Town of Antigonish Water Utility - NSUARB Order M11384, Schedule of Rates (2024 and 2025) — full text, Antigonish, Nova Scotia

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Document: 311804 ORDER M11384 NOVA SCOTIA UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by the TOWN OF ANTIGONISH, on behalf of its WATER UTILITY, for Approval of Amendments to its Schedule of Rates and Charges for Water and Water Services and its Schedule of Rules and Regulations BEFORE: Steven M. Murphy, MBA, P.Eng., Member O R D E R The Town of Antigonish, on behalf of its Water Utility, applied to the Board for approval to amend its Schedule of Rates and Charges for Water and Water Services and its Schedule of Rules and Regulations. After due public notice, a hearing was held on February 20, 2024. The Schedule of Rates and Charges attached hereto as Schedule A and Schedule B are approved, as amended in Undertaking U-6, for Water and Water Services, supplied on and after April 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025. The Schedule of Rules and Regulations, as filed in response to Information Requests, attached hereto as Schedule C, is approved effective April 1, 2024. DATED at Halifax, Nova Scotia, this 18th day of March, 2024. Clerk of the Board #311812 SCHEDULE "A" TOWN OF ANTIGONISH WATER UTILITY SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICES (Effective for water supplied on and after 1 April 2024) RATES The rates set out below are the rates approved by the Board for water and water services when payment is made within 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill. When payment is made after 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill, the rates will include interest charges of 1.5 % per month, or part thereof. Each bill shall show the amount payable within 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill. In this Schedule, the word "Utility" means the Town of Antigonish Water Utility. 1. RATES: (a) Base Charges Quarterly Bi-Monthly Unmetered (based on 15,000 gallons per quarter) 118.92 Size of Meter 5/8" 53.67 3/4" 79.44 1" 130.96 1.5" 259.76 2" 276.22 3" 551.00 4" 860.12 6" 1,718.81 (b) Consumption Rate (per 1,000 imp. gallons) $ 4.35 per 1,000 imp. gallons (c) Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Antigonish County For water supplied at all metered service points. County Base Rate 25,966.02 Bi-Monthly County Consumption Rate $ 2.99 per 1,000 imp. gallons (d) Minimum Bill The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge. #311812 2. PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE The Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish shall pay to the Water Utility on or before the first day of October, 2024 a total of $669,121 divided between the County, $293,085 and the Town, $376,036. These charges shall be pro- rated for the number of months they are in service with the existing approved rates depending on the date of the Board Order. 3. RATES FOR SPRINKLER SERVICE Each building having a sprinkler system installed shall pay annually for the service as follows: Each building serviced by a sprinkler service pipe of 6" or less in diameter $200.00 Each building serviced by a sprinkler service pipe of 8" or more in diameter $250.00 4. WATER FOR BUILDINGS OR WORKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION The Utility may furnish water to any person requiring a supply thereof for the construction of a building or other works. This person shall deposit with the Utility such sum as may be determined by the Utility as is sufficient to defray the cost of making the necessary connection to any water service or main together with the cost of the meter to be installed to measure the water consumed. Upon completion of the work and the return of the meter to the Utility, a refund will be made after deducting the cost, if any, of repairing the meter and of testing the same and payment of the base and connection charges and the consumption rates in respect to such installation. 5. PRIVATE HYDRANT RATES Per hydrant per year $200.00. 6. RATES FOR WATER SUPPLIED FROM FIRE HYDRANTS Whenever the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for any purpose, excepting those of the Fire Department for fire use, the Utility may grant a permit containing such terms and conditions as it may provide, including arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant, and a service charge for commercial consumers of $70.00 for connection and disconnection and a consumption charge for the amount of water used, as estimated by the water utility, at meter consumption rates. 7. CHARGES FOR RE-ESTABLISHING WATER SERVICE When water service has been suspended for any violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Utility, such water service shall not be re-established until a reconnection charge of #311812 $60.00 has been paid to the Utility. If reconnection is outside of regular working hours, the charge is $200.00. 8. ACCOUNT CREATION FEE The Utility shall charge a $50.00 fee for the creation of a water account, notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred. 9. DISCONNECTION FEE Whenever a customer, for any reason requests that the water be turned off from any premises, a charge of $60.00 shall be made for turning off the water, and no additional charge shall be made for turning it on again when this is requested unless such request is after regular working hours of the Utility when a fee of $200.00 shall apply. 10. CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES The Utility may charge a $25.00 administration fee plus all associated fees charged by the bank for cheques that, due to non-negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank. 11. CHARGE FOR MISSED APPOINTMENT BY CUSTOMERS Where an appointment has been made by a customer to have a water service hooked up or a meter inspected, or water turned on to a property, or other visits to the property for the inception or maintenance of water service to the property, and the customer fails to keep the appointment or the plumbing is not completed to allow for installation of a water meter and the Utility's staff have to return to the property, there may be a charge of $60.00 for each visit if, in the judgment of the Utility, it is required. 12. CUSTOMER REQUESTED SERVICE A minimum special service charge of $60.00 ($200.00 if such work is performed after regular working hours) shall be made to each customer receiving a requested service not provided for elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and regulations except for water service repairs requested by the Utility. The exact charge will be calculated based on the time and materials used by the Utility plus 30% for overhead and profit. The customer shall be informed if the charge will exceed the $60.00 minimum prior to the service being provided." 13. CHARGE FOR REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REPLACEMENT OF WATER METERS FOR SEASONAL CUSTOMERS When requested by a customer the Utility shall charge a $60.00 fee for the removal, seasonal storage of the customer's water meter, and replacement of the meter if done during regular working hours. If the work is requested outside of regular working hours the charge shall be $200.00. As noted in Rules and Regulations (Item No. 5 - Billing) the Customer will continue to billed the base charge for the entire year. #311812 SCHEDULE "B" TOWN OF ANTIGONISH WATER UTILITY SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICES (Effective for water supplied on and after 1 April 2025) RATES The rates set out below are the rates approved by the Board for water and water services when payment is made within 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill. When payment is made after 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill, the rates will include interest charges of 1.5 % per month, or part thereof. Each bill shall show the amount payable within 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill. In this Schedule, the word "Utility" means the Town of Antigonish Water Utility. 1. RATES: (a) Base Charges Quarterly Bi-Monthly Unmetered (based on 15,000 gallons per quarter) 125.73 Size of Meter 5/8" 53.91 3/4" 79.75 1" 131.42 1.5" 260.59 2" 277.06 3" 552.63 4" 862.64 6" 1,723.79 (b) Consumption Rate (per 1,000 imp. gallons) $ 4.79 per 1,000 imp. gallons (c) Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Antigonish County For water supplied at all metered service points. County Base Rate 26,761.31 Bi-Monthly County Consumption Rate $ 3.27 per 1,000 imp. gallons (d) Minimum Bill The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge. #311812 2. PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE The Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish shall pay to the Water Utility on or before the first day of October, 2025 a total of $720,423 divided between the County, $315,556 and the Town, $404,867. OR a) the sum of 39.0% of Transmission and Distribution, Taxes and Depreciation expenses of the Utility, and 39.0% of the sum of the (Non-Operating Expenditures less the Non- Operating Revenue less Other Operating Revenue of the immediately preceding year), plus b) 10% of all other expenses. c) The Sum to be divided between the Town and the County on the basis of the County paying 43.8% of the amount calculated and the Town paying 56.2% of the amount calculated. d) The payment shall be made on or before the first day of October in all subsequent years. whichever is greater. 3. RATES FOR SPRINKLER SERVICE Each building having a sprinkler system installed shall pay annually for the service as follows: Each building serviced by a sprinkler service pipe of 6" or less in diameter $200.00 Each building serviced by a sprinkler service pipe of 8" or more in diameter $250.00 4. WATER FOR BUILDINGS OR WORKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION The Utility may furnish water to any person requiring a supply thereof for the construction of a building or other works. This person shall deposit with the Utility such sum as may be determined by the Utility as is sufficient to defray the cost of making the necessary connection to any water service or main together with the cost of the meter to be installed to measure the water consumed. Upon completion of the work and the return of the meter to the Utility, a refund will be made after deducting the cost, if any, of repairing the meter and of testing the same and payment of the base and connection charges and the consumption rates in respect to such installation. 5. PRIVATE HYDRANT RATES Per hydrant per year $200.00. #311812 6. RATES FOR WATER SUPPLIED FROM FIRE HYDRANTS Whenever the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for any purpose, excepting those of the Fire Department for fire use, the Utility may grant a permit containing such terms and conditions as it may provide, including arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant, and a service charge for commercial consumers of $70.00 for connection and disconnection and a consumption charge for the amount of water used, as estimated by the water utility, at meter consumption rates. 7. CHARGES FOR RE-ESTABLISHING WATER SERVICE When water service has been suspended for any violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Utility, such water service shall not be re-established until a reconnection charge of $60.00 has been paid to the Utility. If reconnection is outside of regular working hours, the charge is $200.00. 