Provincetown Water System Rules & Regulations Amended

Provincetown Water System Rules & Regulations Amended

The Provincetown Water & Sewer Board held a public hearing on Thursday, December 21, 2000 in Provincetown Town Hall, 260 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657, and then and there adopted the following amended rules and regulations for the Provincetown Water System, to take effect upon publication.

PROVINCETOWN WATER DEPARTMENT RULES & REGULATIONS

By the virtue of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41 and other authority and powers, the Water Commissioners of the Town of Provincetown, Massachusetts establish the following Rules and Regulations relating to the provision of water by the Provincetown Water Department. All consumers on the Provincetown Water System are bound by these Rules and Regulations and future amendments thereto and are further bound to take water only for purposes stated in an application made by the consumer for water service, made to and approved by the Provincetown Water Department.

SECTION 1 Definitions

1.1 Consumer. The term “consumer” shall mean the individual, firm, corporation or any entity listed as the owner of the property.

1.2 Main. A “main” shall mean the supply pipe laid in the street from which house connections are made.

1.3 Service. A “service” shall mean the pipe running from the main in the street including a curb stop and a curb box.

1.4 Contractors and Developers. Contractors and Developers shall mean an individual, firm, corporation or any entity who installs water mains, water services and their apprentices.

1.5 Superintendent. “Superintendent” shall mean the Superintendent of the Water Department or the Superintendent’s designee.

1.6 Department. “Department” shall mean the Town of Provincetown Water Department.

1.7 Additional Definitions. Additional definitions as applicable are adopted as set forth in Massachusetts Plumbing Code, 248 CMR and in the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR.

SECTION 2 General Provisions

2.1 Contractual Agreement. Acceptance of service shall bind the Consumer to the laws, rules, regulations and policies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Town of Provincetown and the Provincetown Water Department, and shall form a part of the contract with every Consumer and shall be adhered to and govern the relations between the Department and the Consumer who is connected to the municipal water system and is bound hereby.

2.2 Application for Water Service. All applications for any new installations alterations, replacements or change of ownership of a water service shall be submitted for approval by the Water Superintendent or his delegate to the water office by the owner of the property or his/her authorized agent in writing. The fee for connection charges must be made prior to issuance of a building permit.

2.3 Ownership Responsibilities & Liability. All pipes, valves, taps and other appurtenances between the municipal water main and the outlet of the service valve inclusive are the property and responsibility of the Department. All piping, valves, equipment and any other appurtenances “downstream” of the service valve are the property and responsibility of the consumer although such items are required to meet the standards and specifications of the Department. An exception to the above is the water meter, which will always be the property of the Department.

2.4 Responsibility for Charges. Consumers of water shall be charged with and held responsible for all water passing through their service pipes until such time as the Department is notified in writing that they no longer desire the use of water. In case of the sale of the property, such notice shall give the name of the new owner. New owners of the property shall have no right to the use of the water until application has been submitted, accepted and received final approval and until all outstanding charges against the property have been paid. Two weeks prior notice is required for all transfers of ownership except for cause set forth in writing and subsequently approved by the Department.

2.5 Availability of Municipal Water. Application will be accepted for review subject to there being an existing municipal water main in a Town-owned street or right-of-way abutting the premises to be served, but approval of an application shall in no way obligate the Department to extend its mains to provide water to a premises.

2.6 Location, Plans and Specifications. The Department has the exclusive right as to the location of any and all water services, fire service lines or water meters on the distribution system. Plans for said construction shall be submitted with the application showing the curb box connection, the service line to the structure and the meter location. In the event that more than one meter is serviced by one service line each meter location and its unit designation shall be shown on said plan.

2.7 Construction. Owner of property desiring construction, alterations or attachments connected with the water supply shall submit plans and specifications for the proposed work to the Superintendent for inspection and approval or disapproval and for a determination as to whether the same is permissible. The Superintendent shall determine the terms, charges and conditions under which the proposed use shall be permitted.

