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ellowhead County
BYLAW NO. 22.22
BEING A BYLAW OF YELLOWHEAD COUNTY, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, RESPECTING UTILITIES
INCLUDING; WATER & WASTEWATER COLLECTION, TREATMENT, AND DISTRIBUTION; AND SOLID
WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEMS.
WHEREAS Yellowhead County, being a municipal corporation in the Province of Alberta, owns and operates a
water treatment and distribution system for supplying potable drinking water and fire protection, a wastewater
collection, treatment, and disposal system, and a solid waste collection and disposal system as a public utility
for the benefit of residents, commercial, institutional, and industrial users and all other consumers in Yellowhead
County, and subject to Council approval, to consumers outside the County boundaries;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Municipal Government Act R.S.A., 2000 c. M-26 and amendments thereto, the
Council of Yellowhead County may pass bylaws respecting services provided by, or on behalf of the municipality;
AND WHERAS Council has deemed it necessary and desirable to control and regulate the public utility known
as “Water System, Wastewater System and Solid Waste System”.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of Yellowhead County enacts as follows:
1.0 TITLE:
This Bylaw may be cited as the “Utility Bylaw’.
2.0 IN THIS BYLAW:
Arrears means those utility rates remaining outstanding after the due
date.
Backflow means a situation that may occur within the water or
wastewater system where negative or reduced pressures
occur within the water or wastewater distribution system
causing a reversal in the normal direction of flow within the
water or wastewater supply piping within a building or premise.
Backflow Prevention Device means a mechanical device specifically designed,
constructed, and approved for the control and prevention of
Backflow.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) means a measure of the oxygen equivalent of the organic
matter content of a sample that is susceptible to oxidation by
process bacteria.
Body of Water means any creek, stream, river, pond, lake, waterway,
watercourse, canal, or other flowing or standing water.
Building Wastewater Service means that part of a drainage system outside a building
commencing at the outer face of the wall of the building and
connecting the building wastewater drain to the main
wastewater system and terminating at the property line or
place of disposal for wastewater.
Utility Bylaw
Page 2 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
Catch Basin
Chemical Oxygen Demand (C.O.D.)
Chief Administrative Officer (C.A.O.)
Combined Water Service Connection
Commercial Buildings
Composite Sample
Consumer
Conventional Pollutants
Council
County
Cross Connection
Curb stop
Due Date
Enforcement Officer
means an interceptor or area drain installed to prevent sand,
grit, and other materials from passing into a drainage system.
means a measure of the oxygen equivalent of the organic
matter content of a sample that is susceptible to oxidation by a
strong chemical oxidant.
means such person as shall be appointed from time to time by
the County Council.
means a potable water service connection that supplies water
for the domestic, commercial, institutional, or industrial use of
a consumer and also as a fire protection system in the same
premises.
means all buildings which generate revenue, but do not include
multi-unit structures, institutional dwellings, and industrial
buildings but do not include temporary residential buildings
such as motels, hotels, etc.
means a sample composed of a number of grab samples,
which have been collected over a specified period of time,
usually 24 hours or the industry’s operating day, and combined
in proportion to the volume of wastewater discharge they
represent.
means that person utilizing the water, wastewater, or solid
waste services, whether it be an Owner or Tenant.
may include non-filterable residue (suspended solids), grease
and oils, phosphorus, fecal, and total coli form bacteria and
substances that exert biochemical oxygen demand, chemical
oxygen demand, or that affect pH.
means the Council of Yellowhead County.
means Yellowhead County, in the Province of Alberta (or its
duly authorized representatives) or the area contained within
its municipal boundaries, as the context requires.
means an existing connection or a potential connection
between any part of the potable water system and any other
environment containing any substances other than potable
water that, under any circumstances, allow such substances to
enter the potable water system. Other substances may be
gases, liquids, or solids such as chemicals, waste products,
steam, water from other sources (potable or non-potable), or
any matter that may change the colour or add odour to the
potable water.
(See Water Service Valve).
means up to and including 11:59 p.m. of the last day on which
payment can be made without incurring a penalty.
means the person appointed by Council to enforce compliance
with the Bylaw, and also includes a Peace Officer.
Utility Bylaw
Page 3 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
Environmental Protection
& Enhancement Act
Fixture
Floor Drain
Garbage Bin
Garbage Can
Grab Sample
Hydrocarbon of Petroleum Origin
Industrial Building
Infrastructure Services
Inspector
Institutional Building
Mercaptan (THIOLS)
Meter Spacer
Multi-Unit Structure
means the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act,
Chapter E-12 of the Revised Statutes of Alberta and
amendments thereto.
means a receptacle, appliance, apparatus, or other devices
that discharge water or wastewater and includes a floor drain.
means a fixture used to receive water and/or wastewater from
a floor of a building.
means a metal container of a type including size/weight
suitable to be mechanically loaded by the County’s or other
Contractors’ waste disposal vehicles.
means a metal or plastic container of not less than 20 inches
(51 cm) or more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height with a base
diameter of not less than 17 inches (43 cm) or more than 20
inches (51 cm), which shall have a proper and tightly fitting
metal or plastic cover.
means a sample collected over a short period of time by taking
and combining one or more samples of wastewater flow.
means those materials, which absorb onto Silica gel as
described in the USA Environmental Protection Act’s
“Standard Methods”.
means any building that processes or manufactures goods and
products.
means that Department of Yellowhead County with the
responsibility of constructing, operating, and maintaining the
water, wastewater, and solid waste systems.
means a person authorized by the C.A.O. to make inspections
and/or to take samples where required and to otherwise
enforce this Bylaw.
means a building used by an organization or society for public
or social purposes and, without restricting the generality of the
term, includes senior citizen housing and lodges, nursing
homes, hospitals, daycare centers, museums, libraries,
schools, service and fraternal organizations, and government
buildings.
means the sulphur analogs of alcohol and phenols with the
general chemical formula RSH, where R is the organic portion
of the molecule.
means a length of pipe complete with couplings installed on
the internal potable water piping in a building that can be
removed for the purpose of installing a water meter in
Yellowhead County.
means a single building comprised of two (2) or more
residential units separated one from another by party walls
(often sharing a single entrance way).
Utility Bylaw
Page 4 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
Natural Outlet
Non-filterable Residue
& Suspended Solids
Non-Potable Water
Oil & Grease
Owner
Person
PH
Phenolic Compounds
Phosphorus (Total)
Plumber
Pollutant
Potable Water
Priority Pollutants
means any outlet from a natural watercourse into another
watercourse, pond, ditch or lake, or other body of surface or
groundwater.
means the solid matter suspended in water and wastewater.
means untreated water that is not suitable for human
consumption.
means an organic substance recoverable by procedures set
forth in “Standard Methods” and includes but is not limited to
hydrocarbons, esters, fats, oils, waxes, and high molecular
carboxylic acids.
means the person showing as assessed Owner of the property
or building or the Owner of the utility service itself unless
specified otherwise.
means any individual, firm, company, association, society,
corporation, or group.
means the measure of the intensity of the acid or alkaline
conditions of a solution determined by the hydrogen ion activity
of the solution in accordance with procedures set forth in
“Standard Methods”.
means hydroxyl derivatives of benzene and its condensed
nuclei. Concentrations of phenolic compounds shall be
determined using either the 4-amino antipyrine method or the
gas-liquid chromatographic procedure given in “Standard
Methods’.
includes all orthophosphates and condensed phosphates,
dissolved and particulate, organic and inorganic, released from
the combination with organic matter by a digestion process
equivalent to the Sulfuric acid — nitric acid digestion.
means a Plumber employed and designated by the Owner of
the premises and in the owner’s application will be considered
as the Agent of said Owner while employed in the execution of
the work of introducing the water into such premises and will
not be recognized as in any sense the Agent of the County nor
will the County or its C.A.O. be responsible for the acts of said
Plumber.
means a substance that is added to the water that causes an
adverse deviation from the mean geochemical composition of
the water. Pollutants shall be classified as conventional, non-
conventional, and priority. Non-conventional pollutants are
those not classified as conventional or priority.
means water that has been treated to National and Provincial
standards and that is suitable for human consumption.
includes chemicals and metals that have a toxic effect on the
biological activity of the wastewater treatment processes
and/or the receiving stream. These may include phenolic
compounds, pesticides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, antimony,
arsenic, barium, boron, chromium, copper, cadmium, lead,
mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, and zinc.
