13-1
Billing for water service.
13-2
Charges to constitute lien on real estate.
13-3
Regulations.
13-4
Rates for various types of service.
13-5
Hydrants--Semiannual inspection and flushing.
13-6
Pools to be filled by May 15th.
13-7
Installation of water mains, services, branch lines, etc.
13-8
Main drain or common sewer defined.
13-9
Construction to be by superintendent.
13-10
Specifications and plans.
13-11
Interference or obstruction prohibited.
13-12
Construction--Application.
13-13
Construction--Cost to be borne by owner.
13-14
Deposit--Deficiency or return of surplus.
13-15
Materials and labor to be charged at actual cost.
13-16 Permit
required for alterations.
13-17
Owners required to connect to common sewer.
13-18
Sewers to be kept clean at owner's expense.
13-19
Grease traps.
13-20
Connection of private sewer.
13-21
Elevation of cellars or basements.
13-22
Work on water, gas or other pipes not to interfere with main drain or common
sewer.
13-23
Exhaust or blow-off pipes not to connect with public sewer.
13-24
Excessive solids not to enter public sewer.
13-25
Rates for use of common sewer.
13-26
When Bills for Sewer Charges are to be Sent Out, etc..
13-27
Sewer charges – Payable when.
13-28
Charges to constitute lien upon real estate.
13-29
New connections to Municipal sanitary system.
============================================================
13-1 I.
WATER SYSTEM
13-1
Billing for water service.
The
Superintendent of Public Works shall cause to be made out and placed in the
hands
of the collector for collection on or before the first day of July and the
thirtyfirst
day of
December of each year and at such other times as there is occasion
therefor
all bills for water becoming due at such time and also all other bills payable
to the
city on account of the water works.
Bills
shall be rendered monthly to any nonresidential water taker consuming large
quantities
of water. Said superintendent shall at the same time cause to be sent to
the
persons from whom the rates are due a notice stating the amount due and
demanding
the payment thereof. Said superintendent shall make abatements in the
water
rates of all proper cases. Said superintendent shall cause to be kept suitable
records
of the names of all persons who take the water, the kind of building, the
name
and number of the street, the nature of the use, the account charged, and
amounts
of abatements, which shall be open to the inspection of the city council.
(Prior
Ch. 29 sec.1).
13-2
Charges to constitute lien on real estate.
Nonpayment
of water charges shall constitute a lien upon the premises as provided
by
statute. All such water charges remaining unpaid sixty days after they are due
shall
be collected by the city collector by sale of real estate in the same manner as
unpaid
taxes upon real estate. (Prior Ch. 29 sec. 2).
13-3
Regulations.
The
following regulations are hereby established, and shall together with such
other
regulations as the Superintendent of Public Works with the approval of the
mayor
may at any time hereafter establish not inconsistent herewith be considered
a part
of the contract with every person who takes or uses the water, and every
person
taking the water shall be considered to express his consent to be bound
thereto.
Whenever any of the regulations are violated, although two or more parties
shall
receive the water through the same service pipe, the water shall be shut off
and
shall not be let on again, except on payment of ten dollars and all chargeable
rates.
The superintendent may declare any payment made for the water by the
person
committing a violation to be forfeited and it shall be forfeited.
Regulation
1. All applications for water service must be made in writing to the
Superintendent
of Public Works by the owner of the premises to be served and the
13-2
said applicant shall be responsible for all proper charges for service until
said service
is
discontinued by his written order. The application must state fully and truly
all
purposes
for which water is to be used and shall not be used for any other purpose
without
the assent of the Superintendent of Public Works. The superintendent shall
be the
sole judge as to the size of the service to be granted and his decision shall
be
final.
Regulation
2. If the service is for fire protection only, the whole cost of installing the
service
and any additional cost for repairs of service pipe or valve which may be
necessary
from time to time shall be paid by the water taker, and no such service
shall
be installed until a deposit has been made in the office of the Superintendent
of
Public
Works sufficient to pay the entire cost of the installation and no abatement or
refunding
of the cost of the installation shall be made. The city shall not be required
to make
connections at its expense. There shall be no charge made for water used
for
extinguishing fires, and no meters need be put on pipes that are used for fire
protection
only.
Regulation
3. On all other water service installations the pipe shall be equipped with
such
meters as the Superintendent of Public Works shall direct. All meters will be
purchased
by and remain the property of the city, but the whole cost of installing the
meter
and service shall be paid by the water taker. No such service shall be
installed
until a
deposit has been made in the office of the Superintendent of Public Works
sufficient
to pay the entire cost of the installation, and no abatement or refunding of
the
cost of the installation shall be made. The city shall not be required to make
connections
at its expense.
Regulation
4. No person other than an authorized employee of the Superintendent of
Public
Works shall tap any main or connect any service pipe therewith, nor shall any
plumber
or other person turn on or shut off the water from any pipe or hydrant where
the
stopcock is not located on his own premises.
Regulation
5. Any persons making additions or alterations to the water fixtures shall
immediately
report the same to the Superintendent of Public Works. No plumber or
other
person shall make any alterations or additions to the water fixtures in any
house
on the
premises without first obtaining a permit in writing from the Superintendent of
Public
Works. Said permit shall be returned within ten days after the completion of
the
work endorsed with a statement of all fixtures added or removed and the water
will
not be
turned on until such return is made.