2. 8 Construction Inspections. The applicant or applicant’s authorized agent shall notify the Department prior to commencing work for which plans and specifications have been approved. Upon said notification the Water Superintendent will designate the requirements for inspections during construction. Approval by the Water Superintendent or his designee is required at stages of work as designated by the Department. No work shall be covered or enclosed until so inspected and approved. Department inspections will be scheduled during normal working hours. If by mutual agreement inspections are scheduled for other than normal working hours, the applicant will be responsible for paying any and all extra costs.

2.9 Private Wells. All private wells shall be registered with the Provincetown Water Department and shall display in a conspicuous location a well registration sign. All private wells are required to have installed a Backflow Preventer directly following their meter.

2.10 Right of Entry. Owner or occupants of any premises served by Provincetown’s water system shall, upon presentation by Department personnel of their credentials, authorize entry to their premises without a warrant for the purpose of inspecting and surveying their water system for new installation, cross connection, leak detection or to remove, repair, or replace any water meter at anytime the department deems necessary. When such access is refused, the water shall be shut off and shall not be turned on until such access has been allowed and fees have been paid for shutting off and turning on the water.

2.11 Fires. Whenever a fire occurs in the service area of the Provincetown Water system, it is the duty of consumers to discontinue, as far as practicable, the use of water.

2.12 Conditions under Which Service is Furnished. The Town does not guarantee constant pressure or uninterrupted service, nor does it assure the Consumer either a full volume of water or the required pressure necessary to effectively operate hydraulic elevators, sprinkler systems or other appliances, the same being subject to all the variable conditions that occur in the supply of water from the Town’s water system.

2.13 No Liability for Interruption of Service. No Consumer shall be entitled to damages or to have payment refunded for any interruption of supply occasioned by accident to any portion of the works, by shutting off for the purpose of additions or repairs to the works or by the stoppage or shortage of supply due to causes beyond the control of the Department, such as excessive drought, excessive use of and waste of water by other consumers or by leaks or defects in the pipes or appliances owned by him or other consumers.

2.14 No Liability for Dirty Water. The Town shall not be responsible for damages caused by dirty water resulting from opening or closing of any gate for repairs, use of any hydrant or the breaking of any pipe or maintenance of the water system.

2.15 No Liability for Consumer’s Pipes. The Town assumes no liability for conditions, which exist in Consumers, pipes and cause trouble coincident with or following the repairs of any main, service pipe, meter or other appliances belonging to the Department.

2.16 No Liability for Collapsed Boilers, Etc. The Department reserves the right at anytime and without notice to shut off the water in mains for the purposes of making repairs, extensions or for other necessary purposes. Consumers having boilers or other appliances on their premises depending on the pressure in pipes to keep them supplied with water are hereby CAUTIONED against danger from these sources and are required to provide, at their own expense, suitable safety appliances to protect themselves against such danger as per Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations 310CMR 22.22. In any event, it is expressly stipulated that the Department will not be liable for any damage resulting from water having been shut off either through accident or necessity.

2.17 No Liability for Shutting Off Water Without Notice. When it becomes necessary to shut off the water from any section of the Town because of an accident or for the purpose of making changes or repairs, the Department shall endeavor to give timely notice to as many consumers affected thereby as time and the character of the repairs or the accident will permit and shall, so far as practical, use its best efforts to prevent inconvenience and damage arising from any such cause. However, failure to give such notice shall not render the Department responsible or liable for any damages that may result from the shutting off of the water or any coincident conditions.

2.18 Restriction of Water Use. The department reserves the right in periods of declared drought or emergencies or when, by Declaration of State of Water Emergency under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 21G are deemed essential to the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, to restrict water supply for secondary or non-essential purposes such as watering of lawns and gardens (either by hand or sprinkler) and vehicle washing (EXCEPT for sanitary purposes such as rubbish trucks). The Department shall have the right to fix the hours and periods when water may be used for such purposes. Any such restrictions will be promulgated by means of Special Water Regulations or By-Laws adopted by the Provincetown Water and Sewer Board. Filling swimming pools, hydro seeding, soaker hoses and power washing are strictly prohibited.

