Water and Sewer Rates By-Law 20-8710 as amended

Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

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City of Portage la Prairie By-Law No. 20-8710 BEING A BY-LAW OF THE CITY OF PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE TO ESTABLISH WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES AND THE COLLECTION THEREOF. WHEREAS the City of Portage la Prairie owns and operates the Portage la Prairie Water and Wastewater Utility; AND WHEREAS The City of Portage la Prairie has undertaken a water and wastewater rate study for the Portage la Prairie Utility that indicates water and wastewater rates require to be increased; AND WHEREAS Section 232 (1) and (2) and 252 (1) of The Municipal Act, S.M. 1996, c. 58, provides in part as follows: 232(1) A council may pass by-laws for municipal purposes respecting the following matters: (l) public utilities; 232(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a council may in a by-law passed under this Division.... (d) establish fees or other charges for services, activities or things provided or done by the municipality or for the use of property under the ownership, direction, management or control of the municipality; 252(1) A municipality exercising powers in the nature of those referred to in clauses 250(2)(b), (c) and (e) may set terms and conditions in respect of users, including (a) setting the rates or amounts of deposits, fees and other charges, and charging and collecting them; AND WHEREAS it is deemed advisable to provide rates for July 1, 2022, April 1, 2023, January 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025 and thereafter to be paid by persons to whom water and wastewater services are supplied by the City of Portage la Prairie Utility and to provide for the collection thereof; NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE IN SESSION DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREBY ENACTS A BY-LAW AS FOLLOWS: 1) THAT all accounts for minimum quarterly charges for metered services for the City of Portage la Prairie Utility as set forth in the Schedule of Quarterly Rates shall be billed quarterly. Consumers shall pay for water and wastewater service supplied to them by the Utility at the rates and terms set out in Schedule "A" attached hereto and forming part of this by-law. 2) THAT The City of Portage la Prairie reserves the right to discontinue the supply of water for fountains, jets, hoses and sprinklers, or to limit the hours for use of the same, whenever, at the discretion of Council it is in the best interests of the public to do so. 3) THAT no person, other than the Fire Chief or someone acting on his/her behalf, or a representative of The City of Portage la Prairie duly authorized in writing by the City Manager, shall open or use any fire hydrant, either for construction purposes, street cleaning, or any other purpose. 4) THAT the meter shut off valve inside premises serviced with water by City of Portage la Prairie Utility, shall be readily accessible and not used by the owner except for the protection of the premises. No person shall tamper with the meter or cause the water supply to bypass the meter. All pipes and valves inside the premises shall be kept in good repair by the owner or occupant. Any damage through neglect or otherwise, by a contractor for the owner or occupant, to the water service pipes from the street to the premises including the meter shall be the responsibility of the owner or occupant. 5) THAT no person shall wilfully or maliciously hinder or cause to hinder City of Portage la Prairie or its representative in the exercise of their duties in relation to the operation and maintenance of the water or wastewater system. 6) THAT any person violating any provision of this by-law shall: a) be guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) and costs for each violation; b) be liable to the City of Portage la Prairie for any expense, loss or damage suffered by the City as a result of the violation; c) be liable for the repairs and costs of the repairs to the system as a result of the violation. If that person is in default of effecting the repairs, the City may affect the repairs and charge the cost thereof to that persons, or add the cost to property taxes and collect those property taxes in the same manner as other property taxes. 7) This by-law and rates for July 1, 2022, April 1, 2023, January 1, 2024 and January 1, 2025 and thereafter, shall come into force and be effective on, from and after both approval of the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba and receipt of third and final reading thereof. 