Terms & Conditions

KENNEBUNK, KENNEBUNKPORT & WELLS WATER DISTRICT

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following Terms and Conditions made by the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District (The District) and approved by the Public Utilities Commission (MPUC or The Commission) constitutes a contract between the Customer and the District. The Customer agrees to adhere to these Terms and Conditions and to take water only for purposes stated in the application and at the established rates.

1. Utility Service Area.

The District is permitted by charter to serve the territory and people of the Towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, Ogunquit, Arundel and a portion of the City of Biddeford. The District is also authorized to serve a portion of the Town of York per Order of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) dated December 31, 2002 in Docket No. 2002-547.

2A. Application for New Service.

For Pre-existing Services See 2C.

An application for a new service is to be made by either the owner(s) or the owner’s agent on forms provided by the District. When a new service connection (or other work on the premises) is required by the District, the owner must authorize the District to enter the premises to do the necessary work, and the work shall be performed as utility jobbing in accordance with Section 28 and consistent with the service standards established in Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules.

The applicant for the new water service shall provide, upon request from the District, the estimated maximum gallons per minute demand for the premises to be served or a plumbing fixture count, and a tax map/lot number or site plan in the case of multiple lots. The Customer’s portion of the service pipe shall be adequately sized and installed in accordance with the District’s materials and construction standards.

2B. New Service Fees.

The owner or the owner’s agent may be charged any of the following fees:

1. System Development Charge (SDC), in accordance with the District’s current SDC tariff, as approved by the MPUC.
2. Meter Fee, based upon the average material and labor cost of the District installing a new meter of proper size and related appurtenances.
3. Service Line Installation Fee, in accordance with Section 27I.
4. Main Extension Contribution, in accordance with Section 27H and consistent with the standards established in Chapter 650 of the Commission’s Rules.

2C. Application for a Preexisting Service (Change in Billing Responsibility).

An application for a preexisting service is to be made by either the owner(s) or the owner’s agent, or the occupant of the property to be served by the District. Any tenant may become a Customer if the individual unit is equipped with a separate shut-off valve in a location acceptable to and always accessible by the District.  A tenant may also become a customer under the conditions set forth in Chapter 660 Section 10 (I) (2) of the Commission’s Rules.  The District shall charge a $10.00 fee when there is a change in billing responsibility.

3A. Seasonal Customer.

A seasonal Customer regularly takes service for only a portion of the year from either a surface or deep main. A seasonal Customer will be subject to the rules and charges of seasonal rates.  An initial minimum bill will be generated at the beginning of the season and no additional consumption based charges will be assessed unless the consumption exceeds the allowance provided for in the initial bill.  When the account is closed for the season, the service must be disconnected and the meter must be removed and returned to the District (unless otherwise directed by the District).

Seasonal Customers served by a surface main shall be provided water service between May 1^st and October 1^st.  However, the District may render service before and/or after these dates at the District’s discretion.  Service requested and provided outside of the established dates for the season shall be by written agreement between the District and the Customer.  This agreement will hold the Customer financially responsible for any damages to the water main, service line and/or water meter resulting from freezing during the period of time that such extended water service is rendered.

Customers served by a deep main shall be considered seasonal when they regularly take service for less than nine months of the year. However, a Customer regularly vacating his premises for three months or less may elect in writing to be classified as an annual Customer subject to the District’s annual rate schedule all 12 months of the year.

3B. Seasonal Service Fee.

All seasonal Customers, and all other Customers regularly vacating their premises that request temporary suspension of service requiring removal of the water meter from the premises by the District, the Customer or the Customer’s agent, shall be annually charged a seasonal service fee of $60.00. For seasonal multi-unit complexes of over 50 units, the seasonal service fee shall be $25.00 per meter per season, unless the complex requests that the district temporarily suspends service in multiple stages over multiple days.  This charge is due and payable in conjunction with the seasonal minimum charge described in Section 4.

4. Billing Procedures.

Billing: Customers are billed based on metered consumption or as otherwise provided in accordance with the District’s rates on file with the MPUC.