Utility Bylaw
Page 5 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
Public Health Inspector
Raw Water Supply Lines
Receiving Waters
Residential Dwelling
Safety Codes Act
Safety Codes Officer
Scavenge
Sewage
Solid Waste
Solid Waste Collector
Solid Waste Receptacle
Standard Methods
Storm Wastewater
Surface Water
Tenant
True Colour Units
Unpolluted Cooling Waters
Utility
Utility Rate
means the Medical Officer of Health for Yellowhead County.
means the system of pipes, valves, fittings, valve chambers,
and appurtenances that supply raw untreated water to the
water reservoirs and water treatment plant.
means any watercourse receiving or ultimately receiving the
discharge of wastewater or storm water.
means any single-family residential dwelling.
means the Safety Codes Act, Chapter S-1 of the Revised
Statutes of Alberta, 1991, and amendments thereto.
means a qualified person certified by the Provincial
Government to perform inspections related to the Provincial
Safety Codes Act and Plumbing regulations.
means to salvage from discarded or refuse material.
means wastewater.
means garbage, junk, rubbish, trash, and other residential,
commercial, institutional, and industrial waste produced by
normal human living and processes which are disposed of in a
sanitary landfill or in the case of recyclable materials, which are
disposed of through normal recycling practices.
means any person or contractor employed or hired by the
County for purposes of collection, removal, or disposal of solid
waste materials.
means a suitably sized enclosure used to store solid waste
until it is collected.
means the current Code of Practice and/or approvals issued
by Alberta Environment.
means wastewater that conveys storm water and surface
drainage.
means water in a watercourse.
means a person who rents or leases property and occupies it.
means the measure of the colour of the water from which
turbidity has been removed.
means cooling water to which no chemicals or substances
have been added and which have not picked up amounts of
pollutants in excess of concentrations allowed in the
connection permit.
means all utilities, including water, wastewater, and solid waste
collection provided by the County.
means the charges for any utility provided to a parcel of land
by the County that represents an amount owing to the County
by the customer.
Utility Bylaw
Page 6 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
Note:
Wastewater
Wastewater Collection System
Wastewater Service
Wastewater System
Wastewater Treatment Facility
Watercourse
Water Main
Water Meter
Water Service
Water Service Valve
Water System or Water Utility
means sewage.
means a wastewater main that carries wastewater and to
which storm, surface, and ground waters are not intentionally
admitted.
means the wastewater line connecting a consumer's premises
to the County sanitary wastewater main or point of wastewater
disposal with the Consumer owning that portion of the pipe
lying within the boundaries of the Consumer's premises,
excluding any pipe lying within the boundaries of any
easement or right-of-way area granted to the County for its
wastewater system.
means wastewater or system of wastewaters or any plants,
structures, equipment, pipes, apparatus, or other things for or
incidental to the collection, treatment, or disposal of
wastewater.
means any system or method used to treat wastewater
biologically, chemically, electrically, mechanically, or otherwise
and includes the wastewater collection system, therefore.
means: (a) the bed and shore of a river, stream, lake, creek,
lagoon, swamp marsh, or other natural body of water; or (b) a
canal, ditch, reservoir, or other man-made surface feature,
whether it contains or conveys water continuously or
intermittently.
means the system of pipes, valves, fittings, valve chambers,
and appurtenances that supply and distribute potable water
within Yellowhead County.
means any device approved by the County that is designed to
measure the quantity of water used by the consumer.
means that lateral water pipe that 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, excluding any pipe lying within the
boundaries of any easement or right-of-way area granted to
the County for its water system.
means the water valve on the County owned portion of the
water service connection, located between the County water
main and the property or building line, installed for the purpose
of enabling the County to turn on or off the water supply to a
consumer's premises (also known as a “Curb stop’).
means the system of raw water pipelines, water reservoirs,
treatment plants, pumping stations, feeder mains, distribution
mains, service connections, valves, fittings, hydrants, meters,
backflow prevention devices, and all other equipment and
machinery of whatever kind owned by the County and which is
required to supply and distribute potable water to all
consumers and which is a Municipal Public Utility within the
meaning of the Municipal Government Act.
In this By-law, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa; words importing the masculine gender
include the feminine and vice versa; and words importing persons include firms or corporations and vice versa.
Utility Bylaw Page 7 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
3.0
4.0
MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL
3.1 The C.A.O. is the individual appointed to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) as
defined in the Municipal Government Act.
32 The C.A.O. or his designate may establish standards, guidelines, and specifications for the
design, construction, and maintenance of the utility system.
3.3 For the purpose of administering or enforcing the provisions of this Bylaw, the C.A.O. may
delegate his powers to one or more employees of the County.
GENERAL
4.1 Provincial & Federal Regulations
In addition to the conditions and requirements outlined in this Bylaw, all applicable Provincial
and Federal regulations and requirements are in effect, whether specifically stated or not.
4.2 Authority
a) TheC.A.O. or his designate is hereby authorized to administer and enforce the provisions
of this Bylaw. In addition to those duties, without limiting them, the C.A.O. may make
binding contracts with customers for utility services and may levy charges and fines in
accordance with this Bylaw.
b) The C.A.O. shall have the discretion to discontinue utility services in the event of
noncompliance with this Bylaw or contracts for the supply of utilities.
4.3 Supply of Service
a) The County having constructed, operated, and maintained water, wastewater, and solid
waste systems as a Municipal Public Utility shall continue, insofar as there is sufficient plant
capacity available, and upon such terms, as Council considers advisable, to supply water
and collect wastewater and solid waste to or from any resident or industry or other consumer
located within a hamlet whose land is situated adjacent to any water and wastewater main,
or Municipal right of way containing water and wastewater mains, upon being so requested
in writing by the Owner. The County undertakes to supply water, wastewater collection,
and solid waste collection to such owner's or consumer’s system at the property line of the
street, lane, or boundary of an easement granted to the County for its water, sanitary and
solid waste system.
b) Provision for water and wastewater services to consumers outside of hamlet limits shall be
in accordance with County policy.
c) The County has no obligation to supply water, sanitary wastewater, and solid waste utilities
in any area where the County does not own nor develop the means to provide such utilities.
4.4 Sole Source Of Service
a) No person shall use a source of water supply or wastewater disposal and solid waste
collection other than the County system without the consent of the County.
b) The County may give its consent for a person to use an alternate source for the supply of
water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities subject to such terms and conditions as
deemed necessary and notwithstanding that the generality of the foregoing may set a limit
on the period of time for which an alternate supply may be used.
c) No person who has been granted permission to use an alternate supply shall allow that
alternate supply to be connected to the County systems.
Utility Bylaw
Page 8 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
4.5
4.6
47
4.8
Alterations To Water & Wastewater Systems
a) No person may maintain, repair, replace or upgrade the County's water and wastewater
systems without being contracted by the County to do so.
b) No person except those acting with the C.A.O0.’s permission shall tamper with any
connection of any public or private pipes or mains, either in the streets, lanes, houses, or
private grounds.
c) No person may connect to or extend the County's water and wastewater systems without
first obtaining written approval from the County and Alberta Environmental Protection.
d) All persons engaged in maintaining, repairing, replacing, upgrading, or extending the
County's water and wastewater systems must be County employees or qualified,
experienced municipal water and wastewater contractors acting on behalf of the County.
Consumer Responsibility
A consumer is responsible for providing such facilities as the County considers necessary in
order to have continuous and uninterrupted access to water, wastewater, and solid waste
systems 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, wastewater
and solid waste systems.
Ownership of Water & Wastewater Service Connection By The County
The County is the owner of the water and wastewater service connections within any street,
lane, easement, or County property. No person(s) shall make connections to any of the service
lines or water and wastewater mains without first having obtained a permit to do so from the
County.
Number Of Services
a) Single Service — Multi-Unit Structures
All newly constructed multi-unit structures located on one lot shall be serviced with one
water and wastewater service, and one water meter, which will register water consumption
for all units located within the building. The utility bill for multi-unit structures shall be
forwarded directly to the property owner for payment and is ultimately the owner's
responsibility.
In the event a property owner requests more than one service, they will be responsible for
all additional costs associated with the extra service(s). Extra service installation will only
be permitted upon first acquiring written approval from the County and advance payment in
full of said additional costs. In this instance, where disconnection of any one unit as a result
of non-payment of rates is possible, the utility bill may be forwarded to the tenant for
payment.
b) Double Service
Permission will not be granted to supply two (2) or more buildings fronting on the same
street with a single service unless only one of the serviced buildings occupies the frontage
ona single lot, and others are located in the rear of the said front building. In that instance,
permission may be granted to supply all the buildings on one lot from one service, subject
to the conditions prescribed by the County.
c) Designated Manufactured Home
Designated Manufactured Home Parks shall be serviced (Trailer Courts) with one water and
wastewater service and one water meter which registers consumption for all units within the
Utility Bylaw
Page 9 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
Park. The utility bill for the Park shall be forwarded directly to the Designated Manufactured
Home Park owner for payment and is their responsibility.
