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BYLAW NO: 2379
CONSOLIDATION OF A BYLAW OF THE CITY OF MEDICINE HAT respecting water.
THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF MEDICINE HAT, IN COUNCIL
ASSEMBLED, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1.
This Bylaw may be cited as the Water Service Bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat.
Where the terms of this Bylaw conflict with the provisions of any other Bylaw of the City
of Medicine Hat, this Bylaw shall prevail.
2.
DEFINITIONS
In this Bylaw unless the context otherwise requires:
Amended by:
(a)
"Backflow" means the reversal of flow of any water, wastewater, or any other
Bylaw 3137
liquid, chemical, or substance back into the water works system.
June 2, 1998
Amended by:
(a.0)
"City" means the Municipal Corporation of Medicine Hat, or the area
Bylaw 4203
contained within the boundary thereof, as the context requires.
Dec. 17, 2013
Amended by:
(a.1)
"Consumer" includes any person who has contracted with the City for the
Bylaw 3137
purchase of water from the water works system.
June 2, 1998
Amended by:
(b)
"Cross Connection" means any temporary, permanent or potential connection
Bylaw 3137
of any piping, fixture, fitting, container, or appliance to the water works system
June 2, 1998
which may allow water, wastewater, or any other liquid, chemical, or
substance to enter the water works system. This includes, but is not limited
to, swivel or change over devices, removable sections, jumper connections
and bypass arrangements.
Amended by:
(b.1)
"Cross connection control device" means a device or method that prevents
Bylaw 3137
backflow.
June 2, 1998
Amended by:
(c)
"Environmentally Inappropriate" when used to describe a use or flow of water
Bylaw 2772
means a use or flow of water that results in a quantity of water.
July 6, 1992
(i)
soaking into the ground,
(ii)
entering the City's domestic sewer or storm sewer system, or
(iii)
escaping in any manner from the property upon which the use or flow
of water originates,
in excess of the quantity required for a necessary or desirable domestic,
commercial, industrial or public purpose.
Amended by:
(c.1)
"General Manager" means the City employee holding the position of General
Bylaw 4203
Manager of Environmental Utilities, and includes any other City employee the
Dec. 17, 2013
General Manager of Environmental Utilities authorizes to perform any duties
or exercise any powers of the General Manager of Environmental Utilities as
set out in this Bylaw.
(d)
"Owner" means and includes the owner, occupier, or any person in possession
of any premises within the City of Medicine Hat, and includes a consumer.
Amended by:
(d.1)
"Testable cross connection control device" means a cross connection control
Bylaw 4203
device which is capable of being inspected and tested in accordance
PAGE 2 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
Dec. 17, 2013
with the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2010, as amended or replaced.
Amended by:
(e)
"Treasurer" means the General Manager of Finance of the City of Medicine
Bylaw 4203
Hat.
Dec. 17, 2013
(f)
"Water Works System" means the water distribution system owned and
operated by the City of Medicine Hat and all accessories and appurtenances
thereto.
Amended by:
(g)
"Remote Reading Device" means any City device connected to a water meter
Bylaw 4203
to provide meter information and/or consumption information to the City.
Dec. 17, 2013
3.
ADMINISTRATION - CONTROL
Amended by:
The General Manager, subject to the control of City Council, shall have charge of all
Bylaw 3137
the various properties and works required for the supply of water to the City and its
June 2, 1998
inhabitants.
Amended by:
(a)
A person appointed as a bylaw enforcement officer pursuant to City of
Bylaw 3137
Medicine Hat Bylaw No. 2436, including any peace officer, police officer or June
June 2, 1998
special constable employed by the Medicine Hat Police Service, or any other
person appointed by the City to enforce compliance with this Bylaw has the
authority to do any things and issue any charges, summons, tickets or orders
as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Bylaw.
Amended by:
(b)
The General Manager may have the water shut off to the premises of any
Bylaw 4203
owner or consumer infringing any of the rules and regulations or amendments
Dec. 17, 2013
thereto made by the City.
4.
EXTENSION OF MAINS
No extension of mains shall be constructed except as may be authorized from time to
time by City Council.
5.
INTERRUPTIONS OF SERVICE
Amended by:
The General Manager is hereby authorized to:
Bylaw 3137
June 2, 1998
(a)
Order that the water be shut off without notice for such length of time as may
be necessary to permit the construction or repairs to the water works system.
(b)
In cases of fires or a conflagration, to shut off the water without notice in any
part of the City as required. No consumer or consumers shall have a claim
against the City for non-supply of water, whether it be caused by water
stoppage pursuant to this section or by frozen mains, breakdown of machinery,
power interruptions or other mechanical failures or malfunction, unless such
non-supply of water is shown to be directly due to the negligence of the City or
its employees.
(c)
Damages
In all cases where any pressure vessel or equipment is supplied with water from
the water works system, the City shall not be responsible for damage to such
vessel or equipment, person or premises when there is failure of the water
supply due to any cause whatsoever, even where no notice is given. No
deduction from the water bills shall be made in consequence thereof.
PAGE 3 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
6.
TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED USE OF WATER
Water restrictions in all or part of the City may be set out during any period fixed by
Council by resolution and after one advertisement in the Medicine Hat News.
7.
EMERGENCY RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS
Amended by:
(a)
The General Manager may at any time make orders restricting the use of
Bylaw 3137
water either by all consumers or by any particular class of consumers and
June 2, 1998
either throughout the City or in any particular area or areas of the City. The
order may specify that such restricted use of water shall apply during such
hours of any day of the week as may be specified in the order.
Amended by:
(b)
No person shall use any water from the water works system in contravention
Bylaw 3137
of the terms of any order made by the General Manager under this section.