Billing Period: Bills may be rendered monthly, quarterly or by the season at the option of the District.  For seasonal accounts, the full seasonal minimum charge shall be due and payable at the time the water is turned on for the season and shall not be pro-rated for fractions of the year.  All seasonal Commercial customers and large volume seasonal residential Customers (i.e., irrigation accounts) shall also be billed at mid-season for any excess consumption above the minimum at that point.  For all other seasonal Customers, when the service is turned off for the season, any excess consumption above the minimum allowance shall be billed at that time.

Billing Responsibility: The Customer is responsible for providing a correct billing address and contact information.  Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the Customer of the obligation of its payment, nor from the consequence of nonpayment.

5. Credit and Collection Procedures.

All credit and collection procedures for both residential and nonresidential Customers will be based upon Chapter 660 and Chapter 870 of the Commission’s Rules. The District may demand a deposit from a Customer as permitted by Chapter 660.

Pursuant to Chapter 870, the interest rate on Customer deposits shall be the rate set by the Commission.

The District will charge the maximum allowable interest rate on all past-due balances within the guidelines of Chapter 870 of the MPUC Rules.

6. Terms of Payment.

Customers are legally obligated to pay for the services they receive. Bills are considered past due after 25 days after the bill is issued.  Failure to receive a bill or disconnection notice does not relieve the Customer of the obligation of its payment, nor from the consequence of nonpayment.

Payments may be made at the District’s office, by mail or electronically using a third party vendor accessible through the District’s website. Electronic payments will not be processed by field personnel.

To avoid disconnection, any payments made electronically must be reported by the Customer at once to the District’s office due to the built-in delay in receiving payments by this method.

Online Payments that are made through the District’s website by electronic check (ACH) are at no charge to the customer. Each payment using a credit/debit card will incur a $3.95 convenience fee which is charged by the vendor, but is not included on the Customer’s bill.

7. Charge for Returned Checks.

As provided in Chapter 870 of the Commission’s Rules, the District may charge the greater of $5.00 per account to which the check is applied or the amount the bank (or any third party vendor) charges the District, not to exceed $15.00 for each check returned by a bank (or any third party vendor). If the District charges more than $5.00, it will furnish the Customer with proof of any bank or third party charges in excess of $5.00.

8. Charges for Establishment of Service.

Charges are as described in Sections 2A, 2B and 2C.

9. Restoration of Service and Related Fees.

The District will charge a Customer a reconnection fee to restore services at the Customer’s premises if service was disconnected for non-payment of bills, fraudulent use of water, dangerous conditions on the Customer’s premises, violation of these Terms and Conditions, violation of Commission Rules or at the Customer’s request.

The reconnection charge is $42.00 for each resumption of service made during the normal business hours of 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The charge during other than normal business hours is a minimum two hour overtime charge at $63.00 per hour.

10. Collection Trip Fee.

If District personnel visit the Customer’s premises to disconnect service for non-payment and in lieu of actual disconnection the Customer pays or makes a payment arrangement for the entire past due balance, the District will charge $20.00 as allowed by Chapter 660 of the Commission’s Rules.

11A. Disconnection of Leased or Rented Property.

Before disconnecting a leased or rented residential property, the District shall comply with the notice requirements contained in Chapter 660 of the Commission’s Rules, and must offer the tenant the right to take responsibility for future payments.

11B.    Disconnection of Leased or Rented Single-meter, Multi-unit Residential Property.

Pursuant to Chapter 660, in addition to the above, before disconnecting a leased or rented single-meter, multi-unit residential property, The District shall:

1. Apply any existing deposit to the current account balance and
2. Assess, against the landlord, a collection fee of $300.00 in addition to any applicable reconnection fee set forth in Section 9 of these Terms and Conditions; and
3. File a lien authorized by Title 35-A MRSA §706 or §6111-A.

At the District’s option, the District may separately meter or cause to be separately metered each dwelling unit within the property at the landlord’s expense.

12. Charges for removal of snow, ice, or other obstacles during disconnections requested by the Customer.

The Customer will be responsible for clearing snow, ice or any obstacles to the shut-off valve and/or meter when requesting a disconnection, including but not limited to emergency requests resulting from a frozen meter. If the Customer does not fulfill this responsibility and the District must clear the area to perform the requested disconnection, the District will charge the Customer at the following rates:  $42.00 per person per hour during normal business plus the cost of equipment or equipment rental, if applicable.  During holidays and outside normal business hours, the charge will be $63.00 per person per hour with a minimum two-hour charge, plus the cost of equipment or equipment rental, if applicable.