8. ACCOUNT CREATION FEE The Utility shall charge a $50.00 fee for the creation of a water account, notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred. 9. DISCONNECTION FEE Whenever a customer, for any reason requests that the water be turned off from any premises, a charge of $60.00 shall be made for turning off the water, and no additional charge shall be made for turning it on again when this is requested unless such request is after regular working hours of the Utility when a fee of $200.00 shall apply. 10. CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES The Utility may charge a $25.00 administration fee plus all associated fees charged by the bank for cheques that, due to non-negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank. 11. CHARGE FOR MISSED APPOINTMENT BY CUSTOMERS Where an appointment has been made by a customer to have a water service hooked up or a meter inspected, or water turned on to a property, or other visits to the property for the inception or maintenance of water service to the property, and the customer fails to keep the appointment or the plumbing is not completed to allow for installation of a water meter and the Utility's staff have to return to the property, there may be a charge of $60.00 for each visit if, in the judgment of the Utility, it is required. 12. CUSTOMER REQUESTED SERVICE A minimum special service charge of $60.00 ($200.00 if such work is performed after regular working hours) shall be made to each customer receiving a requested service not provided for elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and regulations except for water service repairs requested by the Utility. The exact charge will be calculated based on the time and materials used by the Utility plus 30% for overhead and profit. The customer shall be informed if the charge will exceed the $60.00 minimum prior to the service being #311812 provided." 13. CHARGE FOR REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REPLACEMENT OF WATER METERS FOR SEASONAL CUSTOMERS When requested by a customer the Utility shall charge a $60.00 fee for the removal, seasonal storage of the customer's water meter, and replacement of the meter if done during regular working hours. If the work is requested outside of regular working hours the charge shall be $200.00. As noted in Rules and Regulations (Item No. 5 - Billing) the Customer will continue to billed the base charge for the entire year. #311812 SCHEDULE "C" ANTIGONISH WATER UTILITY SCHEDULE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND WATER SERVICES (Effective 1 April 2024) 1) In these Rules and regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the expression: "Town" means the Town of Antigonish "Utility" means the Antigonish Water Utility. "County" means the Municipality of the County of Antigonish "Customer" means a person, a property owner, firm or corporation who, or which, contracts to be supplied with water at a specific location or locations. "Metered Rate Service" means that type of service charged for at metered rates. Metered rate service is required for all new services. "Municipal Servicing Permit" means a permit issued by the Town of Antigonish upon receipt of an application for the installation of municipal services, including water. "Standard Specifications for Municipal Services" means the latest edition of the Standard Specifications for Municipal Services as produced by the Nova SCOTIA Road Builders, Consulting Engineers of Nova Scotia, and Landscape Nova Scotia 2) LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT OF WATER BILL: An agreement/contract is deemed to exist between a customer and the Utility for the supply of water service at such rates and in accordance with these Regulations by virtue of: a) the customer applying for and receiving approval for water service; b) the customer consuming or paying for water service from the date that the customer who is a party to an agreement pursuant to clause (a) (the customer of record) moves out of the premises, in which case the customer of record shall remain jointly and severally liable for the water service account up to the date the Utility is notified that the customer of record wishes to terminate the supply of water service. A property owner who rents or leases a property or self-contained unit to a tenant or lessee shall be required to open an account for the provision of water at the property rented or leased. c) Any person, business or corporation that receives water service without the consent of the Utility, shall be liable for the cost of such water service which cost shall be determined in #311812 the sole discretion of the Utility based upon its reasonable estimate of the amount of water utilized. d) Where service is supplied to a condominium unit, the Condominium Corporation in which the unit is situated shall be deemed to be the customer of record and shall be liable for payment of the service bill for the condominium unit. 3) DEPOSITS: When required, an applicant for service shall deposit with the Utility a sum equal to the previous year's average bill for the meter size for such service for a period of three months, or such lesser amount as the Utility may demand (a minimum of $50.00). This deposit shall be held by the Utility as collateral security for the payment of the customer's bills, but is not to be considered as a payment on account thereof. When the customer ceases to use the service and discharges all their liability to the Utility in respect of such service, the deposit shall be returned to him with interest based on 2% per annum, not compounded. 