Sewer Meter Policy
1) This policy replaces that dated June 21, 2004 and is in effect immediately. A copy of this policy and installation schematic shall be given or mailed to all persons inquiring about Sewer Meter Installation. The applicant shall complete the attached application (and Agreement if applicable) and return it along with full payment to the DPW Office at Town Hall, 1196 Main Street.
2) A reduce pressure zone backflow prevention device must be installed on any water line which services an irrigation system or swimming pool. Acceptable models include; Watts LF009QT , Zurn-Wilkins 375, Febco 825Y-QT, or equal. Please note that a PVB is NOT acceptable and if installed will result in a FAILED inspection.
3) No credit on customers sewer bill shall be made until the subject Sewer Meter has been inspected, programmed and sealed by Holden Water-Sewer Division Personnel, nor until the required reduced pressure principal backflow prevention device has been installed, tested, and test results reported to Holden DPW.
4) Meters shall be inspected within five (5) business days of notification of installation. Water billing shall be notified of successful inspection of meter and backflow device by work card, and shall update billing system information within twenty-four (24) hours of work card submittal.
5) A fee for inspection, programming and sealing of the "sewer" meter shall be charged to the property owner in accordance with the fees as established by the Water Division of the Department of Public Works (see fee section of this policy).
6) In the event of any dispute concerning the dates of request or inspection, the application and work order cards shall be used as the sole indication of proceedings.
7) Customers unfamiliar with Sewer Meters are advised of the following:
a) Sewer Meters are standard water meters that measure some water NOT returned to the sewer.
b) All water must pass through ONE meter (the "Water" Meter) and only then branch through the "Sewer" Meter. The Sewer Meter must be installed in the immediate area of the Water Meter (rule of thumb: must be able to touch both meters at the same time).
c) The Town reserves the right of future inspection, and any water found being returned to the sewerage system after passing through the Sewer Meter will result in immediate and permanent discontinuance of all sewer bill credits.
d) The Town will perform the initial inspection and test of the backflow prevention device for a fee as established by the Water Division of the Department of Public Works. (see fee section of this policy). The property owner is required by State Regulations to have this device tested semi-annually by a State Certified Backflow Device Tester and report the results to the DPW Water Division.
e) Only one (1) sewer meter shall be allowed to be installed per property. This meter is to be installed solely at the property owners expense.
f) Repair and maintenance of the "sewer" meter is the responsibility of the property owner. It is not the responsibility of the Town of placeCityHolden Water / Sewer Division to maintain, repair or replace sewer meters.
g) The Water Division will not make adjustments to water / sewer bills for meters that are not working properly or that may be registering incorrectly.
h) It is strongly suggested that the property owner periodically check the meter to see if it in fact is registering. This can be done by simply checking the reading on the meter before and after a use. This is suggested in order to avoid receiving no credit on a water / sewer bill for this meter.
8) USE OF SEWER METERS IS A PRIVILAGE AND NOT A RIGHT GRANTED UNDER TOWN WATER RULES. THE TOWN RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISCONTINUE USE OF SEWER METERS AT ANY TIME.
9) Effective August 1, 2001 and permanently thereafter, all customers installing second meters in connection with irrigation systems shall have those system equipped with a rain sensor. Water personnel will inspect for the presence of a rain sensor prior to sealing and certifying the second meter, and prior to conducting the required backflow prevention device testing.
10) Rain sensors must continuously seek for the presence of rainfall and remain unobstructed in that process. Irrigation system controllers must be capable of receiving a signal from the rain sensor, processing that signal, and preventing irrigation systems from operating during rainfall and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter.
11) It is further recommended, but not required at this time, that irrigation system controllers be capable of programming so as to allow for watering only on odd numbered or even numbered days. Older style controllers are capable of setting for specific days of the week, but are not capable of continuous odd-even programming. This recommendation may become a requirement in the future, and may be applied retroactively to any irrigation system found operating contrary to water use restriction then in effect.
12) Persons desiring sewer meters for use only on existing house sillcocks do not need to install a reduced pressure backflow preventer if they agree to and sign the enclosed Agreement. They cannot use this agreement if they have - or if they intend to have - a pool or irrigation system.
Anyone refusing to sign this agreement has the choice not to have a second meter, or to install a reduced pressure principal valve before we seal and inspect the meter.
13) For cases where the above noted agreement has been signed, Water Sewer Division personnel will check each sillcock for installation of a non-removable hose bibb vacuum breaker at the time of meter inspection and sealing. All outdoor water lines not protected by an RPZ shall have non-removable hose bibb vacuum breakers installed.
FEES:
5/8" Water Meter $ 352.00
Backflow Device Testing $ 70.00
QUESTIONS: Contact Holden Water Superintendent (508) 210-5550