13. Abatement Policy.

The District recognizes that a high water bill resulting from an accidental, unpreventable water release can present financial hardship to a Customer. While most water releases are preventable, there are certain circumstances when an accidental water release cannot be reasonably prevented. In the event the abnormally high consumption has occurred due to “unpredictable leakage” not caused by Customer negligence, ignorance or unfortunate circumstances, as determined by a District Officer, the District shall consider granting a one-time abatement, per account, during any ten year period, of up to half of the water consumption above normal consumption.

In order to qualify for abatement, a Customer’s excess consumption must exceed the greater of 100% or 5,000 cubic feet above their normal average consumption. The Customer must also prove that the deficiency responsible for leakage has been repaired or corrected.  The abatement will only apply to leaks that have occurred with any previous, immediate six month period.

The abatement calculation may consider compensation from any other sources, including insurance policy claims, etc. Normal consumption will be the average of at least the previous three years’ consumption history (for similar billing periods) unless deemed otherwise by an Officer.

The Customer may be required to submit a written statement from their homeowner’s insurance policy provider stating what portion, if any, of the leak is covered by insurance.

The District shall not disconnect service (for abnormally high consumption) provided the Customer pays the entire amount due within the normal payment period or enters into payment arrangements for the excessive amount and is in good standing on all current billings.

14. Service Interruption.

As specified in Chapter 660 of the Commission’s Rules, the District will provide reasonable notice of any planned shut-off to affected Customers. If the interruption is expected to last more than five hours or to affect more than ten Customers or a single commercial Customer on a dedicated line, notice will be given at least 24 hours in advance of the interruption of service.  The District will notify the Customers when practicable of the cause and duration of any unplanned shut-off.  Pursuant to Chapter 620, if a Customer requests, the District will make a pro rata reduction in the Customer’s minimum bill if service is interrupted for longer than 48 hours and the interruption is not due to action or inaction by the Customer or to failure of any facilities under the control of the Customer.

15. Unauthorized Use of Water.

No Customer shall supply water to another, nor shall use it for any purposes not mentioned in their application without District approval. No Customer or their agent shall obtain water from any hydrant or other fixture of the District without the previous consent of the District.  No Customer or their agent shall bypass any meter, nor restore service without District authorization, nor unreasonably interfere with District service nor otherwise take action to prevent the property metering of water consumed by the Customer.  In the event of the discovery of such unauthorized use of water, the Customer shall be immediately disconnected, pursuant to Chapter 660.  In addition, the District shall be entitled to bill and recover from the Customer or person responsible for the cost of the estimated amount of water consumed, pursuant to Chapter 660, based on the District’s approved rates, plus interest at an annual interest rate of five percent (5%).  Where the unauthorized use of water has occurred, the District may assess the Customer or person responsible a fee of $42.00 per hour, with a minimum charge of one hour, for each service visit to the Customer’s premises necessary to investigate and address the unauthorized use of water, such as to remove the meter bypass or to take other measures to prevent further diversion of water or to verify that corrective measures have been taken and maintained.  For service visits that occur during other than normal business hours, the fee is $50.00 per hour with a minimum two-hour charge.  In no case shall the total of such hourly fees exceed $100.00.  In addition, pursuant to Title 35-A MRSA Sec. 2706 as amended or replaced, the Customer or person responsible for the unauthorized use of water shall be liable in a civil action to the District for all other reasonable costs to the District, including attorney’s fees and costs of undertaking and completing the investigation resulting in a determination of liability and for a civil penalty not to exceed twenty five hundred dollars ($2,500) due and payable to the District for each violation.

16. No Tampering with Utility Property.

No person may tamper with Utility property. No valve, valve sealing mechanism, meter, shutoff, hydrant or standpipe that is the property of the Utility shall be opened or closed or otherwise operated, modified, or removed by anyone other than persons authorized by the District.  Tampering will subject a Customer or other responsible party to the same charge and actions outlined in Section 16, entitled Unauthorized Use of Water.  In addition, in the event of such tampering, the responsible party may be subject to a civil action, pursuant to Title 35-A MRSA Sec. 2707-2708, as amended or replaced.

