Highlighted below: 5 of 5 extracted standards. Sections and highlights carry their own anchors.
Chapter 62 - UTILITIES#
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Cross reference— Administration, ch. 2; standing committees of council, § 2-32; buildings and building regulations, ch. 18; environment, ch. 26; fire prevention and protection, ch. 30; solid waste, ch. 46; streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 50; subdivisions, app. A.
State Law reference— Construction of dams, etc., for water supply purposes, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-37 et seq.; water-saving ordinances, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-37.2:1; water supply emergency ordinances, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-37.3:4; general local powers pertaining to public utilities, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-292 et seq.; local sewage disposal, Code of Virginia, §§ 15.1-317 et seq., 15.1-876; local water supply systems, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-332.1 et seq.; municipal water, sewage, refuse disposal, electricity and gas, Code of Virginia, §§ 15.1-854 et seq., 15.1-875 et seq.; health regulations pertaining to sewage disposal, Code of Virginia, § 32.1-163 et seq.; health regulations pertaining to public water supplies, Code of Virginia, § 32.1-167 et seq.; State Water Control Law, Code of Virginia, § 62.1-44.2 et seq.
ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL#
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Editor's note— An ordinance adopted March 20, 1995, set out provisions amending Art. I in its entirety as set out herein. Former Art. I, §§ 62-1, 62-2, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Code 1971, § 16-34, and an ordinance adopted July 2, 1984, § 16-34(A)—(G).
Sec. 62-1. - Application for service.#
(a) Applicant for service shall provide some form of identification and a social security card, before an application can be processed.
(b) Applicant will provide as complete a list as possible of the persons over the age of 18 who reside in the residence.
(c) Applications for new service at a structure where there is presently an outstanding utility balance must be accompanied by a copy of the rental agreement, lease, or other legal proof of residence.
(d) All members of any family occupying the same household are deemed to be customers for the purpose of this section, regardless of the name in which service is registered. For the purpose of this section, the definition of family shall be the following:
Family: One or more people, plus their household employees, who live together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit.
(e) The town reserves the right to refuse service and to disconnect service to any location regardless of whose name the account is under, if there is a person living at or regularly frequenting the location, who owes the town for prior service.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96; Ord. of 11-18-02; Ord. of 11-18-19)
Sec. 62-2. - Deposits.#
(a) Residential accounts for water and sewer service must provide a $125.00 deposit prior to the start of water and sewer service, provided, however, that if the customer has also made an electric service deposit as required by the Town Code, the water and sewer service deposit shall be $50.00.
(b) Residential accounts for electrical service must provide a $250.00 deposit prior to the start of electric service.
(c) Reserved.
(d) Deposits for industrial and commercial accounts are determined by reviewing the billing history for the structure over the previous 12 months and applying the average monthly bill. If use of the structure will significantly change, the town shall determine the appropriate deposit by applying average monthly bills for similar uses.
(e) The minimum deposit required for industrial and commercial customers will be $200.00 for electrical service only and $250.00 for electrical, water, and sewer service. When a deposit of $500.00 or more is required, the requirement may be satisfied by a certificate of deposit or a security bond properly assigned to the town. The deposit, being one month's estimated usage, may also be estimated by projected future usage for one month in the case of a new industry or commercial business.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96; Ord. of 6-25-01; Ord. of 11-18-02; Ord. of 3-10-11(2))
Sec. 62-3. - Deposit exceptions.#
(a) For new residential applicants a deposit will not be required when an applicant satisfies at least one of the following:
(1) An applicant was a utility customer of the town within the last 24 months and has a satisfactory payment record.
(2) The applicant may obtain a guarantor. To qualify as a guarantor, an individual must be a customer of the town for at least 24 months, in good standing, reside in the town and appear in person to execute a "guarantee of payment agreement." The guarantor must understand that he is responsible for any uncollected charges. Failure by the guarantor to pay any charges unrecovered from the customer will result in the termination of services to the guarantor.
(3) An applicant is considered an inheritor of deposit of the resident presently billed for service if any of the following apply:
a. Resides in the residence.
b. Desires to have billing in his or her name.
c. Meets exceptions 1, 2 or can provide evidence verifying that the applicant has a satisfactory payment record on service to the residence for the past 12 months.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96; Ord. of 2-24-20)
Sec. 62-4. - Deposit refunds.#
(a) The town will hold all deposits for 12 months. If at the conclusion of such time the utility account has had no delinquent payments, the deposit shall be refunded at two percent interest. These deposits shall be processed and returned annually on the first day of February.
