NSARB Order 2026 - Stellarton Water Utility Schedule of Rates for Water and Water Services
Stellarton, Nova Scotia
· adopted 2026-09-23
· summary & facts
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Snapshot 7f85c873f4ff · verified 2026-10-18 ·
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Document: 333199
ORDER
M12805
NOVA SCOTIA REGULATORY AND APPEALS BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT
-and-
IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by the TOWN OF STELLARTON on behalf of
its WATER UTILITY for approval of amendments to its Schedule of Rates for Water and
Water Services and amendments to its Schedule of Rules and Regulations
BEFORE:
M. Kathleen McManus, K.C, Ph.D., Member
ORDER
Town of Stellarton on behalf of its Water Utility applied to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and
Appeals Board for approval of amendments to its Schedule of Rates for Water and Water
Services and amendments to its Schedule of Rules and Regulations.
The Board issued its Decision on September 23, 2026.
The Board approves the Rates for Water and Water Services, as Schedules A, B
and C to the rate study, as amended by this decision. The schedules will come into
effect on October 1, 2026, April 1, 2027, and April 1, 2028, respectively. The Board
approves the Schedule of Rules and Regulations, as Schedule D to the rate study.
This schedule is effective on October 1, 2026, attached hereto.
DATED at Halifax, Nova Scotia, this 23rd day of September 2026.
__________________________
Clerk of the Board
23rd September 26
I CERTIFY THAT THE WITHIN IS A TRUE
AND CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL
DATED THIS _____ DAY OF ____________, 20___
_________________________________________
Lisa Wallace, Chief Clerk of the Board
Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board
SCHEDULE "A"
TOWN OF STELLARTON WATER UTILITY
SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICE
(Effective for water supplied on and after 1 July, 2026)
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 1.00 % 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 Water Utility of the Town of Stellarton.
1.
RATES:
(a)
Base Charges
Quarterly
Unmetered
(Based on 50 cubic meters consumption)
174.51
Size of Meter
5/8"
66.44
3/4"
97.82
1"
160.58
1.5"
317.48
2"
505.76
3"
1,007.84
4"
1,572.68
6"
3,141.69
(b)
Consumption Rate (per cubic meter)
$ 2.16
per cubic meter
(c ) Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Pictou County
For water supplied at all metered service points.
Pictou County Base Rate
$ 3,480.95
per Quarter
Pictou Co. Consumption Rate
$ 1.56
per cubic meter
(d)
Minimum Bill
The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge.
2.
PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE
The Town of Stellarton and the Municipality of the County of Pictou shall pay the Water
Utility, on or before September 30, 2026 for fire protection services a total amount of
$776,190 based on 6 months at the existing rate ($776,190) and 6 months at the propose
rate ($776,190) divided between the Municipality $375,576 and the Town $400,614.
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 $60.00 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 $60.00 fee for the creation of a water account, notwithstanding
the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred.
9.
CONNECTION FEE
The Utility shall charge a $60.00 fee for the installation or activation of a meter,
notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred.
This fee shall be $200.00 if water is turned on after regular working hours of the Utility.
10.
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.
11.
SPECIAL SERVICE CHARGE:
A 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 necessary or requested service, such
as the shutting off or turning on of water service or other special services not provided for
elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and regulations. In the case where the shutting off
is requested because there is no operable shut off valve serving the dwelling, an isolation
valve must be installed.
12.
CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES
The Utility may charge a $25.00 administration fee for cheques that, due to non-
negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank.
13.
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
$25.00 for each visit if, in the judgment of the Utility, it is required.
SCHEDULE "B"
TOWN OF STELLARTON WATER UTILITY
SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICE
(Effective for water supplied on and after 1 April, 2027)
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 1.00 % 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 Water Utility of the Town of Stellarton.
1.
RATES:
(a)
Base Charges
Quarterly
Unmetered
(Based on 50 cubic meters consumption)
196.96
Size of Meter
Size of Meter
5/8"
78.54
3/4"
115.92
1"
190.68
1.5"
377.58
2"
601.85
3"
1,199.91
4"
1,872.74
(b)
Consumption Rate (per cubic meter)
$ 2.37
per cubic meter
(c ) Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Pictou County
For water supplied at all metered service points.
Pictou County Base Rate $ 4,249.44
per Quarter
Pictou Co. Consumption Rate $ 1.68
per cubic meter
(d)
Minimum Bill
The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge.
2.
PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE
The Town of Stellarton and the Municipality of the County of Pictou shall pay the Water
Utility, on or before September 30, 2027 for fire protection services a total amount of
$805,024 divided between the Municipality $389,528 and the Town $415,496.
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 $60.00 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 $60.00 fee for the creation of a water account, notwithstanding
the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred.
9.
CONNECTION FEE
The Utility shall charge a $60.00 fee for the installation or activation of a meter,
notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred.