17. Maintenance and Plumbing.

Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, a Customer must maintain the plumbing and fixtures within their premises (including the Customer’s portion of the service line on private property) in good repair and protect them from freezing or from heat damage. If damage does occur, the Customer is liable for any expenses incurred.  A leak or break that is considered a serious danger to the system will be cause for immediate disconnection of the Customer.

If a leak is discovered that is not considered an immediate danger to the system but may be a long term or cumulative danger, the Customer will be notified in writing by the District and will be given 30 days to repair the leak. If the repair is not completed by that time, the Customer will be subject to a 14-day disconnection notice, pursuant to Chapter 660.

18. Access to Premises.

Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, as a condition of service, Customers shall provide access for the District employees with proper identification to all premises supplied with water, at all reasonable hours, to permit the inspection of plumbing and fixtures; to set, remove or read meters; to ascertain the amount of water used and manner of use; and to enforce these Terms and Conditions.

Service personnel will not restore water service to the premises unless accompanied by the Customer or a representative thereof. During the disconnection of service, the District assumes no responsibility if entry is not provided to confirm cessation of water flow.

19A. Liability.

The District will only be liable for any damages arising from any claim to the extent liability is expressly provided in the Maine Tort Claims Act, as set forth in Title 14 MRSA, Chapter 741. The District will not be responsible for any damages caused by discolored water and makes no representations or warranties about the suitability of any water provided by the District for any particular purpose.

19B. Limited Service Agreement

A Limited Service Agreement will be required between the District and a Customer when the Customer’s premises lies within an area of the District’s distribution system that cannot routinely provide water at a pressure of 20 psi or greater. This Limited Service Agreement must be approved by the Commission.

20. Cross Connections.

Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, no cross connection between the public water supply system and any other supply will be allowed unless properly protected, based upon the Maine Cross Connection Control Rules and the Maine Internal Plumbing Code. No new cross connection may be installed without the express, written approval of the District.  In addition, no connection will be permitted capable of causing back flow, including back siphonage or back pressure, between the public water supply system and any plumbing fixture, device or appliance, or between any waste outlet or pipe having direct connection to waste drains.  If the Owner of such a connection fails or refuses to discontinue or properly protect the cross connection within a time limit specified by the District, the District may disconnect the service according to Chapter 660 of the Commission’s Rules.  If an Owner requests that service be shut off for any routine repairs, maintenance, seasonal reason, etc., the District will not restore service unless there is proper backflow prevention in place. The District’s Cross Connection Program is on file at the District’s business office and is also available on the District’s website at www.kkw.org.

21. Backflow-Prevention Device Testing.

Customers with testable backflow devices are responsible for completing device testing according to the District’s Cross Connection Control Program, available in the District’s business office or on its website at www.kkw.org. The Customer must select a certified professional to comply with this requirement, and will pay the charges for testing and any necessary repairs directly to the contractor.  Upon completion, the Customer is responsible for sending a copy of each signed certified test to the District.  In the event that a Customer does not comply with the testing requirement or does not make repairs necessary to maintain full functionality of the device, the water service will be disconnected as a dangerous condition, pursuant to the District’s Cross Connection Control Program and to Chapter 660 of the Commission’s Rules. CLICK HERE for a list of approved backflow technicians.

22. Stop Valve.

Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, the District requires that the service pipe will be equipped with water isolation valves located near the service entrance on both sides of the meter. These valves must be

• Installed by the Customer in accordance with District standards and material specifications and
• Owned and maintained by the Owner and
• Easily accessible and protected from freezing

The service pipe is to be equipped with adapters compatible with the meter couplings and meter horns at the Owner’s expense. These adapters are installed, owned and maintained by the Owner.

23. Fluctuation of Pressures by Customer’s Apparatus.

No Customer shall install or use water consumption apparatus which will affect the District’s pressure or operating conditions so as to interfere with the service of another Customer. Where a Customer has or proposes to install apparatus which requires water in sudden and/or material quantities, impairing the pressure to the detriment, damage, or disadvantage of other Customers, the District reserves the right to require the Customer to install devices or apparatus which will confine the fluctuation of demand or reduction of pressure within reasonable limits determined by the District.