(b) If a deposit has been in the town's possession for at least 12 full months any deposit remaining after satisfying final bills and charges will be refunded at two percent interest.
(c) Final bills and any accumulated charges will be deducted from deposits held by the town. If any balance remains after all fees have been satisfied, the remaining deposit will be refunded to the customer.
(d) Should the customer terminate the account prior to the refund of a deposit, the town will have a reasonable amount of time to read the meter and determine that all obligations of the customer have been met before returning the deposit.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96)
Sec. 62-5. - Payment.#
(a) Payment of a bill for utility service is due in full on or before the 15th day after such bill is mailed. A penalty of five percent shall be added to any bill paid after its due date. In the event of a hearing pursuant to which results in a ruling favorable to the customer, no penalty shall be imposed.
(b) If any utility bill is not paid within 20 days after it is mailed, a single notice providing ten more days to pay the bill in full before service is disconnected will be delivered to the customer. A $25.00 charge is automatically levied against the utility account for delivery of this notice.
(c) If a payment for utility service is made by check and is found to be dishonored, reimbursement to the town for that utility bill can only be made with cash, cashier's check, or money order.
(d) Customers living alone should notify a responsible family member of disconnection policy.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96; Ord. of 3-10-11(2))
Sec. 62-5.1. - Deferral of penalty.#
The treasurer of the town is hereby authorized to grant a deferral of the imposition of the five percent penalty provided for in section 62-5(a) for electric utility customers who are:
(1) Over the age of 65 years; or
(2) Permanently or totally disabled; and
(3) Physically reside in the dwelling to which the service is provided; and
(4) Having an annual income of less than $27,500.00;
(5) And who receive their retirement or disability payment after the 15th day after electric utility bills are mailed.
For customers who qualify for deferral, and who receive their retirement or disability payment after the 15th day but before the 20th day after electric utility bills are mailed, the five percent penalty shall be added after the 21st day after such bill is mailed.
For customers who qualify for deferral, and who receive their retirement or disability payment after the 20th day but before the 30th day after electric utility bills are mailed, the five percent penalty shall be added after the 31st day after such bill is mailed.
The treasurer shall obtain proof of age or proof of disability and proof of income, proof of residency and proof of the date of payment of retirement or disability income satisfactory to him prior to granting the deferral.
(Ord. of 2-26-07(1))
Sec. 62-6. - Delayed payment plan.#
(a) When a customer is unable to pay a utility bill which is uncharacteristically high due to a water leak, certified by the town manager, and on the customer's property, the customer may enter into a delayed payment plan. To be eligible for the delayed payment plan the customer must satisfy the following:
(1) Pay one-third of the bill by the bill's due date.
(2) Pay one-third of the outstanding balance each month for the following two months.
(3) Pay a five percent charge each month on the outstanding balance.
(4) Agree in writing to pay in full all future bills during the period of the agreement by the due date.
(b) The town will only enter one delayed payment plan with an individual or family as defined in section 62-1.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96)
Sec. 62-7. - Reserved.#
Editor's note— An ordinance adopted Nov. 18, 2002, repealed § 62-7, which pertained to residential rental properties. See the Code Comparative Table.
Sec. 62-8. - Involuntary discontinuance of service.#
(a) The town may discontinue utility service to customers for any of the following reasons:
(1) Failure of the customer to pay any bill for utility service within the time limits provided under town ordinances and regulations, or payment of a bill with a check which is dishonored.
(2) Failure of a customer to make a deposit to guarantee payment of charges for utility service where such deposit is required.
(3) Refusal by the customer to allow the town reasonable access to the premises as is necessary to provide utility service.
(4) Damage or loss of town property on the customer's premises for which the customer is liable and for which the customer does not reimburse the town.
(b) Before disconnecting a customer, the town shall first:
(1) Send a notice to the customer by hand delivery which shall include attaching the notice to an exterior door of customer's premises or by registered mail to customer's last known address on file in the town office.
(2) The notice shall advise the customer:
a. That utility service will be disconnected.
b. That utility service shall be disconnected ten days after the delivery or mailing date of the notice.
c. Why the utility service is being disconnected. If for nonpayment of a bill, the notice or an attachment shall show a meter reading and the amount in arrears.
d. That if the customer disputes the reason for discontinuance, a hearing is available before a hearing officer who will have the authority to make a final determination of the complaint.
e. That the customer may be represented at the hearing by any person and may present evidence supporting his claim.
f. The days, times and location that the customer may request a hearing.
g. That if the customer does not pay or resort to a hearing within ten days of delivery of notice, service will be discontinued without further warning.