June 2, 1998
Amended by:
(c)
The General Manager shall take such steps as he deems necessary to
Bylaw 3137
publicize the terms of an order made pursuant to this and the preceding
June 2, 1998
section
8.
WATER CHARGES
Amended by:
(a)
Except as set out in subsection (b) below or otherwise approved in writing by
Bylaw 4837
The General Manager, a Consumer supplied with water that is metered shall
Dec 17, 2024
Pay the Class "A" rates set out in Section 1 of Schedule "A".
Amended by:
(b)
A Consumer supplied with water drawn from the Police Point Aquifer
Bylaw 4837
(Reference: Licence #07997, File #16713-2 under the Water Act, RSA 2000,
Dec 17, 2024
c W-3) shall pay the Class "C" rates set out in Section 3 of Schedule "A".
Amended by:
(c)
In addition to the Class "A", Class "B" and Class "C" rates for water usage, each
Bylaw 4837
Consumer (or property owner, in the case of buildings situated on City water
Dec 17, 2024
lines but not connected to them) shall pay any other applicable fees set out in
Schedule "A".
Amended by:
(d)
Wherever lawn and garden stand-pipes are placed on premises, the said stand-
Bylaw 4837
pipes shall be placed on the said premises not less than twelve feet from the
Dec 17, 2024
property line thereof.
Amended by:
(e)
Separate lawn or garden services on vacant garden lots or built-on lots shall
Bylaw 4837
only be permitted if equipped with a water meter installed in suitable pit or box
Dec 17, 2024
to be constructed by the owner and conforming to Section 29 (Meter
Chambers).
9.
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF WATER
Amended by:
(a)
No owner shall lend, sell or dispose of the water supplied by the water works
Bylaw 2772
system, or give away or permit the same to be taken or carried away or used
July 6, 1992
or apply it to the use or benefit of others or to any other than his, her or their
own use or benefit or shall increase the supply of water beyond that agreed
for with the City.
Amended by:
(b)
No owner or other person shall do or allow to be done any act or thing that
Bylaw 2772
results in an environmentally inappropriate use or flow of water from the City's
July 6, 1992
Water Works System, irrespective of whether the owner or other person is
PAGE 4 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
responsible to pay for the water that is used or allowed to flow in an
environmentally inappropriate manner.
Amended by:
(c)
Where an unmetered Fire line is provided, no water shall be taken for other
Bylaw 2772
than fire protection or testing of the fire protection system.
July 6, 1992
10.
HYDRANTS AND VALVES
Amended by:
(a)
No person shall open, close or interfere with any hydrant or valve of the water
Bylaw 3137
works system without the permission of the General Manager.
June 2, 1998
Amended by:
(b)
The General Manager may permit water to be taken from a hydrant during
Bylaw 3137
construction or otherwise, provided that:
June 2, 1998
Amended by:
(i)
A deposit in the amount as set out in Schedule "A" is left with the
Bylaw 4203
General Manager and a Hydrant Permit is issued by the Water
Dec. 17, 2013
Department for a period of sixty (60) days;
Amended by:
(ii)
Hydrant Permits may be renewed under the initial deposit for
Bylaw 4203
additional sixty (60) day periods upon advice to the Water Department.
Dec. 17, 2013
No deposit will be refunded on Hydrant Permits exceeding the sixty
(60) day period;
Amended by:
(iii)
Water taken from the hydrant may be measured by a meter supplied
Bylaw 3137
by the General Manager and shall be charged for at the rates set forth
June 2, 1998
in this Bylaw;
Amended by:
(iv)
If various hydrants are being used throughout the City under one
Bylaw 4203
Hydrant Permit, it is the responsibility of the applicant to both properly
Dec. 17, 2013
record and notify the General Manager of the water consumption;
(v)
Minimum charge for the use of a fire hydrant shall be set forth in
Schedule "A".
11.
SERVICE CONNECTIONS - GENERAL
(a)
Normally, only one service connection per lot shall be permitted.
Amended by:
(b)
For lots other than single family residences, the General Manager may
Bylaw 3137
authorize more than one service connection.
June 2, 1998
Amended by:
(c)
The size of the service shall be determined by the Planning and
Bylaw 3137
Engineering Services Department in accordance with the provisions
June 2, 1998
of the Plumbing and Drainage regulations of the Department of Health of the
of the Province of Alberta.
(d)
The service shall be run from the main to the property line in the shortest way
possible.
Amended by:
(e)
When any building can be served from the street or avenue, the General
Bylaw 3137
Manager may decide whether the building will be supplied with water from the
June 2, 1998
street or from the avenue.
12.
NEW SERVICE LINES IN PRIVATE PROPERTY
Amended by:
The Water Department of the City of Medicine Hat may, at the owner's request and
Bylaw 2722
expense, install the water service from the property line to a building or a point
Feb. 4, 1991
designated by the owner.
PAGE 5 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
13.
APPLICATION FOR NEW SERVICE CONNECTIONS
Amended by:
(a)
Any person requiring water service from the water works system shall apply to
Bylaw 4203
the City's Environmental Utilities Department and request that his premises
Dec. 17, 2013
be connected to the said system. The owner or his authorized agent at the
time of making an application for a water service connection is required to pay
to the City, in advance, an amount equal to:
Amended by:
(i)
the cost of the water service connection as determined by the General
Bylaw 3137
Manager; or
June 2, 1998
(ii)
the estimated cost of the water service connection as calculated by the
General Manager subject to a refund or further payment depending on
the actual cost when the work is completed.
Amended by:
(b)
The owner or his authorized agent shall provide the General Manager with a
Bylaw 3137
site plan on which the size and location of the required services are shown.