2.19 Easements. In any case where an existing municipal water main or appurtenances is located on private property and a recorded easement does not exist, an implied easement is deemed to exist with the same force and effect as a recorded one.

2.20 Liability for Freeze Ups. It is the responsibility of all water service customers to ensure that all plumbing, fixtures, meters and appliances are protected from freezing. The customer shall make any repairs, which may be necessary to prevent leaks and damage. Neither the Town nor the Department shall be held responsible for loss or damage to any plumbing, fixtures, meters or appliances due to freezing and any repairs to same made by the Department shall be paid for by the customer.

SECTION 3 Charges

3.1 Establishment of Rates. Rates chargeable for water and payable by the customer shall be determined by the Water Commissioners as instructed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 Section 69B.

3.2 Bills Payable. Bills for water service are due and payable upon issuance of the bill. The failure of the customer or his his/her agent to receive notice of their water bill or other related charges does not relieve them from the obligation for payment nor from the consequences of nonpayment. All charges are due and payable upon issuance of billing and are past due THIRTY (30) DAYS after the date of the billing. The records of water supplied in the Department Office shall be sufficient basis for billing and to commence action for payment against present or consequent property owners.

3.3 Overdue Charges. Any overdue charge including interest charges may be collected by any legal means, including a lien on the property or shutting off the water service as an action of contract as provided under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 42A-42F.

3.4 Date of Consumer’s Liability to Pay. A minimum charge shall be assessed for water service from the date the water service is connected whether the water is used or not.

3.5 Charge for Turning On or Off Water. A charge shall be made for turning on or turning off water.

3.6 Collection of Miscellaneous Water Charges. All bills for labor or materials on Consumer’s property and charges for shutting off or turning on water shall be subject to the same conditions as bills for water.

3.7 No Business with Delinquents. No person who owes an overdue bill for water charges shall be entitled to further use of water at the same or any other premises until such water charges are paid in full, together with costs. Such costs shall include incurred interest.

3.8 Claims for Adjustments on Bills. All claims for adjustments of water bills shall be made within thirty (30) days. Abatements will be made for clerical errors, misreads or failure of Water Department equipment. Abatements will not be issued for water leaks. Unless otherwise determined by the Water& Sewer Board.

3.9 All Water to be metered and to be paid. All water must be metered and paid for whether used or wasted. A minimum charge shall be assessed for water service from date the water is turned on.

3.10 When Meter is out of Order. If a meter fails to register, the Consumer shall be charged based on the best available information concerning water use.

3.11 Leaks. The Department shall have the right to shut off water supplied to any property where a leak EXISTS or BELIEVED TO EXIST. Any such leaks must be repaired and must pass inspection by the Department before water will be restored. In addition, each consumer shall be responsible for the cost of any repairs to private portions of the water system as well as the cost of water.

3.12 No Right to Furnish Water to Others. A Consumer shall not be permitted to supply the premises of another person with water, except in special emergencies and then only with the approval of the superintendent.

3.13 Unauthorized Use of Water. Use of municipal water is confined to the premises named and set forth in the application as approved.

SECTION 4 Meters

4.1 Meter Installation. A shut-off valve at the meter inlet shall be the first fitting inside of a serviced building and shall be approved by the Department. A stop valve shall be installed near the outlet of the meter by the Consumer at their expense to permit removal of the meter without backflow from the internal water systems. The meter shall be located in a clean, dry, warm and accessible location. Upon completion of the installation of a meter, the Department shall be notified to inspect the installation and install a remote reader before the service is activated. Any service line over 50’ must have a meter pit closest to the curb stop for their meter installation.