4) REFUSAL OF SERVICE: Service may be refused or suspended to any customer who has failed to discharge all of his liabilities to the Utility. 5) BILLING: If an agreement/contract is entered into or terminated at any time other than a regular billing date, the amount to be charged to the customer shall be the pro rata proportion to the next billing date, of the regular service charge for the billing period, plus the consumption charge, if any. The Utility charges the base rate for the entire year for seasonal customers. The quarterly base rate charge will apply for each quarter regardless of water turn-offs. The Utility may also agree to remove and store the meter for seasonal customers. Fees for this service will be as set out in the Schedule of Rates and Charges and will be in addition to the base rate. The customer is liable to pay all fees before reconnection of service and re- installation of meter. 6) PAYMENT OF BILLS: Bills shall be rendered to each customer at intervals of either bi- monthly for meter sizes 2 inches or larger or approximately three months (quarterly) for meter sizes up to and including 1 ½ inch. Bills are due on the billing date and bills not paid within thirty days after the billing date shall be subject to the interest charge as set out in the Schedule of Rates and Charges. 7) ESTIMATED READINGS FOR BILLING PURPOSES - METERED CUSTOMERS: If the Utility is unable to obtain a meter reading for billing purposes, after exercising due diligence in the usual practice of meter reading, the bill for that service shall be estimated in accordance with the best data available, subject, however, to the provision that in no circumstance will an estimated reading be used for more than two (2) consecutive billing periods. If an estimated bill is rendered for two (2) consecutive billing periods, the Utility shall notify the customer by regular mail that arrangements must be made for the Utility to obtain a reading and failing such arrangements, the Utility may suspend service until such arrangements are made. When such meter reading has been obtained the previous #311812 estimated bill or bills shall be adjusted accordingly. 8) ADJUSTMENT OF BILLS: (a) Where meters exist - If the seal of a meter is broken or if a meter does not register correctly, the bill for that water service shall be estimated in accordance with the best data available. Any customer desiring to question a water bill must do so in writing within 30 days of the bill being rendered. (b) Customers Under billed - Should it be necessary for the Utility to make a billing adjustment as a result of a customer being under billed for any reason, such adjustment shall be retroactive for a maximum of four billing periods or one year, whichever is the longest. Notwithstanding the above, in the event that a billing adjustment is the result of the customer's illegal connection to the water system or willful interference or damage of metering equipment (where they exist), the billing adjustment in such circumstances will not be limited to one year or four billing periods, but rather the customer shall be responsible for all payments of such accounts from the date such illegal connection or interference to meter equipment took place. (c) Customer Over billed - Notwithstanding 7(a) above, in the event a customer has been billed in error for a Service they did not receive, the Utility will reimburse such customer the amount billed to and paid by the customer, together with interest calculated as simple interest paid on savings accounts by the Utility's bank, respecting the period during which the customer was incorrectly billed by the Utility, such period not to exceed five years. 9) SUSPENSION OF SERVICE FOR NON_PAYMENT BILLS: The Utility shall have the right to enter onto customers' premises within reasonable hours to suspend service to customers whose bills remain unpaid for more than forty calendar days after the date rendered. The customer shall pay the reconnection fee as set out in the Schedule of Rates and Charges for Re-establishing Water Service after each suspension. Service suspension can be delayed if approved payment arrangements have been made and the customer is in compliance with arrangements. 10) METER READING: In the case of Metered Service Customers who are billed quarterly, meters shall be read in at least two of the four quarters, normally, the second and fourth, and, subject to Regulation 7, each billing for these quarters shall be based upon the meter reading with adjustment for any earlier estimated reading. The Utility may, at its option, estimate the readings in the alternate quarters based on the actual consumption from the previous quarter. In the case of Metered Service Customers who are billed bi-monthly, meters shall be read bi-monthly. 11) WATER TO BE SUPPLIED BY METER: Except as in these regulations otherwise provided, all services other than those used exclusively for fire protection shall be metered. Buildings shall be serviced by one meter and curb stop control valve per service line with #311812 the property owner as the customer. The Utility shall determine the size and type of meter to be installed in each case. The Utility can request information from the property owner for proper determination of the meter size as required. The Utility reserves the right to assign meter sizing, and final approval for all new meters rests with the Utility. All meters shall be the property of the Utility. The Utility reserves the right to re-assess and change the meter size in existing buildings based on building usage and flow profiling. This serves to ensure meters are operating within proper accuracy ranges. Any plumbing changes required to accommodate a meter size change are the responsibility of the owner of the property owner. 12) INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF METERS: Meters shall be installed and removed only by employees of the Utility or duly authorized representatives of the Utility and no other person shall install, alter, change or remove a meter without the written permission of the Utility. All plumbing, connections, and other items such as valves and backflow preventors shall be properly prepared to receive the installation of such meters to the approval of and without expense to the Utility. 13) METER READERS: Each meter reader shall be provided with an official identification, which he/she shall exhibit on request. 14) REMOTE REGISTERING WATER METERS: When a remote registering water meter is installed on a customer's premises under a general outside register installation program of the Utility, then the cost of the meter and its installation shall be paid by the Utility. The meter shall become the property of the Utility which shall become responsible for its operation, maintenance and replacement. Any damage to the meter caused by the negligence or wrongful acts or omissions by the customer, his agents or members of his family, shall be paid for by the customer, and the failure by the customer to make the payment shall entitle the Utility, after making a forty day written demand for the payment, to disconnect the water service to the customer. 15) DAMAGE TO WATER METERS: Each customer shall be responsible for the meter installed on his service and shall protect it. He shall be liable for any damage to the meter resulting from carelessness, hot water or steam, or the action of frost or from any other cause not the fault of the Utility or its employees. The cost to the Utility occasioned by such damage to the meter shall be paid by the customer. If after the rendering of a bill by the Utility to the customer for such cost the same is not paid within 40 days from the date rendered, the supply of water to the customer concerned may be suspended until all charges are paid. 16) METER TESTING. On the request to have their meter tested, the Utility may charge the sum of $100.00 to defray, in part, the cost of making the test for meters up to 1 inch in size. In the case of meters 1-1/2 inches and larger, the actual cost of the test will be paid by the customer. If the test shows that the meter is over registering by more than five percent (5%) the sum so deposited will be refunded to the customer, and the meter will be replaced. #311812 17) PLUMBING TO BE SATISFACTORY: All plumbing, pipes and fittings, fixtures, and other devices (including backflow preventors, strainers, etc.) for conveying, distributing, controlling, or utilizing water which are used by a customer and are not the property of the Utility, shall be installed in the manner provided by the Regulations of and be approved by the proper official of the Municipality and/or the operators of the Utility. The water shall not be turned on (except for construction or testing purposes) until the applicant for service has satisfied the Utility that these requirements have been met. The supply of water may be discontinued to any customer at any time if, in the opinion of the proper official of the Municipality and/or the operator of the Utility, the plumbing, pipes, fittings, fixtures, or other devices as hereinbefore mentioned, or any of them, fail to comply with the above requirements, or if any part of the water system of such customer or the meter is in any unsuitable, dirty, unsanitary or inaccessible place. Service shall not be re-established until such condition is corrected to the satisfaction of the Utility. 18) DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS: No connection shall be permitted to any installation; equipment or source in such a manner as may allow any contamination to pass from such installation, equipment or source into the Utility's water supply system. If any such connection exists the Utility may discontinue the supply of water to such customer. 19) PROHIBITED DEVICES: Service may be refused or suspended by the Utility to any customer who installs or uses any device or appurtenance, as, for example, booster pumps, quick-opening or quick-closing valves, flushometers, water operated pumps or siphons, standpipes, or large outlets, which may occasion sudden large demands of short or long duration, thereby requiring oversize meters and pipe lines, or affect the stability or regulation of water pressure in the Utility's system. Permission to install or use any such device or appurtenance must be obtained from the Utility, which permission shall specify what special arrangements, such as elevated storage tanks, surge tanks or equalizing tanks, etc., must be provided by the customer. 20) IMPROPER USE OR WASTE OF WATER: No customer shall permit the improper use or waste of water, as determined by the Utility. After notification to the customer to correct the issue, water service to the customer shall be suspended until such time as the improper use is remedied to the satisfaction of the Utility. 