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City of Muskego, WI
Waukesha County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (2) Index Notes (1)
A. 
Customers to be subject to Public Service Commission rules. All persons who may hereafter receive water from the Water Utility or who may hereafter make application therefor shall be considered as having agreed to be bound by rules and regulations as filed with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
B. 
Application. Application for water service shall be made in writing on a form furnished by the Public Works and Safety Committee. The application shall contain a legal description of the property to be served, including tax key number, name of applicant, use to be made of service and such other information as the Utility may require.
C. 
Conditions for service. Service shall be furnished only if:
(1) 
Applicant has installed or agrees to install a service pipe from the water main in the street to the point of use laid not less than six feet below the surface of an established or proposed grade and according to the Utility's specifications;
(2) 
Applicant pays required hookup charge;
(3) 
Premises have adequate piping beyond metering point; and
(4) 
Applicant shall pay any water capacity assessment which the City shall deem reasonable and necessary.
D. 
Multiunit metering. Multiunit dwellings shall be served by individual metered water service to each unit, except by approval of the City of Muskego. The owner shall provide interior plumbing and meter settings to enable individual metered service to each unit and individual disconnection without affecting service to other units. Each meter and meter connection shall be a separate Water Utility customer for the purpose of the filed rules and regulations. The owner is responsible for and subject to § 355-3 of this chapter.
[Amended 9-19-1996 by Ord. No. 903]
E. 
Division of water service prohibited. No division of the water service of any lot or parcel of land shall be made for extension and independent meterage of the supply to an adjoining lot or parcel of land. No division of a water supply service shall be made at the curb for separate supplies therefrom for two or more separate premises having frontage on any street or public service strip whether owned by the same or different parties.
F. 
Approval may be withheld. The Committee is hereby empowered to withhold approval of any application wherein full information of the purpose of such supply is not clearly set forth by the applicant property owner.
A. 
The minimum service contract period shall be one year unless otherwise specified by special contract or in the applicable rate schedule. Where a customer at his request has been disconnected prior to expiration of his minimum contract period, where his account is not delinquent and where thereafter he requests the reconnection of service, a reconnection charge established by resolution of the Common Council payable in advance shall be collected. The minimum contract period is renewed with each reconnection.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B. 
There shall be a reconnection charge established by resolution of the Common Council for consumers whose services are disconnected because of nonpayment of bills when due, including disconnection for failure to comply with deposit or guarantee rules.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
C. 
A person shall be considered as the same consumer provided the reconnection is required for the same premises by any member of the same family or, if a place of business, by any partner or employee of the same business.
Water cannot be turned on for a consumer except by an authorized employee of the Utility. When a plumber has completed his work, he shall leave the water turned off. Such plumber may test his work, but when such testing is completed, he shall leave water shut off.
The consumer shall protect the stop box on his property and shall keep the same free from dirt and other obstructions. The Utility shall not be liable for failure to locate the stop box and shut off water in case of a leak on the consumer's premises. The consumer shall allow access to the stop box by, and not interfere with, Utility personnel at all times.
A. 
Frozen services shall be thawed out by and at the expense of the Utility unless freezing was caused by contributory fault or negligence by the consumer, such as reduction of grade, improperly installed consumer service pipe, etc.
B. 
Following freezing of a service, the Utility shall take such steps and issue such instructions as may be necessary to prevent the refreezing of the same service. No charge will be made for rethawing if the instructions are followed. If it is necessary to allow the water to flow to prevent refreezing, the consumer shall make provision for proper disposal of the wastewater. The charge for water shall be adjusted to allow a credit for water permitted to run as a result of Utility instructions. Credit will not be allowed if ordered to run due to negligence or fault as stated in Subsection A above.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
[Amended 8-22-1996 by Ord. No. 898]
A. 
Meters shall be furnished and placed by the Utility and are not to be disconnected or tampered with by the consumer. All meters shall be so located that they are protected from obstructions and permit ready access thereto for reading, inspection and servicing, such location to be designated or approved by the Public Works and Development Director or designee. All piping within the building shall be supplied by the consumer. Where additional meters are desired by the consumer, he shall pay for all piping and an additional amount sufficient to cover the cost of maintenance and depreciation. The consumer shall allow access to the meter by the Utility on a regular and reasonable basis in order to read the meter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B. 
In all new multifamily buildings with four or more units, a separate room shall be provided to accommodate water meters. This room shall be heated to prevent freezing and shall have direct access from the outside of the building. All meters shall be located so that they are protected from obstructions and permit ready access for meter installation, reading, inspection, and servicing.
C. 