4.2 Consumers to pay for Meter Repairs. All repairs or injuries to meters from freezing, hot water, or external cause shall be charged to the Consumer. No sale or transfer of title of property in the Town shall operate to bar the Department in the collection of any balance due for meter repairs.

4.3 Meters Purchased from Department. Only meters that have been purchased from Provincetown Water Department may be used on system. Meter must be picked up at time of purchase. Billing will start the day meter is picked up and paid for. Meter installation is the direct responsibility of the owner and or applicant. A diagram and location of meter must be brought in to Water Department Office at time of application. Signed and dated by applicant.

4.4 Meter not to be removed. All meters shall not be removed from service without 3 days written notice and only with the permission of the Department except in case of emergency. Once meter has been removed it is the responsibility of the owner.

4.5 Meter Pits and Remote Reader Boxes. Installation of meter pits shall be at the Consumer’s expense. When it is necessary or expedient to locate the meter in an underground box or vault approved by the Department the consumer shall bear the expense of same and shall bear the responsibility of reasonable care and maintenance of said box or vault such as keeping it clean and dry. All remote reader boxes located on the premises shall be the responsibility of the owner. In the event that they must be moved or removed the owner shall notify the Department who will do so for them. In the event that the Department is not notified and must replace a missing or damaged remote reader, the consumer will be billed for all costs. The consumer shall not be permitted to cover the pit or in any way hinder access to the water meter. Covers must remain exposed at all times. Pits shall be furnished with inlet and outlet connections that accept a variety of Mueller underground service connection fittings that meet requirements of the latest revised AWWA Standard C800-89. For the purpose of standardization the 4’ meter pits shall be Mueller 203CS1848FABL and the 18” meter pits shall be Mueller 203IS1818FABL as standardized.

4.6 Meter Tampering. A penalty or charge will be levied for each incident of tampering, installation alteration, removal of a water meter by anyone not authorized by the Department or vandalism. In addition the Department reserves the right to pursue further prosecution in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 165 Section 11.

4.7 Town’s Right to Change Meters. If, in the opinion of the superintendent, a meter does not fit the conditions of the service installation, the Department has the right to change such meter. Such a change shall be made in accordance with current regulations and paid by the Consumer.

4.8 Repairing Meters. The department shall have the right to remove, repair or replace any meter at anytime it so determines. All meter installations on services, which cannot be shut off for meter repairs, shall be equipped with meter by-pass at the expense of the Consumer.

4.9 Access to the Meter. It shall be the duty of all Consumers to ensure that meters on service connections shall be readily accessible at all times to Department personnel. Failure to remove any obstruction which prevents access to the meter within three days after being notified by the department shall cause the water to be shut off to the premises and it shall not be turned on until all obstructions are removed, all regulations complied with and all expenses for shutting off and turning on the water are paid.

4.10 Testing Meters by Request. The consumer shall pay a fee in advance to cover the cost of testing the meter. If as a result of the test the meter is found to register over two (2) percent more water than actually passes through it, the meter shall be repaired, the fee shall be refunded and the water bill for the current period shall be adjusted in accordance with the result of this test. However, if it appears that the consumer was charged or has paid for less water than they should have been charged or should have paid, they shall, forthwith, be charged with the proper additional amount and shall pay the same together with the expense of the examination and test to the Town. For all such testing, the consumer or his representative should be present.

SECTION 5 Service, Pipes and Fixtures

5.1 Service Pipes. Consumers must keep their water pipes and fixtures in good repair and protected from frost at their own expense. They shall be held responsible for any damage resulting from their failure to do so. They shall prevent any waste of water.

5.2 All Service Pipes to be inspected. All service pipes must be inspected by the Department before covering the trench. All pipes and trenches shall meet the approval of the Department.

5.3 Joint Use of Pipes or Trenches. Water service pipes will NOT under any circumstances be placed in the same trench with other pipes, conduits or similar structures such as gas lines, electrical conduit, sewer pipe, etc.