June 2, 1998
This applies to row housing, each four-suite or larger apartment building and
every commercial and industrial building.
(c)
The expense of installing any service connection to a sub-divided lot or a parcel
of land, or portions of same, shall be borne by the applicant.
Amended by:
(d)
A separate water service pipe to be used only for fire purposes may be
Bylaw 3137
constructed at the cost of the owner or occupier of property from the water
June 2, 1998
main to his premises. Valves on said water service pipes may be sealed, as
instructed by the General Manager. The said seal shall not be broken except
in case of an emergency. The General Manager shall be notified within 24
hours if a seal is broken. Should said water service pipe not be maintained as
required, the same may be disconnected by order of the General Manager.
(e)
A consumer who has on his premises private fire service equipment connected
to the City water system shall pay to the City the applicable monthly rate set
out in Schedule "A" of this Bylaw.
14.
PLUMBERS AND PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
Amended by:
All persons doing any work or service upon a private service or the plumbing system
Bylaw 4203
attached thereto shall comply with the provisions of The Safety Codes Act R.S.A.
Dec. 17, 2013
2000, as may be amended from time to time, Chapter S-0.5, all regulations passed
pursuant thereto and any Bylaws of the City applicable thereto.
Amended by:
15.
NO UNAUTHORIZED TAPPING
Bylaw 3137
No person without the prior authority from the General Manager shall tap or make
June 2, 1998
any connection or communication whatsoever with any of the public mains either in
the street or in the lanes.
Amended by:
16.
DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE - SERVICE KILL
Bylaw 3137
No permit for the demolition or removal of a building shall be issued by the City nor
June 2, 1998
shall any person cause, permit or allow to be demolished or removed a building
connected to a water main until there has been paid to the City the fee for
disconnecting the City service at the water main as provided for in Schedule "A".
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Manager may in circumstances which he
considers appropriate, permit the service to remain connected to the water main.
PAGE 6 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
17.
SERVICE CONNECTIONS - MAINTENANCE
The City shall be responsible for the maintenance of the water mains and all the
connections from the main to the property line with the exception of those connections
used for lawn services and fire services and with the exception of those limitations
contained in paragraph 15.
18.
INSTALLATION OF SERVICES
Amended by:
(a)
The water service pipe from the main to the property line shall be of copper,
Bylaw 3137
cast iron, or other material approved by the General Manager and connected
June 2, 1998
by fittings and materials approved by the General Manager, and such water
service pipe shall be laid at least seven (7) feet below the surface of the
ground if in clay and nine (9) feet if in gravel at any point between the property
line and the house.
(b)
There shall be placed on each water service pipe a corporation valve at or near
the property line, for the purpose of turning on the water supply or shutting it
off. Over the corporation valve there shall be placed a metallic corporation valve
box of approved pattern. The downstream edge of the corporation valve so
placed shall be the limit of City responsibility with respect to the installation.
(c)
The main shut-off valve shall be located immediately inside the building
Amended by:
(d)
Operation of Corporation Valve
Bylaw 3137
No person shall in any way interfere with a corporation valve on City property.
June 2, 1998
Whenever water has been turned off, no person who is not duly authorized by
the General Manager shall turn it on again.
Amended by:
(e)
Booster Pumps
Bylaw 3137
No person shall use any boosting device on any water service unless the use
June 2, 1998
of the boosting device has been approved by the General Manager and the
device is located on the downstream side of a water meter.
(f)
Branch Lines
No person shall install branch supply lines, outlets or fixtures on the upstream
side of a water meter or main shut-off valve, except for fire protection purposes.
19.
APPLICATION FOR LARGER SERVICES FROM MAIN TO PROPERTY LINE
Amended by:
Any person wishing to have a larger service shall apply to the City's Environmental
Bylaw 4203
Utilities Department and request that a larger service be installed. The owner or his
Dec. 17, 2013
authorized agent shall sign the property application form provided for that purpose
and make the required deposit. If, in the opinion of the General Manager, the
existing service is due for replacement, the applicant will be required after installation
to pay all the costs less his deposit for the difference in material costs between the
new and the existing pipe size. If, in the opinion of the General Manager, the existing
service is in good condition, the applicant will be required after installation to pay all
the costs less his deposit for the installation including surface restoration.
20.
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE RENEWAL IN PRIVATE PROPERTY
Amended by:
Any owner wishing the City to renew a service located in private property shall apply
Bylaw 4203
to the City's Environmental Utilities Department and request that such installation be
Dec. 17, 2013
made. The owner or his authorized agent shall sign:
(a)
A Declaration stating that he has not been able to get a plumbing contractor to
do the work.
PAGE 7 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
Amended by:
(b)
The proper application form and provide the deposit required by the General
Bylaw 3137
Manager. After the installation is completed, he will have to pay the
June 2, 1998
difference between his deposit and the actual installation cost.
21.
FROZEN SERVICES
Amended by:
(a)
If the service or inside plumbing system is frozen and the General
Bylaw 3137
Manager is of the opinion that it has frozen without any negligence on the part
June 2, 1998
of the consumer, or any other person for whose negligence the consumer is
responsible, the General Manager may waive the cost of one thawing.
Subsequent calls thereafter will be charged to the customer at the rate set
forth in Schedule "A". If the consumer elects to leave a water tap open to
prevent further freeze-ups, regular water meter charges will apply.
(b)
The City shall not thaw a private service or plumbing system unless the
consumer shall first have signed an acknowledgement recognizing that thawing
may be inherently dangerous to property including the private service or
plumbing system and may cause damage to electrical systems or the outbreak
of fire and waiving any claim against the City for any such damage whatsoever
except damage caused by the negligence of the City.
22.