8) That By-laws #19-8699, 19-8686, 18-8675 and 15-8633 of the City of Portage la Prairie be repealed as of July 1, 2022 and upon final approval of this By-law by the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba. PASSED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY OF PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE IN COUNCIL DULY ASSEMBLED THIS / i) day of :Jc. n IA~ 20~ .,._ . \/44 · Irv"Fn'e A. Ferris, Mayor ~;~Vo2,~ Diane van Aert, Manager of Administration Read a first time thisd..3_ day of September, 2020. .()A,ll'J Read a second time this // day of ~"':'!'J'. 2021. 1J,,c.;tl Read a third time 10 day of ~r-CAO 7' 20~ 4,vl.}, CITY OF PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE WATER & WASTEWATER UTILITY RATES BY-LAW NO. 20-8710 SCHEDULE "A" SCHEDULE OF QUARTERLY RATES 1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & July 1, 2022 Quarterly Service Charge Rates per Cubic Meter Water & Cubic Meters per Quarter Water Wastewater Wastewater Step 1 - Domestic, up to 227 CM $1.65 $1.98 $3.63 Step 2 - Intermediate, 228 CM to 2,273 CM $1.37 $1.98 $3.35 Step 3 - Wholesale, 2,274 CM to 18,184 CM $1.30 $1.49 $2.79 Step 4 - Variable, over 18,184 CM $.55 $1.49 $2.04 Quarterly Service Charge $22.15 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the water allowance as listed. a. Water & Wastewater Customers Water Customer Water Water Only Wastewater Water & Wastewater Included Service Commodity Total Quarterly Commodity Total Quarterly Meter Size Cubic Meters Charge Charge Minimum Charge Minimum 5/8 inch 14 $22.15 $23.10 $45.25 $27.72 $72.97 3/4 inch 27 $22.15 $44.55 $66.70 $53.46 $120.16 1 inch 55 $22.15 $90.75 $112.90 $108.90 $221.80 1 1/2 inch 136 $22.15 $224.40 $246.55 $269.28 $515.83 2 inch 341 $22.15 $530.73 $552.88 $675.18 $1,228.06 3 inch 614 $22.15 $904.74 $926.89 $1,215.72 $2,142.61 4 inch 1,227 $22.15 $1,744.55 $1,766.70 $2,429.46 $4,196.16 6 inch 2,319 $22.15 $3,236.00 $3,258.15 $4,567.10 $7,825.25 b. Wastewater Only for Residential Customers The wastewater only charge is based on 45 CM plus the quarterly customer service charge. The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (45 * $1.98) + $22.15 = $111.25 3. Bulk Water All water sold in bulk shall be charged for at a rate of $9.00 per cubic meter. 4. Septic Truck Tipping Fee The Septic Truck Tipping fee shall be $30.00 per load up to 14,000 litres. 1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & April 1, 2023 Quarterly Service Charge Rates per Cubic Meter Water & Cubic Meters per Quarter Water Wastewater Wastewater Step 1 - Domestic, up to 227 CM $1.93 $1.90 $3.83 Step 2 - Intermediate, 228 CM to 2,273 CM $1.60 $1.90 $3.50 Step 3 - Wholesale, 2,274 CM to 18,184 CM $1.52 $1.43 $2.95 Step 4 - Variable, over 18,184 CM $.64 $1.43 $2.07 Quarterly Service Charge $22.33 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the water allowance as listed. a. Water & Wastewater Customers Water Customer Water Water Only Wastewater Water & Wastewater Included Service Commodity Total Quarterly Commodity Total Quarterly Meter Size Cubic Meters Charge Charge Minimum Charge Minimum 5/8 inch 14 $22.33 $27.02 $49.35 $26.60 $75.95 3/4 inch 27 $22.33 $52.11 $74.44 $51.30 $125.74 1 inch 55 $22.33 $106.15 $128.48 $104.50 $232.98 1 1/2 inch 136 $22.33 $262.48 $284.81 $258.40 $543.21 2 inch 341 $22.33 $620.51 $642.84 $647.90 $1,290.74 3 inch 614 $22.33 $1,057.31 $1,079.64 $1,166.60 $2,246.24 4 inch 1,227 $22.33 $2,038.11 $2,060.44 $2,331.30 $4,391.74 6 inch 2,319 $22.33 $3,780.03 $3,802.36 $4,382.58 $8,184.94 b. Wastewater Only for Residential Customers The wastewater only charge is based on 45 CM plus the quarterly customer service charge. The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (45 * $1.90) + $22.33 = $107.83. 3. Bulk Water All water sold in bulk shall be charged for at a rate of $9.00 per cubic meter. 4. Septic Truck Tipping Fee The Septic Truck Tipping fee shall be $30.00 per load up to 14,000 litres. 