5.4 Part of Service pipe Furnished by Water Department. New service connections shall be made by the Department and brought to the Consumer’s property line. The Consumer shall be charged the current rate for tapping and connection fees.

5.5 Right to Repair Service Pipes. All service pipes between the street line and the cellar wall may be repaired or replaced by the Department when it deems it necessary for the protection of the supply or the supplying of satisfactory water service. The cost shall be charged to the Consumer. The Department also reserves the right to assess the condition of “owner responsibility” service piping, valves, etc. on a periodic basis in order to determine the functional and physical adequacy of the stated appurtenance and, if such is determined to be inadequate, the Water Superintendent may order the owner to replace such at the owner’s expense. Failure to take corrective actions as prescribed by the Superintendent will be cause for termination of water service to those premises. In addition, each consumer of water furnished by the Department shall be responsible in case of break or a leak in the service pipe for both water loss and cost of repairs. Costs will be actual or estimated as determined by the Department.

5.6 Temporary Service from Adjacent Premises. When permission to open a permanently paved street is refused by the Board of Selectmen or when, for any physical reason, it is impossible to open a street and the applicant requests that water be furnished temporarily from an adjacent service, the same may be done at the expense of the Consumer if approved by the Superintendent.

5.7 Charges for Repairs. The pipe from the street to the building (or all pipe beyond the curb stop) including meter pits and curb-boxes is the property of Consumer and all the repairs to the same shall be made at their expense.

5.8 Materials on Private Premises. All fittings supplied by the Department to the Consumer shall be billed to the Consumer.

5.9 Irregular Service. Services for other than permanent structures, or which are used only a part of the year shall be installed at the expense of the Consumer.

5.10 One Service to Each Premises.* Only one (1) service connection shall be made to each dwelling unit located in a building or to each commercial or industrial building.

5.11 Requests for Turning On or Shutting Off Water. Requests for turning on or shutting off a water service shall be made 24 hours in advance, except in case of an emergency. Consumers shall be charged for each such service. Only Department personnel shall open or close curb cocks. Requests for turning on or shutting off water, other than at normal working hours, shall be billed at the overtime rate. Water will be turned on or shut off between the hours of 7:00a.m. and 10:00a.m. Monday through Friday except for emergencies. The owner or his representative must be present for turn ons and turn offs. He will be required to sign a release. All prior bills, charges, fees and liens must be paid in full prior to service being activated.

5.12 No Pipes Furnished in winter. No new services shall be installed during November 15 to March 15 except in such cases deemed emergencies. Applications must be received by November 1^st for installation by November 15th^.Installation of services beyond the end of an existing water main shall not be allowed. The main must be extended (including necessary hydrants and appurtenances) to the furthest limit of the Consumer’s property at their expense. Water mains shall be looped when required by the Superintendent.

5.13 Service Pipe Trenches. Service pipes shall not be placed within 10 feet of any other utilities, except under special conditions and with the approval of the Superintendent. The Division shall not be responsible for damage to other utilities laid within 10 feet of a water service or water main.

5.14 Standby Fire Protection. Consumers desiring standby fire protection must submit a water service application to the Department. The Department shall furnish water for standby fire protection service in accordance with the rates for sprinkler systems. All equipment for this purpose shall be installed entirely at the expense of the Consumer and with the approval of the Superintendent. Such pipes shall not be used for supplying water for any other purposes and must be so arranged that Department personnel can make easy inspection. Whenever it is considered necessary for the protection of the water supply and in the interest of the Town, the Superintendent shall have the right to require the installation of meters, alarms or other accessories. The installation and upkeep of such equipment shall be at the Consumer’s expense. All installations must be completed in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.

5.15 Water Supply Availability. The Water Department shall make the determination as to the availability of adequate water supply for such services. The Department shall not bear responsibility to extend existing water mains in order to provide adequate water supply for such service. No such connection for fire service shall be less than six (6) inch main and shall not be used for other than fire protection.

