, the County may shut off the water, without prior notice. - c. ACE Connected hamlets and Rural Private Connections will be dependent on the supply of water by the ACE Water Corporation. Where the ACE Water Corporation has insufficient supply to meet the County's water needs the County may, with or without notice, shut off or restrict the water supply to all or any part of the County. - d. The County may Shut Off water for any Consumer or Consumers for any reason which, in the opinion of the County, necessitates such shutting off. provided that the County shall, if in their opinion it is reasonably practicable to do so, give notice of such shutting off. - e. The County does not guarantee the pressure nor the continuous supply of water and the County reserves the right at any and all times without notice to change operating water pressures and to Shut Off water and the County, its officers, employees, or agents shall not be liable for any damages of any kind due to changes in water pressure, the shutting off of  - water, or by reason of the water containing sediments, deposits or other foreign matter. - g. The County may, as a condition to the supply of water inspect the premises of a Consumer who applies to the County for such supply in order to determine if it is advisable to supply water to such Consumer. - f. Consumers depending upon a continuous and uninterrupted supply or pressure of water or having processes or equipment that require particularly clear or pure water shall provide such facilities, as they consider necessary to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply, pressure or quality of water required for their use. - h. The County may, with the permission of the Consumer, inspect the premises of the Consumer in order to do any tests on water piping or fixtures belonging to such Consumer so as to determine if this Bylaw is being complied with 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. - The County may at such times and for any length of time as considered necessary or advisable regulate, restrict, or prohibit the use of water for use other than human consumption. The County may cause the water supply to any Consumer who causes, permits, or allows contravention of any such regulation, restriction, or prohibition to be Shut Off until such Consumer undertakes to abide by and comply with such regulation, restriction, or prohibition. - j. No Person shall willfully or maliciously hinder the municipality in the exercise of authorities relating to the administration of the Water Utility authorized by this Bylaw or the Municipal Government Act and amendments thereto. ## 18. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES INCURRED - a. Except as provided for in the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 1994, Chapter M-26 Part 3, Division 3, Public Utilities, and amendments thereto, or other relevant legislation, the County is not liable for loss or damages: - i. caused by the break of any County water main, water service connection or other pipe or for the settlement of any excavation or trench made for the installation or repair of any part of the water utility, or - il. caused by the disruption of any supply of water from the water utility when such disruption is necessary in connection with the repairs or proper maintenance of water system. - ill. suffered by any person or property by reason of low water pressure, or by interruption to, or failure of, the water utility to deliver water in  adequate volume and pressure for supplying water for fire protection purposes. ## 19. FIRE HYDRANTS - a. All fire hydrants, except fire hydrants situated on private property are the property of the County. - b. The County may require that a fire hydrant be installed on private property at the expense of the owner of the property. The approval for and installation, use, control and maintenance of fire hydrants on privately owned property shall conform to the requirements as established by the County. - c. No person or persons, except those designated by the County or members of the Fire Department, shall open, close or interfere with any hydrant or valve connected with the water - d. The County, or Fire Chief shall have the right to enter upon private property to inspect private fire systems and to require the owner to undertake whatever repairs or maintenance, or both that may be necessary to provide an operational system and should the owner refuse or neglect to undertake such repairs or maintenance as required by the County, the County may enter upon the premises, complete the work and recover all costs as a debt due to the municipality. Collection shall be effected in the same manner as provided for under the water rates. - e. Subject to the provisions of the Alberta Fire Code, no person shall allow anything to be constructed, erected or planted adjacent to a fire hydrant, which may in any way obstruct or interfere with the access to, the use, maintenance or visibility of the hydrant. - f. Water dispensed through hydrants for purposes other than for fire protection or maintenance procedures must not be done without permission, and will be charged in accordance with the rates set out in the Rates / Fees Bylaw. 