Regulation
6. No alteration shall be made in any of the pipes or fixtures connected
with
the service except by the authority of the Superintendent of Public Works or
his
authorized
agent. The agents of said superintendent shall have free access to the
premises
supplied, to examine all pipes and fixtures, to ascertain the quantity of water
13-3
used, its manner of use and to determine whether or not there is an improper
use or a
waste
of water. If any fixtures are found not to be in good order or to allow waste
of
water,
the superintendent shall direct the owner to make all necessary repairs and if
such
repairs are not made within three days, he shall shut off the supply and not
let it
on
again until such repairs are made and the sum of ten dollars is paid by the
owner
for
shutting off and letting on water.
Regulation
7. All water takers must keep their water pipes, fixtures and meters
protected
from frost and from heat at their own expense and shall be liable for any
damage
to the service, shutoff, or meter resulting from their failure to do so. They
shall
also provide a safe and convenient location for the meter and be responsible
for
its
safekeeping.
Regulation
8. Any water meter may be removed and tested for accuracy upon the
complaint
of the water taker, and after said water taker pays a fee of ten dollars for
such
testing. If the meter is not found to be at least ninety-seven percent
accurate, it
shall
be repaired or replaced, and the ten dollar fee refunded to the water taker.
Regulation
9. On services subject to metered water, meters which have stopped must
be
replaced within sixty days. If due to various and unforeseen circumstances this
is
not
possible, charges for water usage will be estimated on usage for the previous
six
months.
Regulation
10. Owners shall be responsible for all water supplied to their premises.
When
water shall be supplied to more than one owner through a single service, in
case of
nonpayment by any taker of the service the water may be shut off,
notwithstanding
one or more takers may have paid their bills.
Regulation
11. All bills for metered water services shall contain the meter readings. In
case of
nonpayment of water rates for thirty days after the same are due, interest at
the
rate of ten percent per annum shall accrue from the date said rates are due.
Regulation
12. No person supplied with water shall allow another to take water from
the
fixtures without the written permission of the Superintendent of Public Works
or his
authorized
agent.
Regulation
13. All persons using water for building purposes are required before
taking
water from any faucet or fixtures connected with the water supply to obtain a
permit
in writing from the Superintendent of Public Works or his authorized agent. All
water
takers are prohibited from allowing any person to take water from their
premises
until
they show such a permit. Any person furnishing water in violation of this
section
will be
subject to a fine of fifty dollars and if the same when levied is not paid
within
three
days from the time when notice thereof is given, the water shall be shut off
from
13-4
the premises and will not be let on again until such fine is paid, together
with the sum
of ten
dollars for shutting off and letting on the water.
Regulation
14. No person or persons shall in any case be allowed to open any fire
hydrant,
except by a written permit from the Superintendent of Public Works. The
superintendent
is responsible for the proper operation and mechanical maintenance
of all
hydrants; however, the chief engineer of the fire department shall in all cases
have
control of hydrants at fires and at practices. He shall notify the
superintendent
when
hydrants have been opened and which hydrants are found to be defective.
Regulation
15. All elevators, motors, or other hydraulic power plants shall be supplied
by
meter and paid for by meter rates. The Superintendent of Public Works shall
have
the
right to refuse to supply water for power purposes when, in his opinion, the
interest
of the city demands such action.
Regulation
16. The potable water supply of the city shall not be used for cooling or
air-conditioning
or like use but can only be used as makeup supply for these systems.
(C.23.1973).
Any unit requiring water for cooling or refrigerating or air-conditioning
purposes
shall be equipped with a recirculation system. All persons or businesses
who
neglect to conform to this regulation shall be subject to a fine of twenty-five
dollars
per day until the violation is abated.
Regulation
17. Water takers shall prevent all unnecessary waste of water and water
shall
not be allowed to prevent freezing. When restrictions on the use of water are
necessary,
the Superintendent of Public Works shall cause notices of same to be
posted
in prominent locations throughout the city. Any and all persons guilty of water
abuse,
or who violate the restrictions in the water ban shall be liable for a fine of
fifty
dollars.
Regulation
18. No person other than an authorized employee of the Superintendent
of
Public Works shall in any manner disturb or tamper with a water meter or
disconnect
the same from the service pipe without first obtaining a permit in writing
from
the Superintendent of Public Works. Any person who does disturb, tamper with
or
disconnect a water meter shall be liable to a fine of two hundred dollars.
Regulation
19. The Superintendent of Public Works may shut off water for the
purpose
of making alterations or necessary repairs to the mains or services and he
shall
shut off water from any person who shall disregard the above rules or neglect
to
pay the
water rates when due as hereinbefore provided. The superintendent and his
agents
and the city shall not be liable for any damage to such shutting off.
Regulation
20. The Superintendent of Public Works may establish such regulations
from
time to time as he may deem expedient for the introduction and use of the
water,
13-5
and may establish charges for any use of water not described in this part.
Water will
not be
supplied to any building unless the pipes and fixtures shall be made
conformable
to such regulations. All such regulations and charges shall not become
effective
until approved by the mayor in writing. (Prior Ch. 29 sec. 3).
Regulation
21. Cross Connection Control
A.
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL AUTHORITY. Under Public Law 93-523, the
Safe
Drinking Water Act of 1974, and Massachusetts Regulation 310 CMR, Setion
22.22:
Cross Connections, a water purveyor has the primary responsibility for
preventing
water from unapproved sources from entering the public water system.
B.
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL - GENERAL POLICY.