METERS - GENERAL
Amended by:
(a)
Except where otherwise provided in this Bylaw, all water supplied pursuant to
Bylaw 3137
this Bylaw shall be measured by a meter of a design and capacity approved
June 2, 1998
by the General Manager. Should a meter, while on the property of the
consumer, be damaged or destroyed, the cost of repairing or replacing the
meter, as provided for in Schedule "A", shall be paid by the consumer.
(i)
Subject to Clause (d)(iii), one meter will be supplied by the City free of
charge to the consumer for each water service connection which is not
a lawn service, fire protection service, or a meter measuring a combined
flow of fire protection and consumer demand.
(ii)
All water meters installed by the City shall at all times be the property of
the City.
(iii)
Any metered water service in use before or after the enactment of this
Bylaw shall remain a metered water service.
Amended by:
(iv)
No person, other than an employee of the City's Environmental
Bylaw 4203
Utilities Department or a person authorized in writing by the General
Dec. 17, 2013
Manager, shall install, test, remove, repair, replace or disconnect a
water meter.
Amended by:
(iv.1) Every Consumer shall allow the City, including any of its employees,
Bylaw 4203
agents or contractors, to enter on or in the Consumer's premises at all
Dec. 17, 2013
reasonable times for the purpose of installing, testing, reading,
removing, repairing, replacing or disconnecting a water meter.
Amended by:
(iv.2) The General Manager may direct that the water services to any
Bylaw 4203
Consumer be shut off if the Consumer refuses to allow the City access
Dec. 17, 2013
to the Consumer's premises for the purpose of installing, testing,
reading, removing, repairing, replacing or disconnecting a water
meter.
Amended by:
(v)
Consumers shall immediately notify the General Manager of any
Bylaw 3137
breakage, stoppage or irregularity in a water meter.
June 2, 1998
PAGE 8 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
(vi)
The City shall not be responsible for any damage to buildings, or
property occasioned by or in the course of the installation, maintenance,
repair or disconnection of any water meter provided that reasonable
care has been taken by the employees or agents of the City in the
course of such installation, maintenance, repair or disconnection.
Amended by:
(b)
Repealed.
Bylaw 2772
July 6, 1992
(c)
If buildings or premises require two or more meters, the owner shall be billed
separately for water used through each meter.
(d)
Meter Size
The size of the water meter shall be determined as follows:
(i)
If the internal diameter of the service is 25mm or less, a 16mm x 20mm
meter shall be used.
(ii)
If the internal diameter of the service exceeds 25mm, the size of the
meter shall be one size smaller than the size of the service.
Amended by:
(iii)
A 20mm or 25mm meter for a residential water service will be supplied
Bylaw 2722
and installed in premises by The City at the request of the owner of
Feb. 4, 1991
the premises and upon payment of the charge set out in Schedule "A".
Under no circumstances shall a meter larger in size than the water
service be supplied and installed.
Amended by:
(iv)
If the service is a combined service (to supply water for fire protection
Bylaw 4203
as well as water for other purposes), the internal diameter of the
Dec. 17, 2013
service branch to be used for other purposes shall determine the
meter size as set out in Sub-sections (i) and (ii) of this Section.
Amended by:
(e)
Except where otherwise provided in this Bylaw, no owner or other person
Bylaw 3137
shall do or allow to be done any act or thing that results in a use or flow of
June 2, 1998
water from the City's Water Works System that is not measured by a water
meter of a design and capacity approved by the General Manager.
Amended by:
(f)
If the General Manager becomes aware of any use or flow of water that is not
Bylaw 3137
measured by a water meter of a design and capacity approved by the General
June 2, 1998
Manager and that does not fall within a specific exception to the general
requirement of water metering as set forth in Sub-section (a) of this Section,
the General Manager may take all necessary steps to stop that use or flow of
water until:
(i)
a water meter has been installed pursuant to the provisions of this
Bylaw; and
(ii)
an application for water service has been made in accordance with the
provisions of this Bylaw.
23.
PROTECTION OF METERS
A consumer is responsible for the safekeeping of the water meter and any remote
reading device that may be installed with the water meter on the consumer's property.
A consumer 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 a water meter and
shall pay the cost of repairing or replacing any water metering facility supplied and
installed by the City that may be damaged from the foregoing causes or any other
causes within the consumer's control.
PAGE 9 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
24.
INSTALLATION RESPONSIBILITY
(a)
The main shut-off valve shall be located immediately inside the building.
Amended by:
(b)
The owner of every building shall make provision for the installation of meters
Bylaw 4203
as required by the City's Environmental Utilities Department construction
Dec. 17, 2013
standards and specifications.
Amended by:
(c)
Water meters shall be located at the point at which a water service pipe
Bylaw 3137
enters a premises unless the General Manager directs in writing that another
June 2, 1998
location be used.
Amended by:
(d)
The owner of a building shall at its expense ensure that the City has access to
Bylaw 2772
all related piping when a meter is installed.
July 6, 1992
Amended by:
(e)
The owner of a commercial or industrial building who has to install a meter of
Bylaw 4203
a size 25 mm or larger may at his expense provide a valved bypass with a
Dec. 17, 2013
meter and a valve within 300 mm on either side of the meters. The bypass
valve must be sealed and shall be opened only in case of emergencies. The
General Manager must be notified within twenty-four hours after the seal is
broken.
(f)
If the owner of a commercial building requires two meters and there is only
water service, the cost of the second water meter shall be the responsibility of
the owner.
Amended by:
(g)
It shall be the owner's responsibility to provide such support for the meter as
Bylaw 3137
may be required by the General Manager.
June 2, 1998
(h)
Meters supplied by the City being 50mm in size or smaller shall be installed by
the City.
