[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Muncy 12-28-1965 by Ord. No. 305 (Ch. 26 of the 1993 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Sewers and sewage disposal — See Ch. 217.
[Amended 5-28-1968 by Ord. No. 313; 12-2-1969 by Ord. No. 319; 12-3-1974 by Ord. No. 340; 12-6-1977 by Ord. No. 363; 12-8-1981 by Ord. No. 378; 6-15-1995 by Ord. No. 441; 9-2-1997 by Ord. No. 448; 3-2-2004 by Ord. No. 480]
There are hereby imposed upon each consumer served and to be served by the water system, water rates and charges, payable as hereinafter provided, for such service, as follows:
A. 
Schedule of rates and charges.
Minimum Charges
Effective April 1, 2004
Line Size
Per Quarter
5/8 inch to 3/4 inch meter
$23.75
1 inch meter
$78.75
1 1/2 inch meter
$131.25
2 inch meter
$204.75
3 inch meter
$346.50
4 inch meter
$514.50
5 inch meter
$729.75
All of the above listed minimum charges include the first 5,000 gallons of consumption per quarter; 5,001 gallons and above will be billed at $4.50 per 1,000 gallons.
Fire Service:
Public Fire Service
Per Quarter
For each public fire hydrant
$16
Private Fire Service
For each private fire hydrant
$16
Automatic sprinklers for fire purposes only
For 1 1/2-inch connection to main
$10
For 2-inch connection to main
$17.50
For 4-inch connection to main
$30
For 6-inch connection to main
$50
For 8-inch connection to main
$70
Fire hose connections
1-inch hose connection
$8
2-inch hose connection
$13.81
Building and Construction Service
Domestic construction
Regular quarterly minimum charge of
$11
For each single dwelling
$11
For each family unit in each dwelling constructed for more than one-family occupancy
$11
Commercial and Industrial Construction
Brick work, per thousand brick
$0.40
Stone work, per perch
$0.30
Plastering, per 100 square yards
$1
Concrete work, per cubic yard
$0.30
Laying concrete blocks, per hundred
$0.30
B. 
Penalty for nonpayment. A penalty of 15% shall be added for charges imposed hereunder and not paid within 30 days from date bills are mailed.
[Amended 5-6-1975 by Ord. No. 344; 6-15-1995 by Ord. No. 441]
The water rules and regulations of the Muncy Water System are hereby amended to read as set forth at Exhibit "A" attached hereto[1] and are hereby adopted as the applicable rules and regulations with respect to the water system and regulations thereof.
[1]
Editor's Note: Exhibit "A" is on file in the Borough offices.
[Amended 2-1-1972 by Ord. No. 328; 11-5-1991 by Ord. No. 422; 6-15-1995 by Ord. No. 441]
There is hereby imposed upon each owner of property who connects such property with a water main of the Muncy Borough water system a tapping fee to cover installation of the new line from the water to the curb shutoff box, in addition to any and all other charges assessed and collected against such property as aforesaid, said fee to be as established by resolution of Borough Council.
[Amended 5-6-1975 by Ord. No. 344]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AUTHORITY
The Muncy Water and Sewer Authority.
BOROUGH
The Borough of Muncy.
CUSTOMER
The applicant for water service at one household or business, whether owner or tenant, and who enters into an agreement therefor.
MAIN
The Authority-owned or leased piping and appurtenances, in or along highways and streets, or along privately owned right-of-way, used for the transmission or distribution of water to its customer.
A. 
Water service connections will be made upon written application signed at the Borough Office by the property owner, or his properly authorized agent. Water service will be furnished upon written application signed by the property owner. Blank forms for all applications will be furnished by the Borough, and all applications must receive the approval of the Borough before connection is made, or either class of service furnished.
B. 
No application for service will be accepted by the Borough until the applicant has paid, or made satisfactory arrangements to pay, all arrears and charges due by the applicant at any premises now or heretofore occupied by him.
C. 
The accepted application shall constitute a contract between the Borough and the applicant, obliging the applicant to pay the Borough its rates as established from time to time, and to comply with its rules and regulations.
D. 
Application for service connections will be accepted, subject to there being existing mains in streets or rights-of-way abutting the premises to be served.
E. 
When a prospective customer has made application for a new service, or has applied for the reinstatement of an existing service, it is assumed that the piping and fixtures on the applicant's premises are in good condition, and the Borough and the Authority will not be liable in any event, for any accident, breaks, or leakage arising in any way in connection with the supply of water or failure to supply same, or the freezing of water pipes or fixtures of the customer, nor for any damage to the property which may result from the usage of water supplied to the premises.
F. 
A new application must be made and approved by the Borough, upon any change in ownership of the property when the owner is the customer, or in any tenancy where the tenant is the customer, or in the service, as described in the application, and the Borough shall have the right, upon five days' notice, to discontinue the water supply until such new application has been made and approved. Although property may be occupied or leased to a tenant and the tenant may have paid the water bills, the owner of the property is responsible for payment of any water bills not paid by the tenant.
G. 
Industrial and commercial establishments making application for water service, in addition to making written application for such services, shall furnish a detailed description of the type and size of buildings, the nature of the business to be conducted in each structure, and the number and type of fixtures to be served. Such applicants shall also furnish the Borough four copies of plans showing:
(1) 
The boundaries of the property;
(2) 
The location within the property of the structures to be served;
(3) 
The location and profile, with respect to finished grade, of the services;
(4) 
Details of the proposed connections to the water system, and arrangement and details of meter installations.