1. PURPOSE
The
purpose of this regulation is:
To
protect the public potable water supply in the area served by the City of
Woburn
from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within its
customer's
internal distribution system, such contaminants or pollutants which
could
backflow or back-siphon into the public water supply system; and
To
promote the elimination or control of existing cross connections between
the
City's potable water system and non- potable systems, plumbing fixtures or
industrial
piping; and
To
provide a continuing program of cross connection control which will
systematically
and effectively prevent cross connection contamination through
survey,
inspection and testing.
2.
RESPONSIBILITY
The
Woburn Department of Public Works shall have the authority to oversee
and
enforce the Cross Connection Control Program.
The
Department of Public Works shall be responsible for the protection of
the
public distribution system from contamination or pollution due to the
backflow
or back siphonage of contaminants through water service connections.
If, in
the judgement of the Department of Public Works a backflow prevention
device
is needed for the safety of the water system, the Department or its
designated
agent shall give notice in writing to the appropriate Owner to install
an
approved backflow prevention device at each service connection to his
premises
and/or on a particular process within the facility.
The
Owner shall be responsible for maintaining his water system in a
manner
which will not cause a hazard to other users of the potable water
system
by either eliminating cross connections or properly installing a backflow
prevention
device in conformance with this bylaw. Once directed, the Owner
shall
install such approved device at his own expense, and failure, refusal or
13-6
inability on the part of the Owner to install said device within the allowable
time,
shall
constitute a ground for disconnecting water service to the premises until
such
device has been property installed. The maximum time allowed for the
installation
of a required device is outlineed in Section D.1 of this bylaw.
All
administrative costs associated with the operation of the City of Woburn
Cross
Connection Control Program will be supported by a fee for submittals on
survey
results, plan approvals, testing results, and permitting of testable
devices.
The City of Woburn reserves the right to set ALL fees require for the
implementation
and operation of a successful cross connection control program.
All
costs associated with the mandated cross connection control survey are
the
direct responsibility of the Owner of the premises being surveyed and/or the
individual(s)
leasing or renting such property. In the absence of clearly
assigned
responsibility the Owner of the premises shall be held responsible.
C.
DEFINITIONS
DEPARTMENT
- The Department of Public Works or its ddesignated agent in
charge
of water safety for the City of Woburn, Massachusetts vested with the
authority
and responsibility for the implementation of an effective cross
connection
control program and for the enforcement of the provisions of this
bylaw.
APPROVED
- Accepted by the Department of Public Woorks as meeting an
applicable
specification cited in this regulation, or as suitable for the proposed
use.
AUXILIARY
WATER SUPPLY - Any water supply on or available to the
premises
other than the approved public potable water supply overseen by the
Department
of Public Works.
BACKFLOW
- The flow of water or other liquids, mixxtures or substances under
pressure
into the distribution pipes of a potable water system from any source
other
than an approved supply source.
BACK-SIPHONAGE
- The flow of water or other liquids, mixxtures or substances
into
the distribution pipes of a potable water system from any source other than
an
approved supply source, causes by the sudden reduction of pressure in the
potable
water system.
BACK-FLOW
PREVENTER - A device or means designed to prevent backflow
or
siphonage.
Air-Gap
- The unobstructed vertical distance throough the free
atmosphere
between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying
13-7
water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other container and the flood rim of said
vessel.
An approved air-gap shall be required by Department standards.
Reduced
Pressure Principle Device - An assembly of two independently
operating
check valves with an automatically operating differential relief
valve
between the two check valves, tightly closing shutoff valves on either
side of
the check valves, and properly located test cocks for the routine
testing
of the device.
Double
Check Valve Assembly - An assembly of two independently
operating
approved check valves with tightly closing shutoff valves on each
side of
the check valves, and properly located test cocks for the routine
testing
of the assembly.
Pressure
Vacuum Breaker - A device containing one or two
independently
operating loaded check valves and an independently
operating
loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check
valve(s).
CONTAMINATION
- An impairment of the quality of the pottable water to a
degree
which creates an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or
the
spread of disease.
CROSS
CONNECTION - Any physical connection or arrangment of piping or
fixtures
between two otherwise separate piping systems one of which contains
potable
water and the other non-potable water or industrial fluids of
questionable
safety, through which, or because of which, back flow or backsiphonage
may
occur into the potable water system.
CROSS
CONNECTION – CONTROLLED - A connection between a potable
water
system and a non-potable water system with an approved backflow
prevention
device properly installed that will continously afford the protection
commensurate
with the degree of hazard.
CROSS
CONNECTION CONTROL BY CONTAINMENT - The installation of
any
approved backflow pevention device at the water service connection to any
premises,
or the installation of an approved backflow prevention device on the
service
line leading to and supplying a portion of a private water system where
there
are actual or potential cross connections which cannot be effectively
elimated
or controlled at the point of cross connection.
CURB
STOP - The part of the water system, usually located at or near the
Owner's
property line, where the City of Woburn has complete access and
control
to shut off the water supply to the premises. Beyond this ponnt, the
water
system belongs to and is the responsibility of the Owner.
13-8
HAZARD, DEGREE OF - The term is derived from an evaluation of the potential
risk to
public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the potable water
system.
Hazard
- Health (High Hazard) - Any conditions, device or practice in the
water
supply system and its operation which could create, or, in the
judgement
of the Department of Public Works, may create a danger to the
health
and well being of the water user.
Hazard
- Plumbing (High Hazard) - A plumbing typpe cross connection in
a
private potable water system that has not been properly protected by a
vacuum
breaker, air-gap separation or backflow prevention device.
Unprotected
plumbing type cross connections are considered to be a health
hazard.