(c) There will be a charge of $5.00 to the customer for each disconnect notice sent by hand delivery and a charge of $5.00 for each notice sent by registered mail.
(d) The customer shall request a hearing in person or by his representative at the town office or pay the amount of the bill within ten days of receipt of a hand-delivered disconnect notice or within ten days of mailing of a disconnect notice by registered mail. After the ten-day period, if the customer has not paid or has not requested a hearing, or has received an unfavorable decision in a hearing, the town will discontinue service.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96)
Sec. 62-9. - Hearing procedure.#
(a) A hearing will be available at the Blackstone Town Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(1) The hearing officer shall be the town manager or the town clerk or other official as the town manager shall appoint.
(2) The hearing officer shall have the power to make a final determination on any dispute.
(3) The hearing officer shall allow the customer to present evidence orally, in writing, or by witness and shall allow the customer to be represented by the person of the customer's choosing.
(4) Once a hearing is requested the town may not discontinue service until after a decision unfavorable to the customer or after a hearing has been scheduled at a time which the customer has notice and the customer failed to attend.
(5) If a decision unfavorable to the customer is reached, service will not be disconnected if the customer pays the disputed amount within the ten-day period or payment is made immediately if the ten-day period has expired.
(b) Notice and hearing shall not be required if an emergency situation demands that the utility service be disconnected.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96)
Article VI. - Water#
Sec. 62-10. - Reconnection policy.#
(a) When utility service to a customer's premises has been involuntarily terminated, the town will reconnect the service between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, and after receiving:
(1) Full payment of any past due amount which appears on a specific delinquent notice or bill.
(2) Full payment of service charges. Service charges include:
a. The five percent charge added to any delinquent bill.
b. The $25.00 fee charged to a customer's account when a final notice has either been hand delivered or sent by registered mail.
(3) Full payment of any reconnection fees. If a customer's service has been involuntarily terminated there will be a $20.00 reconnection fee charged to the account to renew utility service.
(4) A deposit equaling two times the average monthly bill for the account during the previous 12 months.
(b) Payments for restoration of service may be made only at the Blackstone Town Office, 100 West Elm Street, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
(Ord. of 3-20-95; Ord. of 6-17-96; Ord. of 2-26-07(2); Ord. of 3-10-11(2))
Sec. 62-26. - Rules and regulations generally.#
The rules and regulations set out in this article shall be a part of the contract with every person supplied with water through the town waterworks system, and every person by taking water shall be bound thereby. When any of the rules and regulations are violated, water shall be cut off from the building or place of such violations and shall not be turned on except by order of the town manager or council and then only after the payment of the sum of $20.00 to cover the costs of shutting off the water and turning it on again.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-1; Ord. of 3-10-11(2))
Sec. 62-27. - Taking water without authority.#
It is hereby declared unlawful for any person to take any water from the waterworks system of the town, except in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-2)
Sec. 62-28. - General restrictions on use of water.#
No consumer shall supply water to other persons nor suffer others to take water off his premises except in accordance with this article. Nothing in this section shall prevent the occupant of any house or premises supplied with town water from having, when his hydrant or connection is out of order, the use of water from another house or premises with the permission of the occupant thereof nor prevent any person from taking town water to extinguish a fire in the case of an emergency.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-3)
Sec. 62-29. - Administration by town manager.#
The town manager shall have the general management and control of the town waterworks and the properties appertaining thereto. He shall have authority to appoint such assistants and employees as he may deem necessary for the operation and maintenance of the waterworks, to fix their compensation and to remove such assistants and employees at any time, provided that in such general management and control, the town manager shall be subject to the control of the council.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-4)
Cross reference— Administration, ch. 2.