Service will be renewed under property application, when the conditions under which such service was discontinued are corrected, and upon the payment of the applicable charge.
Where a water connection has been previously installed and service is desired, a proper application shall be signed by the owner and tenant.
A. 
Deposits may be required from customers taking services for a period less than 30 days, in an amount equal to the estimated gross bill for such temporary period, plus the cost of making and discontinuing such service. Deposits may be required from any other customer who becomes habitually delinquent; provided that in no instance will deposits be required in excess of the estimated gross bill for any single billing period plus one month with a minimum of $40.
B. 
Any customer having paid a deposit shall pay bills for water service as rendered, in accordance with the rules of the Borough, and the deposit shall not be considered as payment on account of a bill during the time the customer is receiving service.
C. 
Deposits shall be returned to the depositor when he shall have paid undisputed bills for service for a period of 12 consecutive months; and any customer having secured the return of a deposit will not be required to make a new deposit, unless the service has been discontinued and the customer's credit standing impaired through failure to comply with the Borough's rules.
D. 
The payment of any disputed bill, within the meaning of these rules, shall be payment of the bill with or without penalty, within 30 days following the period for which the bill was rendered, or payment within 30 days following presentation of the bill, or the payment of any contested bill, payment of which is withheld beyond the period herein if the dispute is terminated substantially in favor of the customer, and if payment is made by the customer within 10 days thereafter.
E. 
No interest will be paid on deposits.
A. 
All agreements covering water service shall continue in force, unless and until receipt of reasonable notice in writing, of a desire to terminate the contract. Water service to any premises will be terminated upon the written order of the applicant, without in any way affecting the existing agreement for service.
B. 
Service may be discontinued for any of the following reasons:
(1) 
Misrepresentation in application.
(2) 
Willful waste of water through improper or imperfect pipes, fixtures, or otherwise.
(3) 
Failure to comply with restrictions otherwise imposed under these rules.
(4) 
Use of water for any other property or purpose than that described in the application.
(5) 
Molesting any service pipe, meter, curb stopcock or seals, or any other appliance of the Borough.
(6) 
Vacancy.
(7) 
Neglecting to make or renew deposits, or for nonpayment of any charge accruing under the application.
(8) 
Refusal of reasonable access to the property for purposes of inspecting or for reading, caring for, or removing meters.
(9) 
Making, or refusing to serve, and cross-connection between a pipe or fixture carrying water furnished by the Borough, and a pipe or fixture carrying water from any other source.
[Amended 12-6-1977 by Ord. No. 363; 11-5-1991 by Ord. No. 422]
A. 
A penalty of 15% will be added to all bills for water service not paid within 30 days from the due date of the bill, and if not paid within 60 days from the due date of said bill, the water may be shut off upon 10 days' notice. Payments mailed, as evidenced by the United States Post Office mark, on or prior to the end of the thirty-day or sixty-day period, aforesaid, will be deemed to be payment within such period.
B. 
No fire hydrant shall be opened or operated for any purpose without permission in writing from the Borough under the penalty prescribed by law, except in case of fire. Fire companies desiring to test hydrants or firefighting equipment will first obtain permission from the Borough.
C. 
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $300; and/or to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days. Every day that a violation of this article continues shall constitute a separate offense.
A. 
The customer shall not turn the water on or off at any corporation stop, curb stop, or meter valve; or disconnect or remove the meter, or permit its disconnection or removal, without the written consent of the Borough.
B. 
As necessity may arise in the event of breakdown, emergency, or for any other unavoidable cause, the Borough shall have the right to cut off the water supply temporarily, in order to make necessary repairs, connections, etc., but the Borough will use all reasonable and practical measures to notify the customer of such discontinuance of service. In such case, the Borough shall not be liable for any damage or inconvenience experienced by the customer; or any claim against it at any time for interruption in service, lessening of the supply, inadequate pressure, poor quality of water, or for any causes beyond its control. When the supply of water is to be temporarily interrupted, notice will be given, when practicable, to all customers affected by the temporary interruption of service stating the probable duration of the interruption, and also the purpose of the interruption.
The Borough shall have the right to reserve a sufficient supply of water at all times in storage, to provide for fire and other emergencies, or may restrict or regulate the quantity of water used by the customer in case of scarcity, or whenever the public welfare may so require.
It is agreed by the parties receiving public fire service, private fire service, or any other service, that the Borough does not assume any liability as insurer of property or person, and that the Borough does not guarantee any special service, pressure, capacity, or facility, other than is permitted by the ordinary and changing operating conditions of the Borough, as the same exists from day to day. It is agreed, by the parties receiving service, that the Borough shall be free and exempt from any and all claims for injury to any persons or property by reason of fire, water, failure to supply water pressure or capacity.
A. 
Bills are payable at any office or paying agency as designated by the Borough.
B. 
Regular meter readings will be made quarterly and bills will be rendered as soon as practicable after the reading of the respective meters. In case of fire service, bills will be rendered subsequently with the bills mentioned above. All bills are due and payable on presentation or delivery.
C. 
All customers connected to the water system will be billed and shall pay, in each quarter, the minimum charge plus any excess amount due over the minimum allowance.