Hazard
- Pollutional (Low Hazard) - An actual orr potential threat to the
physical
properties of the water system or to the potability of the public or the
consumers
which would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically
objectionable
or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances,
but,
would not be dangerous to health.
INDUSTRIAL
FLUIDS SYSTEM - Any system containing a 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
plumbing
hazard if introduced into an approved water supply.
OWNER -
The person or persons who own, maintain and control a private water
system.
Also, any person maintaing a cross connection or owning or occupying
premises
on which a cross conection can or does exist.
POLLUTION
- The presence of any foreign substance ((organic, inorganic or
biological)
in water which tends to degrade the water quality so as to constutute
a
hazard to impair the usefulness or quality of the water to a degree which does
not
create an actual haad to the public health but which does adversely and
unreasonably
affect such waters for domestic use.
WATER-POTABLE
- Water from a source which has been apprroved by the
Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection for
human
consumption.
WATER -
NON-POTABLE - Water which is not safe for human consumption or
which
is of questionable quality.
13-9
WATER SYSTEM - The water system shall be considered as made up of two
parts:
The utility system and the private system.
The
utility system shall consist of the source facilities and the distribution
system;
it shall include all those components of the water system under the
complete
control of the Department of Public Works, up to the curb stop
where
the private system begins.
The
source facilities shall include all components of the water system utilized
in the
production, treatment, storage and delivery of water to the distibution
system.
The
distribution system shall include the network of conduits used for the
delivery
of water from the source facility to the customer's system, generally
terminating
at the curb stop located at the property line.
The
private system shall include those parts of the facilities beyond the curb
stop
through which the public potable water is delivered to points of use.
WATER –
USED - Any water supplied by the Department of Public Works or
any
other water system to a consumer's water system after it has passed
through
the point of delivery and is no longer under the sanitary control of the
water
purveyor.
D.
REQUIREMENTS
1.
SURVEY
The
Department of Public Works shall perform a system wide cross
connection
survey of all industrial, commercial and institutional facilities who
receive
potable water from the City of Woburn. The Department may also
inspect
any residential housing units which the Department deems suitable for
survey
for possible cross connections. Fee for the facility survey shall be paid
by the
Owner.
For
system wide survey conditions, the Department will send written
notice
to the Owner stating the specific day and time of the site visit. If the
specified
time is not acceptable to the Owner, he must immediately call the
Department
of Public Works to schedule another time within five (5) working
days of
the first notice. The Owner must be available and ready at the agreed
time or
a fee may be charged to the Owner for every missed appointment.
The
Owner must have a representative available at the specified time to
remain
with the surveyor throughout the site visit. This representative must be
familiar
with the layout and operation of the facility as well as being
knowledgeable
of the internal private water system.
13-10
During the survey, authorized representatives of the Department of Public
Works
will determine whether cross connections or sanitary hazards exist.
When
such a condition becomes known, the Department shall send written
notice
to the Owner within five (5) days of the determination. Such notice will
direct
the Owner to install an approved backflow prevention device
commensurate
with the degree of hazard. The Owner will be directed to install
the
device at the location where it will provide the greatest protection to other
potable
water users; these users being either at the same facility or throughout
the
distribution system. All expenses relating to the design, purchase and
installation
shall be borne by the Owner.
All
decisions relating to determination of backflow will be made by the
Department
of Public Works or its designated representative. Failure to comply
with
any directive from this office will result in termination of water service.
Once
directed, the Owner shall install such approved device at his own
expense,
and failure, refusal or inability on the part of the Owner to install said
device
within the following time schedule, shall constitute a ground for
disconnecting
water service to the premises until such device has been
property
installed.
For
backflow prevention devices up to two (2) inches, the maximum time
for
approved installation is thirty (30) calendar days.
For
backflow prevention devices two (2) inches and larger, the maximum
time
for approved installation is sixty (60) days or as designated by the
Department
of Public Works.
In the
event that an extension of time is required to plan and install the
device,
the customer shall file a written request to the Department for an
extension
of time. The Department will consider the degree of hazard,
population
served and the reason for delay when deciding whether to grant the
extension.
2.
IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE
If,
during a survey of the premises, a condition is found which could pose
a
critical health risk, the Department may immediately terminate water service
to the
facility, until such condition is corrected or the hazard eliminated. The
Department
may terminate service by shutting off the service at the curb stop
or by
removing the facility water meter. The service shall remain off until the
Owner
properly provides backflow protection at the source in conformance with
this
bylaw and all State and local plumbing regulations.
3.
DEVICE INSTALLATION
An
approved backflow prevention device may be required by the
Department
of Public Works to be installed by the Owner on each line of his
water
system wherever the following conditions exist:
13-11
4. DEVICE REQUIREMENTS
All
commercial, industrial and institutional customers using water from the
A. In
the case of premises having an auxiliary water supply which is not
or may
not be safe bacteriological or chemical quality and which is not
acceptable
is an addition source by the Department, the public water
system
shall be protected against backflow from the auxiliary supply
by
installing a backflow prevention device in the service line
appropriate
to the degree of hazard.
B. In
the case of premises on which any industrial fluids or any other
objectionable
substance is handled in such a fashion as to create an
actual
or potential hazard to the public water system, the public water
system
shall be protected against backflow from the premises by
installing
a backflow prevention device in the service line appropriate
to the
degree of hazard.
C. In
the case of premises having (1) internal cross connection that
cannot
be permanently corrected and controlled, or (2) intricate
plumbing
and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of
the
premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making
it
impractical or impossible to ascertain whether or not dangerous
cross
connections exist, the public water system shall be protected
against
back flow from the premises by installing backflow precention
device
in the service line.