This fee shall be $200.00 if water is turned on after regular working hours of the Utility.
10.
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.
11.
SPECIAL SERVICE CHARGE:
A 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 necessary or requested service, such
as the shutting off or turning on of water service or other special services not provided for
elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and regulations. In the case where the shutting off
is requested because there is no operable shut off valve serving the dwelling, an isolation
valve must be installed.
12.
CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES
The Utility may charge a $25.00 administration fee for cheques that, due to non-
negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank.
13.
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
$25.00 for each visit if, in the judgment of the Utility, it is required.
SCHEDULE "C"
TOWN OF STELLARTON WATER UTILITY
SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICE
(Effective for water supplied on and after 1 April, 2028)
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 1.00 % 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 Water Utility of the Town of Stellarton.
1.
RATES:
(a)
Base Charges
Quarterly
Unmetered
(Based on 50 cubic meters consumption)
214.57
Size of Meter
5/8"
84.74
3/4"
125.16
1"
206.00
1.5"
408.09
2"
650.61
3"
1,297.32
4"
2,024.87
6"
4,045.84
(b)
Consumption Rate (per cubic meter)
$
2.60
per cubic meter
(c ) Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Pictou County
For water supplied at all metered service points.
Pictou County Base Rate $ 4,640.48
per Quarter
Pictou Co. Consumption Rate $
1.80
per cubic meter
(d)
Minimum Bill
The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge.
2.
PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE
The Town of Stellarton and the Municipality of the County of Pictou shall pay the Water
Utility, on or before September 30, 2028 for fire protection services a total amount of
$934,415 divided between the Municipality $452,136 and the Town $482,279.
For subsequent years, the annual public fire protection rate shall be based on the above
or:
(a) the sum of 55.1% of Transmission and Distribution, Taxes and Depreciation
expenses of the Utility, and 55.1% 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 total cost calculated above shall be divided 51.6% to the Town of
Stellarton and 48.4% to the Municipality of Pictou County.
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 $60.00 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 $60.00 fee for the creation of a water account, notwithstanding
the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred.
9.
CONNECTION FEE
The Utility shall charge a $60.00 fee for the installation or activation of a meter,
notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have occurred.
This fee shall be $200.00 if water is turned on after regular working hours of the Utility.
10.
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.
11.
SPECIAL SERVICE CHARGE:
A 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 necessary or requested service, such
as the shutting off or turning on of water service or other special services not provided for
elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and regulations. In the case where the shutting off
is requested because there is no operable shut off valve serving the dwelling, an isolation
valve must be installed.
12.
CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES
The Utility may charge a $25.00 administration fee for cheques that, due to non-
negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank.
13.
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
$25.00 for each visit if, in the opinion of the Utility, it is required.
SCHEDULE D
TOWN OF STELLARTON WATER UTILITY
SCHEDULE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
GOVERNING THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND WATER SERVICES
(Effective 1 July 2026)
In these Rules and regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the expression:
"Utility" means the Water Utility of the Town of Stellarton
"Town" means the Town of Stellarton
"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.
"Domestic Service" means the type of service supplied to the owner of any space
or area occupied for the distinct purpose of a dwelling house, rooming house,
apartment, flat, etc.
"Metered Rate Service" means that type of service charged for at metered rates.
Metered rate service is required for all new services.
"Radio Frequency Meter" means a meter which uses radio frequency
transmission technology to allow the Utility to read the individual Customer's
water consumption remotely.
1)
LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT OF WATER BILL: An agreement 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
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.
2)
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 1.0% per
annum, not compounded.
3)
REFUSAL OF SERVICE: Service may be refused or suspended to any customer who
has failed to discharge all their liabilities to the Utility.
4)
BILLING: If a 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 period regardless of water turn-offs.
5)
PAYMENT OF BILLS: Bills shall be rendered to each customer at approximately 3 month
intervals (quarterly). 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.
6)
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 8(a) above, should it become necessary
for the Utility to make a billing adjustment as a result of a customer being over
billed for any reason, such adjustment will be estimated by the Utility, and the Utility
will be responsible for payment of the over billed amount with interest calculated
on the basis of current simple interest paid by the bank respecting the period during
which the customer was incorrectly billed by the Utility, such period not to exceed
five years.
7)
METER READING: In the case of Metered Service Customers who are billed quarterly,
meters shall be read quarterly.
8)
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
estimated bill or bills shall be adjusted accordingly.
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)
WATER TO BE SUPPLIED BY METER: Except where water is used for construction
purposes from a hydrant under the supervision of the Utility and except as in these
regulations otherwise provided, all services other than those used exclusively for fire
protection shall be metered. Any building occupied by more than one tenant may have a
separate meter with appropriate isolation valves for each tenant. With the Utility's
approval, such a building may be serviced by one meter, provided the landlord is the
customer. The Utility shall determine the size and type of meter in consultation with the
customer to be installed in each case. All meters shall be the property of the Utility.