Sec. 62-30. - Fire hydrants.#
(a) All hydrants erected for the purpose of extinguishing fires are hereby declared to be public hydrants. No persons, except the members of the fire department, or persons especially authorized by the town manager or the council, and then only in the exercise of the authority delegated, shall open any of such hydrants or uncover or remove any protection from or in any manner interfere with such hydrants.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person authorized to open hydrants to delegate his authority to another or let or suffer another person to take wrenches or tools furnished him or to suffer the wrenches or tools to be taken from any fire station except for a purpose strictly connected with the fire department or as they accompany fire apparatus on the occasion of a fire.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-5)
Sec. 62-31. - Tampering with waterworks property.#
It shall be unlawful to break, injure, mark, deface, interfere with or disturb any building machinery, apparatus, mains, pipes, meters, fixtures, attachments or appurtenances of the waterworks system or any part thereof or to commit any act tending to obstruct or impair the intended use of the property mentioned in this section without permission of the town manager or the council or excepting cases provided by ordinance or this Code. The waterworks system referred to in this section shall not include the pipes, fixtures, etc., owned and maintained by the consumer.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-6)
State Law reference— Damage or trespass to public services or utilities, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-162; tampering with metering device, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-163.
Sec. 62-32. - Failure of system; right to cut off water generally.#
The town does not guarantee a regular and uninterrupted supply of water to any consumer and shall not be liable for any failure to supply the water, nor shall it be liable for any claim or damages by reason of the breaking of any main, service pipe, stopcock or other equipment or if for any reason the supply of water shall be shut off to make repairs, connections or extensions or for any other reason whatsoever. The right is reserved to cut off the supply of water at any time. When possible to do so, reasonable notice of such discontinuation shall be given to the consumers affected.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-7)
Sec. 62-33. - Right of entry.#
Every consumer shall permit the town manager and the duly authorized employees of the waterworks system of the town, at all reasonable hours of the day, to enter his premises or building to examine the pipes and fixtures and the manner in which the water is used. Such consumer shall frankly and without concealment answer questions put to him relative to the use of water on such premises or in such building. The town shall have the right, on giving reasonable notice to the consumer, to discontinue the service when such access at any time is refused or not permitted.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-8)
Sec. 62-34. - Discharge from sinks, bathrooms or other fixtures.#
No sewage or wastewater from any lot or discharge from any sink, bathroom or hydrant or other water fixture shall be permitted to flow into the street, upon the sidewalk or footway, or upon the premises of any adjacent owner.§
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-9)
Sec. 62-46. - Connection to system required.#
Every house, mobile home, house trailer or other unit used as a residence and every place of business, manufacturing plant or other business establishment shall be connected to the town water system, unless the water system is inaccessible.§ It shall be the duty of the town manager to determine whether or not the water system is accessible in each case.
Residences and businesses which are connected to the town water system may utilize well water for the watering of lawns, gardens, flowers and nurseries provided a permit is obtained from the town manager, which approves the location, pump house structure and pump; said well water shall not be discharged into the town sewer system.§
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-10; Ord. of 9-15-03(2))
State Law reference— Authority of town to require connection with water system, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-875.
Sec. 62-47. - Application for service and charge for connection.#
(a) Every person desiring a supply of water shall make application therefore to the town manager on such forms as may be prescribed by the town and provided for the purpose. The application shall state fully and truly all the uses to which the water is to be applied. No different or additional use will be allowed, except by written permission made therefore.
(b) The service charge for providing initial water line service by the town shall be $10.00 per connection.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-11; Ord. of 3-10-11(2))
Editor's note— An ordinance adopted March 10, 2011, changed the title of § 62-47 from "Application for service" to "Application for service and charge for connection."
Sec. 62-48. - Permit for connection.#
(a) No connection shall be made to the town water system until the permit therefor shall first have been issued by the town manager.
(b) The permit for the connection to the service pipes or water mains shall be issued by the town manager to some licensed plumber employed by the applicant to make such connection. Any person making connection with the system shall not cover it up before it has been inspected by the town manager or the building inspector.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-12)
Sec. 62-49. - Each residential unit or business establishment to have separate connection; exception.#
Not more than one house, mobile home, house trailer or other unit used as a residence, including each apartment unit or tenement unit, and not more than one place of business, manufacturing plant or other business establishment shall be supplied from or through any one water tap or connection, except on written permission of the council and not then in any case unless provision is made so that each house, mobile home, house trailer or other unit used as a residence, place of business, manufacturing plant or other business establishment may be shut off independently of all others.§ Mobile home parks, described as any lot or premises on which two or more mobile homes are parked or located, shall have either a separate water meter supplying each mobile home or, with the approval of the town manager, may be supplied by one or more meters if the water is purchased by the owner or operator of the mobile home park.§
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-13)
Sec. 62-50. - Water tap charges.#
(a) Basic. The charge for a five-eighths-inch by three-fourths-inch water tap shall be $800.00 within the town and $1,600.00 outside of town. The tap fees shall increase based on the size of the tap and the number of expected residential units. The fee schedule shall be as follows:
| Size of Tap (measured in inches) | Expected Residential Units | Tap Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $800.00 |
| ¾ inch | 1.00 | 800.00 |
| 1 inch | 2.00 | 1,600.00 |
| 1½ inch | 5.00 | 4,000.00 |
| 2 inches | 8.00 | 6,400.00 |
| 3 inches | 16.00 | 12,800.00 |
| 4 inches | 25.00 | 20,000.00 |
| 6 inches | 50.00 | 40,000.00 |
| 8 inches | 80.00 | 64,000.00 |
(b) Multiple living units.