(i)
Meters 50mm and larger shall be supplied by the City less flanges.
Installation shall be the responsibility of the consumer.
(j)
Remote Reading Devices
(i)
The City shall supply and install a remote-reading device in all new
premises at no cost to the consumer.
Amended by:
(ii)
A remote-reading device must be installed in existing premises as
Bylaw 4203
determined by the City's Environmental Utilities Department.
Dec. 17, 2013
Amended by:
(iii)
Deleted
Bylaw 4203
Dec. 17, 2013
(iv)
Every water meter and remote-reading device shall be installed in a
manner readily accessible to employees and agents of the City.
(v)
All remote-reading devices supplied and installed by the City shall at all
times be the property of the City, notwithstanding the fact that a
consumer may have paid an installation fee or any other charge for
having a remote-reading device installed.
Amended by:
25.
RELOCATING METERS
Bylaw 3137
If the General Manager is dissatisfied with the location of any meter due to
June 2, 1998
alterations to the building, he may require that the meter be moved to a different
location. Any expense in relocating the meter shall be borne by the owner or
occupier.
PAGE 10 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
26.
READING OF METERS
Amended by:
Every owner and occupier of premises connected to the water works system shall
Bylaw 4203
provide free and convenient access to his premises at all reasonable times for
Dec. 17, 2013
the purpose of reading meters. In the event that a meter reader employed by the City
is unable to obtain access to the premises, the water consumption will be estimated.
If no reading is obtained at the end of the next billing period, the owner or occupier will
be required to leave a key at the office of the City Treasurer or otherwise make suitable
arrangements for regular bi-monthly readings. If the owner or occupier fails to comply
with the request of the City, the water service may be disconnected without further
notice.
27.
UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Amended by:
(a)
Prior to installation, the owner or his agent shall apply to Planning and
Bylaw 3137
Engineering Services Department for a permit.
June 2, 1998
(b)
All residential and commercial lawn and garden sprinkler systems regardless
of the size of the service, must be metered.
(c)
All meters for a sprinkler system shall require, at the owner's expense, a valve
within 300mm on either side of the meter.
(d)
Any owner or occupier of property within the City may purchase outright from
the City a separate meter to measure water used for lawn or garden. Upon
approval of the Mechanical Inspector, the Water Department will stamp the
meter "Sewer Exempt". The consumer is responsible for any repairs to the said
meter.
Amended by:
28.
CROSS CONNECTIONS AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION
Bylaw 3137
(1)
No person shall connect, cause to be connected, or allow to remain
June 2, 1998
connected to the water system any piping, fixture, fitting, container or
appliance, in a manner which, under any circumstances, may allow water,
waste water or any other liquid, chemical or substance to enter the water
system.
(2)
For the purposes of preventing a cross connection as prohibited in Section
28(1), the General Manager may require any consumer to install a testable
cross connection control device or devices.
Amended by:
28.1
(a)
At the time of installation and thereafter as required by the General Manager,
Bylaw 3137
every consumer required by any Act, regulation or code or by the General
June 2, 1998
Manager pursuant to Section 28 to install a testable cross connection control
device or devices shall:
(i)
ensure that the testable cross connection control device or devices
installed are inspected and tested; and
(ii)
report the results of the inspection and testing on the form prescribed
by the General Manager to the General Manager within the time frame
specified by the General Manager.
(b)
Every consumer required by the General Manager pursuant to Section 28 to
install a testable cross connection control device or devices shall install only
testable cross connection control device or devices approved by the General
Manager.
PAGE 11 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
(c)
Every consumer required by this Section to ensure that testable cross
connection control device or devices installed are inspected and tested shall
ensure that only persons approved by the General Manager inspect and test
the testable cross connection control device or devices. In approving persons
to inspect and test cross connection control devices, the General Manager may
take into consideration the following qualifications:
(i)
a certificate from an accredited organization as a Certified Backflow
Prevention Device Tester;
(ii)
a calibration certificate for test equipment;
(iii)
another trade or professional qualification (e.g. Plumbing Certificate,
Sprinkler Fitter Certificate, etc.); and
(iv)
liability insurance coverage.
(d)
If a consumer fails to have a testable cross connection control device or devices
inspected or tested or fails to report the results of the inspection or testing to
the General Manager:
(i)
the General Manager may notify the consumer that the testable cross
connection control device or devices must be inspected and tested and
a test report must be submitted to the General Manager within the time
frame specified by the General Manager; and
(ii)
the City may discontinue providing water service to the consumer until
the consumer has the testable cross connection control device or
devices inspected and tested and the consumer submits a report with
results satisfactory to the General Manager.
(e)
Every consumer shall display an up to date information record card issued by
the General Manager on or immediately adjacent to the testable cross
connection control device or devices.
28.2
For the purpose of verifying that Sections 28 and 28.1 are complied with, every
consumer shall, at the request of the General Manager and within the time frame
specified by the General Manager, provide such information as may be reasonably
required by the General Manager, including information required by a survey on the
form prescribed by the General Manager.
28.3
For the purpose of ensuring that Section 28 and 28.1 are complied with, the City may
carry out an inspection of any land or structure.
28.4
The General Manager may issue a written order if the General Manager believes, on
reasonable and probable grounds, that Section 28 or 28.1 is contravened. The written
order shall be in a form prescribed by the General Manager and:
(a)
shall set out what the consumer is required to do or stop doing to comply with
Section 28 or 28.1;
(b)
may direct the consumer to, without limitation, install, maintain, alter, repair or
replace or test a testable cross connection control device or devices and may
direct the site or sites at which the cross connection control device or devices
shall be installed, maintained, altered, repaired, replaced or tested; and
(c)
shall set out a reasonable time within which the consumer must comply with
the written order.