1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & January 1, 2024 Quarterly Service Charge Rates per Cubic Meter Water & Cubic Meters per Quarter Water Wastewater Wastewater Step 1 - Domestic, up to 227 CM $2.21 $1.82 $4.03 Step 2 - Intermediate, 228 CM to 2,273 CM $1.83 $1.82 $3.65 Step 3 - Wholesale, 2,274 CM to 18,184 CM $1.74 $1.37 $3.11 Step 4 - Variable, over 18,184 CM $.73 $1.37 $2.10 Quarterly Service Charge $22.51 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the water allowance as listed. a. Water & Wastewater Customers Water Customer Water Water Only Wastewater Water & Wastewater Included Service Commodity Total Quarterly Commodity Total Quarterly Meter Size Cubic Meters Charge Charge Minimum Charge Minimum 5/8 inch 14 $22.51 $30.94 $53.45 $25.48 $78.93 3/4 inch 27 $22.51 $59.67 $82.18 $49.14 $131.32 1 inch 55 $22.51 $121.55 $144.06 $100.10 $244.16 1 1/2 inch 136 $22.51 $300.56 $323.07 $247.52 $570.59 2 inch 341 $22.51 $710.29 $732.80 $620.62 $1,353.42 3 inch 614 $22.51 $1,209.88 $1,232.39 $1,117.48 $2,349.87 4 inch 1,227 $22.51 $2,331.67 $2,354.18 $2,233.14 $4,587.32 6 inch 2,319 $22.51 $4,324.06 $4,346.57 $4,198.06 $8,544.63 b. Wastewater Only for Residential Customers The wastewater only charge is based on 45 CM plus the quarterly customer service charge. The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (45 * $1.82) + $22.51 = $104.41. 3. Bulk Water All water sold in bulk shall be charged for at a rate of $10.25 per cubic meter. 4. Septic Truck Tipping Fee The Septic Truck Tipping fee shall be $30.00 per load up to 14,000 litres. [Deleted by By-Law 22-8748] 1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & January 1, 2025 Quarterly Service Charge Rates per Cubic Meter Water & Cubic Meters per Quarter Water Wastewater Wastewater Step 1 - Domestic, up to 227 CM $2.47 $1.75 $4.22 Step 2 - Intermediate, 228 CM to 2,273 CM $2.05 $1.75 $3.80 Step 3 - Wholesale, 2,274 CM to 18,184 CM $1.94 $1.32 $3.26 Step 4 - Variable, over 18,184 CM $.83 $1.32 $2.15 Quarterly Service Charge $22.69 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the water allowance as listed. a. Water & Wastewater Customers Water Customer Water Water Only Wastewater Water & Wastewater Included Service Commodity Total Quarterly Commodity Total Quarterly Meter Size Cubic Meters Charge Charge Minimum Charge Minimum 5/8 inch 14 $22.69 $34.58 $57.27 $24.50 $81.77 3/4 inch 27 $22.69 $66.69 $89.38 $47.25 $136.63 1 inch 55 $22.69 $135.85 $158.54 $96.25 $254.79 1 1/2 inch 136 $22.69 $335.92 $358.61 $238.00 $596.61 2 inch 341 $22.69 $794.39 $817.08 $596.75 $1,413.83 3 inch 614 $22.69 $1,354.04 $1,376.73 $1,074.50 $2,451.23 4 inch 1,227 $22.69 $2,610.69 $2,633.38 $2,147.25 $4,780.63 6 inch 2,319 $22.69 $4,842.18 $4,864.87 $4,036.72 $8,901.59 b. Wastewater Only for Residential Customers The wastewater only charge is based on 45 CM plus the quarterly customer service charge. The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (45 * $1.75) + $22.69 = $101.44. 3. Bulk Water All water sold in bulk shall be charged for at a rate of $11.50 per cubic meter. 4. Septic Truck Tipping Fee The Septic Truck Tipping fee shall be $30.00 per load up to 14,000 litres. [Deleted by By-Law 22-8748] CITY OF PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE WATER & WASTEWATER UTILITY RATES BY-LAW NO. SCHEDULE "A" SCHEDULE OF QUARTERLY RATES 1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & July 1, 2023 Quarterly Service Charge Rates per Cubic Meter Water & Cubic Meters per Quarter Water Wastewater Wastewater Step 1 - Domestic, up to 227 CM $2.10 $1.91 $4.01 Step 2 - Intermediate, 228 CM to 2,273 CM $1.74 $1.91 $3.65 Step 3 - Wholesale, 2,274 CM to 18,184 CM $1.65 $1.44 $3.09 Step 4 - Variable, over 18,184 CM $.70 $1.44 $2.14 Quarterly Service Charge $22.33 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the water allowance as listed. a. Water & Wastewater Customers Water Customer Water Water Only Wastewater Water & Wastewater Included Service Commodity Total Quarterly Commodity Total Quarterly Meter Size Cubic Meters Charge Charge Minimum Charge Minimum 5/8 inch 14 $22.33 $29.40 $51.73 $26.74 $78.47 3/4 inch 27 $22.33 $56.70 $79.03 $51.57 $130.60 1 inch 55 $22.33 $115.50 $137.83 $105.05 $242.88 1 1/2 inch 136 $22.33 $285.60 $307.93 $259.76 $567.69 2 inch 341 $22.33 $675.06 $697.39 $651.31 $1,348.70 3 inch 614 $22.33 $1,150.08 $1,172.41 $1,172.74 $2,345.15 4 inch 1,227 $22.33 $2,216.70 $2,239.03 $2,343.57 $4,582.60 6 inch 2,319 $22.33 $4,112.64 $4,134.97 $4,407.67 $8,542.64 b. Wastewater Only for Residential Customers The wastewater only charge is based on 45 CM plus the quarterly customer service charge. The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (45 * $1.91) + $22.33 = $108.28. 3. Bulk Water All water sold in bulk shall be charged for at a rate of $9.00 per 1,000 gallons. 