11)
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. The plumbing and connections shall be properly prepared to receive the
installation of such meters to the approval of and without expense to the Utility.
12)
RADIO FREQUENCY METERS: Where radio frequency meters become available to a
Customer the Utility is authorized to require such Customer to have a radio frequency
meter installed for the metering of Service. Where radio frequency meters are the standard
meter in use and a radio frequency meter is not installed at the Customer's direction, such
Customer will be subject to a charge of $75.00 per read for the measurement of Service
by a meter which is required to be read manually and such meter will be read on a quarterly
basis.
13)
METER READERS: Each meter reader shall be provided with an official identification,
which he/she shall exhibit on request.
14)
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.
15)
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
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.
16)
DAMAGE TO WATER METERS: Each customer shall be responsible for the meter
equipment installed on his service and shall protect it. The customer 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.
17)
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 one and
one half percent (1 ½%) for positive displacement meters and three percent (3%) for
turbine or compound meters, the sum so deposited will be refunded to the customer.
18)
PLUMBING TO BE SATISFACTORY: All plumbing, pipes and fittings, fixtures, and other
devices 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 Town 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 Town 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.
19)
REMOTE REGISTERING WATER METERS: When a remote registering water meter is
installed on a customer's premises, then the cost of the meter and the remote registering
device and its installation shall be paid by the Utility. The meter and remote reading device
is the property of the Utility which shall become responsible for its operation, maintenance
and replacement. Any damage to the metering equipment 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.
20)
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 a certified tester, approved by the Utility, 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) The Utility shall only accept test results from individuals/companies who have a valid
Cross Connection Control Tester's License.
(e)
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.
(f) In the event of any breach, contravention or non-compliance by a person of any of the
provision and regulations in a sub-paragraphs (a),(b),(c) or (d) 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
notice, the Utility may immediately thereafter suspend water service to such
person.
21)
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.
22)
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.
23)
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.
24)
IMPROPER USE OR WASTE OF WATER: No customer shall permit the improper use or
waste of water, such as providing water to more than one single family dwelling and /or
apartment building from a single service, nor shall they sell or give water to any person
except upon such conditions and for such purposes as may be approved in writing by the
Utility.
25)
SERVICE PIPES: Upon receipt of an 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 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,
backfilling and surface restoration shall be paid for by the customer.
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 the sewer pipes cannot
be obtained, a separate excavation for the water serviced pipe shall be required. In either
case the excavation is to be provided by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Utility.
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.
Should any person make application for more than one service to his 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 in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Town
and to the satisfaction of the Utility.
When a service has been installed without objection from the customer as to the location
of the same, any 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.
26)
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) 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.
27)
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.
28)
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.
29)
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, sprinkler systems and
hydrants shall be the responsibility of the owner.
30)
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.
31)
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.
32)
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.
33)
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.
34)
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
in the street to the building. It shall be designed 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. 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 shall supervise the
installation of same. When the private fire protection system includes private hydrants,
these hydrants must be flushed during the Utility's regular flushing periods, under the
supervision of the Utility's personnel. These hydrants shall be maintained in a manner, or
on a regular basis as approved by the Utility. 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 shall be installed in accordance
with the Stellarton Water Utility requirements.
35)
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.
36)
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES: 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 at all time.
37)
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES: Whenever a pressure reducing valve has been installed
by a customer in accordance with Regulation 35, 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 at all times.
38)
THEFT OF SERVICE: The Commission may impose penalties in addition to charges for
Service approved by these Regulations for each unauthorized Water Service Connection,
as follows:
First incident
$300.00
Second incident, and each incident thereafter
$750.00
39)
EXTENTIONS OF SERVICE: Any owner of property situated on a street or highway in
which no water main has been laid (or where the main has been laid, but has not been
extended to the point opposite the owner's property), may make application to the Utility
requesting permission to have such a servicing extension carried out. The Utility would
review the application and either give approval in principle for the extension, or advise the
property owner that the extension is not feasible, and will provide the owner with the
reason for refusing permission.
After approval in principle has been granted, the owner may sign a contract with the Utility
requesting that the Utility install the water extension at his expense, or the owner may
have the water line extended by a private contractor approved by the Utility. Where the
latter is done, the extension must be designed and the construction supervised by a
registered professional engineer with the design being approved by the Utility.
In any event, the cost of the extension shall be paid fully by the owner and the ownership
of the water line turned over to the Utility before any water services are connected to the
extended line.
After the water line has been turned over to the Utility, it shall become a part of the Town
water utility and all of these regulations affecting the operation of the Utility shall apply.
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)
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.
The customer shall ensure the curb stop/control valve service box and/or the valve box is
exposed at all times. 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