If a bill remains unpaid for a period of 30 days after presentation, it shall be classed as delinquent. Payments made by mail will be credited as received on the date of mailing, as evidenced by the U.S. Post Office cancellation stamp. If a bill remains unpaid 30 days after being classed as a delinquent, service may be discontinued at any time after having given not less than five days' notice, and a lien may be filed against the property. If service is thus discontinued, it will not be restored until all unpaid bills and all charges, including the turn-on charge, are paid, or satisfactory assignments made for payment.
No abatement on meter bills will be made for leaks, or for water wasted by damaged fixtures.
[Amended 11-5-1991 by Ord. No. 422]
When water has been turned off from any premises because of violation of the Borough's rules, or for nonpayment of a bill, a charge is established by resolution of Borough Council and, payable in advance, will be made for again turning on the water. No charge will be made for turning on the water for an original connection.
The properly identified authorized agents of the Authority and Borough shall have the right of access to the premises served, at all reasonable hours, for the purposes of installing meters, reading meters, examining fixtures and pipes, observing the manner of using water, and for any other purpose which is proper and necessary.
No plumber, owner, tenant or other unauthorized person shall turn the water on or off at any corporation stop, curb stop, or meter valve, or disconnect or remove the meter without the written consent of the Borough.
No agent or employee of the Borough has authorization to bind it by any promise, agreement or representation not provided for in these rules.
A. 
In all contracts for general or special water service, it is expressly understood and agreed that no claims will be made against the Borough or Authority, for damage to life or property by reason of the breaking of any service pipe, water fixture, meter or appliance within the customer's premises, unless caused by the negligence of the Borough or Authority or their employees, nor for any damage done due to the failure of the water supply for any cause beyond the Borough's and the Authority's control.
B. 
All consumers having boilers upon their premises, depending upon the pressure of the water in the Borough's and Authority's pipes to keep them supplied, are cautioned against danger of collapse, and all such damage must be borne exclusively by the consumer.
C. 
No water will be furnished to any premises where any possibility exists of the mingling of the water furnished by they Borough, with water from any other source. Nor will the Borough permit its mains or service pipes to be connected in any way to any piping, tank, vat or other apparatus containing liquids, chemical, or any other matter which may flow back into the Borough's service pipes or mains, and consequently endanger the water supply.
[Amended 3-2-2004 by Ord. No. 480]
The Borough reserves the right to change or amend, from time to time, the rules and regulations (Article II of this chapter) and the Schedule of Rates and Charges for water service (Article I of this chapter) by the adoption of a resolution of Borough Council upon recommendation of the appropriate committee of Borough Council.
A. 
The Borough will make connections to its mains, furnish, install and maintain all service lines to and including curb stop and box, which will be placed inside the curbline; or alternately, to a meter pit which shall be located inside the property line; all of which service lines shall remain the sole property of the Authority, and shall not be trespassed on or interfered with in any respect.
B. 
The Borough reserves the right to determine the size and kind of service line from the main to the curb stop, or meter pit, and from the curb stop or meter pit to the property to be served. Type K copper, flared underground type, shall be used throughout for services up to and including three inches in diameter. For larger services, cast iron pipe meeting AWWA standards for class 150 water pipe shall be used. The pipe from the curb stop, or meter pit, to the property shall be furnished, installed and maintained by the owner of the property; shall be laid in a straight line at right angles to the curbline, within the building limits of structures to be served; and shall be at least four feet below the surface of the ground, when final grading of the property has been completed. If a customer wishes a connection of a larger size service line from the main to the curb stop, or meter pit, than the Borough considers necessary, he shall pay the difference in cost between the larger size line and the size deemed necessary by the Borough.
A. 
No service pipe shall be laid in the same trench with gas pipe, drain or sewer pipe, or any other facility of any public service company, nor within three feet of any open excavation, vault, cesspool, or septic tank; nor shall the location be in conflict with any sidewalk or driveway running at right angles to the front of the building.
B. 
The Borough will make all necessary taps to the main and furnish curb stop and curb box for all new service lines and all replacement service lines. The property owner, at his expense, will furnish, install and maintain new and replacement service lines from the Borough water main to and including the owner's premises. All work shall be done under the supervision of an authorized representative of the Borough.
All connections, service lines and fixtures furnished by the customer shall be maintained by him in good order, and all valves, meters and appliances furnished and owned by the Authority or Borough, and on the property of the customer, shall be protected properly and cared for by the customer. All leaks in the service or any other pipe or fixture in or upon the premises supplied must be repaired immediately by the owner or occupant of the premises. The customer shall be responsible for notifying the Borough of the party engaged by said customer to do any maintenance work on the customer's service line, prior to work being commenced, and said party shall not backfill and trench until the work has been inspected and approved by the Borough's representative. Any work not acceptable shall be immediately removed and replaced by work which is acceptable.
The Borough and the Authority shall in no event be responsible for maintaining any portion of the service line owned by the customer, or for damage done by water escaping therefrom; or from lines or fixtures on the customer's property; and the customer shall at all times comply with applicable regulations with respect thereto, and make changes therein, required by reason of changes of grade, relocation of mains, or otherwise.