If the Customer, after receiving written notice from the District, fails to present an acceptable remedial plan within a time limit set by the District, service will be discontinued pursuant to provision of Chapter 660.

24. Safeguarding Direct Pressure Water Devices and Systems Supplied by Automatic Feed Valves.

Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, as a condition of service, all Customers having direct pressure water devices, including but not limited to hot water tanks or secondary systems supplied by automatic feed valves should have installed and maintained in operating condition appropriate vacuum, temperature and pressure relief valves or cutouts in the water system and/or secondary system to prevent damage to the water device or secondary system or their appurtenances should it become necessary to shut off the water main or service or should a pressure failure occur for any other reason. Water service supplied to any Customer not providing such protective devices will be strictly at the risk of the Customer and the District will not be held liable for damage resulting from the lack of or failure of such protective devices.

25. Joint Use of Service Pipe Trench.

Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, normally, water Service Pipes will not be placed in the same trench with other Utility facilities. Where possible, a horizontal separation of ten feet will be provided.  Where extenuating, unusual or special circumstances are encountered, a lesser separation or joint use of trench may be allowed if all parties agree, provided that the installation complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

26. Conservation.

All Customers shall minimize the waste of water. Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, when necessary to conserve the water supply or in the event of an emergency, the District may restrict or prohibit waste or improper usage for all Customers, including but not limited to, the use of hoses, lawn sprinklers and irrigation systems.  Under these conditions, the District will decide what constitutes waste and improper usage to protect the health and safety of the water system.

27A. Separate Metering of Buildings.

No Customer shall supply water to another, nor use it for purposes not mentioned in their application without prior written District approval. At its discretion, the District reserves the right to require separate piping and a separate meter and shut-off for each building as a condition of service.

27B. Metering Policy for Multi-Unit Developments.

The Trustees of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District (the “District”) adopt this metering policy for application to units in multi-unit developments in the District’s service territory. With the specific exception of hotels and motels and as otherwise specifically excluded herein, this policy applies to all multi-unit developments, including condominiums, apartments, mobile home parks, cottages, commercial and retail units and other similar units within residential and commercial developments.  This policy also applies to all conversions of an existing building or buildings to multi-unit residential or commercial developments.  The purpose of this policy is to promote water conservation, to bill Customers based upon their individual water usage and to ensure fairness in collection.

The District’s policy is to require that each residential or commercial unit in a multi-unit development be individually metered, including units in a single building and units in multiple buildings in a larger development. In most cases, the water service shall remain private and it shall be owned and maintained by the owner of the multi-unit development complex or building, or in the case of a condominium development, by the condominium association.  Design and construction of the system, including the sizing, location and installation of meters, associated valves and backflow prevention devices shall comply with all District construction standards and material specifications.

In the case of multi-unit time-share developments, each unit shall be individually metered, but all meters within the same time-share development complex shall be billed to the complex owner, association, corporation or other responsible entity.

As an exception to this policy, the District will consider, on a case by case basis, at the request of the owner(s), the master metering of multi-unit or multi-site campgrounds and RV (recreational vehicle) parks that are principally used by transient campers or guests utilizing mobile tents, campers, recreational vehicles, motor homes or similar equipment that is easily moved from a site and is not designed or used for long-term use at a single site.

New campgrounds and RV parks built after September 1, 2018, in which 50% or more of the total individual sites or units are designed and utilized for stationary trailers or Park Model RVs shall have all such sites or units individually metered.

27C. Submetering

If additional or auxiliary meters are desired by the Customer for showing subdivision of the water supply, they shall furnish, install, read and maintain them at the Customer’s own expense.

27D. Charges for Replacement of Damaged Water Meters and Other District Equipment.

Pursuant to Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, the charges to Customers for costs incurred for the replacement of the meter (and/or related parts) or other utility equipment damaged due to improper care or negligence by Customers are as follows: During normal business hours, the charge will be $42.00 per hour plus the cost of the necessary replacement parts, including the meter.  During other than normal business hours, the charge will be $63.00 per hour with a minimum two-hour charge per person, plus the cost of the necessary replacement parts including the meter.

27E. Meter Pits.

As permitted in Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, the District reserves the right to require a meter pit at the Customer’s expense if the Customer does not furnish a suitable location for the meter or provide a clean, warm, dry and accessible location for the meter and its appurtenances. The Customer shall install, own and maintain the meter pit.  The installation may be performed by a District-approved contractor or by the District.