21) SERVICE PIPES: Upon receipt of a Municipal Service Permit application for service to any premises located on any portion of a street through which portion a main water pipe is laid and which premises are not already provided with water service, the Utility shall install a service pipe which it considers to be of suitable size and capacity based on discussions with the customers from the water main to the street line. No pipe smaller than 3/4" in (19 mm) diameter shall be laid for any service. The necessary excavation for the laying of the service pipe, backfilling and replacement of the street and sidewalk surfaces from the water main in the street to the street line, including supplying and laying a service pipe and fittings between the main pipe and the street line shall be the responsibility of the Utility. A service box (standpipe) and curb stop valve shall be installed at the property line by the Utility. The cost of supplying and installing the water pipe from the street line to the premises including all excavation, #311812 backfilling and surface restoration shall be paid for by the customer. For water service pipes larger than ¾", the cost shall be borne by the customer, less the cost of the ¾" service pipe and trench from the main in the street to the street line. All curb stops shall be the property of the Utility, with the exception of sprinkler / fire supply laterals, where the customer owns and is responsible for the entire service back to the main line, including the lateral isolation valve. Should any person make application for more than one service to their premises, the decision as to the necessity of the additional service shall be made by the Utility, and if the additional service is installed, the total cost thereof from the main to the customer's premises shall be paid by such applicant. All services must be installed to the satisfaction of the Utility, and in accordance with the Standard Specifications for Municipal Services (latest edition). All exterior service piping is to be copper or ductile iron, depending on size. The excavation may be the same excavation as is used for the sewer service pipe or, if minimum horizontal and vertical separation between the water and sewer pipes cannot be obtained, a separate excavation for the water service pipe shall be required. When a service has been previously installed subsequent removal of or alteration to the position of the pipe shall be made except at the expense of the customer requesting such removal or alteration, or as deemed redundant by the Utility. 22) REPAIRS TO SERVICES: If a leak or other trouble occurs it shall be repaired as soon as possible. If the leak or trouble occurs in a service line providing non-fire protection water supplies between the main and the street line it shall be repaired by the Utility at its expense. If the leak or trouble occurs elsewhere in a service line providing non-fire protection water supplies, it shall be repaired by the customer at their expense. If the leak or trouble occurs in a service line which provides private fire protection services (sprinkler or hydrant including valves) it shall be repaired by the customer at his expense. The Utility may make such repairs for any customer provided the customer agrees to pay the cost of same. When required, each customer desiring the Utility to do such work shall deposit with the Utility a sum equal to the estimated cost of the work. If a leak occurs on the customer's portion of their service pipe and, after being notified of same, they refuse or unduly delay to have repairs made, the Utility may discontinue the supply of water to such service pipe if, in its opinion, such action is necessary in order to prevent wastage of water. The Utility shall notify the customer affected of its intention to discontinue such supply. Charges for disconnections apply as stated in the Schedule of Rates and Charges. 23) SPRINKLER SERVICE MAINS AND HYDRANT SYSTEM: The customer shall be responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining a sprinkler service pipe from the main #311812 in the street to the building. It shall be designed and inspected to current code requirements by a licensed Professional Engineer and must include a customer owned and maintained proper size control valve so that the service may be shut off if necessary. A Municipal Services Permit is required for this work. If requested by the applicant, a domestic service pipe may be connected to the sprinkler service pipe, but only if it is connected outside the building foundation wall and is provided with an approved shutoff valve located outside the building to permit control of the domestic service pipe without the necessity to enter the building. Before any domestic service pipe is connected to a sprinkler service pipe, the applicant must obtain approval from the appropriate authority and provide the Utility with a certified copy of such approval. The Utility may supervise the installation of same. When the private fire protection system includes private hydrants, these hydrants must be installed and maintained in accordance with AWWA M17 and NFPA 25 standards, current edition. Private hydrant owners shall also comply with relevant Town of Antigonish Bylaws regarding private hydrant maintenance and operation. Customers must inform the Utility at least 3 working days before undertaking any hydrant flushing program. Hydrants shall only be flushed during the Utility's regular flushing periods, with reports submitted to the Utility upon completion of the flushing. When flushing hydrants, de-chlorination measures must be in place to prevent the release of chlorinated water to the environment. The Utility may supervise the flushing of private hydrants. Fire protection lines within buildings shall be so installed that all pipes will be open and readily accessible for inspection at any time and no connection other than for fire protection shall be made thereto. The location and spacing of hydrants in new construction and/or developments undergoing renovations shall be installed in accordance with the Antigonish Water Utility requirements. 24) UNAUTHORIZED EXTENSIONS, ADDITIONS OR CONNECTIONS: No person shall, without the written consent of the Utility, make or cause to be made any connections to any pipe or main or any part of the water system or in any way obtain or use water therefrom in any manner other than as set out in these Regulations. Any unauthorized connection shall be subject to removal by the Utility. The cost of the removal including labour and materials and an estimate of the water used together with a $200 service charge shall be paid by those who made the unauthorized connection. 