New Services
a) The County, or its agent, shall install that portion of the water and/or wastewater service
connection that is on County property and which runs from the County water and/or
wastewater main to the property line of the street, lane, or boundary of an easement or
right-of-way granted to the County for its utility system. The owner of a property is
responsible for all costs related to servicing from the main to the property, and as such, the
owner shall be charged a connection and installation fee for all new service connections.
The owner is required to pay the fees in full, in advance, before installation of service
connections takes place, as set out in the County Bylaws.
b) Utilities will be turned on to the premises only after the owner has concluded the work to the
satisfaction of the County and the entire structure is inspected and approved by the Building
Inspector, and the occupancy permit issued. The County will not turn on the utility to any
new building or new plumbing system until a Provincial Plumbing Permit is presented to the
County for that building.
c) The Council may refuse to make any new connection or install any new or change any
existing service at any time for any reason, which it may consider sufficient. Applicants
refused shall be provided with reasons, therefore.
d) Replacements And Relocation
Any owner who desires to have existing water and/or 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.
e) Any new buildings requiring fire protection must be identified in the development permit
application to the County.
Winter Connections
Service connections to the water and wastewater mains shall not be made between October
15" and April 15" unless otherwise approved in writing by the County.
Frozen Connections
lf water and/or wastewater service connection is frozen on private property, it shall be the
consumer's responsibility to have it thawed at the consumer's expense. The use of electrical
thawing equipment shall be prohibited.
Owner/Tenant Accounts
The landowner must request service to a property, and the account will be in the owner’s name.
Copies of utility bills will be sent to tenants at the owner's request. Any unpaid accounts are the
responsibility of the owner.
Access To Premises
a) Inspectors, agents, contractors, or employees of the County shall have the right to clear and
unobstructed access to enter onto private property receiving the utility service at all
reasonable hours of the day for the purpose of disconnection of services for non-payment
of utility rates or violation of any of the provisions of this Bylaw, conducting inspections,
usage surveys, sampling, leakage, flow and pressure tests, reading water meters, remote
readouts, or installing, inspecting, repairing, replacing and removing water meters, remote
Utility Bylaw
Page 10 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
readouts, backflow prevention devices, and related equipment upon any utility service
connection. If upon inspection, it is discovered that there exists any misuse of utilities, all
previous payments on account of utility rates will be forfeited, and the supply cut off.
b) In the event that an animal is present on private property and that animal attacks or
threatens the personal safety of the inspectors, agents, contractors, or employees of the
County, or acts in a manner such as to cause the inspectors, agents, contractors, or
employees of the County to reasonably believe that their personal safety is threatened or
that an attack is imminent, the owner of the property and/or the person in possession or
control of the animal shall take such action as necessary to control the animal and remove
the danger to the inspectors, agents, contractors, or employees of the County.
c) Inthe event that an inspector, agent, contractor, or employee of the County is attacked by
an animal, or an animal acts in a manner so as to cause the inspector, agent, contractor, or
employee of the County to reasonably believe that an attack is imminent, the inspector,
agent, contractor or employee of the County shall be entitled to use such reasonable force
as is necessary to ensure their personal safety and ability to perform their job. Where the
circumstances of the case require, such actions may include the use of such animal
repellants as are legally available for use within the Province of Alberta and which have
been provided for use by the County.
5.0 WATER SYSTEM
5.1
§.2
5.3
5.4
Responsibility for Water Consumed
The consumer shall be responsible for all water consumed on a premise, whether the water
consumption was registered by the water meter or consumed by accidental or illegal means.
Waste of Water, Leaks & Defects
a) Atthe sole discretion of the County, no person shall waste any water supplied by the County
in any way, whether by improper, leaky, frozen, or broken service pipes, fixtures, or tap or
by excessive use of water when yard watering, car washing, cleaning or other uses.
b) Where water has been shut off to a consumer’s premises for water wastage, leaks, or
defects in the consumer's portion of the water service connection, or in other water pipes
on the 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 has paid the specified re-connect fee as defined
in SCHEDULE ‘A’.
c) Whenever water has been turned off for non-payment of rates or for purposes of repair or
construction or for any necessary or proper reason, no person shall turn it on again who is
not duly authorized to do so by the County.
Restriction of Water Use
The C.A.O. or designate may at any time issue such orders necessary to control or restrict water
consumption in the County in the event that contamination, pollution, fire, drought, or other
natural or manmade disasters should have a detrimental effect on the County’s ability to supply
potable water to its consumers.
Protection of Water Service Valves
a) No person shall interfere with, damage, or make inaccessible any water service valve or its
casing due to the construction of walks, driveways, landscaping, or in any other way. The
owner of a property shall make every effort to protect the water service valve servicing his
or her property from damage.
Utility Bylaw
Page 11 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
5:11
b) At the time of issuance of a permit to commence construction of a building or other
improvements on a property, the owner of the property may be required to pay to the County
a construction deposit as determined by the C.A.O. or designate, which may be refundable
upon completion of finished landscaping, and after inspection by the County determines
that the water service valve has not been damaged in any way.
c) If the water service valve has been damaged, the County may retain the construction
deposit and recover the difference in the amount of the construction deposit and the actual
cost incurred to repair the water service valve. Any additional costs over and above the
construction deposit may be collected in the same manner as utility rates.
d) Ifthe water service valve is made inaccessible for any reason, the County may require such
work to be performed to provide accessibility with all costs to be borne by the property
owner. Any such costs may be collected in the same manner as utility rates.
Boosting Devices
No person shall use any devices for the purpose of increasing water pressure on any water
service connection on the upstream side of a water meter or water shut-off valve.
Fire Protection & Branch Supply Lines, Outlets, or Fixtures
a) No person shall install branch supply line, outlets, or fixtures before a water meter or shut-
off valve, except for fire protection purposes. Any branch supply line, outlet, or fixture
installed before a water meter or water shut-off valve for fire protection shall only be installed
with written permission from the County.
b) No person(s) shall use water from a water service connection that supplies water to private
fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire protection unless the water service connection
is connected to a water meter, supplied and installed by the County.
Seals
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.
Broken Seals
In the event a person breaks a seal on a valve in order to obtain a supply of water for emergency
purposes, that person shall notify the County within twenty-four (24) hours.
Operation of Valves
No person, except County employees, shall turn on or off a water service valve or any other
main valve or valves in the water system.
Shut-Off Valves
All buildings connected to a water service are required to provide a water shut-off valve placed
before the water meter to permit the meter to be isolated for safe removal and to enable a
consumer to shut off the supply of water in case of any emergency, when making repairs, or to
prevent flooding of the premises, or in the event, the premises are permanently or temporarily
vacated. The owner shall maintain the water shut-off valves in good mechanical condition and
easily accessible at all times to ensure that it is operable in case of emergency.
Location and Access to Shut-Off Valves, Water Meter & Remote Readout
The water shut-off valves and meter shall be located in a physically accessible and heated area.
If the water shut-off valve and meter cannot be located in a heated area (i.e. Designated
Utility Bylaw
Page 12 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
5.12
5.13
5.14
5.15
Manufactured Homes), then the meter and supply lines must be heat taped and insulated to
prevent freezing. At all times, the owner of the property shall ensure that the County has clear
unobstructed access to the shut-off valve, water meter, and remote readout.
Supply & Ownership of Water Meters & Remote Readouts
a) All water meters are to be supplied by the County and shall be the property of the County.
County employees shall inspect the installation of these meters. Said meters shall be
supplied only after receipt of a valid “Utilities - Connection/Disconnection Notice’.
b) The County will supply one standard 5/8” x %” water meter. The owner of a property shall
pay for each additional standard meter and the cost for supplying and installing water meters
where installation, as approved by the County, requires a larger water meter, a fire service
type water meter, or other special types of water meters. These additional costs may be
collected in the same manner as utility rates. Notwithstanding the payment of such
additional costs, the water meter shall remain the property of the County. (See SCHEDULE
‘A’ for Water Meter Fees).
c) Damaged meters shall be returned to the County for repair, and should the meter be
repairable, the difference between the cost of repair and replacement shall be refunded to
the owner.
Individual Meters & Remote Readout
Each building and individual dwelling unit shall have a water meter.