20. CROSS CONNECTIONS AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION - a. Any new principle building (commercial, industrial, residential or other) utilizing County water must have a vacuum breaker device on all hose bibs as required by Canadian Plumbing Code as amended. 21. No person shall turn on a water service valve to provide water to the occupants of any newly renovated or constructed or reconstructed premises until the plumbing system in such premises has been inspected for cross connection WASTEWATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS - a. The standard water service connection line shall be six (6) inch in diameter and installation shall meet the present day standards as set by the County.  Into ME Il - b. Any owner who desires to have an existing wastewater service connection within any street, lane, easement or County property replaced with a connection of a different size or relocated to a different location, shall apply to the County in writing for approval and the County may authorize the work to be carried out by the County or its agents, subject to payment in advance, of the cost of the project as determined by the County. - c. Unless otherwise permitted by the County, no development shall proceed on a parcel that is adjacent to the County's Wastewater Utility Service unless the owner connects the parcel's building sewer to the Wastewater System in accordance with this Bylaw. - d. Unless otherwise permitted by the County, where the Wastewater Utility Service is extended such that a Wastewater System is adjacent to a parcel of land that has a private wastewater system, the owner of that parcel, upon notice from the County, must decommission the private wastewater system in place and connect to the Wastewater System. All the costs associated with decommissioning the private sewer system and connect to the Wastewater System shall be paid by the Owner of the parcel. - e. Owners or developers of un-serviced lots or parcels of land must apply in writing for approval to service their parcel and the County may authorize the work to be carried out by the County or it's agents, with costs covered by: - i. the owners or developers will pay the costs for installation of that portion of the wastewater service connections that are on County property, and which runs from the County water and wastewater mains to the property line of the street, lane, or boundary or an easement granted to the County for its' water and wastewater system, as long as the main lines runs past the property. - ii. the developer or landowner who provide payment in advance for the cost of the extension of the main line to service their parcel of land with costs for the project to be determined by the County. 22. MANDATORY CONNECTION TO WASTEWATER SYSTEM - a. Except where indicated, every Owner of a building, situated on land which abuts a Wastewater System, shall make an Application to construct a Service Connection and continue, at the Owner's cost, the Service Connection into the building, in accordance with the regulations of this Bylaw. The said Owner shall construct the Service within 1year of substantial completion of the Wastewater System. - b. The following properties are exempt from the mandatory connection  requirement: - i. Properties where the nearest corner of the building is more than 100m (300') from the property line that the Wastewater System abuts. - il. For any other reason deemed appropriate, at the discretion of the County. Record of this exemption shall be noted on the Utility account. - c. Where a property is exempt from the mandatory connection requirement of this Bylaw and the property is not connected to the Wastewater System, there shall be no flat rate charged to the property Utility account. - d. Where a property is exempt from the mandatory connection requirement of this Bylaw, the property is not exempt from any capital contribution required towards the cost of extending the Wastewater System. - e. Failure of non-exempt properties to perform the mandatory Wastewater System connection as prescribed, shall be subject to penalties. Payment of the fines shall not relieve an Owner from incurring any costs associated with completing the work outlined within this section. 23. TEMPORARY DISCONNECTION OR TERMINATION OF WASTEWATER SERVICE - a. When the premises to which Wastewater Utility Service is provided becomes vacant and no new Application for Service has been made the Owner shall continue to be responsible for the monthly flat charge and any consumption charges as indicated in the County's Rates Bylaw. - b. The County may discontinue the supply of all Wastewater Utility Service for any of the following reasons: - i. Non-payment of any Utility accounts. - ii. Failure by, or refusal of a Consumer to comply with any provision of this Bylaw. - ili. Failure by, or refusal of, a Consumer to comply with any provisions of any Provincial Acts, the Plumbing Code, or any regulations thereunder. - iv. In any other case provided for in this Bylaw. - c. And in such an event the County, its officers, employees, or agents shall not be liable for any damages of any kind from such discontinuance of Service. 24. WASTEWATER SERVICE DISCONNECTION AND/OR DEMOLITION - a. No Person shall cause, permit, or allow a building connected to a Wastewater Utility Service line or main to be demolished until the service connection has been disconnected. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County may, in circumstances which he considers appropriate, permit the service to remain connected to the Wastewater Utility Service line or  main. - b. A demolition request shall be submitted to the County through a formal Application submitted by the Person. Requests for a permit for demolition or removal of a building shall be given at least twenty working days prior to starting said work. ## 25. CLEANOUT MANHOLES - a. Cleanout manhole(s) are required to be constructed in accordance with County Standards in locations that are accessible to the County, on all Wastewater Service Connections to Premises such as: - i. Industrial - oil related industries, dairies, breweries, packing plants, processing plants, feed mills, manufacturing plants, fabricating plants, painting shops, and any other industrial related facilities. - ii. Commercial - shopping centers, strip malls, warehouses, grocery stores, heavy machine repair, welding shops, automobile repair, service stations, car washes, restaurants, paint stores, hotels, motels, dry cleaners, laundries, and any other commercial related facilities. - ili. Residential - dwellings and apartments over 6 units. - iv. Other - nursing homes, senior complexes, institutional facilities, hospitals, dental labs, funeral homes, schools, and any other developments that do not fall into the above three subsections, at the discretion of the County. - b. The Owner and occupants of the Premises shall keep free, clear, and unobstructed access to the cleanout manhole at all times. - c. The Owner shall be responsible for all costs associated with the installation and maintenance of a cleanout manhole. ## 26. SEWER BACKUP AND FAILURE - a. Should any Consumer claim that a sanitary Wastewater Service Connection is plugged, the County shall respond by investigating free flow in the Wastewater System. In the event that no blockage is observed in the mains, the customer shall be instructed to contact a plumber certified in the Province of Alberta to open the service line from inside the building cleanout, to assess the blockage. - b. Should the plumber provide evidence supporting a claim that the cause of the obstruction is from grease, ice, any foreign object that entered the Wastewater Service Connection from within the building, or tree roots on any section of the service line, the Owner or Consumer shall be responsible for the costs of the repair. - c. Should the plumber provide evidence supporting a claim that the obstruction is from anything other than grease, ice, or a foreign object that entered the Wastewater Service Connection from within the building, Initials ME  - or tree roots on any section of the service line, the Owner or Consumer shall provide a video record of the obstruction for review by the County. - d. If an investigation by the County determines the obstruction in the Wastewater Service Connection is from a material defect such as pipe collapse, sags, significant joint separation, or poor installation, the following protocols shall be adhered to: - i. Should the cause of the claim be determined to be situated on the portion of the Wastewater Service Connection from the Wastewater System to the property line, the County shall assume reasonable costs incurred by the Consumer for the clearing of the sewer by the plumber and any repairs. - ii. Should the cause of the claim be determined to be situated on the portion of the Wastewater Service Connection from the property line to the building, the Consumer shall obtain the services of a private contractor to repair the Service Connection if necessary. The costs of any repair shall be assumed by the Consumer. - ili. Should the problem co-exist on private property and between the main and property line, the County shall in its sole discretion determine a fair apportionment of the costs of the repair between the County and Consumer. ## 27. PRE-TREATMENT - a. The County may require an Owner to do any one or more of the following: - i. Install, operate, and maintain at all times a wastewater PreTreatment System that is located at a directly accessible location. - ii. Take steps to equalize either the composition or the flow rate of a release, or both, from the Premises into the Pre-Treatment System or Wastewater System. - ili. Provide access to the Pre-Treatment System for inspection at the request of the County. - b. An Owner who fails to install, operate, monitor, provide access to and properly maintain at all times a Pre-Treatment System as required by the County is guilty of an offence under this Bylaw. - c. An Owner of Premises with a Pre-Treatment System installed must do all of the following: - i. Obtain and retain at the Premise any manuals, instructions and specifications related to the installation, operation, maintenance, and cleaning of the Pre-Treatment System. - ii. Maintain a maintenance schedule and record of each maintenance for every Pre-Treatment System installed for a period of two years.  - ili. Submit any records as requested to the County. - i. Install a FOG interceptor at a directly accessible location on the upstream side of the monitoring access point, that is designed and sized in accordance with CAN/CSA B481 and meets the requirements of the National Plumbing Code of Canada. - d. An Owner of a restaurant or similar Premises that is connected directly or indirectly to the Wastewater System, and where food is cooked, processed, prepared, or where FOG is released, must do the following in addition to section 27a.: - il. Monitor, operate, maintain, and clean each FOG interceptor installed in the Premises in accordance with CAN/CSA B481 and in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications. - ili. Ensure that all wastewater does not exceed the concentration limits for FOG, as set out in Schedule "B" of this Bylaw. - e. An Owner of a commercial vehicle or equipment service station, car wash, repair shop or garage, or of a Premises where motor vehicles are repaired, lubricated, maintained, or washed, must do all the following: - i. Install an interceptor at a directly accessible location on the upstream side of the cleanout that is designed and sized in accordance with the requirements of the National Plumbing Code of Canada to prevent Hydrocarbons, Flammable liquids and TSS into the Wastewater or Stormwater Systems. - ii. Ensure all wastewater does not exceed the concentration limits for Hydrocarbons, Flammable Liquids and TSS, as set out in Schedule "B". - ili. An Owner is prohibited from using emulsifiers, enzymes, bacteria, solvents, hot water, or any other agent to facilitate passage of FOG or Hydrocarbons through a Pre-Treatment System. 28. DISCHARGES AND REPAIRS TO THE WASTEWATER AND STORMWATER SYSTEMS - a. Any person who Releases or allows the Release of an unauthorized substance into the Wastewater and Stormwater Systems in contravention of this Bylaw must immediately take all reasonable measures to mitigate the release. - b. Sump pumps, where installed, must adhere to the following: - i. Shall not discharge water by direct connection to either the Premises Service Connection or to the Wastewater System. - ii. Shall not discharge water indirectly by way of a floor drain, laundry drain or any other connection to the Wastewater System. - ili. Shall only discharge water from the sump or dry well onto the surface of the ground outside the building.  - c. No weeping tile may be installed that drains subsurface or groundwater in such a manner that a direct or indirect connection is made with the Wastewater System. - d. No Person shall make any direct or indirect connections for either stormwater or surface water collected by drainage in weeping tiles, eavestroughs, downspouts, sumps, sump pumps or roof spouts into the Wastewater System. - e. No Person shall discharge into any Stormwater System, land drainage works, or watercourse, wastewater that: - i. May interfere with the proper operations of the Stormwater System. - ii. May damage the Stormwater System. - ili. May obstruct or restrict the Stormwater System. - iv. That could adversely affect any person, animal, property, or vegetation. - v. That may impair the quality of water in any other watercourse. - vi. That may result in the contravention of an approval, requirement, direction, or order issued by Alberta Environment or any other enforcing agency. - f. The Owner of a Premises is required to take all necessary steps to repair Private Wastewater Services where damage, and/or wear and tear to such Private Wastewater Services are impacting or are likely to impact the County Service, the Service Connection, or the Wastewater System. Failure to do so constitutes an offence under this Bylaw. ## 29. PROHIBITED DISPOSAL OF WASTEWATER - a. No Person shall place, deposit, dump, or permit wastewater, deleterious substances, hazardous waste, or reactive substances in any manner upon public or private property in the County. - b. No Person shall discharge to any watercourse within the County, any wastewater, deleterious substances, hazardous waste, or reactive substances except where permitted by the County in writing and where suitable pretreatment is provided, as outlined in the Fee Bylaw. - c. Except as permitted by this Bylaw or the National or Alberta Building Code, no Person shall construct or maintain in the County any privy or pit toilet, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the collection or disposal of wastewater. ## 30. SPILL AND RELEASE CONTROL - a. Any Person who Releases or permits the Release of any matter other than those permitted in this Bylaw shall immediately, after becoming aware of the Release, take all reasonable steps to: - i. Confine, remedy, and repair the effects of the Release.  - ii. Protect the health and safety of the public. - ili. Minimize damage to property. - iv. Protect the environment. - v. Remove or otherwise dispose of the matter as per applicable municipal, provincial, and federal standards. - b. At the time of a Release, samples may be collected by the County and subsequent penalties may be assessed, as outlined in the Fee Bylaw. - c. The County may invoice the Person responsible for the Release to recover the costs of time, materials, and services arising as a result of the Release. This will include remediation, clean up, and all other associated costs. The Person responsible shall pay the costs invoiced upon demand. - d. The Owner of the Premises where the Release occurred shall notify the proper Provincial Authority as per Federal or Provincial requirements. - e. The Owner of a Premises from which a Release has been reported shall submit a written report to the County