5.16 Testing Fire System. No water shall be taken or used through private fire systems for the purpose of testing unless the Superintendent issues written permission. Such test must be conducted under the supervision of the Department.

5.17 Private Hydrant Service. Fire hydrants on private property shall be inspected and serviced once every two- (2) years by the Department for a fee. Any repairs necessary for proper operation of hydrants shall be the responsibility of the property owner and shall be completed within thirty (30) days after due notice in writing has been given to the owner by the Department.

5.18 Use of Fire Hydrants. The use of fire hydrants, Town and private, is restricted to members of the Fire Department and to employees of the Department. Other persons may use the fire hydrants only with the specific permission of the Superintendent. In the event that a hydrant is used for any purpose the Department should be notified.

5.19 Cross Connection Control. If, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the installation of an approved backflow preventer (s) on the property side of a meter is considered necessary for the safety of the water system, such approved device(s) shall be immediately installed at the expense of the Consumer after due notice in writing has been given to the
Consumer by the Superintendent. Said device(s) shall be installed and tested in accordance with the drinking water regulations of Massachusetts, 310 CMR 22.22. All tests performed by the Department shall be charged as set forth in Section 8.

SECTION 6 Requirements & Specifications for Laying Water Mains

6.1 Pipe and Fittings. All Pipe shall conform in design and manufactured to the latest issue

ANSI/AWWA standard C151-91 Class 52 “Ductile-Iron pipe, Centrifugal cast, for water or other liquids”. The pipes shall be supplied in lengths not to exceed 20 feet. Pipe shall have a pressure class of 300. All fittings shall be Ductile-Iron and conform in design and manufactured to the latest issue of AWWA standard C110 “ductile-Iron and Gray-Iron fittings, 3 ins. through 48 in. for water and other liquids”. All pipe and fittings shall have a Cement-Mortar lining inside and a Bituminous Seal Coat applied both inside and outside to conform to AWWA C104, “Cement-Mortar lining for Ductile-Iron pipe and fittings for water”.

Push on and Mechanical joints are permitted and shall conform in design and manufactured to the latest issue of AWWA standard C111 “Rubber-Gasket joint for Ductile-Iron pressure pipe and fittings”.

6.2 Valves. All valves shall conform in design and manufactured to the latest issue of

AWWA standard C500 “ Resilient-Seated gate valves for water Supply”. Rated at 150-psi working pressure and a minimum 300-psi pressure test. All valves shall have a 2-inch operating nut, mechanical joint hubs (except for wet taps), and open in a counter clockwise direction. If shallow depth of burial or other conditions of service requires that the valve be installed in a horizontal position, a nut-operated bevel gear shall be fitted to the valve for service operation through a valve box.

6.3 Hydrants. Hydrants shall conform in design and manufacture to the latest issue of AWWA standard C502 “Dry Barrel Fire Hydrants”. Acceptable hydrants are the U.S. Pipe Metropolitan 250 Model 94, the Darling B62B and the A423 Mueller 200 Super Centurion. Hydrants shall be manufactured to highest quality and design. Hydrants shall be compression types; i.e. the main valve shall open against and close with water pressure. Hydrants shall be of the dry top design with “O” ring seals to ensure that the operating threads will be protected from water entry. Dry top design is to include a factory lubricated operating mechanism that allows supplemental lubricant to be added in the field without the removal of the top section. The downward travel of the main rod and valve assembly to the full open position shall be controlled by a travel stop device located in the upper stem section of the rod or have a positive stop in the base of the hydrant shoe. The drain mechanism shall be an integral part of the valve assembly. All internal parts shall be removable through the top of the hydrant when the bonnet has been removed.