Meter Reading
a) Each water meter shall be read at such times or intervals as the County may designate. As
described in the previous section, the meter reader shall have the right to enter such
portions of all premises within the County as may be required for the purpose of performing
meter reading duties at all reasonable times.
b) In the event that the County is unable to read the water meter due to the inaccessibility of
the water meter or for any other reason, the County shall estimate the utility billing and
establish the charges based on consumption and on the number of days the customer has
occupied the premise.
c) Payment of an estimated amount shall not relieve the consumer from liability for payment
of a greater amount that may be due after a meter is read.
d) If the County estimates the charges pursuant to s. 5.14(b) for a billing period, the County
may provide a written notice to the customer. The notice will advise the customer of the
next actual meter reading date, along with instructions to have the water meter accessible
for future readings. The notice may also include directions to the property owner to have a
remote readout device installed and connected to the water meter. In the event that the
customer fails or refuses to comply with any of the requirements indicated in the notice, the
County may shut off the water service to the property after having given the owner and
occupants twenty-four (24) hours notice. The service will only be re-connected once the
customer/property owner has delivered proof that the necessary changes have been made
and that the specified re-connect fee has been paid in full.
Protection and Maintenance of Meters And Service Pipes
The cost of all normal repairs to meters so supplied by the County shall be borne by the owner.
The owner of a property is responsible for the safekeeping of the water meter and any remote
reading devices that may be installed with the water meter on the owner's property. Property
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
Utility Bylaw
Page 13 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
5.16
5.17
5.18
5.19
5.20
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.
Equipment Maintenance
The County may set or alter the position of any water meter, remote readout, backflow
prevention device, or any pipe, valve, or fitting forming part of the water system for the purposes
of protecting, testing, or regulating the use of any water meter, backflow prevention device or
other equipment forming part of the water system.
Cost Recovery
The County may charge for and recover from the owner of a property the cost of supplying,
installing, altering, repairing, relocating, or removing a water meter or remote read-out Any such
charges may be collected in the same manner as the utility rates.
Installation of Water Meters
a) The owner of a property shall make provisions for the installation of water meters in a
horizontal position. Exceptions may be permitted upon prior written approval from the
County.
b) The owner of a property shall furnish all meters located within the owner's premises with
permanent support adequate to prevent the weight of the meter from damaging the
building's internal water supply piping.
c) If an inspection of a newly installed meter or remote readout indicates the installation does
not meet County approval, the owner of the property shall correct or modify the installation
at their expense.
d) If an owner wishes to have installed other meter, pipe, or valve arrangements, the owner
shall apply to the County for approval in writing prior to installation.
i) Any such installation shall be at the owner's sole responsibility and expense.
ii) 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.
e) If the owner of a property 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.
Relocation of Water Service to the Meter
No person shall relocate, alter or change any existing water service up to the meter without the
written approval of the County. The owner or their authorized agent may submit plans and
specifications for any proposed relocation of water service up to the meter, 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. Any such costs may be collected in the same
manner as the utility rates.
Size, Type, And Number of Meters
The County shall approve the size, type, and the number of water meters to be supplied by the
County and installed by the owner of the property. Where the water supplied through a water
meter is for fire protection purposes, or for combined fire protection/potable water use or other
uses, then the water meter shall be of a fire service type, supplied by the County, and the owner
shall pay for all additional costs. Any such additional costs may be collected in the same manner
as the utility rates.
Utility Bylaw
Page 14 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
5.21
§.22
5.23
5.24
9.25
5.26
Multiple Unit Structures - Meters
In a multi-unit structure having a single water service connection, only one water meter will be
issued by the County for installation. The utility bill shall be forwarded to the property owner for
payment.
Meter Enclosure
a) All water meters are to be located within the primary building that is supplied by a water
service connection.
b) Where a water meter cannot be installed in a building, it is the property owner's
responsibility to provide a building or vault to house the water meter on the owner's property
at the owner's expense and with the County’s approval.
i) Any such building or vault is to be insulated and heated during the freezing months.
ii) The property owner shall maintain and repair the meter building and/or vault at the
owner's expense. If the owner, after receiving written notice from the County, neglects
to repair or improve his meter building or vault, the County may either authorize the
necessary repair to be carried out and charge the owner for the costs incurred or to shut
off the supply of water until the repair is carried out to the County's satisfaction.
Location of Remote Readout Device
Remote readout devices shall be located:
a) At aconvenient location in front of all newly constructed buildings;
b) If possible, at a convenient location in front of all existing buildings, or alternately near the
power meter.
Relocation of Water Meter Remote Readout
If the County is dissatisfied with the location of any remote readout for any reason, the County
may require that the remote readout be relocated to amore suitable or convenient location and
the cost to be borne by the property owner. In the event that the property owner requests that
the remote readout be relocated, all costs associated with relocating the remote readout,
including any County costs, shall be paid by the property owner. All such costs may be collected
in the same manner as utility rates.
Notification of Malfunction
A consumer shall notify the County immediately whenever a water meter or remote readout
device is not operating or if any part of it becomes damaged or broken.
Removed or Stolen Meter
a) lfawater meter or remote readout is removed or stolen, the owner of the property shall pay
the cost of replacing any such measuring device, including installation. Any such cost may
be collected in the same manner as utility rates.
b) If aproperty owner fails or refuses to pay the cost of replacing any such measuring device,
the cost may be added to the taxes levied on the property and collected in the same manner
as municipal taxes.
Utility Bylaw
Page 15 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
5.27
5.28
5.29
5.30
5.31
Meter Spacers
Where the use of a water meter is mandatory under this Bylaw, no person shall use a meter
spacer in place of a meter except for the testing of a new plumbing system or a water meter.
Temporary Water Service Connections
Provision is hereby made to allow for a temporary water service permit, thereby providing a
service for contractors during the construction stage. Approval for such service shall be
obtained from the County Office for the fixed fees as prescribed in SCHEDULE ‘A’ and shall be
for a limited time as requested, but in no case shall the approval be given for more than 60 days
for each application. The water service will be shut off on the pre-established expiry date unless
renewal and/or meter service is approved.
Accuracy of Meters
a) 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:
i) The amount of water recorded by the meter; or
ii) The minimum rate for water supplied to the premises; or
iii) The average consumption of the previous three (3) actual readings for billing periods.
b) If aconsumer is in doubt as to the accuracy of the meter installed on his or her premises,
the consumer may request that the County test the water meter to verify its accuracy.
i) If the water meter is found to be measuring within five (5) percent of the meter
manufacturers’ specified accuracy, the consumer shall pay a fee as set out by
Yellowhead County in SCHEDULE ‘A’.
ii) If the water meter is found to be measuring in excess of five (5) percent of the meter
manufacturers’ specified accuracy, the consumer will not be charged any fee, and the
existing meter will be replaced.
Maintenance and Testing
The County, for maintenance and testing on a periodic basis, may remove water meters. The
County may remove and test the meter at a County approved testing facility.
Discontinuance of Water Use
a) Any owner and/or consumer about to vacate a property or premises that has been supplied
with water or who wishes to discontinue the use of the water supply, the owner must give
notice in writing to the County requesting that the County shut off the water supply.
b) If notice pursuant to Subsection (a) is not given, the owner will be liable for the accruing
rates until such notice is given or the water is turned off, but no rebate shall be made for
any fractional part of the month in which any such notice is given.
c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b) above, the fact that a premise or land is vacant is not
a reason for nonpayment of specified rates unless proper written notice is given to the
County.
d) Where an owner discontinues the use of the water supplied by the County, or the County
refuses to continue to supply water, the County may at all reasonable times enter the subject
premises that was supplied with water for the purpose of removing any fittings, machines,
apparatus, meters, pipes, remote readouts or other things that are the property of the
County and are located in or upon such premises.
Utility Bylaw
Page 16 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
§.32
5.33
5.34
5.35
5.36
Whenever any premises are vacated, the turn-off valve on the inside walls of the building
shall be turned off by the party leaving or the Owner. In the case of said fixtures not being
kept in good order and repair, the County may cut off the supply of water without notice and
collect expenses incurred from the owner of the property as taxes.
Moving or Demolishing Buildings
a)
When a building that is connected to the County water system 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 is required
to contact the County prior to such action for disconnection of services and water meter
removal.
The owner of the land from which a building connected to the County water system is to be
removed shall pay to the County a flat fee for disconnection as per SCHEDULE ‘A’ before
the permit for the demolition or moving of the building is issued pursuant to other County
Bylaws.
Right of Water Shut-Off
a)
c)
In the event of an emergency as determined by the C.A.O. or designate or in the case of
making repairs or in construction of new work or in connecting or repairing service pipes,
the County shall have the right to shut off the water from any consumer without notice and
keep it off as long as may be necessary. The County shall endeavor to provide notice to all
consumers affected in advance of shut off of the water.
The County shall have the right to limit the amount of water furnished to any customer
should, in the C.A.O.'s opinion, circumstances warrant such action.
The County shall have the right to discontinue utility services to any property upon
reasonable notice in the event of non-payment of utility rates or for violation of any of the
provisions of this Bylaw or any other rules or regulations of the County pertaining to the
water works system.