25) ACCESS TO CUSTOMER'S PREMISES: Representatives of the Utility shall have right of access to all parts of a customer's property or premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of inspecting any water pipes or fittings, or appliances, or discontinuing service, or for the purpose of installing, removing, repairing, reading or inspecting meters. The Utility shall have the right to suspend service to any customer who refuses such access. 26) LOCATION OF METERS: The Utility shall have the right to refuse service to, or suspend the service of, any customer who does not provide a place which, in the opinion of the #311812 Utility, is suitable for the meter. It should be in the building served, at or near the point of entry of the service pipe, in a place where it can be easily read and exchanged and where it will not be exposed to freezing temperatures. Where the premises of a customer are of such a nature that a meter cannot be properly installed in a building or if the building is not sufficiently frost-proof as to guarantee the safety of the meter, the Utility may order the construction of a suitable frost-proof box in which the meter can be installed. Service to such premises may be refused or suspended until such a frost-proof box approved by the Utility is installed. 27) CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL & BACKFLOW PREVENTION: (a) No owner, consumer, customer or other person hereinafter collectively referred to in this rule and regulation as "person" shall connect, cause to be connected, or allow to remain connected to the water system, or plumbing installation, without the express written consent of the Utility, any piping fixtures, fittings container or appliance in a manner which, under any circumstances, may allow water, wastewater, or any other liquid, chemical or substance, to ingress or egress the water system. (b) Where, in the opinion of the Utility, there may be a risk of contamination to the potable water system, notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a), the Utility may require the customer, at the customers sole cost and expense, to install at any point on the customers water service connection or water service pipe, one or more backflow prevention (BFP) devices, which devices shall be of a quality and type approved by the Utility. (c) All BFP devices shall be maintained in good working order. Such devices must be inspected and tested by an ACWWA certified tester at the expense of the customer. Such inspections shall take place upon installation, and thereafter annually, or more often if required by the Utility. The customer shall submit a report in a form approved by the Utility on any or all tests performed on a BFP device within 30 days of a test. A record card shall be displayed on or adjacent to the BFP device on which the tester shall record the name and address of the owner of the device; the location, type, manufacturer, serial number and size of the device; and the test date, the tester's initials, the tester's name, the name of his employer, and the tester's license number. (d) Installation, maintenance, field-testing and selection of all BFP devices shall fully conform to the latest revision of CSA B64.10 and CSA B64 series. (e) In the event of any breach, contravention or non-compliance by a person of any of the provision and regulations the Utility may: (i) suspend water service to such person, or (ii) give notice to the person to correct the breach, contravention or non-compliance within 96 hours, or a specified lesser period. If the person fails to comply with such #311812 notice, the Utility may immediately thereafter suspend water service to such person. 28) ALTERNATE WATER SUPPLY PROHIBITED: Connection of any customer's installation served by the Utility to any other source of water supply is prohibited. Failure to comply with this regulation shall entitle the Utility to suspend the service. 29) DEPOSITS IN ADVANCE: Whenever a customer requests the Utility to do work for which he/she is required to pay and the Utility agrees to do the work, he/she shall deposit with the Utility, before the work is started, a sum of money equal to the Utility's estimate of the probable cost of said work or execute an agreement to pay the actual cost. When the actual cost is determined, an adjustment in the payment may be made. Water service shall not be established by the Utility until all charges are paid in full. Installations shall be made in accordance with the Antigonish Water Utility specifications and be subject to inspection by the Utility's Staff prior to water service being made available. 30) SEASON FOR LAYING PIPES: The Utility shall not be required to lay any pipe at any season of the year or at any time which, in its opinion, is not suitable. 31) PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION: Fire protection lines within buildings shall be installed so that all pipes will be open and readily accessible for inspection at any time, and no connection for any purpose other than fire protection shall be made thereto. Unless approved by the Utility in writing, no fire protection line shall be connected in any way to a metered service. Responsibility for the installation, maintenance of any and all privately owned fire protections systems, including fire protection lines, isolation valves, sprinkler systems, and hydrants shall be the responsibility of the owner. 