3.1
CONTAINMENT PROTECTION
If the
Owner is directed to install the backflow preventer for
complete
facility containment, the device shall be installed on the service
line
immediately inside the building after the water meter and before the
first
branch leading off the service.
3.2
IN-PLANT PROTECTION
If the
backflow prevention is required to control a specific process
the
approved device shall be installed ahead of the outlet or connection
but
behind any unrelated branch service that may be tapped off the
same
service.
3.3
AQUIFER PROTECTION
The
Department of Public Works may require an approved backflow
prevention
device to be installed on private wells from which water is
used
for non-potable systems including, but not limited to, cooling waters,
spray
wash and irrigation networks. These devices shall be installed to
prevent
backflow of the used water to the underground aquifer. Such
device,
if required, will be in addition to any single check valve which may
be in
line on the well pump.
13-12
City of Woburn, Department of Public Works, must have installed at the point of
connection
(i.e. immediately downstream of the water meter) a State approved
reduced
pressure backflow device or State approved double check valve
assembly.
The
type of protection device required under this section shall depend upon
the
degree of hazard which exists as follows:
In the
case of any premises where there is an auxiliary water supply; or
where
there is any material dangerous to health which is handled in a
fashion
as to create an actual or potential hazard to the public water system;
or
where there are "uncontrolled" cross connections, either actual or
potential,
the public water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap
separation
or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention
device
at the service connection.
In the
case of any premises where there is water or substance that
would
be objectionable but not hazardous to health if introduced into the
public
water system, the public water system shall be protected by an
approved
double check valve assembly at the service connection.
In the
case of any premises where, because of security requirements or
other
prohibitions or restrictions it is impossible or impractical to make a
complete
in-plant cross connection survey, the public water system shall be
protected
against backflow or back siphonage from the premises by the
installation
of a backflow prevention device in the service line. In this case,
maximum
protection will be required; that is, an approved air-gap separation
or an
approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall
be
installed in each service to the premises.
Any
back-flow prevention device required herein shall be a model and
size
approved by the Department of Public Works. The term "approved
back-flow
prevention device" shall mean a device that is on the
Commonwealth
of Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection
"approved
list of backflow preventers and double check valves". Said
approval
list has been adopted by the City of Woburn. Final approval rests
with
the Department of Public Works.
Service
of water to any premises shall be discontinued by the
Department
if backflow prevention device required by this bylaw is not
installed,
tested and maintained, or if it is found that a backflow device has
ben
removed, by-passed, or if an unprotected cross connection exists on the
premises.
Service
will not be restored until such conditions or defects are
corrected.
E.
TESTING
It
shall be the duty of the Owner of any premises where backflow prevention
devices
are installed to have certified inspections and operational tests made at
13-13
least once per year as required under Massachusetts Department of
Environmental
Protection Regulations. The Department of Public Works will
conduct
testing on these devices twice per calendar year as required or modified
by
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Regulations.
It
shall be the duty of the Department to schedule the semi-annual tests,
and the
responsibility of the Owner to obtain a private certified tester to schedule
his
annual test. The Department of Public Works may have these tests
performed
by their designated representative.
In
those instances where the Department deems the hazard to be of
considerable
concern, it may require certified inspections and tests at more
frequent
intervals. All inspections and tests shall be at the expense of the
Owner.
The
Department of Public Works shall notify the Owner in advance when
the
tests are to be undertaken so that he or his representative may witness the
test if
so desired. These devices shall be repaired, overhauled or replaced by a
licensed
plumber at the expense of the Owner whenever said devices are found
to be
defective. Re-testing of repaired devices must be made within two weeks
of the
initial test as required by State Regulations. Records of such tests shall
be kept
by the Department of Public Works who will send proper notification to
the
Department of Environmental Protection.
All
presently installed backflow prevention devices which do not meet the
requirements
of this section but where approved devices for the purposes
described
herein at the time of installation and which have been properly
maintained,
shall, except for the inspection and maintenance requirements, be
excluded
from the requirements of these rules so long as the Department of
Public
Works gives its approval in writing and is assured that the devices will
satisfactorily
protect the public water system.
Whenever
the existing device is moved from the present location or
requires
more than minimum maintenance or the Department finds that the
maintenance
constitutes hazard to health, the unit shall be replaced by a
backflow
prevention device meeting the requirements of this bylaw.
Repair
kits for all devices are required to be on hand and in the proximity of
the
device, in the event that maintenance is required.
All
testing performed on backflow devices by the City of Woburn
Department
of Public Works, or its agents, will be charged to the Owner of the
backflow
device.
No
backflow device may be removed without the written consent of the
Department
of Public Works.
All
plumbing modifications must be approved by the Woburn Plumbing
Inspector
and follow the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Plumbing
Code.
(Regulation
21 added 9/7/93)
13-14
13-4 Rates for various types of service.
A.
Residential Units.
1. All
residential units, metered and nonmetered, shall be billed at a flat rate
charge
of sixty-eight dollars semiannually, to be billed on July 1st and December
31st of
each year, for a total of one hundred thirty-six dollars annually.
Multiresidential
units
shall be billed by the number of units times the flat rate,
semiannually.
(Amended 6/16/92; 8/20/96; 5/22/2001; amended 10/29/2001)
2. For
the purpose of this section, "residential units" means single-family
or
multifamily
units, where one or more persons reside.