Ownership and Use of County Fire Hydrants
a)
b)
All fire hydrants, except fire hydrants situated on private property, are the property of the
County.
No person or persons, except County employees, or those authorized by the County, shall
open, close, or interfere with any fire hydrant, hydrant gate, or hydrant valve connected to
the water system.
Relocation of Hydrants from County-Owned Property
Any person who wishes to have a fire hydrant relocated that is situated on property owned by
the County may, in writing, request the County to relocate that hydrant. If the County considers
it feasible to relocate the hydrant, the person making the request shall pay in advance the full
cost to relocate the hydrant.
Interference with Fire Hydrant Access
a)
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 interfere
with the access to, the use, maintenance, or visibility of the hydrant. Nor shall any person
paint a fire hydrant without prior written approval from the County.
Subject to the provisions of the Alberta Fire Code, no person shall do anything to obstruct
access to a fire hydrant or to interfere with the operation of a fire hydrant.
Utility Bylaw
Page 17 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
5.37
5.38
5.39
5.40
5.41
5.42
Fire Hydrants - Other Uses
No person shall, without the written permission of the County, authorize the use of water from
a fire hydrant for a purpose other than emergency fire protection. The County may authorize
such other use upon such terms and conditions and subject to payment of such rates as the
County determines.
Fire Damage and Loss
The County shall not be liable for loss or damage suffered by any person or property by reason
of low water pressure or by interruption to, or failure of, the water system to deliver water in
adequate volume and pressure for supplying water for fire protection purposes.
Cross Connection Control Inspection Prior To Occupancy
No person shall turn on a water service valve to provide water to the occupants of any newly
constructed, renovated, or reconstructed premises until the plumbing system in such premises
has been inspected for cross connections by a qualified person.
Inspection and Issuance of Cross Connection Control Orders
a) If acondition is found to exist which is contrary to Sections of this Bylaw, the County may
request the owner or developer to have an inspection carried out immediately by a
permitting agency.
b) If the owner, consumer, or other person fails to comply with the terms and conditions
ordered by the permitting agency, the County may:
i) Give notice to the owner, consumer, or other person to correct the fault at his expense
within a specified time period.
ii) Shut off the water service or services without prior notice.
c) Allcosts of inspections and reconnection of services shall be borne by the owner and may
be recovered as taxes.
Backflow Prevention Devices
a) Where a hazard condition exists or may exist on the water supply system within a property,
which in the opinion of the County, creates a serious risk of contamination to the County
water system, the County may require that the owner shall immediately install on his water
service connection a backflow prevention device approved by the County in addition to any
other backflow prevention devices installed in the consumer's water system at the source
of potential contamination.
b) The County, at its discretion, may grant an owner a specified time period to install the
required devices.
c) Ifthe owner fails or refuses to install the required devices as directed, the County may shut
off the water service without further notice, and the owner is responsible for all reconnection
fees.
Inspection & Testing of Backflow Prevention Devices
a) All testable backflow prevention devices installed on a premise shall be inspected and
tested at the expense of the owner upon installation and annually thereafter.
b) The County may request an owner to carry out such tests to demonstrate that the device is
in good working condition whenever the County believes such testing is necessary.
Utility Bylaw
Page 18 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
5.43
5.44
5.45
5.46
d)
e)
The test, in all cases, shall be undertaken by a journeyman plumber certified by the Western
Canada Section of the American Water Works Association.
The owner of a property shall submit a report to the County from a journeyman plumber on
any or all tests performed on a backflow prevention device within thirty (30) days of a test.
The tester shall affix a tag to all backflow prevention devices that the tester has tested. The
tester shall record the following information on the tag:
i) The address of the premise where the device is located.
ii) The location of the device within the premise.
iii) The type of device, its manufacturer, size, model number, and the serial number of the
device.
iv) The date the device was installed.
v) The test date, the tester's initials, the tester's name (if self-employed) or the name of
their employer, and the tester’s license number.
Repairs & Replacements of Backflow Prevention Devices
a)
When the results of a test referred to in the previous section show that a backflow prevention
device is not in good working condition, the owner shall make repairs or replace the device
within ninety-six (96) hours of the failed test.
If the owner fails to comply with part a) of this section of the Bylaw, the County may shut off
the water service or services without further notice. The Owner is responsible for any
reconnection fees.
Failure to Test Backflow Prevention Devices
a)
b)
If an owner fails to have a backflow prevention device tested, the County may notify the
owner that the backflow prevention device must be tested within ninety-six (96) hours of the
owner receiving the notice.
The County may shut off the water to the premises until the backflow prevention device has
been tested and approved. The Owner is responsible for any reconnection fees.
Selling and Supply of Water
No person of any house, building, or other place supplied with water from the water system,
unless authorized by the County, shall:
a)
b)
lend, sell or dispose of the water thereof or give away, or permit the same to be taken or
carried away or used, or applied to the use or benefit of others, or to any other than his/her
or their own use, and benefit, nor shall increase the supply of water beyond that agreed to
with the County or unlawfully neglect or improperly waste the water.
supply water by a pipe or a hose from the water system, or any other source, to any other
premises without the prior consent of the County.
Allowable Water Uses
The County may allow a contractor, consumer, or other persons to run water without charge for
the water consumed for the purposes of:
flushing water mains, hydrant leads, and water service connections in order to clean them,
or
conducting water flow tests, or
training firefighters employed by the County’s Fire Department, or
Utility Bylaw
Page 19 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
d)
such other purposes as may be approved by the County from time to time.
5.47 — 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, or workers in the exercise of
any of the powers and duties related to the water utility system and authorized by, or
contained in this Bylaw;
ii) Throw or deposit any injurious, noxious, or offensive matter or water contaminant into
the water system, or in any way cause willful damage or injury to the water system, or
encourage the same to be done;
iii) Willfully alter or tamper with in any way, any water meter so as to lessen or alter the
amount of water registered by the water meter, valves, or any appurtenances;
iv) Attach or connect any pipe to any water main or service, or in any other way obtain or
use the water system in a manner contrary to this Bylaw without the written consent of
the County; or
v) Willfully and without authority hinder, disrupt or cut off the supply of water to any
consumer of the water system
5.48 Responsibility for Contamination & Pollution
Any person who contaminates or pollutes the water system by any means will bear the full cost
of any and all damages and/or repairs and maintenance, including any environmental orders
and liabilities required for the County to restore normal water service to its customers.
6.0 WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM
6.1 Authority
a)
b)
Cc)
d)
Except as otherwise provided in this Bylaw, no person shall discharge into any watercourse
any wastewater or waste.
The provisions of this Bylaw shall apply to all persons using the County's wastewater
system.
Any owner or occupier of property connected or required to be connected to the wastewater
system shall, upon request of the County, provide such information as the type quantity and
chemical composition of pollutants that are or may be discharged into the wastewater
system.
Those persons desiring wastewater system service must apply in writing to the County.
Rates to be charged for wastewater service shall be as set out in SCHEDULE ‘A’.
The Inspector shall be permitted reasonable access to all property in the County for the
purpose of inspection, measurement, sampling, and testing in accordance with this Bylaw.
If such inspection discloses any act or omission contrary to the provisions of this Bylaw or
the inspection discloses any defect or insufficiency in the location, construction, design or
maintenance of any equipment in connection with the wastewater discharge, the Inspector
may direct the owner or occupier of the premises to correct the act or omission or any defect
or insufficiency. No person shall obstruct or interfere with the Inspector in the discharge of
his duties under this Bylaw.
Utility Bylaw
6.2
Page 20 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
Wastewater Service
a)
b)
No person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb
any part of the County wastewater system or appurtenances thereof without prior written
authorization from the County.
No person shall connect private wastewater lines to sanitary, combined, or storm
wastewaters without first obtaining the necessary written approval from the County.
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into any wastewater system or
watercourse within, or entering the County wastewater system, any wastewater, without
obtaining written approval to do so from the County. No such approval shall be given by
the County until:
i) Such person has entered into a wastewater dumping agreement for permission to
discharge wastewater into a County lagoon;
ii) Such person has given the chemical and physical analysis, quantity and rate of
discharge of wastewater proposed to be so discharged, and any other detailed
information that is required, including all pertinent information relating to any proposed
pretreatment before discharge;
iii) Such person has given assurance that the discharge into the wastewater system will at
all times meet the criteria set out in Clause 6.4 a) or c) whichever is applicable; and
iv) Such person has provided for facilities to control the rate of discharge into the
wastewater system as directed by the County.
In order for the County to construct a new or replacement wastewater service from the
wastewater main to the property line, the property owner requesting the service shall supply
the County with the size and accurate location of all wastewater services.