If water treatment devices (softeners, filters) are to be installed, they may be installed in this room, provided that sufficient space is allowed for such device and installation of such device does not interfere with access to meters. Meter rooms shall not be located under a stairway or other overhead obstruction and shall not be used for storage of any kind.
D. 
Access to meters shall be provided by the owner or building manager upon a minimum 24 hours' notice by the Utility.
E. 
Proper notice by the Utility, for purposes of this section, shall mean a written notice delivered to the owner or building manager a minimum of 24 hours prior to the time access is requested.
A. 
Where a new customer whose service is to be metered installs the original service piping, where an existing metered customer changes his service piping for his own convenience or where an existing flat rate customer requests to be metered, the customer shall at his expense provide a suitable location and proper meter connections.
B. 
The Public Works and Development Director or designee shall be consulted as to the type and size of meter setting. Where it is possible to set meters in the basement or other suitable place within the building, a short nipple shall be inserted after the stop and waste cock, then a union, and then another nipple and coupling of the proper length. The nipple attached to the union and coupling shall be cut to a standard length provided by the plans of the Director or designee (he may require a horizontal run of 18 inches in such pipeline) which may later be removed for the insertion of the meter into the supply line.
A. 
Meters shall be repaired by the Utility. The cost of such repairs caused by ordinary wear and tear shall be borne by the Utility.
B. 
Repair of any damage caused by carelessness of the owner of the premises, his agents or tenants or from the negligence of any of them to properly secure and protect the same, including any damage that may result from allowing a water meter to become frozen or to be injured from presence of hot water or steam in the meter, shall be paid for by the consumer or the owner of the premises should the consumer fail to pay.
When the meter registers losses due to pipe leaks, the Utility shall determine whether the defect in the piping or equipment was known to the customer or, being known, he has used his best efforts to correct the condition. If the Utility determines that the loss occurred without the consumer's knowledge, or having known about it he had tried to correct the condition, the Utility may determine as nearly as possible what is the amount of loss by comparison with the use of the water during a like period, and the excess may be billed at the lowest step in the rates. However, if the consumer knew of the leak and failed to give proper attention to it, the Utility shall bill for the total consumption shown by the meter at regular rates.
A. 
Where the Utility is unable to read a meter after two successive tries, that fact shall be indicated on the bill, the minimum charge applied and the difference adjusted when the meter is read again; the bill for the succeeding quarter shall be computed with the gallons in each block of the rate schedule doubled, and credit shall be given on that bill for the amount of the minimum bill paid the preceding month.
B. 
Only in unusual cases or when approval is obtained from the consumer shall more than two consecutive estimated bills be rendered where the billing period is two months or more.
C. 
If the meter fails to operate, the bill shall be based on average use during the corresponding quarter of the past year unless there is some reason why the use was not normal. If the average use cannot be properly employed, the bill shall be estimated by some equitable method.
D. 
In the event the customer fails or refuses to allow access to read meters as set forth in § PSC 185.37(2)(e) or (f), Wis. Adm. Code, the Utility may disconnect service as set forth in § PSC 185.37(11), Wis. Adm. Code. Cost for reconnection of service shall be in accordance with the rates established by the Public Service Commission rate order filed with the City of Muskego.
[Added 6-19-1997 by Ord. No. 930]
A. 
An applicant for temporary water supply on a metered basis shall make a monetary deposit which is established by the Common Council.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B. 
Where no other supply is available, permission may be granted by the Utility to use a hydrant after such hydrant is equipped with a sprinkling valve. No valve shall be placed, removed or moved except by an employee of the Utility. If the water is to be used through iron pipe connections, all such pipe installations shall have a swing joint to facilitate quick disconnection from the fire hydrant.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
C. 
All moneys deposited as security for payment of charges arising from the use of temporary water supply on a metered basis, or for the return of a sprinkling valve wheel or reducer, if the water is used on an unmetered basis, shall be refunded to the depositor on the termination of the use of water, the payment of all charges levied against the depositor and the undamaged return of the wheel and reducer.
The Utility reserves the right to shut off water in the mains temporarily to make repairs, alterations or additions to the plant or system. When the circumstances permit sufficient delay, the Utility shall give notification by newspaper publication or otherwise of the discontinuance of the supply. No rebate or damages shall be allowed to consumers for such temporary suspension of supply.
A. 
Where excavating machines are used in digging, all water mains shall be maintained at the expense of the contractor.
B. 
Contractors shall ascertain for themselves the existence and location of all service pipes. Where they are removed, cut or damaged in the construction, the contractor shall at his own expense cause them to be replaced or repaired at once. Such repair shall not cause water service to any consumer to be shut off more than six hours.