32) RESELLING OF WATER: It is prohibited for a customer of the Utility to resell water to others, without the express written consent of the Utility. In the event that a customer is reselling water to others, without prior approval by the Utility, the Utility may suspend service to the premises until such time as the activity ceases or approval to resell is granted. 33) LIABILITY OF UTILITY: The Utility shall not be deemed to guarantee an uninterrupted supply or a sufficient or uniform pressure and shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused or done by reason of the interruption of supply, variation of pressure or on account of the turning off or turning on of the water for any purpose. 34) INTERFERENCE WITH UTILITY PROPERTY: No person, unless authorized by the Utility in writing, shall draw water from, open, close, cut, break, or in any way injure or interfere with any fire hydrant, water main, water pipe, or any property of the Utility or obstruct the free access to any hydrant, stop cock, meter, building, etc., provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph contained shall be deemed to prevent an officer or member of the Fire Department engaged in the work of such Department, from using any hydrant or other source of water supply designated by the Utility for fire protection purposes. #311812 35) SUSPENDING SERVICE FOR VIOLATION: Whenever, in the opinion of the Utility, violation of any of these Rules and Regulations is existing or has occurred, the Utility may cause the water service to be suspended from the premises where such violation has occurred or is existing and may keep the same so suspended until satisfied that the cause for such action has been removed. 36) RESUMPTION OF SERVICE: In all cases where water service has been suspended for violation of any of these rules, service shall not be restored until the cause for violation has been removed. 37) PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES: a) Where, in the opinion of the Utility, it is necessary for proper water service, a customer shall install on the service pipe, between the meter and the shut off valve on the customer's side of the meter, a pressure reducing valve of a type satisfactory to the Utility. The customer shall be responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining the pressure reducing valve piping and related piping at all time. b) A customer receiving service water pressure less than that which is needed for domestic use and fire protection requirements shall be responsible for providing and maintaining, at no cost to the Utility, a suitable booster pump and related piping. 38) PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES: Whenever a pressure reducing valve has been installed by a customer in accordance with Regulation 37, the customer shall, for his own safety and protection, install on his hot water boiler and any other hot water heating device connected to the building's plumbing system, a pressure relief valve of an approved type, as well as an approved temperature limiting device. It shall be the customer's responsibility to maintain and keep in service the pressure relief valve and at all times. 39) UNMETERED RATE TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF ANTIGONISH: For unmetered (meter by-pass) service to the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, a consumption rate identical to the wholesale rate approved by the UARB for Antigonish County shall be used. The Utility shall establish the amount of the unmetered water. 40) WATER CONSERVATION DIRECTIVES: The Utility may issue conservation of water directives to its customers, if in the opinion of the Utility, such directives are required to permit the Utility to provide reliable continuous water service to all customers served by the Utility. During such times as these directives are in force, customers who do not comply with the directives may have their water service suspended until such time as they agree to comply with the directive or upon suspension of the water conservation directive, whichever occurs first. Such customers shall be required to pay the Charge for Re- establishing Water Service as laid out in the approved Schedule of Rates for the Utility. 41) REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS OF SERVICE: The Utility has no obligation to extend water service into areas with no water service. Requests for such extensions will be reviewed by the Utility on a case by case basis. #311812 42) CURB STOP/CONTROL VALVE SERVICE BOX: The curb stop/control valve service box housing the customers control valve shall be exposed for access by the Utility at all times. The Utility requires all curb stop/control valve service boxes and/or valves to be fully exposed and adjusted to final landscape grade before the installation of a customer's water meter. The customer shall not make any adjustments to the service box. Any adjustment to the service box requested by the customer shall be carried out by the Utility and paid for by the customer. In the event that the curb stop/control valve service box is buried, paved over, back-filled or damaged as a result of carelessness, willful obstruction or any other occurrence that, in the opinion of the Utility, results in the requirement for the Utility to expose, re-expose, adjust or repair the curb stop /control valve service box, it shall be at the customer's expense. The Utility may undertake such activities as it deems necessary to gain access to the premises curb stop/control valve service box without expense to the Utility. When such action is undertaken, the reinstatement of the road, right-of-way, driveway, sidewalk, curb or landscape will be charged back to the customer if such activity is undertaken by the Utility.