B. Metered
Services.
1. All
water services, other than those defined above as residential, shall be
charged
a rate of two dollars and seventy-seven cents for every one hundred
cubic
feet of water used. Where water is supplied to both a residential unit and
a
commercial unit through a single service, the rate charged shall be
determined
by the principal use of said water. The principal use shall be
determined
by the Superintendent of Public Works. (Amended 08/15/90;
6/16/92,
8/20/96; 5/22/2001; amended 10/29/2001)
2.
Water for building purposes shall be supplied by meter, and be charged at the
rate of
fifty cents per one hundred cubic feet for the total amount of water used.
3.
Builders who are not owners of premises where water is supplied may be given
service
if upon application they make a cash deposit to pay all costs of
installation
and to guarantee the safety of the meter.
4. The
minimum charge for shutting off and turning on water shall be ten dollars.
5. No
charge for water shall be made to city-owned buildings.
6. All
active services not in regular use shall be known as "standby"
services and
shall
be charged at the rate of thirteen dollars semiannually for each such
service.
7. On
services subject to metered water there shall be a minimum charge of sixtyeight
dollars
paid semi-annually July 1st and December 31st. (Amended
08/15/90;
6/16/92; 8/20/96; 5/22/2001; amended 10/29/2001)
8. The
above rate schedule must be reviewed one year from the day of passage,
and every
five years thereafter. (Ord. dated 05/18/88; Ord. of 4/18/86; 4/5/85;
prior
code Ch. 29 4; ord. 07/01/91).
NOTE:
Elderly and Widows who are entitled to an exemption under Property Tax
Statutory
Exemption,
Chapter 59, Sec. 5 Cl 17C and also Cl 41, will be entitled to a 20% reduction
in
Water charges for the unit dwelling occupied by the eligible person. Proof of
entitlement
shall
be presented with the Water Bill. (Ord. dated 05/18/88)
13-15
9.
Request for abatements and exemptions must be filed within thirty (30) days of
billing
date recorded on water and sewer bill. (Ord. dated 05/04/89).
10.
Out-of-City customers connected to the water distribution system shall be
billed
the
applicable water rate of the town they reside in, plus a 25% service fee.
(Ord.
dated 05/04/89; 08/15/90; 07/01/91).
13-5
Hydrants--Semiannual inspection and flushing.
A. The
water department shall conduct a semiannual (spring and fall) inspection and
flushing
of all fire hydrants in the city, to insure maximum protection of all
residents.
B. If
the fire hydrant is found to be inoperable, its locus shall be recorded, and
copies
of
records of locations of inoperable hydrants and dates of renovation of same
shall
be sent to the head of the department of water, chief of the fire department,
and
city council at the last regular meetings of the City Council in May and
October.
(Prior Ch. 29 sec. 5).
13-6
Pools to be filled by May 15th.
All
existing pools in the city shall be filled on or before May 15th in any given
year.
(Prior
Ch. 29 sec. 6).
13-7
Installation of water mains, services, branch lines, etc.
A.
Service Pipes.
1.
Service pipes shall be tapped directly across from the hose at a ninetydegree
angle
from the main.
2.
Where copper is used for service pipes, said copper shall not be less than
type
"K."
3.
Services shall be run trap-free.
4.
Service pipe shall have no less than four and one-half feet of cover and no
more
than five feet.
5.
Twelve inches of soft, rock-free material shall be placed over pipe, by hand,
before
filling trench by machine.
6.
Water meter jumpers furnished by contractors shall be of brass or copper,
and be
made with meter couplings and seven and one-half-inch nipples.
B. Curb
Boxes.
1. Curb
box must be on sidewalk and be left flush with finish grade, and in plain
sight.
2. Curb
cocks shall have no less, nor no more, than four and one-half feet of
cover.
13-16
3. All curb cocks and boxes shall be dry upon completion of project, or at time
of
final approval by Superintendent of Public Works.
4.
Plans of the curb cock and corporation cock shall be taken by contractor and
be
given to water department.
C.
Mains and Branches.
1. Main
pipes shall be installed according to approved Johns-Manville
Directions
and be tamped and hand covered, twelve inches, with sand or soft
material
containing no stones.
2.
Mains shall be placed thirteen feet from property lines and shall stay on one
side of
the street.
3.
Gates shall be placed as directed by the Superintendent of Public Works,
and
hydrants shall be placed as directed by the fire chief.
4. Any
new hydrants shall be placed so that the cap of the steamer nozzle is no
less
than twelve inches back from the curb, and shall have a gate and shall
have
cast iron pipes between hydrants and the main. Hydrants shall of the
"open
right" type with AWW approval.
5. Main
gate locations shall specified by the Superintendent of Public Works
department,
water department.
6. All
mains and branches, gates, tees, ends of lines shall be shown on a plan
and
submitted to the superintendent for final approval.
7. No
backfilling shall be done without supervision of a member of the water
department,
wages to be paid by the contractor.
8. Taps
in the main shall be no closer than eighteen inches apart.
9.
Types of material, fittings, valves, hydrants, shall be determined by the
Superintendent
of Public Works.
10. All
gates shall be cast iron, "open right" with "O" ring
packing, clinking and
approved
by AWW.
D.
Thrust Blocks.
1.
Thrust blocks shall be placed behind all hydrants, dead ends, behind all
fittings
of twelve and one-half degrees and over, and behind every tee six
inches
or larger.
2.
Thrust block sizes to be determined by superintendent.
E.