4. Septic Truck Tipping Fee The Septic Truck Tipping fee shall be $30.00 per load up to 14,000 litres. [Added by By-Law 22-8748] 1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & January 1, 2024 Quarterly Service Charge Rates per Cubic Meter Water & Cubic Meters per Quarter Water Wastewater Wastewater Step 1 - Domestic, up to 227 CM $2.38 $1.83 $4.21 Step 2 - Intermediate, 228 CM to 2,273 CM $1.97 $1.83 $3.80 Step 3 - Wholesale, 2,274 CM to 18,184 CM $1.87 $1.38 $3.25 Step 4 - Variable, over 18,184 CM $.79 $1.38 $2.17 Quarterly Service Charge $22.51 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the water allowance as listed. a. Water & Wastewater Customers Water Customer Water Water Only Wastewater Water & Wastewater Included Service Commodity Total Quarterly Commodity Total Quarterly Meter Size Cubic Meters Charge Charge Minimum Charge Minimum 5/8 inch 14 $22.51 $33.32 $55.83 $25.62 $81.45 3/4 inch 27 $22.51 $64.26 $86.77 $49.41 $136.18 1 inch 55 $22.51 $130.90 $153.41 $100.65 $254.06 1 1/2 inch 136 $22.51 $323.68 $346.19 $248.88 $595.07 2 inch 341 $22.51 $764.84 $787.35 $624.03 $1,411.38 3 inch 614 $22.51 $1,302.65 $1,325.16 $1,123.62 $2,448.78 4 inch 1,227 $22.51 $2,510.26 $2,532.77 $2,245.41 $4,778.18 6 inch 2,319 $22.51 $4,656.90 $4,679.41 $4,223.07 $8,902.48 b. Wastewater Only for Residential Customers The wastewater only charge is based on 45 CM plus the quarterly customer service charge. The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (45 * $1.83) + $22.51 = $104.86. 3. Bulk Water All water sold in bulk shall be charged for at a rate of $10.00 per 1,000 gallons. 4. Septic Truck Tipping Fee The Septic Truck Tipping fee shall be $30.00 per load up to 14,000 litres. [Added by By-Law 22-8748] 1. Schedule of Commodity Rates & January 1, 2025 Quarterly Service Charge Rates per Cubic Meter Water & Cubic Meters per Quarter Water Wastewater Wastewater Step 1 - Domestic, up to 227 CM $2.64 $1.76 $4.40 Step 2 - Intermediate, 228 CM to 2,273 CM $2.19 $1.76 $3.95 Step 3 - Wholesale, 2,274 CM to 18,184 CM $2.07 $1.33 $3.40 Step 4 - Variable, over 18,184 CM $.89 $1.33 $2.22 Quarterly Service Charge $22.69 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the water allowance as listed. a. Water & Wastewater Customers Water Customer Water Water Only Wastewater Water & Wastewater Included Service Commodity Total Quarterly Commodity Total Quarterly Meter Size Cubic Meters Charge Charge Minimum Charge Minimum 5/8 inch 14 $22.69 $36.96 $59.65 $24.65 $84.29 3/4 inch 27 $22.69 $71.28 $93.97 $47.52 $141.49 1 inch 55 $22.69 $145.20 $167.89 $96.80 $264.69 1 1/2 inch 136 $22.69 $359.04 $381.73 $239.36 $621.09 2 inch 341 $22.69 $848.94 $871.63 $600.16 $1,471.79 3 inch 614 $22.69 $1,446.81 $1,469.50 $1,080.64 $2,550.14 4 inch 1,227 $22.69 $2,789.28 $2,811.97 $2,159.52 $4,971.49 6 inch 2,319 $22.69 $5,175.24 $5,197.93 $4,061.66 $9,259.59 b. Wastewater Only for Residential Customers The wastewater only charge is based on 45 CM plus the quarterly customer service charge. The quarterly charge for wastewater only customers is (45 * $1.76) + $22.69 = $101.89. 3. Bulk Water All water sold in bulk shall be charged for at a rate of $11.00 per 1,000 gallons. 4. Septic Truck Tipping Fee The Septic Truck Tipping fee shall be $30.00 per load up to 14,000 litres. [Added by By-Law 22-8748] The following clauses take effect July 1, 2022: 5. Billings and Penalties Accounts shall be billed quarterly based on water used and are payable within 21 days of the billing date. A late payment penalty charge of 1¼% shall be charged on the dollar amount owing after the billing due date. In addition to quarterly billings, a monthly budget plan, pre-authorized debit and electronic bills are available on request. Should a duplicate copy of a quarterly bill be required, there is a $10 cost for this service to cover administrative time and mailing costs beyond the regular billing. The same fee is levied to any customer requiring a duplicate utility account statement, per account. If a customer's utility payment is returned unpaid, the cost for administrative time to process this transaction will be $50. [Deleted by By- Law 26-8786] a) Accounts shall be billed quarterly except for: i) Customers utilizing an average of over 4,546 cubic meters of water per quarter for the last three consecutive quarters; or ii) Customers subject to wastewater surcharges b) Customers utilizing more than 4,546 cubic meters of water per quarter for the last three quarters and all customers subject to wastewater surcharges shall be billed monthly. c) Billings shall be based on water used and are payable within 21 