Mains
If a wastewater backup has its origins within the wastewater main, the County will be
responsible for all the costs required to restore the wastewater main to proper operating
condition. Any backup into basements is not the responsibility of the County. No claims for
compensation shall be considered unless negligence can be proven on the part of the
County, its employees, or authorized agents. If any property owner incurs damages to a
property or building due to a wastewater main backup and the owner wishes to claim
compensation, the owner must submit in writing a claim to the County's insurance company.
Services — Private
If a wastewater backup does not originate within the wastewater main, the County shall
advise the owner:
i) To obtain the services of a plumber to check the wastewater service to determine the
nature and type of blockage.
ii) If the blockage is located on private property, e.g. between the property line and the
basement, the owner is responsible for all costs associated with the wastewater backup
Services — Yellowhead County
If the plumber determines the wastewater blockage is beyond the property line, e.g.
between the property line and the wastewater main, the following will apply:
i) If grease, hair, and other foreign objects cause the blockage or materials found in the
wastewater service causing the blockage, the owner is responsible for all costs.
Utility Bylaw
Page 21 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
6.3
ii) If the blockage is caused by a collapsed or misaligned service line, the County will pay
all costs to repair the wastewater service, including the plumbing costs incurred by the
owner to discover the cause of the problem. The County will not be responsible for
any clean-up of the basement for wastewater that has backed up into the basement.
Wastewater blockage — due to root buildup
i) Root blockage of wastewater mains shall be dealt with as per 6.2 e).
ii) Root blockage of a wastewater service, whether on private property or County property,
will be the responsibility of the property owner. The County will assist in determining
the most appropriate treatment for the problem. The origin of the roots will have no
bearing on the allocation of the repair costs.
County assistance to private property owners
i) To assist in the determination of the cause of a wastewater blockage, the owner with
the County’s written approval may request a camera inspection of the wastewater
service. The cost of the inspection will be borne by the party responsible for the
wastewater repair.
ii) If the owner is unable to obtain the services of a plumber, the County or its authorized
agent may undertake the work required and bill the owner accordingly. Prior to the
commencement of any repairs, the owner must authorize the work in writing and agree
to the terms and conditions of the County.
Where required by the County, the owner or occupier of the property serviced by County
wastewater shall install a suitable sampling manhole in the wastewater service for
determining the wastewater quality, temperature, rate of flow, and other measurements.
Such manhole shall be:
i) Located and constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Inspector, and
ii) Installed and maintained at all times by the owner at their own expense.
Weeping Tiles
No person shall allow water collected from foundation drains or weeping tiles, sumps from
weeping tiles, roof drains, eaves troughs, yard drains or roof spouts to enter the wastewater
system of the County.
Wastewater Facilities on Private Property
a)
The owner of property used for employment, recreation, or other purposes, situated within
the County and abutting on any street, lane, or right of way in which there is a County
wastewater system shall install, at his own expense, suitable toilet facilities therein and shall
connect to the County wastewater system with the proper wastewater connection in
accordance with the provisions of the Safety Codes Act and regulation as amended and the
County's Design Guidelines and Construction Standards, within sixty (60) days of the Public
Health Inspector or representative of the County notifying him to do so.
Where a County sanitary wastewater system is not available, the owner of the property
described above shall connect the building wastewater to a private wastewater disposal
system which shall comply with the provisions of this Bylaw, The Safety Codes Act, and the
regulations of the Provincial Board of Health.
At such time as a County wastewater system becomes available to a property served by a
private wastewater disposal system, the provisions of Clause 6.3 a) shall then apply to the
property and a direct connection shall be made to the public wastewater system and any
septic tanks, cesspools or similar private wastewater disposal facilities shall be abandoned
Utility Bylaw
Page 22 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
h)
and filled with suitable material. The cost to connect shall be borne by the owner and paid
for prior to any work being completed.
The owner at his expense in conformity with this Bylaw and The Safety Codes Act shall
construct any wastewater service on private property.
Permits for building wastewaters on private property shall be obtained from a Safety Codes
Officer. Permit applications shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other
information considered necessary by the Safety Codes Officer.
The owner shall, at his own expense, maintain the wastewater service from his property line
to the building
The owner shall, at his own expense, operate and maintain his private wastewater disposal
facilities in a sanitary condition.
i) The owners of all garages, gasoline service stations, vehicle and equipment washing
establishments, restaurants, or any other establishment disposing of grease shall
provide oil and sand interceptors on private property.
ii) Interceptors will be required for other types of business if the Safety Codes Officer
determines they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid waste.
iii) All interceptors shall be:
a. of atype and capacity approved by the Safety Codes Officer.;
b. located to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection; and
c. maintained by the owner or occupier at his expense.
The owner or occupier at his expense shall maintain catch basins on private property.
6.4 Wastewater Strength Limits
a)
Storm Wastewater System
Unpolluted water shall be discharged to the storm wastewater system or to a natural
watercourse. Water, including storm water, surface water, and sub-surface drainage shall
be considered to be unpolluted if it is free from:
i) Pollutants prohibited from being discharged under Federal or Provincial legislation and
amendments thereto;
ii) Any substance which, in the opinion of the County, is or may become harmful to any
recipient water course or storm wastewater system or part thereof, may interfere with
the proper operation of the wastewater system, may impair or interfere with any
treatment process, or may become a hazard to persons, property or animals.
Sanitary Wastewater
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any surface water, sub-surface
drainage to any sanitary wastewater. The County may on application authorize such
discharge where exceptional conditions prevent compliance with the foregoing provision.
Sanitary Wastewater System
Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall discharge, cause, or permit to be
discharged any of the following described water or wastes to any County sanitary
wastewater system:
i) any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 75°C;
Utility Bylaw
Page 23 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
ii) any gasoline, solvents, or similar products;
iii) any tar or other viscous material of mineral origin;
iv) any garbage no larger than what will pass through a 6mm screen;
v) any ashes, cinders, wood, wood shavings, sawdust, rags, sand, mud, straw, metal,
glass, fiberglass, plastics, eggshells, feathers, and improperly shredded paper or other
solids;
vi) any water or wastes which contain material that will solidify or become viscous at
temperatures between 5°C and 80°C;
vii) animal parts or wastes including; but not limited to:
- any manure or intestinal contents from horses, cattle, sheep, swine or poultry,
- hooves or toenails,
- intestines or stomach casings or animal body parts,
- bones,
- bristles and hair,
- hides or parts thereof,
- fat or flesh particles no larger than what will pass through a 6mm screen,
- fleshing and hair resulting from tanning operations,
viii) any wastewater having a pH lower than 6.0 or above 10.0;
ix) wastewater which is in or is capable of being transformed into two or more separate
layers;
x) Pollutants prohibited from being discharged under Federal or Provincial legislation and
amendments thereto;
xi) Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance,
including, but not limited to, hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans (thiols), carbon disulphides,
other reduced sulphur compounds, amines, and ammonia;
xii) Wastewater containing substances in concentrations exceeding Alberta Environmental
guidelines;
xili) lime slurry and residues;
xiv) any substance which, in the opinion of the County, is or may become harmful to any
recipient water course or wastewater system or part thereof, may interfere with the
proper operation of the wastewater system, may impair or interfere with any treatment
process, or may become a hazard to persons, property or animals.
No person shall discharge, or allow to discharge, wastewater entering the County’s sanitary
wastewater system exceeding any of the following characteristics and limits:
i) B.O.D. - 1000 mg/L
ii) C.O.D. - 1500 mg/L
iii) Non-filterable residue - 1000 mg/L
iv) Grease and oils - 300 mg/L
v) Hydrocarbon of petroleum origin - 50 mg/L
vi) TKN - 80 mg/L
vii) Total phosphorus - 20 mg/L
Failure to comply shall result in the person being responsible for all the cost of clean-up and
damages caused by the discharged substance(s).
Utility Bylaw
Page 24 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
e)
g)
The following regulations apply to wastewater hauled from within County limits for disposal
to the County's sanitary wastewater system required by the County's wastewater dumping
agreement:
i) pursuant to requirements of the County, and any changes and amendments thereto,
persons hauling wastewater such as septic tank sludge and other water for discharge
into the County's wastewater system shall enter a wastewater dumping agreement.
ii) approval from the County is subject to cancellation for any violation of this Bylaw.
iii) persons hauling wastewater or other waters for treatment shall discharge the
wastewater or other waters into the County’s wastewater system only at sites
designated for such disposal, which shall be marked with the appropriate signage
iv) wastewater and other waters discharged shall meet the limits established in clause 6.4
C).
v) treatment of wastewater or other waters so discharged shall be paid for in accordance
with the fee schedule set out in SCHEDULE ‘A’.
vi) designated sites shall allow the material being discharged to be sampled and shall
provide information on the wastewater being discharged. This information shall include,
but not be limited to, the source of wastewater, the quantity of wastewater, trucking firm
name, and truck license number.