28.5
If a consumer to whom a written order is issued under Section 28.4 fails to comply with
the written order, the City may discontinue providing water service to the consumer
PAGE 12 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
until the consumer complies with the written order to the satisfaction of the General
Manager.
28.6
If the City has discontinued water service to a consumer under Section 28.1(d)(ii) or
Section 28.5, no person shall cause the water service to be turned on without
authorization of the General Manager.
28.7
Any costs or damages, direct, indirect or consequential, arising out of:
(i)
complying with any requirement under Section 28, 28.1, 28.2, 28.3, 28.4, 28.5
or 28.6; or
(ii)
the discontinuance of water service to a consumer, including any costs or
damages, direct, indirect or consequential, arising out of the water service
being turned on again,
shall be at the sole expense of the consumer.
Amended by:
29.
METER CHAMBERS
Bylaw 3137
(a)
Where meters cannot be contained in an existing building, the consumer
June 2, 1998
shall supply, at his own expense, an underground meter chamber which shall
be approved by the General Manager. The meter chamber may be
constructed by the City and the consumer billed for the expense incurred. For
new buildings, meter chambers will only be allowed subject to approval of the
General Manager.
(b)
Underground meter chambers shall be kept in good repair by the owner. If an
owner, after receiving notice from the General Manager, neglects to repair or
improve his meter chamber, then the General Manager shall cause the
necessary repairs to be made and the owner shall be liable for the cost of such
repairs.
30.
TAMPERING WITH METERS
No person shall tamper in any way with a meter or remote-reading device.
Amended by:
31.
TESTING OF METERS
Bylaw 3137
Whenever requested by a consumer, the meter shall be removed and tested.
June 2, 1998
If, on testing, it is found that the meter registers within three per cent (%) of the water
passing through same, the meter shall be deemed to be measuring correctly. If,
however, the meter is found to register a greater or lesser amount than said
percentage, the General Manager shall notify the Treasurer to add or deduct from the
amount as registered by said meter such sum that the balance will properly represent
the water delivered through said meter for a period not exceeding six (6) months.
When a consumer requests a meter test and such meter is found to be within three per
cent (%) accurate, that consumer shall be billed at a rate as set out in Schedule "A".
As a regular maintenance service, meters shall be removed and tested by the City
without charge as deemed appropriate by the General Manager.
32.
DETERMINING CONSUMPTION WHEN METER INOPERATIVE
When meters have failed to register, the following methods shall be used for
determining consumption.
(a)
If the same or similar conditions prevail, consumption shall be estimated on the
PAGE 13 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
basis of the consumption during the same month in the preceding year.
Amended by:
(b)
If the same or similar conditions do not prevail, a fair estimate shall be set by
Bylaw 3137
the General Manager.
June 2, 1998
(c)
The rates applied shall be those in effect for that type of service during the
months in question in accordance with Schedule "A" attached hereto.
Amended by:
33.
REMOVING METERS AND CITY EQUIPMENT
Bylaw 3137
When any owner discontinues the use of water services furnished by the City or the
June 2, 1998
City lawfully refuses to continue any longer to supply the same, the General
Manager, or any person authorized by him may at all reasonable times, enter the
premises in or upon which such owner was supplied with water services and may
remove meters, pipes or other things that are the property of the City.
Amended by:
34.
TEMPORARY USE OF WATER PRIOR TO METER INSTALLATION
Bylaw 3137
When any owner or contractor requires water during construction prior to a water
June 2, 1998
meter being installed, the General Manager may permit a temporary use of water
provided that a deposit in an amount as set out in Schedule "A" is left with the
General Manager and a Temporary Water Use Permit will be issued by the Water
Department. Water supplied pursuant to a Temporary Water Use Permit will be
charged at the Class "B" rate set out in Section 2 of Schedule "A".
35.
WATER SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS
(a)
A consumer wishing to discontinue a water service shall advise the Utilities
Billing Department and sign off.
(b)
Any consumer requesting a temporary disconnect for water shall pay a service
charge for such disconnection and a further service charge for the
reconnection, both in the amounts set out in Schedule "A". Service charges
would not apply if the water service disconnection is requested for the purpose
of routine maintenance.
36.
APPLICATION FOR WATER SERVICE
Amended by:
(1)
Contract for Water Services
Bylaw 2772
Any person desiring to be supplied with water service by the City shall sign an
July 6, 1992
application on a form provided by the office of the Treasurer and pay the fee
set out in Schedule "A". The said application when accepted by the
Treasurer, shall be a contract between such person and the City by which
said person agrees to be bound by all the provisions of this Bylaw or any
other Bylaw or regulations of the City in connection with the supply of water
by the City to such person. The said contract shall not be transferrable.
Amended by:
(2)
A person who has contracted with the City to receive and pay for a supply
Bylaw 2772
of water from the City's Water Works System is deemed to have contracted to
July 6, 1992
receive water that is measured by, and billed on the basis of, a water meter,
irrespective of whether the person contracted to receive and pay for a water
supply on some other basis at the time the contract was made.
37.
DEPOSITS - PERSONS NOT BEING OWNERS OF THE PREMISES
PAGE 14 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
Any person desiring to be supplied with water service by the City who is not the
registered owner or purchaser of the premises to be serviced shall together with his
application for service make a deposit as set out in Schedule "A". This deposit will be
held by the City as a guarantee that all water rates will be paid and will be returned to
the applicant when vacating the premises. The applicant may provide an indemnity
bond in lieu of each deposit.
38.
COLLECTION
All charges and rates payable under this Bylaw shall be paid to the office of the
Treasurer and the collection of all disbursements connected with the operation of the
water works and supervision of books of accounts shall be under the immediate control
and direction of the Finance Department.