(1) The charge for a water tap that serves a building with more than one unit shall be charged based on the size of the tap, as listed above.
(2) For the purpose of this section, a unit is described as follows:
a. The part of a building designed or used as separate living quarters, including each apartment unit or tenement unit.
b. The part of a building designed or used as a separate business, profession, trade or occupation.
c. For nursing homes, hospitals, roominghouses, boardinghouses or any like structure, every four beds shall constitute one unit.
d. For hotels, motels, or any like structure, every four rooms shall constitute one unit.
e. For mobile home parks, each space designed or used to accommodate one mobile home shall constitute one unit.
f. For schools, day care centers, or any like structure, every 15 students shall constitute one unit.
(3) In addition to the charges imposed by this section, the developer shall also pay the cost of extending the water and sewer main line, as provided for in the town's subdivision ordinance.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), §§ 20.1-14, 20.1-15; Ord. of 12-20-04(3); Ord. of 6-17-19(1))
Sec. 62-51. - Deposits.#
Every applicant for water service shall be required to make, before service is instituted, a cash deposit equal to the estimated consumption of two months. Interest shall be allowed to each customer upon his deposit at the rate of two percent per annum. The deposit shall be refunded to the customer at the termination of the service.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-16; Ord. of 12-20-04(3))
Sec. 62-52. - Water rate schedule.#
(a) The charge for water shall be:
(1) First 3,000 gallons ..... $21.39
(2) Next 40,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons ..... 7.13
(3) Next 87,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons ..... 7.00
(4) Over 130,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons ..... 6.90
(b) The minimum charge for water service to locations within the town shall be $21.39 up to and including 3,000 gallons, based on a monthly consumption. The minimum charge for service to locations outside of town shall be an additional 50 percent more than the minimum charge within the town. Where consumption outside the town is in excess of 3,000 gallons, the charge shall be 50 percent more than the charges within the town, based on monthly consumption.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-17; Ord. of 12-20-04(3); Ord. of 8-1-06; Ord. of 6-30-08(3); Ord. of 3-10-11(2))
Sec. 62-53. - Surcharge on multiple units served by a single meter.#
(a) In addition to the charges imposed by other sections of this article, there shall be added to all bills for meters serving more than one unit, a monthly surcharge of $5.00 per unit for all units in excess of one, whether occupied or not. For the purpose of this section, a unit is described in section 62-50.
(b) For customers outside the town, the surcharge shall be the same as for customers inside the town, plus 50 percent.
(c) There shall be no surcharge for dormitories when they are owned by an educational institution and used to house students attending that institution.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-18; Ord. of 6-17-19(2))
State Law reference— Authority of town to charge for water furnished, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-875.
Sec. 62-54. - Charges for sprinkler systems outside of town.#
(a) A charge of $0.10 per sprinkler head shall be assessed and paid on each sprinkler system outside of the town where such sprinkler system is connected with the town water supply.
