[Adopted 2-10-1982 (Ch. 61 of the 1972 Code)]
A. 
The following rules and regulations established by the Town Board of the Town of Carmel shall apply to all water districts located within the Town of Carmel.
B. 
Each and every party taking and/or using water furnished by any district or making any connections with any mains incorporated within any of the water systems serving such districts shall comply with these rules and regulations. The Town Board reserves the right to make such changes in these rules and regulations as it may, from time to time, deem desirable.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BOARD
The Town Board of the Town of Carmel.
OWNER, CONSUMER and/or USER
The person or persons owning the premises connected with the mains and/or using water therefrom.
SUPERINTENDENT
The superintendent duly designated by the Board to supervise the operation of a water system supplying any district or districts within the Town of Carmel. When used herein, the word "Superintendent" shall mean the Superintendent of the district in which the premises are located.
WATER DISTRICT or DISTRICTS
Any water district established in accordance with law located within the Town of Carmel. When used herein, the word "district" or "water district" shall mean the water district in which the premises are located.
A. 
Every owner, consumer or taker of water from any Town system shall be in all respects bound by and shall be considered to have assented to the rules, regulations and requirements as herein set forth or as hereinafter amended as a condition precedent to the rights to service from said water system.
B. 
No person or corporation shall be allowed to use or take water from any Town system for any purpose whatever or to connect with the mains without first making application therefore and signing a contract for its use on a form provided. Application forms may be obtained from the Town Clerk or from the Superintendent. Contracts for water must be signed by the owner of the property or by an agent holding legal authorization to sign for said owner. In case of signature by an agent, a copy of the owner's authorization to sign must be filed with the application.
C. 
No person or persons shall be permitted to take water from the fire hydrants to sprinkle any street or portions of the streets or for any other purpose without having first obtained a permit from the Superintendent, which permit shall be good only for the time named therein. This shall not preclude the inspection and operation of the fire hydrants by members of fire companies in performance of their official duties.
D. 
No approval shall be granted for construction of a multifamily building(s) without a prior, written agreement between the developer and the Town Board, which agreement must contain provisions relating to the method of hookup to the water system, the number and location of water meters, the method of payment of water bills and all other matters relevant to the particular aspects of the proposed multifamily building.
All tapping and the making of connections with the mains or water pipes of the district shall be made by the Superintendent or his duly authorized agent. Violation of this regulation shall authorize the Superintendent to shut off the water without notice. The size of the tap to be made will be determined by such Superintendent.
A. 
The size of the service line will be designated by the Superintendent in accordance with information to be furnished by the consumer as to his probable requirements. Service lines from the main to the curb box will be installed by the district, acting as the agent for and at the expense of the property owner, and will consist of a corporation cock inserted in the main, a length of copper tubing or, in the case of larger service lines, a section of brass or cast-iron pipe, and curb cock and box to be located within the property line.
B. 
Costs of service lines and taps.
(1) 
The cost for the installation of a service line from the main to the curb box, including the tapping of the main, shall be $350 for three-fourths-inch taps, including copper, tubing, fittings, curb box and tapping of main. This charge does not include excavating, backfilling or patching, the cost of which, if required, will be added to said $350.
(2) 
Where a land subdivider, developer and/or builder has, at his own cost and expense, constructed mains, laterals and service lines from the main to the curb box and from the curb box to the structure and/or dwelling, the charge shall be $50 for each tap, including the inspection fee and appurtenant costs. In addition, such persons shall pay the cost of the meter in accordance with these rules and regulations.
C. 
Cost of service lines and taps.
[Amended 11-26-1986]
(1) 
The cost of the installation of the service line from the main to the curb box (including tapping of the main) having three-fourths-inch taps, including copper tubing, fittings, curb box and tapping of the main, shall be established annually by the Town Board and shall be on file in the office of the Town Clerk. This charge does not include excavating, backfilling or patching, the cost of which, if required, will be added to the set charge.
(2) 
Where a land subdivider, developer and/or builder has, at his own cost and expense, constructed mains, laterals and service lines from the main to the approximate curb box and from the curb box to the structure and/or dwelling, and being the primary developer of said subdivision, the charge shall be established annually by the Town Board and shall be on file in the office of the Town Clerk. In addition, such persons shall pay the cost of the meter in accordance with these rules and regulations.
D. 
All curb boxes once set shall be adjusted to changes in grades and shall be kept accessible and in repair by the owner. No person shall turn on or shut off any curb cock controlling any service line without the permission of the Superintendent.
A. 
The service line from the curb box to the building shall be installed by the owner of the premises, at his own cost and expense, under the supervision of and subject to the inspection of the Superintendent.
B. 
All trenches for service lines shall have a minimum depth of five feet. The location of the service line shall be as designated by the Superintendent.
C. 
Except with the written permission of the Superintendent, a separate tap and service shall be installed for each building used for residence purposes, except in the case of multifamily buildings, and located on the street in which there is a district water main, and no consumer shall be allowed to supply water to other persons or premises. No connections of any kind shall be made to the service pipe between the main and the meter.