Where fittings of "poured" type are used, short pieces of pipe in
following scale
shall
be used: 8" pipe – 6 ft. pieces 6" pipe - 3 ft. 3 in. pieces.
F. All
hydrants, pipes, gates, etc., shall become the property of the city when bond
is
released. No bond shall be released until the water systems meet these
specifications
or any other requirements of the Superintendent of Public Works.
G. All
mains and branches shall be laid at a grade that would ensure five feet of
cover.
13-17
H. All persons or businesses who neglect to conform to this part shall be
subject
to a
fine of twenty-five dollars per day until violation is abated. (Prior Ch.29
sec.
7).
II.
SEWERS AND DRAINS
13-8
Main drain or common sewer defined.
Every
sewer or drain laid in any land, street or way, public or private, which is
opened
or proposed to be opened for public travel and accommodation, shall be
deemed
to be a main drain or common sewer. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 1).
13-9
Construction to be by superintendent.
All
main drains or common sewer shall be constructed, altered, re paired and
cared
for by the Superintendent of Public Works. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 2).
13-10
Specifications and plans.
The
Superintendent of Public Works shall cause to be made and prepared all
needed
specifications describing and governing the work of construction and also
make
plans and profiles of all main drains or common sewers constructed or laid
by it,
showing their location with reference to other drains and sewers and the
street
lines, with all entrances thereto. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 3).
13-11
Interference or obstruction prohibited.
No
person shall cut into, interfere with, or obstruct a main drain or common
sewer,
nor
enter a particular or private sewer or drain therein, except as herein
provided.
(Prior
Ch. 23 sec. 4).
13-12
Construction--Application.
All
applications for the construction of particular sewers and their entrance into
the
common
sewer shall be made at the office of the Superintendent of Public Works,
and
shall be signed by the owner of the premises to be sewered, or by his agent.
(Prior
Ch. 23 sec. 5).
13-13
Construction--Cost to be borne by owner.
The
entire cost of the construction of particular sewers from the common sewer to
any
house or building shall be borne by the owner of the premises to be sewered.
The
applicant will be required to deposit with the city treasurer the amount of the
13-18
estimated cost of his particular sewer, as determined by the Superintendent of
Public
Works after his application is granted, and before the work on his particular
sewer
is commenced. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 6).
If the
actual cost of the particular sewer as found on the completion of the work,
exceeds
the cost estimated by the Superintendent of Public Works, the deficiency
shall
be paid by the applicant before the use of his particular sewer is allowed. In
case
the actual cost shall be found to be less than the amount estimated, the
surplus
shall be returned to the applicant. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 7).
The
materials for particular sewers and the labor required in their construction
will
be
provided and furnished by the Superintendent of Public Works. Such material
and
labor shall be charged at actual cost, an exhibit of which will be furnished
each
applicant at his request upon the completion of the work. (Prior Ch.23 sec.
8).
13-14
Deposit--Deficiency or return of surplus.
13-15
Materials and labor to be charged at actual cost.
13-16
Permit required for alterations.
No
person shall be allowed to make any alterations in, or make any connection
with,
any particular sewer other than that intended in the original application,
without
making another application and obtaining permission to do so from the
Superintendent
of Public Works. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 9).
13-17
Owners required to connect to common sewer.
Owners
of estates on which there are buildings situated upon any street or way
through
which a common sewer has been constructed shall cause said buildings
to be
connected by a particular sewer with said common sewer in the manner
hereinafter
provided if the grade or level of said estate is such that the sewage can
be
drained into it.
Every
such owner shall make application to the Superintendent of Public Works
and
deposit with the city treasurer for the construction of said particular sewer
and
its
connection with the common sewer in the manner provided in Sections 13-12
and
13-13 of this part. Whoever neglects to make such application and deposit for
fourteen
days after written notice from said superintendent to do so shall pay a
penalty
of not more than fifty dollars for such offense, and if such person neglects
for any
succeeding fourteen days thereafter to make such application and deposit,
each
neglect or refusal for fourteen days thereafter shall constitute a new offense
13-19
and shall be punishable by a penalty of not more than fifty dollars for each
offense.
(Prior
Ch. 23 sec.10).
All
particular sewers shall be under the control of and be maintained and kept
clean
by the Superintendent of Public Works at the expense of the owner of the
premises
connected therewith, unless such expense is made necessary by some
defect
or obstruction in the public sewer. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 11).
The
Superintendent of Public Works may at any time require grease traps, or such
other
appliances as they deem necessary, to be introduced along the line of any
particular
sewer, for the proper maintenance of such particular sewer, or of the
public
sewer, at the expense of the owner. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 12).
13-18
Sewers to be kept clean at owner's expense.
13-19
Grease traps.
13-20
Connection of private sewer.
Private
sewers heretofore existing will be connected with the public sewer or with
new
work only when found on examination to be in good condition, and to have
been
constructed of such material and with such appurtenances as are
satisfactory
to the Superintendent of Public Works, and in conformity with the
requirements
of the board of health. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 13).
13-21
Elevation of cellars or basements.
The
bottom of the cellar or basement cellars of every building hereafter
constructed
shall be at such an elevation that the private drain or private sewer of
said
cellar or basement cellar shall have a fall of at least one foot in fifty to
the
crown
of the main drain or common sewer unless the city council shall otherwise
permit.
(Prior Ch. 23 sec. 14).
13-22
Work on water, gas or other pipes not to interfere with main drain or common
sewer.