Trenches in streets shall be refilled with approved granular backfill in accordance with state highway specifications or City specifications where more restrictive. The contractor shall be responsible for repair of all settled trenches for one year from date of completion.
On all closed systems (i.e., systems having a check valve, pressure regulator or reducing valve, water filter or softener) an effective pressure-relief valve shall be installed either in the top tapping or the upper side tapping of the hot-water tank, or on the hot-water distributing pipe connection at the tank. A one-half-inch drainpipe shall be connected to the relief valve for discharge on the floor or into a sink or open drain through an air gap. No stop valve shall be placed between the hot-water tank and the relief valve or on the drainpipe.
No person shall enter a claim for damages against the City, the Public Works and Safety Committee as a Utility or any officer thereof for damage to any pipe, fixture or appurtenances by reason of interrupted service, variation of pressure or for damage caused by turning off or turning on, whether wholly or partially, the water supply or for the discontinuance of the premises water supply for violation of any rule or regulation of the Water Utility. No claims shall be allowed against the City on account of the interruption of the water supply caused by the breaking of pipes or machinery or by stoppage for repairs from fire or other emergency. No claims shall be allowed for any damage caused by the breakage of any pipe or machinery.
A. 
Definition of cross-connection. A cross-connection is defined as any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate systems, one of which contains potable water from the City of Muskego's public water system and the other of which contains water from a private source, water of unknown or questionable safety, or steam, gases, or chemicals, whereby there may be a flow from one system to the other, with the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.
B. 
Unprotected cross-connections prohibited. No person, firm, or corporation may establish or maintain, or permit to be established or maintained, any unprotected cross-connection. Cross-connections shall be protected as required in Chs. NR 810 and SPS 382, Wis. Adm. Code.
[Amended 12-18-2014 by Ord. No. 1392]
C. 
Inspection. The Water Utility may inspect, or arrange for an inspection of, property served by the public water system for cross-connections. At its sole discretion, the Water Utility may require a person, firm, or corporation who or which owns, leases, or occupies property to have his or its plumbing inspected, at his or its own expense, by a State of Wisconsin certified cross-connection inspector. Inspections will be conducted for every residential and low-hazard nonresidential service a minimum of once every 10 years or on a schedule matching meter replacement. Public educational materials, when being provided in lieu of low-hazard inspections, shall be provided to the customer no less than every three years and with every cross-connection inspection. Unless otherwise approved by the Utility and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Utility shall cause an inspection to be conducted for every high-hazard service a minimum of once every two years. Any unprotected cross-connections identified by the inspection shall be promptly corrected. Failure to promptly correct an unprotected cross-connection shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under Subsection F.
[Amended 12-18-2014 by Ord. No. 1392]
D. 
Right of entry. Upon presentation of credentials, a representative of the Water Utility shall have the right to request entry, at any reasonable time, to a property served by a connection to the public water system for the purpose of inspecting the property for cross-connections. Refusing entry to such Utility representative shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under Subsection F. If entry is refused, a special inspection warrant under § 66.0119, Wis. Stats., may be obtained.
E. 
Provision of requested information. The Water Utility may request an owner, lessee, or occupant of property served by a connection to the public water system to furnish the Water Utility with pertinent information regarding the piping systems on the property. Refusing to provide requested information shall be sufficient cause for the Water Utility to discontinue water service to the property, as provided under Subsection F.
F. 
Discontinuation of water for violation. The Water Utility may discontinue water service to any property wherein any unprotected connection in violation of this section exists and take other precautionary measures deemed necessary to eliminate any danger of contamination of the public water system. Water service may be discontinued, however, only after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing under Ch. 68, Wis. Stats., except as provided in Subsection G. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the unprotected cross-connection has been eliminated.
G. 
Emergency discontinuance. If it is determined by the Water Utility that an unprotected cross-connection or emergency endangers public health, safety, or welfare and requires immediate action, and if a written finding to that effect is filed with the City Clerk and delivered to the customer's premises, water service may be immediately discontinued. The customer shall have an opportunity for hearing under Ch. 68, Wis. Stats., within 10 days of such emergency discontinuance. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the unprotected cross-connection has been eliminated.
Any person who shall, without authority of the Committee, operate any valve connected with the street or supply mains, or open any fire hydrant connected with the distribution system, except to extinguish fire, or who shall damage or impair the same shall be subject to a forfeiture as provided herein. Permits for use of hydrants to fill sprinkling carts apply only to hydrants designated for such use.