No person shall place or deposit, or permit to be deposited in any manner that is unsanitary
in the opinion of the Public Health Inspector upon public or private property within the
County or in any area under the jurisdiction of the County, any human or animal excrement,
garbage or other objectionable waste.
No person shall discharge to any natural outlet within the County or any area under the
jurisdiction of the County any sanitary wastewater, industrial wastewater, or other polluted
water.
6.5 Sampling and Pretreatment
a)
b)
i) where the County or person using the County wastewater system must provide
pretreatment of wastewater or storm water to bring it within the limits established in this
Bylaw, that pretreatment facility shall be provided at the expense of the user.
ii) where pretreatment facilities are required, they shall be maintained continuously in
satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense
All measurements, tests, and analyses of the characteristics of industrial waste,
wastewater, or water to which reference is made in this Bylaw shall be determined in
accordance with:
i) Standard Methods
ii) Methods Manual for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, Alberta Environment
Environmental Protection Services, Pollution Control Division, Pollution Control
Laboratory.
iii) Annual book of A.S.T.M. Standards - American Society for Testing and Materials, or
Utility Bylaw
Page 25 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
c)
iv) Other methods consistent with, or promulgated in, the professional literature. The
measurements, tests, and analyses shall be determined from aliquots of samples
collected from the sampling manhole or other sampling points approved by the County.
No statement contained in this Bylaw shall be construed as preventing any special
agreement or arrangement between the County and any industrial concern whereby the
County for treatment, subject to payment, may accept an industrial waste of unusual
strength or character thereof by the industrial concern.
Sampling shall be conducted, and the Inspector will make decisions regarding sampling.
The procedure for taking individual and composite samples for the purpose of determining
surcharges and conducting tests is outlined below:
i) monitoring to determine pollutant concentrations may be performed on one or more
grab samples obtained at any time from approved sampling points.
ii) monitoring to determine wastewater strength shall be performed on daily composite
samples obtained from approved sampling points and combined using a method
identified below. The following is the standard procedure for this sampling:
1) Grab samples of approximately equal volumes will be taken at random time
intervals during the customer's operating day or over a 24-hour period.
2) The sampler may observe the flow in the wastewater line being sampled and
estimate the rate of flow.
3) The series of grab samples collected will be combined into a composite sample for
analysis. The grab samples may be combined in proportion to the volume of water
used or discharged during the sampling period, to the estimated flow, or where
neither actual nor the estimated flow is available; the grab samples may be
combined on an equal volume basis. Any combination of the above may be used
in the appropriate circumstances.
7.0 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, COLLECTION, AND DISPOSAL
GA
No person shall collect, dispose of or remove solid waste except in accordance with the
provisions of this Bylaw.
No persons shall scavenge the contents of a solid waste receptacle.
No person shall deposit any dead animal, manure, excrement, refuse, liquid waste, or solid
waste upon or into any street, service lane, alley, highway, ditch, well, lake, pond, river,
stream, or watercourse or onto any land except with the written consent of the Public Health
Inspector.
No person shall directly or indirectly dispose of or permit any person to dispose of any
explosive, volatile, noxious, hazardous, toxic, or dangerous device, substance, chemical,
hot ashes, or burning matter in any garbage can, plastic bag or solid waste receptacle.
No person shall directly or otherwise dispose of or permit any person to dispose of any
unwrapped waste in any covered garbage can, garbage bin, or solid waste receptacle.
No person shall operate a vehicle transporting solid waste within the County unless the solid
waste is completely enclosed or securely covered so as to prevent any portion of the solid
waste from falling off or out of the vehicle while in transit.
Except as otherwise herein provided, no person shall place or keep solid waste receptacles
upon any portion of a street, lane, or alley. Any such solid waste receptacles may be
removed and disposed of by the County.
Utility Bylaw
Page 26 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
2
k)
Forty-five (45) and fifty (50) gallon drums and barrels are strictly prohibited from being used
as garbage cans or solid waste receptacles.
Residential garbage bins are supplied by property owners and should not contain recycling
products or construction materials (wood, metal, or concrete).
No person shall fill a garbage can to a greater height than within two (2) inches (5 cm) from
the top thereof or with material of such weight that the combined weight of the receptacle
and its contents exceeds fifty (50) pounds (22.7 kilograms).
The County shall not pick up any lawn clippings, shrubs, or trees. Residents are
encouraged to transport to the local transfer site for disposal.
Authority of The Solid Waste Collector & County
a)
The solid waste collector, at his discretion, shall have the right to refuse to remove any solid
waste where the container does not meet the requirements of this Bylaw or is in a
dilapidated, unsafe or unsanitary condition.
The solid waste collector shall not collect any solid waste that is not contained in a properly
placed solid waste receptacle.
A solid waste collector shall not be required to empty any garbage can that together with its
contents exceeds fifty (50) pounds (22.7 kilograms) and not over a limit of three receptacles.
The solid waste collector shall not be responsible for the collection and removal of any of
the following types of solid waste except under a separate agreement between the County
and the householder or proprietor and upon payment of such charges as may be set out
in such an agreement:
i) Trade solid waste resulting from the construction, repair, decorating, clearing, or
grading of a building or premises,
ii) Scrap metals including car bodies, chassis, machinery or parts, or garage refuse,
iil) Household chattel, material, or equipment that has an overall length of more than four
(4) feet (1.2 metres) or an overall weight of more than fifty (50) pounds (22.7 kilograms),
iv) Other solid waste which cannot be loaded from solid waste receptacles including such
items as tires, auto parts, and boxes.
Collections of solid waste shall be made by the solid waste collector on such days and at
such times as the County may appoint, and the solid waste collector shall have the right to
enter such portions of the premises within the County as may be required for the purpose
of performing his collection, removal and disposal duties at all appointed times.
The County may at any time, and from time to time, enter into a contract or contracts with
any person, firm, or corporation for the collection, removal, and disposal of the whole, or
any part of, the solid waste accumulated within the County, or may provide for the collection,
removal, and disposal of solid waste by the use of equipment and employees of the County.
The County may, by written notice, direct any householder, person, or proprietor to promptly
provide additional garbage cans or other approved receptacles or to provide such
receptacles in a proper condition where the County considers either the number of approved
receptacles or their condition is inadequate or insufficient in practice to meet the spirit and
intent of this Bylaw. Failure to comply may cause the County to refuse service.
Utility Bylaw
Page 27 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
8.0
9.0
RECYCLING
8.1 Recycling
8.2
The County promotes the use of the recycling depot for those products that can be recycled for
the purposes of aiding the environment and reducing the size of the solid waste stream.
Commercial and residential cardboard can be deposited at approved recycling depots.
Residential cardboard recycling is also provided at all transfer sites.
Cost Recovery
The County shall assess or levy any charges or fees necessary to recover a portion or the entire
cost of the recycling program from the customer. These charges shall be collected in the same
manner as the utility rates as per SCHEDULE ‘A’.
RATES/ PENALTIES/ PAYMENT OF UTILITY BILLS (Including Disconnection of Services for Non-
Payment)
9.1
9.2
9.3
a) All property owners will be assessed the specified rates as per SCHEDULE ‘A’ in all
locations where one or more County utility service is provided.
b) The water, wastewater, and solid waste rates and fees to be charged by the County and
payable to the County under the terms of this Bylaw for the supply of water, wastewater,
and solid waste disposal/collection to or made available for use by a consumer, shall be
those set forth in the SCHEDULE ‘A’ which shall form part of this Bylaw.
c) Collection of the revenue derived from the water, wastewater, and solid waste
disposal/collection systems, the payment of disbursements connected therewith, and the
supervision of all accounts and records shall be under the immediate control and direction
of the C.A.O. or designate.
d) The rates shall be due and payable when rendered and a penalty will be charged on all
current amounts that are not paid by the due date in accordance with SCHEDULE ‘A’.
e) Where the County is owed payment for outstanding rates, costs, and charges, the County
will not supply new services until all arrears from previous accounts are paid in full and the
customer has paid to the County a utility deposit as well as disconnection and reconnection
fees outlined in SCHEDULE ‘A’.
f) When utility services are disconnected for non-payment of rates or for violation of any of the
provisions of this Bylaw, or any other rules or regulations of the County pertaining to the
utility system, it shall not be re-connected again until the party in default has paid all the
utility rates owing by them and shall have complied with the provision of the said Bylaw, rule
or regulation, and have further paid the amount defined as Re-connect Fee in SCHEDULE
‘A’ for re-connecting the utility services.
g) Non-receipt of a utility bill does not exempt a consumer from payment for the services
rendered.