days of the billing date. A late payment penalty charge of 1.25% shall be charged on the dollar amount owing after the billing due date. d) Quarterly billing customers only, may sign on for a monthly budget plan, pre-authorized debit and electronic bills are available on request. Should a duplicate copy of a quarterly bill be required, there is a $10.00 cost for this service to cover administrative time and mailing costs beyond the regular billing. The same fee is levied to any customer requiring a duplicate utility account statement, per account. If a customer's utility payment is returned unpaid, the cost for administrative time to process this transaction will be $50.00. [Added by By-Law 26-8786] 6. Disconnection and Reconnection The Public Utilities Board has approved the Conditions Precedent to be followed by the City with respect to disconnection of service for non-payment including such matters as notice and the right to appeal such action to The Public Utilities Board. A copy of the conditions precedent is available for inspection at City Hall. The water may be shut off in compliance with the Conditions Precedent, and may be turned on only after all arrears and penalties have been paid together with the sum of $110 for the turning on of the water during normal working hours, and $220 outside of normal working hours. 7. Outstanding Charges Form a Lien on the Land Pursuant to Section 252 (2) of the Municipal Act, the amount of all outstanding charges for water and wastewater services, including fines and penalties, are a lien and charge upon the land serviced, and may be collected in the same manner in which ordinary taxes upon the land are collectible, and with like remedies. The fee to add outstanding water and Wastewater charges to the property tax roll shall be $20.00 per account. 8. Service To Customers Outside City Limits The City may sign Agreements with customers for the provision of water and wastewater services to properties located outside the boundaries of the City. Such Agreements shall provide for payment of the appropriate rates set out in this Schedule, as well as a surcharge equivalent to the frontage levy, general taxes, and special taxes for Utility purposes in effect at the time or may be in effect from time to time, and which would be levied on the property concerned if it were within the City's boundaries. In addition, all costs of connecting to the Utility's mains, and installing and maintaining service connections, will be paid by the customer. 9. Hydrant Charges The City of Portage la Prairie shall pay to the Utility an annual hydrant charge of $140 for each hydrant connected to the Utility. This will include the cost of water used for firefighting purposes. Privately owned hydrants that are direct extensions of the City's internal water distribution system shall be subject to an annual connection fee as follows: Hydrants within City Limits Hydrants outside City Limits Metered $55. $140. Unmetered $140. $220. In addition, the fee for a temporary use application, fire hydrant usage is $85 and the rental charge for unmetered fire hydrant is $120 per day. 10. Water Service for Construction Contractors shall pay a flat rate of $50 per construction turn-on for a period up to the date of substantial completion of the project as defined by the Builder Liens Act. The Contractor will also be responsible to pay the City the cost of any water consumed during this period at the applicable water and wastewater rates. There will be a maximum of one construction turn-on per building allowed. The rate for a construction turn-on performed outside of normal working hours shall be $110 per construction turn-on. 11. Water Meters a. Oversize Meters: That an oversized water meter charge be levied on every water meter installed larger than the basic 5/8" water meter equal to the actual cost difference between the water meter being installed and a basic 5/8" water meter. b. Meter Testing & Calibration: That in any case where a utility customer requests that a meter be tested for accuracy, the City will provide the customer with an estimated cost to perform the meter testing and the customer will provide the City with a deposit equal to the amount of the estimate. The City will then remove the subject meter, replace it with another meter and send the original meter to an independent lab for testing. If the meter is found to be faulty, all costs associated with the testing process will be borne by the City and the deposit will be refunded to the customer and