[Amended 12-6-1977 by Ord. No. 363]
A service line from a curb stop or meter pit to the property of a user of the municipal water system shall not supply more than one customer unless, upon proper application and approval by the Borough of Muncy, said property is supplied with as many meters as there are customers at said property or upon waiver of this restriction by the Borough of Muncy in accordance with § 275-28 hereunder, the owner of said property shall consent to multiple billing as hereinafter provided. The word "customer" as used in these regulations shall mean an individual or individuals residing or using a property or an area including the improvements thereon to which water service is or will be furnished, said property or area to be designated as follows:
A. 
A building under one roof, owned or leased by one customer and occupied as one residence or one place of business;
B. 
A group or combination of buildings owned by one customer, in one common enclosure, occupied by one family or one organization, corporation or firm, as a residence, or place of business, or for manufacturing or industrial purposes, or as a hotel, hospital, church, parochial school, or similar institution, except as otherwise noted herein;
C. 
The one side of a double house having a solid vertical partition wall;
D. 
Each side or each part of a house or building occupied by one family, even though the closet and/or other fixtures be used in common;
E. 
Each apartment, office or suite of offices, and/or place of business located in a building or group of buildings, even though such buildings in a group are interconnected by a tunnel, or passageway, covered areaway, or patio or by some similar means of structure;
F. 
A public building devoted entirely to public use, such as a town hall, school house, fire engine house;
G. 
A single lot, or park or playground;
H. 
Each house in a row of houses;
I. 
Each dwelling unit in a house or building, a dwelling unit being defined as a building or portion thereof with exclusive culinary and sanitary facilities designed for occupancy and used by one person or one family (household);
J. 
Each individual and separate place of business and/or occupancy located in one building or group of buildings commonly designated as shopping centers, supermarket areas, and by such other terms;
K. 
Each dwelling unit in a public housing development owned and operated by the United States of America, a municipal subdivision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or an agency or instrumentality of the United States or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; by a philanthropic foundation or organization or some such similar body or organization; or operated under private ownership; or
L. 
Each trailer or mobile home.
[Amended 12-6-1977 by Ord. No. 363]
A. 
Waiver of single-service line requirement. Where two or more customers are now or hereafter supplied through a single-service line and meter in violation of § 275-27 aforesaid, the Borough may waive the requirement of said section by allowing two or more customers to use a single-service line and meter upon the following "multiple billing" basis.
B. 
Multiple billing. The term "multiple billing" shall mean the basis for computing charges and billing for water service in all cases where more than one customer is served through one water meter or water meter installation (a "meter installation" being defined as an installation which includes two or more meters placed at one or more locations for the purpose of servicing one or more premises in a building or related group of buildings, in a facility or related group of facilities, in an area or related group of areas, and in such other properties) more than one meter generally being provided to allow flexibility of operation, to furnish adequate capacity to permit more accurate measurement of water, due to the physical layout of the property, and for such other reasons; the basis for charges for water service in all such cases and the procedure for billing is as set forth hereunder.
(1) 
Number of customers. The potential number of customers in any building or group of buildings and the charges therefor are subject to determination by the Borough prior to original approval of the Borough to furnish water services and are subject to determination subsequent to any alterations, additions, or changes in the building, or group of buildings. The owner of said property shall notify the Borough promptly, relative to any changes in the number of customers and said number at any time is always subject to determination by the Borough. See § 275-27 above for definition of "customer."
(2) 
Different classes of use. This regulation shall apply regardless of whether a business may be owned by a customer also receiving household water service through the same service line and the two or more customers are located in one building or different buildings, the ownership of the property or business not being significant.
(3) 
Billing. The Borough will accept an application for service only from the owner and will bill such owner. Should the owner desire the Borough to conduct business directly with the customer or tenant of the property involved, the owner must fully understand that he or it is responsible for the bill regardless of where and to whom the bills are sent. Accordingly, upon request of an owner and written approval of the Borough, tenants or customers may be billed only after a form is signed by the owner, stating that he or it will be responsible for the bill and requesting the Borough to bill the tenant as customer.
(4) 
Calculation of charges for multiple billing. The total charge based on water consumption where there is multiple billing shall be determined as follows:
(a) 
The average use of water for each billing period for each customer shall be equal to the total number of gallons registered by the water meter or meter installation divided by the number of customers. The average use of water for each billing period for each customer as thus determined shall provide the basis for billing, subject to all minimum charges. The total charge for water service for property served by such single-service line shall be equal to the average charge for each customer multiplied by the number of customers using the same service line and meter and the total charge shall be submitted to the owner as the proper charge for water service furnished to the building or buildings included hereunder. The term "water meters" applies only to water meters installed on the Muncy Water System.
(5) 
Rates of charge for water service. The rates of charge for water service as determined aforesaid shall be the same as set forth in Article I, § 275-1, of this chapter.
A supply of water for building or other special purposes, except on a lot or premises already supplied with a metered water connection, must be specially applied for. All applications for water for building purposes, when water is not supplied through a meter at meter rates, must be signed by the owner, or his duly authorized agent, and shall be interpreted to mean that the water is to be used from a builder's hydrant, and shall not be introduced to any of the house fixtures.
A. 
All water meters will be furnished and installed by the Borough and will remain the property of, and under the control of, the Borough or Authority and will be accessible at all times.
B. 
Each water service from curb stop, or meter pit, to a property shall be metered. The Borough reserves the right to determine the size and location of the meter.
C. 