A. 
Installation.
(1) 
Meters will be installed by Carmel Water District No. 2 upon the payment of the appropriate charge. The Town Board shall annually establish such charge and the same shall be on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
[Amended 11-26-1986]
(2) 
Meters will remain the property of the district. The district will furnish a suitable shutoff cock or valve on the inlet side, and the owner shall furnish an additional one on the outlet side of the meter. The meter will be set by the Superintendent, but the owner shall make suitable provision so that it may be set in a horizontal position not more than three feet from where the line enters the building.
B. 
The Superintendent or any of the district employees, in the performance of their duties, shall be permitted to enter the premises of any consumer between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to examine the meter, pipes and fixtures and make a record of the quantity of water used, including the manner of its use. If any violation of these rules and regulations is found to exist, the Superintendent shall order its correction, and if it is not corrected within 24 hours thereafter, water may be shut off until such violation is remedied.
C. 
No person other than employees of the district shall interfere with or remove any water meter, coupling or shutoff from any service line after it has once been installed, and the owner of the premises shall be held strictly responsible for any violation of this regulation.
D. 
Whenever any meter seal is found broken, the meter will be tested at the expense of the owner.
E. 
Any meter damaged by frost or freezing or by hot water backing onto the meter or in any other way due to the negligence of the consumer shall be repaired by the district at the expense of the owner, who shall pay for said repairs within 30 days after presentation of the bill therefor. The charge for such repairs shall include the cost of removing, repairing and replacing of said meter. The minimum charge therefor shall be established annually by the Town Board and shall be on file in the office of the Town Clerk. Consumers wishing to protect meters from hot water may do so by installing a check valve between the boiler and the meter, but in such case a suitable relief valve should also be installed to guard against explosion. Any meters removed by others than employees of the district will be replaced by the district but at the expense of the owner.
[Amended 11-26-1986]
F. 
Every meter shall be kept unobstructed and easily accessible to the district employees. No meter shall be placed in a coal or wood bin.
G. 
All meters are tested for accuracy before installation. If any meter is found to be defective, it will be changed by the Superintendent. In case of its ceasing to register accurately, the account will be adjusted by taking the average shown by another meter, or an amount equivalent or proportional to that charged during a previous corresponding period. Consumers, upon written request, may have their meters tested by the Superintendent upon the payment of a fee which shall be established annually by the Town Board and shall be on file in the office of the Town Clerk. Such fees shall be remitted if the meter so tested is found to register inaccurately to the extent of 3% either way. This test may be witnessed by the applicant.
[Amended 11-26-1986]
H. 
No more than one meter will be furnished for each tap. Where more than one meter to a tap is desired, the owner may obtain the same by purchasing the same or by paying such charge for the use of the extra meter as may be determined by the Board.
I. 
Where meters are installed at a point other than in a building, the owner will be required to construct, at his cost and expense, a meter pit of a design to be approved by the Superintendent.
A. 
Written notice must be given by the owner to the Superintendent when he wishes to discontinue the use of water, and it will be turned off at the curb box when the property is temporarily vacated. A charge will be made for each time the service is turned off or for extra meter readings. The charge shall be established annually by the Town Board and shall be on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
[Amended 11-26-1986]
B. 
Should an owner wish to permanently discontinue the service line, he shall notify the Superintendent, who will cause the service line to be cut off at the main and the main to be plugged. The owner shall be liable for any expenses incident to such permanent disconnection and, in the event of his later desiring to renew the service, shall pay for the same just as if the original service had never existed.
Water shall be turned on and off only by an employee of the district, except in cases of emergency when immediate notice thereof must be given to the Superintendent. Violation of this rule shall be sufficient cause for the cutting off of the supply of water.
A. 
The district shall not be liable for any damages which may result to consumer's pipes, appliances or other property from the shutting off of water mains or service lines for any purpose whatever, whether previous notice has been given or not. In cases where boilers are directly supplied with water, a suitable valve or other device should be applied to prevent collapse or explosion in case the water is shut off in the street mains. No deductions from water bills will be made for periods when the service is shut off due to accidents or repairs. The district shall not be held liable for any damage sustained by reason of its failure to supply water to any consumer at any time or for any cause and reserves the right to control the amount of water supplied in the event that the supply becomes short for any reason.
B. 
The district does not guarantee service from main to house or through any piping, valves or connections therein. Faulty service or inadequate supply is frequently due to corroding or stopping of pipes and fixtures. Any necessary changes in piping, valves or connections to increase the water supply or its efficiency must be made by the owner at his own expense.
C. 
The Board reserves to itself the control of all taps, mains, curb cocks and meters. It also reserves the right, whenever the Board deems it proper or whenever there is a violation of the rules and regulations, to take charge of and control the service pipes. The district will not be accountable for any breaks or obstructions caused by frost or otherwise; or from any damage arising by leakage from service pipes, fixtures or pipes owned by individuals. The district will not thaw out or pay for the thawing out of frozen service lines.