the customer's account will be adjusted for the preceding six (6) months. If the meter is found to be in proper working order, all costs associated with the testing process will be borne by the customer and the customer will be billed or refunded any balance owing. c. Damaged Meter - customer initiated: The customer is responsible for replacing or repairing meter and to pay cost + 35% with cost which includes the cost of a new meter plus one hour of staff time. d. Meter Interface Unit (MIU): The fee for relocation or wiring repair - exterior move shall be $70; the fee for relocation or wiring repair - from meter shall be $95; and the fee for relocation or wiring repair in crawl spaces or under a mobile home will be $200. A MIU is used to remotely communicate meter readings with the city through the meter's Bluetooth technology. e. Changing Water Meter: If the customer requests a change or upgrade to their water meter, a cost of $200 will be levied which includes all staff installation time. The returned meter must be returned in good condition, otherwise the cost for the damaged meter will be charged. An exception is made for discontinued meters which will be assessed no cost to return in any condition. 12. Water & Wastewater Service a. That a charge for water and wastewater service shall be $45 per meter per turn-on performed during normal working hours or $105 per meter per turn-on, performed outside of normal working hours. This fee recovers the cost of completing the change of user or service and may result in city staff attending the service address to physically turn on the water and wastewater services. b. Water and wastewater service customers may make a special request for a turn off of their services. This is typically done when the property will not be occupied for an extended time period or requested by the property owner when the property tenant hasn't paid their utility billings for an extended time period. The same charges of $45 per meter for turn-off during normal working hours or $105 per meter per turn-off, performed outside of normal working hours applies. c. Should a curb stop locate be requested by a customer during regular hours, the cost is $45. This cost will be $105 if performed outside of normal working hours. d. Water meters remain the property of the City of Portage la Prairie and the City may change out or upgrade meters from time to time at its sole discretion. Should a customer: i. refuse to allow the City access to change a water meter; or ii. remove the Bluetooth remote meter reading system; or iii. install their own water meter; if that requires City staff to manually read the water meter, the fee for each reading will be $100. Repeated refusal to allow the City access to read a water meter or to change the water meter may result in the customer's water services being disconnected. 13. Inspection Fees a. New Water Service: That the inspection fee for a new water and/or wastewater installation shall be $50 per inspection per service installation between the street property line and the building. The inspection fee recovers the cost of the inspection and the completion of records. b. Existing Water Service Leak Inspection: i. Owner initiated water leak inspection shall be $65 per inspection; ii. Water leak inspection, under mobile home, owner initiated - confined entry, 2 persons needed, shall be $180 per inspection. 14. Missed Appointment The fee for a customer missing a scheduled appointment shall be $70. 15. Meter Tampering Where there is evidence of meter tampering a minimum charge of $500 will be applied to the customer's account in addition to an amount calculated to adjust for the tampering based on historical usage. 16. Flushing/Thawing The cost for flushing or thawing water or sewer lines on private property or a private service or in cases where the requirement for flushing or thawing is a result of a customer's actions shall be: a. flushing water or sewer lines is $250; b. thawing water or sewer lines with a hot water machine is $200; c. thawing water lines through electrical resistance is $410. 17. Water testing Private water testing is available from the City based on actual cost + 35%. 18. Lead Services Piping The property owner is responsible for all costs applicable to replacement of water or sewer service lines on their property. When a lead water service line is being replaced, a $500 subsidy is provided by the City to the owner to defray some of these costs and to encourage owners to replace lead service lines.