After the applicant has provided space for the meter, which will be readily accessible, and will provide proper protection for the meter, and has had the plumbing arranged to receive the meter, at a convenient point approved by the Borough, and so positioned as to meter and control the entire supply, the Borough will have the meter set. In cases where it is not practical to place the meter within a building, a brick, concrete or other approved type of iron cover shall be built inside the property line by the customer. The size and dimensions of the pit or box shall be approved by the Borough, provided adequate access to the meter and permit its ready installation or removal.
D. 
A wheel-handled round-way stopcock or gate valve shall be placed by the customer on the service line directly ahead of the meter. A suitable and approved check valve may be placed by the customer, between the stop-and-waste cock or valve and the meter. When a check valve is installed, a safety valve should be inserted at some convenient point in the house piping to relieve excess pressure due to heating water.
A. 
Meters will be maintained by the Borough so far as ordinary wear and tear are concerned, but damage resulting from freezing, hot water, or external causes due to the negligence of the customer shall be paid for by the customer.
B. 
Upon notice from property owner that a vacancy exists, the property owner must notify the Borough when the property will be open, so that the water meter can be removed. Failure to do so will result in the property owner being entirely responsible for damage to the water meter by freezing or otherwise.
C. 
Consumers must at all times properly protect meters from frost or other damage, and shall be held responsible for repairs to meters necessitated by their negligence. The cost of any such repairs made by the Borough will be billed to the consumers, and upon failure to pay, water service shall be discontinued.
[Amended 11-5-1991 by Ord. No. 422]
The customer shall pay a charge for the reinstallation or changing of a meter, when removed because of damage in any way due to the negligence of the customer, in an amount as shall be established, from time to time, by resolution of Borough Council.
Each meter is installed subject to a fixed minimum quarterly charge in accordance with the adopted rate schedule, for which certain quantities of water will be furnished without additional charge. Such minimum shall be nonabatable for nonusers of water, and noncumulative against subsequent consumption. In the case of fractional-period bills, covering less than a quarter, minimum charges and allowances shall be prorated.
The customer shall immediately notify the Borough of injury to or nonworking of the meter, as soon as known by the customer.
The quantity recorded by the meter shall be conclusive on both the customer and the Borough, except when the meter has been found to be registering inaccurately, or has ceased to register. In such cases, the quantity may be determined by the average registration of the meter when in proper working order.
In the event of a disputed account involving the accuracy of a meter, such meter will be tested upon the request of the customer, in conformity with the provisions of these rules and regulations. If, when so tested, the meter is found to have an error in registration of 4% or more, the bills will be increased or decreased correspondingly.
[Amended 11-5-1991 by Ord. No. 422]
When a meter is removed, after installation, at the request of the customer, for testing the following rules shall apply:
A. 
The Borough shall, upon a written request of a customer, and if he so desires, in his presence or that of his authorized representative, make a test of the accuracy of his meter. When a customer desires, either personally or through a representative, to witness the testing of a meter, he may require the meter to be sealed in his presence before removal, which seal shall not be broken until the test is made in his presence. If the meter so tested shall be found to be accurate within the limits herein specified, a fee determined from the schedule indicated below shall be paid to the Borough by the customer requiring such test; but if not so found, then the cost thereof shall be borne by the Borough. When making such request, the customer shall agree to the basis of payment herein specified.
B. 
A report of such test shall be made to the customer and a complete record of such test shall be kept by the Borough. The amount of the fee shall be established by resolution of Borough Council.
A. 
For automatic sprinklers or other automatic fire services devices located inside a building or buildings, a separate service line will be required, to be used exclusively for firm service. At the option of the customer, fire hydrants located outside of buildings may be connected to the fire service line. Each such separate service line shall be metered and shall be subject to the charges shown in the rate schedule. The Borough reserves the right to refuse approval for an application for automatic fire service where, in the judgement of the Borough, such service is not practical.
B. 
Meters for private fire services will be furnished and installed by the Borough. Meters will be set in an approved type of brick or concrete masonry meter vault, adequately drained, located on the premises of the customer. The meter vaults are to be constructed and maintained at the expense of the customer.
C. 
When, in the judgement of the Borough, it is practical, private unmetered fire service lines may be permitted to be installed at the expense of the owner. In such cases, the applicant shall pay to the Borough the estimated cost of the fire hydrant installation prior to installation, and the appropriate adjusting payment shall be made by the owner, or by the Borough after the actual costs have been determined. In no event, however, will unmetered fire service be introduced into a building.
[Added 12-1-1992 by Ord. No. 426]
A. 
General policy.
(1) 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is:
(a) 
To protect the public water supply system from contamination or pollution by isolating within the consumer's water system contaminants or pollutants which could backflow through the service connection into the public water supply system.
(b) 
To promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections, actual or potential, between the public or consumer's potable water system and nonpotable water systems, plumbing fixtures and sources or systems containing process fluids.
(c) 
To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection control which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of the public and consumer's potable water system.
(2) 
Application. This section shall apply to all premises served by the public water supply system of the Borough of Muncy.
(3) 
Policy. The public water supplier and the consumer have the joint responsibility for protection of the public water supply system from contamination due to backflow of contaminants through the water service connection. If in the judgment of the public water supplier or his authorized representative an approved backflow prevention device is required, the supplier shall give notice to the consumer to install such approved backflow prevention device at each service connection to his premises. The consumer shall immediately install such approved device or devices at his own expense, and failure, refusal or inability on the part of the consumer to install such device or devices shall constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises until such device or devices have been installed.