The owner must keep the curb box, the service lines from the curb box to the building and his plumbing fixtures in good repair and, at his own expense, must prevent all unnecessary waste of water. He shall be liable for such repairs as may be deemed necessary to prevent water waste. Upon failure to comply with this rule, the Superintendent may turn off the water and not turn it on again until the repairs are made. Consumers are warned that high pressures are maintained in some parts of the systems and the installation of a pressure-reducing valve may be advisable. The owner is liable for any accidents due to curb boxes protruding above grade.
A. 
Determination of emergency; when effective; duration. The Board is authorized to determine whether an emergency exists affecting the supply or use of water within any water district and to make such decree and to promulgate such regulations as it deems necessary, at any time and from time to time, and likewise to make a decree terminating such emergency. Any such decree and regulations shall be in writing, signed by the Board and shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk. Publication of a copy of such decree and regulations in the official newspaper of the Town of Carmel and posting of a copy thereof on the signboard at the Town Hall shall constitute sufficient notice. Such decrees and regulations shall become effective two days following the date of publication and posting and shall remain in effect until rescinded by similar procedure.
B. 
Use during emergencies for nonessential purposes prohibited. During the existence of any emergency affecting the supply or use of water within any water district, including but not limited to a shortage of water by reason of insufficient rainfall, it shall be unlawful for any person to use water supplied by such water district for a nonessential purpose, as herein defined.
C. 
Enumeration of nonessential purposes. For the purposes of this article, the following are deemed to be nonessential purposes when water therefor is drawn from a pipe or a hose directly or indirectly connected with a main of any water district affected by a determination of emergency as hereinabove provided:
(1) 
The washing of motor vehicles, except for windshields, mirrors and the like.
(2) 
The cleaning or washing of the outside of buildings or other structures by the use of water or steam.
(3) 
The bleeding of supply lines for the purpose of maintaining a constant flow to prevent freezing.
(4) 
The flooding of outdoor skating rinks.
(5) 
The operation of swimming pools, portable and otherwise, except swimming pools designed and used exclusively for medical treatment.
(6) 
The use of automatic plumbing flush fixtures or apparatus, and the maintenance of constant flow from showers and similar apparatus.
(7) 
The use of hose, spout and similar pressure-bathing apparatus, and the maintenance of constant flow from showers and similar apparatus.
(8) 
The new installation of refrigeration and/or air-conditioning equipment requiring the use of water.
(9) 
The watering of lawns and private gardens and the operation of ornamental ponds, pools and fountains.
A. 
The Board shall determine the rates for water consumption in each district at its organizational meeting. The rates shall include a minimum quarterly charge, which will entitle the user to 1,000 cubic feet per quarter. Meters will be read on or about the 15th of the month immediately preceding the expiration of the quarter, and, in the event that more water is used during any quarter than is allocated thereto, bills will be rendered for such excess at the rates established by the Board. In the event that less water is used during any quarter than the minimum, no credit, refund or allowance will be made therefor. For the purposes of this article, quarters shall end on the last day of the months of March, June, September and December.
B. 
Special rates for sprinkler taps. Any building with a sprinkler system installed using district water shall be charged an annual fee established by the Town Board and on file in the office of the Town Clerk, which shall be in addition to the regular water rates.
[Amended 11-26-1986]
C. 
The above rates and aforementioned charges relate only to property within the water district. For property or users outside the water district, all rates and charges shall be increased 50%.
A. 
Checks or money orders for the payment of water bills or water charges shall be made payable to the respective water districts. Payments may be made in person at the office of the Receiver of Taxes. Bills will be rendered as follows:
(1) 
Carmel Water District No. 2: March 15 and September 15.
(2) 
Carmel Water District No. 3: April 15 and October 15.
(3) 
Lake Baldwin Water District July 1.
(4) 
Carmel Water Districts No. 5 and No. 6: June 15 and December 15.
B. 
For bills remaining unpaid at the end of 60 days after becoming due, the water may be shut off and not turned on again until the bill is paid, together with an additional fee established by the Town Board and on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
[Amended 11-26-1986]
C. 
The payment of water bills must include all arrears and charges to date. No payment will be accepted which leaves a previous charge unpaid. Unpaid water bills are a lien on the property. When unpaid water charges are placed on the annual tax roll, a penalty of 10% of such charges shall be added thereto.
D. 
In the event that the meter reader is unable to enter upon the premises to read the meter, and provided that he has made two attempts so to do, the water bill may be computed by averaging previous meter readings for a similar period or at the minimum rate. Such procedure will also be resorted to in the event that meters become stopped and do not register. All water bills will be sent to the owner of the premises. Payments will be accepted from agents or tenants. However, the owner is responsible for the payment of all water bills.
Service of any notice authorized or directed by or on behalf of the water district may be made upon the owner or consumer personally or by leaving the same at the premises where the water is supplied or by sending the same by mail to such party at the address as shown on the tax assessment records of the Town.
Any person committing an offense against any provision of this article shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 15 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.