within five (5) working days of the Release. The report shall include all parameters as follows: - i. Location where Release occurred. - il. Name and telephone number of the person who reported the Release. - ill. Date and time of the Release. - iv. Material Released. - v. Characteristics and composition of material Released. - vi. Work completed and work still in progress in the mitigation of the Release. - f. The County may require the Person responsible for the Release or the Owner of the premises to prepare and submit a spill contingency plan to the County to indicate how risk of future incidents will be mitigated and how future incidents will be addressed. ## 31. AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE - a. The County has the authority to carry out any inspection reasonably required to ensure compliance with this Bylaw, including but not limited to: - i. Inspecting, observing, sampling, and measuring the flow in any private sewer, clean out, or wastewater disposal system. - ii. Take samples of wastewater, stormwater, and subsurface water being released from the Premises or flowing within a private drainage system. - ili. Perform on-site testing of the wastewater, storm water, and subsurface water within or being released from private drainage systems, pre-treatment facilities and storm water management initias pe  facilities. - iv. Collect and analyze samples of hauled wastewater coming to a discharge location into the Wastewater System. - v. Perform inspections of the types and quantities of chemicals being handled or used on the Premises in relation to possible release to the Wastewater System. - vi. Require information from any Person concerning a matter. - vii. Inspect and copy documents or remove documents from Premises to make copies. - vili. Inspect chemical storage areas and spill containment facilities and request Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for materials stored or used on site. ## 32. TESTING AND SURCHARGES - a. The County may, for the purpose of determining compliance with this Bylaw, do one or more of the following: - i. Enter upon a Premises from which wastewater is Released to retrieve one or more samples. - ii. Conduct testing of wastewater at any or all cleanouts located in or on the Premises. - ili. Test discrete wastewater streams within a Premises. - b. The County will conduct an analysis of all samples, and the result will be averaged to determine the characteristics and concentrations of the effluent being Released into the Wastewater System. - c. Notwithstanding section 27.e, the County may choose to rely on a single sample taken from the Premises to determine if the effluent produced meets the requirements of the Bylaw. ## 33. WILLFUL ACT PROHIBITIONS - a. No person or persons shall: - i. willfully or maliciously hinder or interrupt or cause or procure to be hindered or interrupted the County or its' contractors, servants, agents, workmen or any of them in the exercise of any of the powers and duties related to water utility system and authorized by or contained in the Bylaw; - ii. throw or deposit any injurious, noxious or offensive matter or water contaminant into the water or water system, or in any way foul the water or commit any willful damage or injury to the water or water system or encourage the same to be done; - ili. willfully alter or tamper within any way, any meter so as to lessen or alter the amount of water registered thereby, unless specifically authorized by the County for that particular purpose;  - iv. attach or connect any pipe to any pipe or main of the water utility or in any other way obtain or use any water thereof in a manner contrary to this Bylaw without the written consent of the County; - v. willfully and without authority hinder, disrupt or cut off the supply of water to any consumer of water utility. ## 34. OFFENCES AND ENFORCEMENT - a. Offences - i. A Person who contravenes any provision of the Bylaw is guilty of an offence. 1. A Person who is guilty of an offence is liable to a fine in the amount not less than that established in the Bylaw, and not exceeding $10,000, and its imprisonment for not more than six (6) months for non-payment of a fine; and 2. Without restricting the generality of subsection (a) the fine amount established is set out in Schedule "A". - b. Enforcement - i. An Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized and empowered to issue a Municipal Violation Ticket to any person who the Enforcement Officer has reasonable and probable grounds to believe has contravened any provision of this Bylaw. The Enforcement Officer may commence proceedings against such Owner by: 1. issuing the Person a Municipal Violation Ticket, pursuant to the provisions of Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act; 2. swearing out an information and complaint against the Person. - ii. Where an Enforcement Officer issues a Person Municipal Violation Ticket in accordance with this Bylaw, the Officer may either: 1. allow the Person to pay the specified penalty indicating such specified penalty on the ticket; or 2. require a Court appearance of the Person where the Enforcement Officer believes that such appearance is in the public interest, pursuant to the provisions of Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act. - ili. Where a Municipal