B. 
Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words shall have the meaning indicated unless clearly indicated otherwise in the text:
AIR GAP SEPARATION
The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying potable water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device and the flood-level rim of the receptacle. The differential distance shall be at least double the diameter (2 x D) of the supply pipe measured vertically, above the top of the rim of the vessel. In no case shall the air gap be less than one inch.
APPROVED
A backflow prevention device or method has been accepted by the public water supplier as suitable for the proposed use.
ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER
(Also known as the "nonpressure-type vacuum breaker.") A device containing a shutoff valve followed by a valve body containing a float-check, a check seat and an air inlet port. When the shutoff valve is open, the flow of water causes the float to close the air inlet port. When the shutoff valve is closed, the float falls and forms a check valve against back siphonage and at the same time opens the air inlet port.
AUXILIARY WATER SYSTEM
Any water source or system on the premises of or available to the customer except connections to other approved community water supply systems.
BACKFLOW
A flow condition, induced by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases or other substances into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply system from a source other than its intended source.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER
A device or other means which will prevent the backflow of water or liquids of questionable quality into the public water supply system.
BACK SIPHONAGE
The backflow of water or mixture of water and other liquids, gases or other substances from a plumbing fixture or other customer source into a public water supply system main due to a temporary negative or subatmospheric pressure within the public water supply system.
CONSUMER
The owner or person in control of any premises supplied by or in any manner connected to a public water supply system.
CONSUMER'S WATER SYSTEM
Any water system located on the consumer's premises supplied by or in any manner connected to a public water supply system. A household plumbing system is considered to be a consumer's water system.
CONTAINMENT
Cross-connection control which isolates the customer's entire facility from the public water supply system so as to provide the protection necessary to prevent contamination of the public water supply in the event of backflow from the customer's facility.
CONTAMINATION
The degradation of the quality of the drinking water by wastewaters, processed fluids or any water of a quality less than accepted drinking water quality to a degree which would create an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease.
CROSS-CONNECTION
An arrangement allowing either a direct or indirect connection through which backflow, including backsiphonage, can occur between the drinking water in a public water system and a system containing a source or potential source of contamination.
DEGREE OF HAZARD
An evaluation of the potential risk to health and the adverse effect upon the public water supply system.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY
An assembly composed of two single, independently acting, check valves, including tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly and suitable connections for testing the water tightness of each check valve.
HEALTH HAZARD
Any condition, device or practice in a water system or its operation that creates, or may create, a danger to the health and well-being of its users. The word "sever" as used to qualify "health hazard" means a hazard to the health of the user that could reasonably be expected to result in the significant morbidity or death.
INTERCHANGEABLE CONNECTION
An arrangement or device that will allow alternate, but not simultaneous, use of two sources of water.
NONPOTABLE WATER
Water not safe for drinking, personal or culinary use.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency of federal or state government. The term includes the officers, employees and agents of any partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency of federal or state government.
POLLUTION
The presence in water of any foreign substance that tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness or quality of the water to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health but which does adversely and unreasonably affect such waters for domestic use.
POTABLE WATER
Water which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection.
PROCESS FLUIDS
Any fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form or concentration such as would constitute a health, pollutional or system hazard if introduced into the public or a consumer's water system. This includes, but is not limited to:
(1) 
Polluted or contaminated waters.
(2) 
Process waters.
(3) 
Used waters originating from the public water system 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.
(7) 
Oils, gases, acids, alkalis, and other liquid and gaseous fluids used in industrial or other processes, or for firefighting purposes.
(8) 
Heating system waters from boilers or heat pumps.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIER
A person who owns or operates a public water system.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
A system which provides water to the public for human consumption which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. The term is either a community or noncommunity water system and includes any collection, treatment, storage and distribution facilities under control of the operator of the system and used in connection with the system. The term includes collection or pretreatment storage facilities not under such control which are used in connection with the system. The term also includes a system which provides water for bottling or bulk hauling for human consumption.
REDUCED-PRESSURE-ZONE (RPZ) DEVICE
A minimum of two independently acting check valves, together with an automatically operated 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. In case of leakage of either check valve, the differential relief valve, by discharging to the atmosphere, shall operate to maintain the pressure between the checks at less than the pressure between the checks at less than the supply pressure. The unit must include tightly the device, and each device shall be fitted with properly located test cocks.
SERVICE CONNECTION
The terminal end of a service line from the public water supply system.
SYSTEM HAZARD
A condition posing an actual or potential threat of damage to the physical properties of the public water system or the consumer's potable water system.
C. 
Water system.
(1) 
The water system shall be considered as made up of two parts: the public water supply system and the consumer's water system.
(2) 
The public water supply system shall consist of the source facilities and the distribution system, and shall include all those facilities of the public water supply system under the control of the public water supplier up to the point where the consumer's water system begins.
(3) 
The source shall include all components of the facilities utilized in the production, treatment, storage and delivery of water to the public distribution system.
(4) 
The public distribution system shall include the network of conduits used for delivery of water from the source to the consumer's water system.
(5) 
The consumer's water system shall include all facilities beyond the service connection which are utilized in conveying water from the public distribution system to points of use.
D. 
Cross-connections prohibited.
(1) 
No water service connection shall be installed or maintained to any premises where actual or potential cross-connections to the public water supply system or consumer's water system may exist unless such actual or potential cross-connections are abated or controlled to the satisfaction of the public water supplier.