Any officer or authorized employee of the Utility shall have the right of access during reasonable hours to any premises supplied with service for inspection or enforcement of the Utility's rules and regulations. The Utility shall make a systematic inspection of all metered and unmetered water taps at least once every three years to check waste and unnecessary use of water.
Before premises are to be vacated, the Utility shall be notified in writing, so it may remove the meter and shut off the water at the curb valve. The owner of the premises shall be liable to prosecution for any damage to Utility property by failing to notify the Utility of vacancy.
A. 
After water connections have been made to any building or upon any premises, no person shall have any tap or connection with the pipe upon such premises for alterations, extensions or attachments unless the person requesting such work shall have obtained and shall exhibit the proper permits therefor from the Utility. Any owner of a one-family home may perform work on his own premises' water system without a licensed plumber if such homeowner advises the Utility when he makes his application for the permit. All plumbing work, whether performed by a licensed plumber or homeowner, shall be subject to the state and local regulations regarding plumbing.
B. 
If any internal plumbing changes are required at the time of connection to the Utility, the cost of such changes and related permits are the responsibility of the property owner.
Consumers shall keep the hydrants, taps, water closets, urinals, baths or other fixtures allotted to their use closed except when obtaining water for use and shall be responsible for any damage or injury that may result to others from the improper use of such water.
A. 
When the Utility has reasonable evidence that a consumer is obtaining his water supply, in whole or in part, by means of devices or methods used to stop or interfere with proper metering of the Utility service being delivered to his equipment, the Utility reserves the right to estimate and present immediately a bill for service unmetered as a result of such interference. Such bill shall be payable subject to a twenty-four-hour disconnection of service. When the Utility has disconnected the consumer's service for such reason, the Utility shall reconnect the consumer's service upon the following conditions;
(1) 
The consumer shall deposit with the Utility an amount sufficient to guarantee payment of his bills for Utility service.
(2) 
The consumer shall pay the Utility for any damages to its equipment on the consumer's premises due to such stoppage or interference with its metering.
(3) 
The consumer shall agree to comply with reasonable requirements to protect the Utility against further losses.
B. 
Sections 98.26 and 943.20, Wis. Stats., relating to water service are hereby adopted by reference and made a part of these rules.
A. 
Consumer to keep in repair. Consumers shall keep their own service pipes, stop cocks and apparatus in good repair and protected from frost at their expense and shall prevent any unnecessary waste of water and overburdening of the system. All expenses related to bringing water into buildings or private premises and connections with the system shall be paid by the applicant. No charge shall be made for the services of the Utility employee to direct where and how the mains shall be tapped and excavations made in the street for laying pipe.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B. 
Consumer use only. No consumer shall supply water to others or allow others to take it off his premises or to connect to the system.
C. 
Consumer to permit inspection. Each consumer shall permit the Utility or its authorized agent, at any reasonable hour, to enter his premises or building to examine pipes, fixtures and the manner in which water is used and drains operate. Such consumers shall answer all questions put to them relative to water consumption.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
Water shall not be turned on into any building or private service pipe without a written order of the authorized agent or employee of the Utility. Plumbers are hereby prohibited from turning on water into any service pipe, except with permission of such Utility or its agent. This rule shall not be construed to prevent any plumber from admitting water to the pipes. When the water has been turned off by order of the Utility or its agent, no consumer shall turn it on or permit it to be turned on without written permission of such Utility or agent thereof.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
A. 
In making excavations in streets or highways to lay service pipes or make repairs, the planks, paving and earth removed shall be deposited to cause the least inconvenience to the public and provide for passage of water along gutters.
B. 
No person shall leave open excavations without barricades in any street or highway. At night, warning lights shall be maintained at such excavations.
C. 
In backfilling the opening after the service pipes are laid, the earth shall be laid in layers of not more than nine inches in depth with each layer thoroughly rammed or puddled to prevent settling. Backfill shall be as specified by the Utility or its agent and may include but is not limited to spoil material, crushed road gravel or slurry material. This work, together with replacing sidewalks, ballast and paving, shall be done to make the street as good as before it was disturbed and to the City Engineer's satisfaction. No excavations shall be made in the right-of-way without first obtaining a permit from the City Engineer or his designated agent. All sidewalks and pavements shall be saw cut to provide a neat edge.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
A. 
No person, except those with the Public Works and Safety Committee's special permission or persons in the Committee's service and approved by it, shall tap into mains or distribution pipes or insert stop cocks or ferrules therein. The kind and size of connection with the mains shall be those specified in the permit or order from such Committee.
B. 
Mains shall be tapped on the side and not within 24 inches of any joint or 12 inches of another tap. Taps less than three feet apart shall be staggered from each other a minimum angle of 30°.