The Utilities Department shall be promptly notified of all connections made or permits
granted or of any discontinuance of water service so that the proper charges or
allowances may be made against or to any person or persons liable to pay for the water
consumed or who is entitled to a refund where the supply of water is discontinued.
39.
WATER RATES
(a)
Accounts for water service shall be forwarded monthly to the consumer and
shall be payable at the office of the Treasurer and such other places as may be
designated by him.
(b)
Forwarding Accounts
Accounts shall be deemed to be sufficiently forwarded if they are left on the
property or if they are mailed by ordinary mail to the consumer at the municipal
address of the property.
Amended by:
40.
PENALTY
Bylaw 3210
According to Bylaw No. 3210, the Utilities Penalty Bylaw.
Feb. 17, 1999
41.
ENFORCING PAYMENT
(a)
The Treasurer may order that the water service to any consumer be shut off if
the water account is not paid within 30 days of being posted to the consumer.
Amended by:
(b)
A consumer who receives a notice warning that the consumer's water supply
Bylaw 3888
will be disconnected for non-payment shall pay the service charge set out in
Dec. 16, 2008
Schedule "A".
Amended by:
(c)
When a consumer's water supply is disconnected for non-payment:
Bylaw 3888
Dec. 16, 2008
(1)
The consumer shall pay the disconnection service charge set out in
Schedule "A"; and
(2)
If the consumer requests that the consumer's water supply be
reconnected, the consumer shall pay the reconnection service charge
set out in Schedule "A".
Amended by:
41.1
APPOINTMENT CANCELLATIONS
Bylaw 3137
If an appointment is scheduled for the General Manager or any other employee or
June 2, 1998
agent of the City to attend at the premises of an owner with respect to any matter
PAGE 15 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
relating to this Bylaw, the owner shall pay the charge set out in Schedule "A" in the
event that he fails to attend at the premises at the appointed time.
Amended by:
42.
OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND VIOLATION TAG PROCEDURE
Bylaw 2772
(1)
A person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw by doing any
July 6, 1992
act or thing that is prohibited, or by failing to do any act or thing that is required,
is guilty of an offence and liable upon summary conviction:
(a)
to pay a fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $2,500.00; or
(b)
to be imprisoned for a period of not less than three days in default of
payment of the fine within the time for payment allowed by the Court.
Amended by:
(2)
A peace officer employed by the City's Police Service or an Enforcement
Bylaw 2772
Officer appointed under Section 3 of this Bylaw may, in lieu of serving court
July 6, 1992
process under the Provincial Offences Procedure Act for an alleged
contravention of this Bylaw, serve upon the alleged offender a tag in a form
prescribed by the City's Police Chief, specifying the nature of the alleged
contravention and stating that the City will accept payment of $100.00 at the
Police Service headquarters within seven days of the date of service of the
tag, in lieu of prosecution.
Amended by:
43.
SEVERANCE
Bylaw 2772
It is the intention of City Council that if any provision of this Bylaw is declared
July 6, 1992
invalid for any reason by a Court of competent jurisdiction then all other provisions of
this Bylaw shall remain valid and enforceable.
Amended by:
44.
Bylaw No. 1506 and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed.
Bylaw 2772
July 6, 1992
Amended by:
45.
This Bylaw shall come into force and effect on the 3rd day of December, A.D., 1984.
Bylaw 2772
July 6, 1992
READ A FIRST TIME in Open Council this 19th day of November, A.D., 1984
READ A SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED in Open Council this 3rd day
of December, A.D., 1984
PAGE 16 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
SCHEDULE "A" TO BYLAW #2379
AS AMENDED BY BYLAW 4837 - DECEMBER 17, 2024
(EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025)
THE WATER SERVICE BYLAW OF THE CITY OF MEDICINE HAT
1.
CLASS "A" RATES FOR METERED SERVICES (OTHER THAN AQUIFER):
Water Service Charge - Based on Water Meter Size charged at a daily rate (per water
meter) of:
Meter Size (mm)
Meter
Size
(inches)
Effective January 1, 2025 Effective January 1, 2026
15
5/8
$1.0250
$1.0000
20
3/4
$1.0400
$1.0350
25
1
$1.1097
$1.1785
40
1 ½
$1.2120
$1.3962
50
2
$1.3653
$1.7229
75
3
$1.6763
$2.3853
100
4
$2.2450
$3.5966
150
6
$3.4069
$6.0715
200
8
$5.1418
$9.7668
250
10
$7.8522
$15.5400
In addition to the Water Service Charge, the amount payable by each Consumer per cubic
metre of water used is:
PAGE 17 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
Usage Rate
(as defined below)
Rate Class
Effective
January 1, 2025
Effective
January 1, 2026
Commercial/Industrial
Consumers
W19, W20,
W22, W30,
W50, W60
and W70
$1.3596
$1.4480
Apartments/Multi Unit Dwelling
Consumers
W40
$1.3596
$1.4480
Residential Consumer Low
Season* Rate
W10
$1.4000
$1.4910
Residential Consumer High
Season* Rate Tier 1 (0-20 m3)
W10
$1.4000
$1.4910
Residential Consumer High
Season* Rate Tier 2 (21-40 m3)
W10
$1.5000
$1.5975
Residential Consumer: High
Season* Rate Tier 3 (>40 m3)
W10
$1.5500
$1.6508
Residential Consumer:
Environmental Conservation
Charge** (>40 m3)
W10
$0.0600
$0.0600
Seasonal Service (Non-
residential Irrigation
Consumers)
W18 and
W21
$1.3993
$1.5326
Regional Consumer
W14, W15
and W16
$1.6271
$1.7329
* High Season Rates will be in effect from April 1 to October 31 and Low Season Rates
will be in effect from November 1 to March 31. The applicable rate tier for High Season
Rates is determined based on usage in m3, as set out in the table above.