Hydrants shall comply with the following:

A. Main Valve Openings – 5.25 inches,

B. Outlets – 2 – 2.50 inch hose Connections

C. Operating Nut Size – Pentagon 1.50 inch point to flat,

D. Thread type – National Standard

E. Shoe – 6 inch Mechanical Joint (Range 6.90 – 7.10 OD

F. Direction of Opening – Left Open

G. Bury Length – 5.5 feet

H. Height (bury Line to Opening Nut) – 28.75 inches minimum,

I. Sub-Seat Material – Bronze

J. Model – Traffic (Breakaway Design),

K. Color – Safety Blue Body, White Bonnet and Caps

All Hydrants shall have a permanently mounted marking device approved by the Department.

6.4 Cover Over Pipe. Pipe shall have five (5) feet of cover measured to finish grade of the street. Pipe to be hand covered one (1) foot with sand or stone free gravel and compacted and tamped around pipe to give good support and protection. In case of any excavation, ground water swamps or when any unsuitable materials are encountered, the Contractor shall replace it with good material to provide proper support and alignment of the pipeline. In some cases, the Contractor shall use crushed stone for bedding covered with sand. Trench backfill shall be suitable material taken from excavation, approved common borrow or gravel hauled in. No mud, frozen earth, stones larger than six (6) inches or other objectionable materials is to be used for refilling.

6.5 Ledge. All ledges shall be removed to width two (2) feet or greater than the diameter of the pipe and one (1) foot below the underside of the pipe. A bed of sand shall be placed in the trench prior to laying pipe.

6.6 Blasting Precautions. All blasting shall be completed within a distance of fifty (50) feet from any water service or water main.

6.7 Survey Markers. Survey markers (line and grade) shall be required on all newly proposed streets. Pipes shall be laid within the roadway layout (easement in certain cases) as shown on plans approved by the Provincetown Planning & Zoning Board.

6.8 Excavation Within The Limits Of Public Ways. Permission shall be obtained from the Department of public works before any excavation can begin within any Town accepted street. The work shall be preformed in accordance with DPW requirements. A street opening permit shall be obtained from Massachusetts Department of Public Works before any excavation can begin on any State Highway. This work shall be preformed in accordance with permit.

6.9 Service Pipes. Each unit shall have its own separate service, consisting of a corporation stop, curb stop, curb box, ball valve as soon as service enters building, meter and remote reader. From curb stop into building shall be plastic service box (blue in color) pipe shall be copper tubing size with a minimum of 200psi bursting pressure.

6.10 Testing. Before acceptance by the Department, the pipe shall be pressure tested and chlorinated in accordance with “Installation of Ductile-Iron Water Mains Appurtenances” AWWA Designation C600 latest edition. No one shall pressure test or chlorinate an installation without notifying the Department at least 48 hour’s prior. An employee of the Department must be present for the duration of pressure test and chlorination to witness and sign results. All pressure test reports shall consist of actual distance of pipe and size, number of valves and hydrants. The Town shall furnish the water for disinfection and flushing. Sample of water taken after the disinfection of water pipes shall be delivered to a testing laboratory approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Copies of test results shall be delivered to the Superintendent who shall then determine whether the pipes may be connected to the Town’s water system. Before final approval By Superintendent as-built drawings must be submitted to Department.

6.11 Tapping Sleeves & Valves: Gate & Butterfly Valves. Tapping sleeves & valves, gate and butterfly valves shall be furnished in accordance with the requirements of the latest revised AWWA Standards C509-94 and C504-94. Tapping sleeves and valves shall be of the same manufacturer. Gate valves 6” through 12” shall be mechanical joint, bronze mounted, resilient seat wedge type, open left (counterclockwise) with 2” operating nut. Valves over 12” shall be butterfly type only. For the purpose of standardization, tapping sleeves and valves, gate and butterfly valves shall be Mueller.

6.12 Gate Boxes. Buffalo #5663 slide type. 24” top with flange at top of box with 30” bottom. Boxes to be cast iron, bituminous coated with cast iron covers for heavy traffic use. Covers shall be identified with legend WATER.