(b) This charge shall be paid in advance for the then unexpired portion of the calendar year at the time connection is made, and thereafter charges shall be billed for the calendar year.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-18)
Sec. 62-55. - Town to maintain connections to meter box.#
After the final inspection and approval of any service connection by the town manager or his authorized agent, the town shall maintain all connections from the water main up to and including the water meters and meter box; except that when a meter is on private property, the town's responsibility shall not extend beyond the property line.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-19)
Sec. 62-56. - Consumer to furnish connections between house and meter box.#
Service connections between the house or premises of the property owner or consumer and the town meter shall be the responsibility of the property owner or the consumer.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-20)
Sec. 62-57. - Turning on water.#
Water shall not be turned on in any building or private service except by order of the town manager. Any person who turns on town water or who takes water from the town water system by any means except by order of the town manager or the council shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor, and any person who uses water so taken shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. This rule shall not be construed to prohibit plumbers from turning water into any pipe to test the pipe or for the purpose of testing the plumbing connected thereto. Should the meter or connections be damaged in any way by the turning on of water for testing purposes, the plumber shall be responsible for all such damages.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-21)
Sec. 62-58. - Disconnection of service.#
Water service may be disconnected on notice to the town manager whenever the premises are to be unoccupied and shall be reconnected on request.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(3), § 20.1-22)
Sec. 62-59. - Water tap fees, connection fees and regulations.#
The water tap fees for the Town of Blackstone have been established by the Blackstone Town Council as follows for tap connections that are located in the town limits of Blackstone:
| Size of Tap (measured in inches) | Expected Residential Units | Tap Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $800.00 |
| ¾ inch | 1.00 | 800.00 |
| 1 inch | 2.00 | 1,600.00 |
| 1½ inch | 5.00 | 4,000.00 |
| 2 inches | 8.00 | 6,400.00 |
| 3 inches | 16.00 | 12,800.00 |
| 4 inches | 25.00 | 20,000.00 |
| 6 inches | 50.00 | 40,000.00 |
| 8 inches | 80.00 | 64,000.00 |
(1) All tap fees shall be paid in full to the Town of Blackstone before any tap construction may begin.
(2) The tap fee shall be paid in full at the time of application for a town zoning permit when application is for new construction.
(3) Application for services must be made to the town manager at least five days prior to the tap being performed.
(4) The tap fee does not include expected costs of labor, equipment and materials associated with the water tap, including the meter and meter accessories.
(5) The applicant shall reimburse the town for all costs of labor, equipment, and materials incurred by the town during installation of the service connection.
(6) The Town of Blackstone shall keep records of all time, labor equipment and materials associated with the installation of the connection. Upon completion, the town shall tabulate all costs, and any costs in excess of the estimate provided prior to connection shall be the responsibility of the owner.
(7) All taps into the Town of Blackstone's main line must be done by an agent or employee of the Town of Blackstone or by a contractor that is approved by the Town of Blackstone. Such approval must be in writing from the town manager or his or her designee. The approval of the contractor shall be in the sole discretion of the town manager or his or her designee. If the owner desires to use a contractor to tap into the Town of Blackstone's main line, he or she must request the use of such contractor in writing to the town manager.
(8) The owner cannot opt out of the tap fee.
(9) All meters used within the Town of Blackstone limits and within the Town of Blackstone water works system shall be furnished by the Town of Blackstone at the owner's sole expense.
(10) When master metered for residential or commercial development, if there are additional units above the amount listed in the above schedule for a certain size tap, there shall be a tap fee of $500.00 per unit inside the town limits and $1,000.00 per unit outside the town limits.
(11) All taps performed outside of the town limits of the Town of Blackstone shall be double the basic in-town rate listed above. Basic out of town tap fees are as follows:
| Size of Tap (measured in inches) | Expected Residential Units | Tap Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | 1.00 | $1,600.00 |
| ¾ inch | 1.00 | 1,600.00 |
| 1 inch | 2.00 | 3,200.00 |
| 1½ inch | 5.00 | 8,000.00 |
| 2 inches | 8.00 | 12,800.00 |
| 3 inches | 16.00 | 25,600.00 |
| 4 inches | 25.00 | 40,000.00 |
| 6 inches | 50.00 | 80,000.00 |
| 8 inches | 80.00 | 128,000.00 |
(Ord. of 6-17-19(3))
Sec. 62-71. - Provided by town.#
All water furnished by the town shall be measured by meters furnished by the town for that purpose.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(2), § 20.1-23)
Sec. 62-72. - Monthly readings; due date of bills; delinquent accounts.#
(a) Meters shall be read every month by the properly authorized persons and water bills for the meters shall be due and payable at the office of the town treasurer before the 15th day of the following month; if not paid by the 15th day of that month, there shall be a $5.00 service charge. If paid after the 20th of the month, and, if not paid on or before the last day of that month, water service to the delinquent consumer may be discontinued. To be reconnected, the delinquent consumer shall pay all accounts then due and, in addition, a reconnect charge of $10.00.