Violation Ticket issued to a Person is not paid within twenty-one (21) days of the date of issue, the Enforcement Officer may proceed by way of prosecution in accordance with section 34.a of this Bylaw. - iv. No provision of this Bylaw nor any action taken pursuant to any provision of the Bylaw shall restrict, limit, prevent or preclude the County from pursuing any other remedy in relation to a Person, or property provided in the Municipal Government Act, or any other  ## law of the Province of Alberta. THAT Bylaw 11-05 be rescinded upon final reading of this bylaw. SHOULD any provision of this Bylaw be determined to be invalid, then such provisions shall be severed, and the remaining bylaw shall be maintained. THIS Bylaw shall come into force and effect upon receiving Third and Final Reading and having been signed by the Reeve and Chief Administrative Officer. Read this First time this 19 day of November, 2024 Read this Second time this 19 day of November, 2024 Read a Third and Final time and finally passed, this 19 day of November, 2024 SIGNED by the Reeve and Chief Administrative Officer this 19 day of November, 2024.  REEVE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER  ## SCHEDULE "A" FINES AND PENALTIES Unless otherwise noted all offences of the Water and Wastewater Utility System Control and Management Bylaw have the following specified penalties. | Penalty in Lieu of Prosecution (PLP) | 1s Offence | 2nd Offence | 3rd Offence | |----------------------------------------|--------------|---------------|---------------| | $125 | $250 | $500 | $750 | ## Specified penalties are as follows: | Violation | PLP | Minimum | Maximum | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------|------------|------------| | Any Person who willfully or maliciously hinders or interrupts or causes or procures to be hindered or interrupted, the municipality or its contractors, servants, agents, workmen, or any of them, in the exercise of any of the powers and authorities relating to the public Utilities. | - | $500 | $1000 | | Any Person who lends or sells water, uses water to benefit others, increase usage beyond what is agreed upon, and throws or deposits any injurious, noisome, or offensive matter into the water system. | | $500 | $1000 | | Failure to perform the mandatory water connection into the Water Main. | - | $250/month | $500/month | | No Persons other than those authorized by the County shall open or close or operate or interfere with any valves, hydrant, or fire plug, or draw water there from. | - | $500 | $1000 | | Any Person not being in the employ of the municipality and not being a member of the fire department and authorized in that behalf, willfully opens, or closes any hydrant stopcock, chamber pipe or hydrant chamber or by placing on it any building material, rubbish, or other obstruction. | | $500 | $1000 |  | No Person other than authorized County staff are to operate Curb Stops. Certified Licensed Plumbers with water keys are to operate Curb Stops only under emergency situations and are to notify County staff of said action immediately. | - | $500 | $1000 | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|------------|------------| | No Person other than authorized County employees shall remove, disconnect, reconnect, or tamper with a meter or remote meter reading receptacle. | | $500 | $1000 | | Any Person who connects to the County's Water and/or Wastewater Utility Service without first obtaining written approval | $200 | $1000 | $2000 | | Failure to perform mandatory connection to the Wastewater System. | - | $250/month | $500/month | | The Owner and occupants of the Premises shall keep free, clear and unobstructed access to the cleanout manhole at all times | $200 | $500 | $1000 | | An Owner who fails to install, operate, monitor, provide access to and properly maintain at all times a Pre-Treatment System as required by the County | $500 | $1000 | $2000 | | Any person who Releases or allows the Release of unauthorized substance into the Wastewater and Stormwater Systems | $500 | $1000 | $5000 | | No Person shall make any direct or indirect connections for either stormwater or surface water collected by drainage in weeping tiles, eavestroughs, downspouts, sumps, sump pumps or roof spots into the Wastewater System. | $200 | $500 | $1000 | | No Person shall discharge to any watercourse within the County, any wastewater, deleterious substances, hazardous waste, or reactive substances. | $200 | $500 | $1000 | | Failure to repair Private Wastewater Services where required. | $500 | $1000 | $2000 |  ## Schedule "B" PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES | Substance | Maximum Concentration (mg/L} | |---------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Aluminum | 50 | | Arsenic | | | Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | 1000 | | Cadmium | 0.2 | | Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) | 5000 | | Copper | 2.0 | | Chloride | 500 | | Chromium | 3 | | Cobalt | | | Cyanide | | | Fat, Grease and Oil (FOG) | 300 | | Iron | 50 | | Lead | 1 | | Manganese | 5 | | Mercury | 0.01 | | Molybdenum | 5 | | Nickel | | | Selenium | 1 | | Silver | 05 | | Sulphate | 1000 | | Sulphides | 1 | | Thallium | 05 | | Tin | 5 | | Titanium | 5 | | Total Suspended Solids | 1000 | | Vanadium | 5 | | Zinc | 2 |