(2) 
No connection shall be installed or maintained whereby water from an auxiliary water supply may enter a public or consumer's water system unless such auxiliary water supply and the method of connection and use of such supply shall have been approved.
E. 
Survey and investigations.
(1) 
The consumer's premises shall be open at all reasonable times to the public water supplier, or his authorized representative, for the purposes of conducting surveys and investigations of water use practices within the consumer's premises to determine whether there are actual or potential cross-connections to the consumer's water system through which contaminants or pollutants could backflow into the public potable water system.
(2) 
On request by the public water supplier, the consumer shall furnish information on water use practices within his premises.
(3) 
It shall be the responsibility of the water consumer to conduct periodic surveys of water use practices on his premises to determine whether there are actual or potential cross-connections to his water system through which contaminants or pollutants could backflow into the public water supply system.
F. 
Where protection is required.
(1) 
An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed prior to the first branch line leading off each service line to a consumer's water system where, in the judgment of the public water supplier, an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply system exists.
(2) 
An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each service line to a consumer's water system where the following conditions exist:
(a) 
Systems having an auxiliary water supply, unless such auxiliary supply is accepted as an additional source by the public water supplier and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection.
(b) 
Systems where any substance is handled in such fashion as to create an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply system. This shall include systems having sources or auxiliary systems containing process fluids or waters originating from the public water supply system which are no longer under the sanitary control of the water purveyor.
(c) 
Systems having internal cross-connections that, in the judgment of the public water supplier, are not correctable or intricate plumbing arrangements which make it impractical to determine whether or not cross-connections exist.
(d) 
Systems where, because of security requirements or other prohibitions or restrictions, it is impossible or impractical to make a complete cross-connection survey.
(e) 
Systems having a repeated history of cross-connections being established or reestablished.
(f) 
Others specified by the public water supplier.
(3) 
An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each service line to a consumer's water system serving, but not necessarily limited to, the following types of facilities unless the public water supplier determines that no actual or potential hazard to the public water supply system exists:
(a) 
Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, nursing homes.
(b) 
Laboratories.
(c) 
Waterfront facilities.
(d) 
Sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations or stormwater pumping stations.
(e) 
Food or beverage processing plants.
(f) 
Chemical plants.
(g) 
Metal plating industries.
(h) 
Petroleum processing or storage plants.
(i) 
Radioactive material processing plants.
(j) 
Car wash or truck wash.
(k) 
Others specified by the water purveyor.
(l) 
Manufacturing plants.
G. 
Type of protection required. The type of protection required under Subsection F(1), (2) and (3) of this section shall depend on the degree of hazard which exists as follows:
(1) 
An approved air gap separation shall be installed where the public water supply system may be contaminated with substances that are dangerous to the public health and could cause a severe health hazard.
(2) 
An approved air gap separation or an approved reduced-pressure-zone backflow prevention device shall be installed where the public water supply system may be contaminated with a substance that could cause a system or health hazard.
(3) 
An approved air gap separation or an approved reduced-pressure-zone backflow prevention device or an approved double check valve assembly shall be installed where the public water supply system may be polluted with substances that would be objectionable but not dangerous to health.
H. 
Backflow prevention devices.
(1) 
Any backflow prevention device required by this article shall be of a model or construction approved by the public water supplier and shall comply with the following:
(a) 
Air gap separation to be approved shall be at least twice the diameter of the supply pipe, measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, but in no case less than one inch.
(b) 
A double check valve assembly or a reduced-pressure-zone backflow prevention device shall be approved by the public water supplier and shall mean a device that has been manufactured in full conformance with standards established by the American Water Works Association entitled "AWWA C506, Standards For Reduced Pressure Principle and Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices." Said AWWA standards are herein adopted by the public water supplier. Final approval, however, of the reduced-pressure-principle backflow preventer and the double check valve assembly shall be evidenced by a certificate of full approval issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance with the said AWWA standards.
(c) 
An interchangeable connection to be approved shall be either a swing-type connector or a four-way valve of the lubricated plug type that operates through a mechanism which unseats the plug, turns it 90° and reseats the plug. Four-way valves shall not be used as stop valves, but must have separate stop valves on each pipe connected to the valve. The telltale port on the four-way valve shall have no piping connected and the threads or flange on this port shall be destroyed so that a connection cannot be made.
(2) 
Existing backflow prevention devices approved by the public water supplier at the time of installation and properly maintained shall, except for inspection and maintenance requirements, be excluded from the requirement of Subsection H(1) of this section, providing the public water supplier is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the public potable supply system. Whenever the existing device is moved from the present location or requires more than minimum maintenance or when the public water supplier finds that the maintenance of the device constitutes a hazard to health, the device shall be replaced by a backflow prevention device meeting the requirements of this section.
I. 
Installation.
(1) 
Backflow prevention devices required by this section shall be installed at a location and in a manner approved by the public water supplier and shall be installed by a person properly qualified and at the expense of the water consumer.
(2) 
Backflow prevention devices installed on the service line to a consumer's water system shall be located on the consumer's side of the water meter, as close to the meter as is reasonably practical, and prior to any other connection.