(b) If the bill is not paid by the 20th day of such month, the town treasurer shall mail a notice to the delinquent consumer, stating that the five percent penalty and $5.00 service charge has been applied to the bill, and if the bill is not paid on or before the last day of such month, service shall be disconnected. If service is disconnected and the consumer does not choose to have it reconnected, after ten days, the town treasurer may apply the consumer's deposit to his unpaid account.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(2), § 20.1-24)
Sec. 62-73. - Testing; deposit.#
Any consumer may require his meter to be tested by paying to the town treasurer the sum of $10.00. The town manager shall thereupon see that the meter is properly tested. Should the meter register three percent or more over, the consumer shall have his deposit for testing the meter returned to him.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(2), § 20.1-25)
Sec. 62-74. - Refunds when meters in error.#
Whenever a meter is found to have an average error in registration exceeding three percent, an adjustment shall be made between the town and the consumer on the basis of the error found, covering a period equal to one-half of the time elapsed since the last previous test; but in no case shall this period exceed three months.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(2), § 20.1-26)
Sec. 62-75. - Failure to register.#
If the metering equipment is found to be out of order or fails to register for a certain period, the amount of water consumed shall be estimated, using as a basis the amount consumed during a similar period and under comparable conditions.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(2), § 20.1-27)
Sec. 62-76. - Removal for illegal use or abuse.#
If at any time it becomes necessary to remove a water meter because of improper or illegal use or abuse, the meter shall not be replaced until a $10.00 reinstallation charge is paid to the town treasurer, in addition to all other charges properly due.
(Ord. of 7-2-92(2), § 20.1-28)
DIVISION 4. - CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL; BACKFLOW PREVENTION#
Footnotes: --- (3) --- Editor's note— An ordinance adopted July 21, 2003, repealed the former Div. 4, §§ 62-86—62-90, and enacted new §§ 62-86—62-96 as set out herein. The former §§ 62-86—62-90 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from §§ 1—5 of an ordinance adopted Feb. 4, 1980.
Sec. 62-86. - Definitions.#
Air gap means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest point of the potable water outlet and the rim of the receiving vessel.
Auxiliary water system means any water system on or available to the premises other than the waterworks. These auxiliary waters may include water from a source such as wells, lakes, or streams; or process fluids; or used water. They may be polluted or contaminated or objectionable, or constitute an unapproved water source or system over which the water purveyor does not have control.
Backflow means the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into a waterworks from any source or sources other than its intended source.
Backflow prevention by separation ("separation") means preventing backflow by either an air gap or by physical disconnection of a waterworks by the removal or absence of pipes, fittings, or fixtures that connect a waterworks directly or indirectly to a nonpotable system or one of questionable quality.
Backflow prevention device ("device") means any approved device intended to prevent backflow into a waterworks.
Backpressure backflow means backflow caused by pressure in the downstream piping which is superior to the supply pressure at the point of consideration.
Backsiphonage backflow means backflow caused by a reduction in pressure which causes a partial vacuum creating a siphon effect.
Consumer means person who drinks water from a waterworks.
Consumer's water supply system ("consumer's system") means the water service pipe, water distributing pipes, and necessary connecting pipes, fittings, control valves, and all appurtenances in or adjacent to the building or premises.
Containment means the prevention of backflow into a waterworks from a consumer's water supply system by a backflow prevention device or by backflow prevention by separation at the service connection.
Contaminant means any objectionable or hazardous physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water.
Cross connection means any connection or structural arrangement, direct or indirect, to the waterworks whereby backflow can occur.
Degree of hazard means either a high, moderate or low hazard based on the nature of the contaminant; the potential health hazard; the probability of the backflow occurrence; the method of backflow either by backpressure or by backsiphonage; and the potential effect on waterworks structures, equipment, and appurtenances used in the storage, collection, purification, treatment, and distribution of pure water.
Distribution main means a water main whose primary purpose is to provide treated water to service connections.
Division means the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Department of Health, Office of Water Programs, Division of Water Supply Engineering.
Domestic use or usage means normal family or household use, including drinking, laundering, bathing, cooking, heating, cleaning and flushing toilets (see appendix A for Title 32.1, Article 2, Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended).
Double gate-double check valve assembly means an approved assembly designed to prevent backsiphonage or backpressure backflow and used for moderate or low hazard situations, composed of two independently operating, spring-loaded check valves, tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly located test cocks.
Entry point means the place where water from the source is delivered to the distribution system.
Health hazard means any condition, device, or practice in a waterworks or its operation that creates, or may create, a danger to the health and well being of the water consumer.
Isolation means the prevention of backflow into a waterworks from a consumer's water supply system by a backflow prevention device or by backflow prevention by separation at the sources of potential contamination in the consumer's water supply system. This is also called point-of-use isolation. Isolation of an area or zone within a consumer's water supply system confines the potential source of contamination to a specific area or zone. This is called area or zone isolation.