SECTION 7 Violations

7.1 Violations of Regulations. Any violation of these regulations may result in the Superintendent ordering the shutting off of the water to the violator’s premises. When the water has been shut off for violations of rules or their offence, it shall not be turned on again until the Department is satisfied that there shall not be further cause of complaint and charges have been paid to cover the cost of shutting off and turning on the water.

7.2 Discontinuance of Service. Service may be discontinued by reason of nonpayment of water bills, fees, charges and liens or for violations of any rules and regulations contained herein, and in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 42. Water bills not paid within thirty (30) days of issue date will be deemed overdue. When a water bill is deemed overdue the property owner will be issued a demand charge. If the overdue water bill and demand charge and interest owed are not paid within the specified time, the account will be subject to termination of water service or lien procedures, at the option of the Board of Water Commissioners. The Department shall issue a termination notice five (5) days prior to termination to avail the owner to comply. Service may be terminated without notice for fraudulent use. Reconnection of terminated service will be done ONLY during normal working hours of the Department at no charge to the owner. If by mutual agreement with the Water Superintendent, reconnection is scheduled for other than normal working hours, the consumer will be responsible for any and all costs, which include parts and labor.

7.3 Cross Connections. Any Consumer found to be in noncompliance with the drinking water regulation of Massachusetts, 310 CMR 22.22 shall be punished by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection by a fine of not more than $25,000 dollars for each day that the violation occurs or continues. Water will be turned off immediately until violation has been corrected.

7.4 Treatment. No treatment by any unauthorized personnel shall be permitted. If anyone is found adding any treatment to Town’s water they will be subject to fines established by the Water and Sewer Board for each individual offence.

7.5 Mandatory Water Use Restrictions. Any Consumer found in violation of a water ban shall be fined as follows: First Offence – written warning; Second Offence - $50.00 dollars; Third and any subsequent offence - $100.00 dollars

7.6 Unauthorized Water Use. Whoever unlawfully and intentionally injures a water meter or prevents such meter from registering the quantity of water supplied through it or use or causes to be used water without consent of Department shall be fined no less than $1000 dollars for each offense. There will be no washing of sidewalks, buildings or vehicles without authorization from Water Superintendent or Provincetown Board of Health.

7.7 Defacing and littering upon Town Owned Property. Any person or persons willfully defacing and/or littering upon Town owned property located within its watershed shall be fined no less than $300.00 dollars.

7.8 No Tampering with Department Property. All gates, valves, shutoffs, water meters and standpipes and any other portion of the municipal system, which are the property of the Provincetown Water Department, are not to be open or closed or in any way tampered with by any person other than those authorized by the Water Superintendent. Violators will be subject to charges or penalties as stated herein or by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 165.

7.9 Alterations in Pipes. No Consumer shall install any addition to or make any alterations to the service pipe or “upstream” of the water meter for any purpose without submitting an application for the change, submitted with plans and specification to the Department and obtaining approval.

SECTION 8 Rates & Charges

8.1 Setting Fees and Charges. Fees and charges are subject to change upon approval of the Water Commissioners and after all legally advertised public hearings and meetings have been completed.

8.2 Swimming Pools. The filling of swimming pools is strictly prohibited. Customers must supply receipt from private contractors showing they filled their swimming pools upon request of water department.

NOTES TO WATER USERS: A meter in working order registers no more water than passes through it. Out of order it either registers less water than passes through it or stops altogether. Most leaks are in water closets (toilets) where they are difficult to detect and are usually caused by defective valves and ball cocks. While the Water Department is glad to furnish all reasonable information, it cannot assume responsibility for the condition of pipes and fixtures upon private premises through which water passes after leaving the meter.

Custodio J. Silva, Jr.

Chairman, Water & Sewer Board

Posted: Town Hall, http://www.provincetown-ma.gov December 22, 2000

Published: Banner: December 28, 2000 and January 4, 2001