(3) 
Pits or vaults shall be of watertight construction, be so located and constructed as to prevent flooding and shall be maintained free from standing water by means of either a sump and pump or a suitable drain. Such sump pump or drain shall not connect to a sanitary sewer nor permit flooding of the pit or vault by reverse flow from its point of discharge. An access ladder and adequate natural or artificial lighting shall be provided to permit maintenance inspection and testing of the backflow prevention device.
J. 
Inspection and maintenance.
(1) 
It shall be the duty of the consumer at any premises on which backflow prevention devices required by this section are installed to have inspections, tests and overhauls made in accordance with the following schedule or more often where inspection indicates a need.
(a) 
Air separation shall be inspected at time of installation and at least every 12 months thereafter.
(b) 
Double check valve assemblies shall be inspected and tested for tightness at the time of installation and at least every 12 months thereafter. They shall be dismantled, inspected internally, cleaned and repaired whenever needed and at least every 30 months.
(c) 
Reduced pressure zone backflow prevention devices shall be inspected and tested for tightness at the time of installation and at least every 12 months thereafter. They shall be dismantled, inspected internally, cleaned and repaired whenever needed and at least every five years.
(d) 
Interchangeable connections shall be inspected at the time of installation and at least every 12 months thereafter.
(2) 
Inspections, tests and overhaul of backflow prevention devices shall be made at the expense of the water consumer and shall be preformed by the public water supplier or a person certified to inspect, test and overhaul backflow prevention devices.
(3) 
Whenever backflow prevention devices required by this section are found to be defective, they shall be repaired, or replaced at the expense of the consumer without delay.
(4) 
The water consumer must maintain a complete record of each backflow prevention device from purchase to retirement. This shall include a comprehensive listing that includes a record of all tests, inspections and repairs. Records of inspections, tests, repairs and overhauls shall be submitted to the public water supplier upon request.
(5) 
Backflow prevention devices shall not be bypassed, made inoperative, removed or otherwise made ineffective without specific authorization by the water supplier.
K. 
Booster pumps.
(1) 
Where a booster pump has been installed on the service line to or within any premises, such pump shall be equipped with a low-pressure cutoff device designed to shut off the booster pump when the pressure in the service line on the suction side of the pump drops to 10 pounds per square inch gauge or less for a period of 30 seconds or longer.
(2) 
It shall be the duty of the water consumer to maintain the low-pressure cutoff device in proper working order and to certify to the public water supplier, at least once a year, that the device is operating properly.
L. 
Violations.
(1) 
The public water supplier may deny or discontinue, after reasonable notice to the occupants thereof, the water service to any premises wherein any backflow prevention device required by this section is not installed, tested and maintained in a manner acceptable to the public water supplier, or it is found that the backflow prevention device has been removed or bypassed, or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises, or if a low-pressure cutoff device required by this section is not installed and maintained in working order.
(2) 
Water service to such premises shall not be restored until the consumer has corrected or eliminated such conditions or defects in conformance with this section and to the satisfaction of the public water supplier.
[Added 9-1-1992 by Ord. No. 425]
A. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
LEAD-FREE
When used with respect to solders and flux, refers to solders and flux containing not more than 0.2% lead and, when used with respect to pipes and pipe fittings, refers to pipes and pipe fittings containing not more than 8% lead.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority or political subdivision, or any agency as a federal or state government. The term includes the officers, employees and agents of any partnership, association, company, corporation, municipality, municipal authority or political subdivision, or any agency of the federal or state government.
PLUMBING SYSTEM
All piping, fixtures and appurtenances used to transport water to, within and from a building, including all residential and nonresidential facilities and sorts, transmission, treatment and distribution facilities of public water systems.
B. 
Prohibition of sale of plumbing materials that are not lead-free. No person shall sell, exchange or offer for sale within this Borough any pipe, pipe fitting, solder or flux commonly used in plumbing systems that is not lead-free. Solders that are not lead-free and that are commonly used in plumbing systems include, but are not limited to, solid core or acid core solders, such as 50-50 tin-lead solder and 85-15 tin-lead solder.
C. 
Prohibition of use of plumbing materials that are not lead-free. No person shall use or authorize another to use any pipe, pipe fitting, solder or flux that is not lead-free in the construction, modification or repair of any plumbing system. This section shall not apply to plumbing systems in existence on the effective date of this section, but shall apply to modifications and repairs of such systems after the effective date of this section.
D. 
Application of section. This section shall not apply to the following:
(1) 
Bulk lead, as normally used for the repair of cast-iron pipe joints.
(2) 
Bar solder, as normally used in construction repair of sheet metal duct work.
(3) 
All solders not used in the plumbing industry which have automotive, electric, industrial or other applications in which specifications distinct from solders commonly used in plumbing systems.
E. 
Certification to Borough of lead-free plumbing materials.
(1) 
Certification. As a condition of allowing a connection to the Borough's water system, any person requesting or applying for the connection must certify that the materials used in the construction of the plumbing system to be connected are lead-free.
(2) 
Inspections and tests. To determine compliance with a new lead-free connection, the Borough of Muncy is authorized to inspect and test the plumbing system of a new service connection.
(3) 
Refusal of connection. The Borough of Muncy shall refuse connection to any person who is in violation of Subsection C of this section or who fails to provide the certification required under this section.
F. 
Penalties and remedies. Any person who violates this section will be subject to the penalties and remedies contained in the Pennsylvania Plumbing Lead Ban and Notification Act, 35 P.S. § 732.1, including but not limited to civil and/or criminal penalties.