Whenever
any street shall be opened for laying or repairing water or gas pipes, or
for
other purposes, the work shall be executed so as not to obstruct the course,
capacity,
or construction of a main drain or common sewer; and whenever pipes
for the
purpose, or any work of construction, shall be found to exist in such location
as to
interfere with the main drain or common sewer, the corporation, person, or
persons
having charge of, or maintaining the same shall, on notice, remove,
change,
or alter such pipe in such manner as the Superintendent of Public Works
13-20
may direct. If such corporation or person neglects or refuses to immediately
remove,
change or alter such pipe or pipes in accordance with said notification,
then
the Superintendent of Public Works may make, or cause to be made, such
removal,
change or alteration, and the cost thereof shall be paid by said
corporation,
person or persons. (Prior code Ch. 23 sec. 15).
13-23
Exhaust or blow-off pipes not to connect with public sewer.
No
exhaust or blow-off pipes from any steam engine or boiler shall be connected
with
the public sewer through any particular sewer or in any other manner. (Prior
Ch. 23
sec. 16).
13-24
Excessive solids not to enter public sewer.
No
excessive quantity of manufacturing or other waste containing solids, or high
temperature,
or otherwise calculated to unduly interfere with the proper
maintenance
of the public sewer, shall be allowed to enter therein. (Prior code Ch.
23
sec.17).
13-25
Rates for use of common sewer.
A.
Every person or owner of an estate who has entered or who may hereafter
enter
his particular sewer into a common sewer shall pay for the use of such
sewer
as follows:
1. For
Domestic Use: $117.00 semi-annually; $234.00 annually. (Ords.
04/05/85;
05/18/88; 05/04/89; 08/15/90; 07/01/91; 6/16/92; 8/20/96;
5/22/2001;
amended 10/29/2001)
2. For
Manufacturing Use: The rates shall be 304% of the Annual Water Bill
Charges
or ten (10%) percent above the annual MWRA charge for the
sewer
discharge, whichever is highest.(Ords. 04/05/85; 05/18/88; 05/04/89;
08/15/90;
07/01/91; 6/16/92)
3. For
Small Business Use: The rates shall be 304% of the Annual Water Bill
Charges.(Ords.
04/05/85; 05/18/88; 08/15/90; 07/01/91; 6/16/92)
4.
Properties not connected to the Common Sewer where sewer service is
available
on street, shall be assessed a semi-annual fee of $5.00 per unit
dwelling.
(Prior Ch. 23 sec.18). (Amended 9/4/92)
5.
Elderly and widows connected to the Common Sewer who are entitled to
an
exemption under Property Tax Statutory Exemption, Chapter 59 Sec. 5
Cl. 17C
and Chapter 59 Sec. 41 will be entitled to a 66% reduction in
sewer
charges for the unit dwelling occupied by the eligible person. Proof
of
entitlement shall be presented with the sewer bill. (Ords. dated 05/18/88,
05/05/89).
13-21
05/04/89).
13-26
When Bills for Sewer Charges are to be Sent Out, etc.
13-27
Sewer charges--Payable when.
13-28
Charges to constitute lien upon real estate.
C. The
quantity of sewerage delivered to a common sewer from a particular
sewer
shall be determined by water meter readings of MDC and City Water,
and
said readings are to be taken and recorded under the direction of the
Superintendent
of Public Works. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 18).
E.
Business involved in farming or in horticulture activity be charged ten percent
(10%)
of the annual water bill charges. (Eff. July 1, 1986. Ord. dated
04/10/87).
F.
Request for abatements and exemptions must be filed, in writing, with the
Superintendent
of Public Works within thirty (30) days of billing date recorded
on
water and sewer bill except those who have paid sewer charges without
being
connected to city sewer system. In the latter situation, none of these
abatements
shall exceed six (6) years. (Ord. dated 05/04/89 - 3/15/94).
G.
Out-of-City customers connected to the Woburn Sewer System shall be billed
the
applicable sewer rate plus 25% sewer discharge fee. (Ord. dated
The
Superintendent of Public Works shall cause to be made out and placed in the
hands
of the City Collector, bills for such charges in each year, and at the same
time
shall cause to be sent to the persons from whom such sewer charges are due
a
notice stating the amount due and demand payment thereof. The
Superintendent
of Public Works shall also cause to be kept in suitable books the
names
of all persons from whom such sewer charges are payable, the name and
number
of the street, the amount charged, and the amount of discount allowed,
and
said books shall be open to the mayor and city council. (Prior Ch. 23 sec.19).
Such
sewer charges shall be payable semi-annually on August 1, and February 1,
and
shall bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum, from said date, provided they
are not
paid within 30 days after issuance. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 20); Ord. dated
04/05/85).
Such
charges shall constitute a lien upon the real estate or recovered in an action
of
contract in the name of the city. It shall be the duty of the city collector to
collect
such
sewer charges immediately when they become due, and all such sewer
charges
remaining unpaid thirty days after they are due, shall be collected f
13-22 forthwith
by the city collector, by sale of real estate in the same manner as unpaid
taxes
upon real estate. (Prior Ch. 23 sec. 21).
13-29
New connections to Municipal sanitary system.
All new
connections to the municipal sanitary system shall be charged a one-time
connection/inspection
fee in accordance with the following fee schedule:
Required
Fee
Use
Residential
Non-residential
$1,000.00/dwelling
$0.50
per estimated gallon of flow generated as per Title
5
(State Sanitary Code) multiplied by a factor of ten.
The
Mayor will have the authority to waive such fee for any existing residence.
(Added
5/21/96; amended 12/3/96)
13-23
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13-24