Maximum contaminant level means the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to the free flowing outlet of the ultimate user of a waterworks, except in the cases of turbidity and VOCs, where the maximum permissible level is measured at each entry point to the distribution system. Contaminants added to the water under circumstances controlled by the user, except those resulting from corrosion of piping and plumbing caused by water quality, are excluded from this definition. Maximum contaminant levels may be either "primary" (PMCL) meaning based on health considerations or "secondary" (SMCL) meaning based on aesthetic considerations.
Plumbing fixture means a receptacle or device which is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system of the premises, and demands a supply of water there from; or discharges used water, waste materials, or sewage either directly or indirectly to the drainage system of the premises; or requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system of the premises.
Pollution means the presence of any foreign substance (chemical, physical, radiological, or biological) in water that tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute an unnecessary risk or impair the usefulness of the water.
Pollution hazard means a condition through which an aesthetically objectionable or degrading material may enter the waterworks or a consumer's water system.
Premises means a piece of real estate; house or building and its land.
Pressure vacuum breaker means an approved assembly designed to prevent backsiphonage backflow and used for high, moderate, or low hazard situations, composed of one or two independently operating, spring-loaded check valves; an independently operating, spring-loaded air-inlet valve; tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly; and fitted with properly located test cocks.
Process fluids means any kind of fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically, or otherwise contaminated or polluted which would constitute a health, pollution, or system hazard if introduced into the waterworks. This includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Polluted or contaminated water;
(2) Process waters;
(3) Used water, originating from the waterworks which may have deteriorated in sanitary quality;
(4) Cooling waters;
(5) Contaminated natural waters taken from wells, lakes, streams, or irrigation systems;
(6) Chemicals in solution or suspension; and
(7) Oils, gases, acids, alkalis, and other liquid and gaseous fluid used in industrial or other processes, or for fire fighting purposes.
Pure water or potable water means water fit for human consumption and domestic use which is sanitary and normally free of minerals, organic substances, and toxic agents in excess of reasonable amounts for domestic usage in the area served and normally adequate in quantity and quality for the minimum health requirements of the persons served.
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPZ device) means an approved assembly designed to prevent backsiphonage or backpressure backflow used for high, moderate, or low hazard situations, composed of a minimum of two independently operating, spring-loaded check valves together with an independent, hydraulically operating pressure differential relief valve located between the two check valves. During normal flow and at the cessation of normal flow, the pressure between these two checks shall be less than the supply pressure. The unit must include tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly and be fitted with properly located test cocks.
Service connection means the point of delivery of water to a customer's building service line as follows:
(1) If a meter is installed, the service connection is the downstream side of the meter;
(2) If a meter is not installed, the service connection is the point of connection to the waterworks;
(3) When the water purveyor is also the building owner, the service connection is the entry point to the building.
System hazard means a condition posing a threat of or actually causing damage to the physical properties of the waterworks or a consumer's water supply system.
Used water means water supplied from the waterworks to a consumer's water supply system after it has passed through the service connection.
Water supply means the water that shall have been taken into a waterworks from all wells, streams, springs, lakes, and other bodies of surface water (natural or impounded), and the tributaries thereto, and all impounded groundwater, but the term "water supply" shall not include any waters above the point of intake of such waterworks.
Waterworks means a system that serves piped water for drinking or domestic use to (i) the public, (ii) at least 15 connections, or (iii) an average of 25 individuals for at least 60 days out of the year. The term "waterworks" shall include all structures, equipment, and appurtenances used in the storage, collection, purification, treatment, and distribution of pure water except the piping and fixtures inside the building where such water is delivered (see Title 32.1, Article 2, Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended).
Waterworks owner means an individual, group of individuals, partnership, firm, association, institution, corporation, government entity, or the Federal Government which supplies or proposes to supply water to any person within this state from or by means of any waterworks (see Title 32.1, Article 2, Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended).
(Ord. of 7-21-03, § 11)
Sec. 62-87. - Purpose.#
The purpose of this division of the article is to abate or control actual or potential cross connections and protect the public health. This division provides for establishment and enforcement of a program of cross connection control and backflow prevention in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia, State Board of Health, Waterworks Regulations 1995, or as amended. This division is directed at service line protection (containment).
(Ord. of 7-21-03, § 1)
Sec. 62-88. - Authority for division.#
The Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health Waterworks Regulations, Part II, Article 3: Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention in Waterworks.
(Ord. of 7-21-03, § 2)