The water, wastewater, and solid waste rates and fees set out in the attached SCHEDULE ‘A’
shall be invoiced in accordance with operational policies, penalties, and collection procedures
in accordance with County Policy. In all hamlets where garbage service pickup is provided, all
residential owners and occupants will be charged a fee for the service
When the occupant is the owner of a building or lot or part of a lot, the sum payable by them for
the utility service supplied by the County to them or for their use and all rates, costs, and charges
imposed by this Bylaw are a preferential lien and charge on the building or land or part of a land
Utility Bylaw
Page 28 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
9.4
9.5
9.6
and on the personal property of the property owner and may be levied and collected in a like
manner as municipal rates and taxes are recoverable.
Fines - General
Except where a fine is specified for breach of a provision of this bylaw, any person who
contravenes any provision of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence and upon Summary Conviction
is liable to a minimum fine of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars and a maximum fine of Ten
Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars (exclusive of costs) for each contravention of this Bylaw.
Surcharges - Solid Waste Management Collection & Disposal
a) In any multi-unit structures all the units shall be assessed a solid waste management
collection and disposal fee as set out in SCHEDULE ‘A’ whether occupied or not
Offences
a) Any person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence.
b) A notice or form commonly called an Offence Ticket having printed wording approved by
the C.A.O., may be issued by an Enforcement Officer to any person alleged to have
breached any provision of this Bylaw, and the said notice shall require the payment to the
County in the amount specified in this Bylaw.
c) An Offence Ticket shall be deemed to be sufficiently served:
i) if served personally on the accused; or
ii) if mailed to the last known address of the accused lessee, licensee, or occupant.
d) Any person found in contravention of a provision of this Bylaw and who does not comply
with the directions of the C.A.O. in correcting the violation under this Bylaw is guilty of an
offence and the said violation may be remedied by the County.
e) In addition to any other remedy available to the County for non-compliance with this Bylaw,
the County may correct the violation, and the costs incurred therefore shall be paid to the
County upon demand, and failing payment, may be collected as a debt due to the County.
f) The specified penalty for any breach of any provision of this Bylaw is One Thousand
($1,000.00) Dollars.
g) Prosecution for a contravention of this Bylaw does not relieve the person from compliance
with this Bylaw
10.0 LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES INCURRED
10.1
Except as provided for in the Municipal Government Act, being Chapter M-26 R.S.A., 2000 and
amendments thereto, or other relevant legislation, the County is not liable for damages:
a) caused by the break of any County water and/or wastewater main, water and/or wastewater
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 utility, or
b) caused by the disruption of any supply of water from the water utility whether notice is
provided or not. In the event of such a situation, no deduction shall be made from the utility
billing, or
c) caused by emergencies as determined by the C.A.O., force majeure, acts of God, strikes,
and other utility outages.
Utility Bylaw
Page 29 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
11.0
12.0
13.0
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
11.1
The Municipal Council of Yellowhead County hereby delegates to the C.A.O. the power to:
a) Establish regulations for the general maintenance or management or conduct, of any
employee of the utility and of the Enforcement Officer and others employed in connection
with the utility services;
b) Fix, in connection with the utility, the times and places where rates and charges as outlined
in SCHEDULE ‘A’ are payable;
c) Collect the rates, charges, or fees in connection with the water, wastewater, and solid waste
collection & disposal systems;
d) Enforce payments of those rates, charges, or fees by all or any of the following methods,
namely:
i) by action in any court of competent jurisdiction;
ii) by shutting off the water being supplied to the consumer or discontinuing the service
thereof;
iii) by distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the person owing rates, charges, or
rents wherever they may be found in the municipality;
iv) by transfer to the tax roll of the property to which the utility service is provided, pursuant
to the Municipal Government Act, being Chapter M-26 R.S.A., 2000 as amended,
including an administration fee for transfer.
e) Enforce the terms and conditions under which the utility services are supplied either:
i) by enforcing this Bylaw; or
ii) by enforcing any agreement made between the County as supplier and consumer; or
iii) by enforcing provincial/federal regulations.
iv) Enforcement of this Bylaw or any agreement may include shutting off the water utility
being supplied to the consumer or discontinuing the service thereof until the consumer
complies with the terms and conditions of this Bylaw, agreement or provincial/federal
regulations.
NOTICE
In any case where the County is required to notify a consumer or owner pursuant to this Bylaw, the
C.A.O. or his designate shall affect such notice either:
a) by causing a written copy of the notice to be delivered to and left in a conspicuous place at
or about the premises within which the utility was being consumed by the owner or the
consumer affected by such notice; or
b) by causing a written copy of the notice to be mailed or delivered to the last known address
of the owner as disclosed in the land registry system established by the Land Titles Act of
Alberta as shall appear to the County most appropriate in the circumstances.
c) by causing a written copy of the notice to be mailed or delivered to the last known address
of the owner as provided by the consumer or owner on a change of address notification.
APPLICATION OF THIS BYLAW
a) The provisions of this Bylaw which regulate the provision of water, wastewater, and solid
waste collection to properties within the County, apply in those areas of the County where
the County offers those services. All other provisions apply throughout the County.
Utility Bylaw Page 30 of 31
Bylaw No. 22.22
14.0 RESCINDED OR AMENDED BYLAWS
Bylaw Number 26.10 as amended is hereby repealed.
15.0 EFFECTIVE DATE
This Bylaw shall take force and effect upon the final reading thereof.
READ a first time this } ; day of "Lge evr Lb ew
READ a second time this 13 day of "Le ec~em be ie
,A.D., 2022.
,A.D., 2022.
READ a third time this [ is day of De Cee be a
,A.D., 2022.
SIGNED this__| 9 day of gerrerr ber
,A.D., 2022.
Mayor, Wade Williams
Chief AdminiStcative Officer, Luc Mercier
a
Utility Bylaw Page 31 of 31 Bylaw No. 22.22
SCHEDULE ‘A’
Jan 1, 2022 | Jan1, 2023 | Jan1, 2024 | Jan 1, 2025
Description $ $ $ $
WATER RATES
Metered water per cubic meter
Residential 2.56 2.64 2.72 2.80
Commercial 2.56 2.64 2.72 2.80
Churches/Community Halls 2.56 2.64 2.72 2.80
School 2.56 2.64 2.72 2.80
Lodge 2.56 2.64 2.72 2.80
Multi Unit Structure 2.56 2.64 2.72 2.80
Minimum Charge per month of 12 cubic meters 30.72 31.69 32.64 33.62
Bulk water per cubic meter
Note: Minimum monthly rate of $5.00 per month is applicable
Residential 2.56 2.64 2.72 2.80
Commercial 8.65 8.91 9.18 9.46
Other related water charges
Water or Low Pressure Sewer Disconnection 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Water or Low Pressure Sewer Reconnection 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
Temporary Water Connection N/A N/A N/A N/A
Water Meter Testing 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00
Water Meter Replacement
- (standard 5/8” x %”) 150.00 613.20 631.60 650.55
WASTEWATER RATES
All metered water customers 50 % of water charges
Robb, monthly rate
Residential 38.56 40.49 42.51 44.64
Commercial 76.86 80.70 84.74 88.98
Churches/Community Halls 9.41 9.88 10.37 10.89
School 413.95 434.65 456.38 479.20
Lodge (rate/unit) 7.67 8.05 8.45 8.87
Multi Unit Structure (rate/unit) 38.60 40.53 42.56 44.69
Niton Junction, Pinedale, Cadomin
Residential, annual rate 120.00 126.00 132.30 138.90
Commercial, annual rate 120.00 126.00 132.30 138.90
Churches/Community Halls, annual rate 120.00 126.00 132.30 138.90
School, monthly rate 413.95 434.65 456.38 479.20
Lagoon Dumping (per load) 135.00 141.75 148.84 156.28
SOLID WASTE RATES
Residential/Monthly 16.75 17.59 18.47 19.39
Multi Unit — (Rate/Unit) 16.75 17.59 18.47 19.39
Commercial 17.75 18.64 19.57 20.55
Delinquent Account Deposit
(After 2 disconnections within one year period) 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00
Late Penalty Charge (per month) 1.5% 1.5% 1.5% 1.5%
All utility accounts are due and payable net 30 days. Non-receipt of an invoice does not waive the obligation to pay.
In the event a utility bill remains unpaid for a period of forty-five (45) days from the invoice date, the County
shall disconnect service and shall transfer all charges, including penalty to the tax roll of the property to which
the water was supplied.