**Environmental conservation charge will be based on m3 per billing period to residential
customers.
Usage Rate Definitions
PAGE 18 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
Commercial/Industrial Consumer includes Agricultural (Greenhouse) (W30),
Commercial (W19/W20/W22), Institutional facilities (Hospital, Assisted Living / Long
Term Care) (W70), Manufacturing (W50) and Schools (W60).
Apartments/Multi Unit Dwelling Consumers (W40) includes (1) condominiums,
apartments, row housing, 5-plexes and greater, townhouses with individual meters or one
or more house meters, and (2) mobile home parks that do not have individual meters.
Residential Consumer (W10) includes residential dwellings, duplexes, 4-plexes and
mobile homes with individual water meters.
Seasonal Service (Non-residential Irrigation Consumers) (W18/W21) includes
irrigation meters used for metering water usage with irrigation/sprinklers whether installed
year round or installed and removed on a yearly basis.
Regional Consumer (W14/W15/W16) includes Cypress County, the Green Valley Water
Association and the Roytal Water Users' Association, regardless of whether the water
purchased by these Consumers is used inside or outside the corporate boundaries of the
City of Medicine Hat, and any other Consumer purchasing water for use outside the
corporate boundaries of the City of Medicine Hat.
In case of any uncertainty regarding the usage rate or rate class applicable to a
particular Consumer/service, the General Manager shall determine the applicable rate
class in accordance with this Bylaw and inform (or direct City staff to inform) the relevant
Consumer in writing.
2.
CLASS "B"
TEMPORARY USE RATE:
Effective January 1, 2025
Effective January 1, 2026
$2.3947 per day
$2.4905 per day
3.
CLASS "C" AQUIFER RATE
For all water drawn from the "Police Point Aquifer" (Reference: Licence #07997, File
#16713-2 under the Water Act) the rate is:
Effective January 1, 2025
Effective January 1, 2026
$0.4545 per cubic metre
$0.4840 per cubic metre
4.
INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL CHARGE FOR SEASONAL METER
INSTALLATION:
PAGE 19 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
DESCRIPTION
Effective January 1, 2025
Effective January 1, 2026
15mm (5/8") Service
$78.38
$83.47
20mm (3/4") Service
$78.38
$83.47
25mm (1") Service
$78.38
$83.47
32mm (1 1/4") Service
$88.22
$93.96
38mm (1 ½") Service
$106.67
$113.61
50mm (2") Service
$106.67
$113.61
75mm (3") Service
$133.25
$141.91
100mm (4") Service
$133.25
$141.91
5.
SERVICE CHARGE PER DAY FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:
DESCRIPTION
Effective January 1,
2025
Effective January 1, 2026
50mm (2") System
$0.3844
$0.4094
75mm (3") System
$0.5131
$0.5465
100mm (4") System
$0.6444
$0.6863
150mm (6") System
$0.7707
$0.8208
200mm (8") System
$0.9037
$0.9624
250mm (10") System
$1.0219
$1.0883
300mm (12") System
$1.1966
$1.2744
Individual Fire Hydrants (on
private property)
$0.7074
$0.7534
6.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES, RATES AND CHARGES
BYLAW
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
Effective January 1,
2025
Effective January 1, 2026
10(b)(i)
Deposit for use
of hydrant
$495.00
$527.00
10(b)(v)
Minimum charge
for use of
hydrant
$142.00
$151.00
PAGE 20 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
BYLAW
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
Effective January 1,
2025
Effective January 1, 2026
13(e)
Private Fire
Service per day
$0.7074
$0.7534
16
Disconnection of
service in
pavement
$3,479.00
$3,705.00
16
Disconnection of
service other
than pavement
$2,516.00
$2,680.00
21(a)
Thawing frozen
service (per
hour)
$132.00
$141.00
22(a)
Meter repair or
replacement
costs for meters
shall be billed at
cost of labour
and materials
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
22(d)(iii)
20mm water
meter initial
installation
$122.00
$130.00
22(d)(iii)
20mm water
meter
replacement
$147.00
$157.00
22(d)(iii)
25mm water
meter initial
installation
$190.00
$202.00
22(d)(iii)
25mm water
meter
replacement
$208.00
$222.00
31
Dispute Meter
Test Residential*
$175.00
$175.00
31
Dispute Meter
Test
Commercial*
$225.00
$225.00
PAGE 21 OF BYLAW NO. 2379
BYLAW
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
Effective January 1,
2025
Effective January 1, 2026
34
Deposit for
temporary water
supply
$77.00
$82.00
35(b)
Disconnection of
Service
$79.00
$84.00
35(b)
Reconnection of
Service
$79.00
$84.00
36(1)
Application Fee
$15.00
$15.00
37(1)
Deposit for
application for
service from
non-owner
See Bylaw 3373
See Bylaw 3373
41(b)
Disconnection
warning notice
$20.00
$20.00
41(c)(1)
Disconnection of
Service
$79.00
$84.00
41(c)(2)
Reconnection of
Service
$79.00
$84.00
41.1
Non-attendance
after
appointment
has been
scheduled
$91.00
$97.00
*If the meter is tested by a third party, the fee shall be the cost of the third-party test plus
shipping, if applicable.
NOTE:
WHEREVER APPLICABLE, THE GOODS AND SERVICES TAX SHALL BE ADDED
TO THE FEES, RATES, CHARGES OR OTHER AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO THE
CITY PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BYLAW (SEE BYLAW NO. 2716)