The meter pit location will be set or reviewed by the District prior to excavation and must be installed in accordance with District standards and material specifications, which are available at the District’s business office, and in accordance with applicable codes. The District reserves the right to inspect the materials and installation and must be notified before they are buried or enclosed.  If a site visit has been scheduled, and if the District must later return to the premises due to inadequate preparation by the Customer or the Customer’s agent or lack of adherence to the specifications, the Customer will be responsible for the cost of the extra visit(s).

If the District performs the work, it will be scheduled during normal business hours at the current jobbing labor rate, plus the cost of the necessary materials and equipment rental, if applicable. The Customer will pay a deposit in advance to cover the estimated charge.  The District will return any excess deposit upon completion.  If the final cost exceeds the deposit, the Customer must pay the balance due as a condition of service. Alternatively, the customer can contract directly with a contractor approved by the District to complete the work in accordance with District standards and specifications.

27F. Meter Testing.

The District will test its water meters according to the schedule and standards in Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules. Upon Customer request, the District will test the Customer’s water meter at no charge in the presence of the Customer or representative, unless the Customer requests more than one test in an 18 month period.  If the Customer requests a test more frequently, the District may charge the Customer at its current jobbing rates consistent with Section 31 of the Terms and Conditions.  If a meter tested at the Customer’s request does not conform to standards, the District will adjust the Customer’s bill according to the provisions of Chapter 620.  If the meter conforms to standards, the District may continue to use the meter at the Customer’s premises.

27G. Winter Construction.

No new service or extension of mains will be installed for the convenience of a Customer during winter conditions which increase the cost of the work for the District unless the Customer assumes all extra expense over ordinary construction costs.

27H. Main Extension Requests.

Requests for water main extensions shall be treated in accordance with Chapter 650 of the Rules of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, and as set forth herein. All water main extensions shall be installed in accordance with District standards and material specifications.  Upon request by a prospective Customer for a main extension, the District will review the requested main extension to determine if it is routine or complex.  If routine, the District will prepare an estimate at no cost to the proposed Customer.  If the District determines that the main extension is complex, the District will advise the proposed Customer and, based on the District’s actual cost, prepare a preliminary estimate of the costs of the proposed main extension, along with an estimate of the cost of preparing a detailed estimate and preliminary design.  Should the proposed Customer wish to proceed with the main extension request, the proposed Customer must pay the estimated cost of the detailed estimate and preliminary design.  Upon payment, the District will proceed to perform the necessary fieldwork, engineering and design and produce a detailed estimate of the cost of the main extension.

27I. New Service Lines and Meters

The Customer must complete a written application for a new service, and the District reserves the right to pre-approve the design. All new service lines shall be installed at the Customers expense, in accordance with District standards and material specifications and as permitted in 35-A MRSA §6106. The Customer may elect to contract with the District to install the service line from the main to the curb stop, or contract with a District-approved contractor to complete the installation. The District shall own and maintain the service line portion of all service pipes which shall extend from the water main to the curb stop (shutoff valve). The curb stop shall normally be located at the limit of the public way or the District’s right-of-way. The District will be responsible for all service lines within the limits of the highway or right-of way. If a public way must be crossed, such crossing shall be installed in accordance with District standards and material specifications and be installed by the District. With prior approval, the District may allow the Customer to hire a District-approved contractor for the entire installation, and all costs shall be paid directly to the contractor.

If a customer redevelops a previously served premises in such a manner that the previously utilized District-owned service line within the highway or right-of-way will not be used, the service line shall be abandoned and disconnected from the water main. The Customer shall be responsible for the expenses associated with abandoning and disconnecting the service. The Customer may elect to contract with the District to perform the abandonment in accordance with Section 28, or the Customer may contract with a District-approved contractor to complete the abandonment.

As permitted in 35-A MRSA §6106, and Chapters 620 of the Commission’s Rules, the Customer shall install at the Customer’s expense and shall own and maintain the service pipe from the curb stop to the Customer’s premises. The costs incurred by the Customer shall include equipment rental, labor and materials and necessary appurtenances for installation, including the meter.  The District shall require individual service pipes for individual properties, lots or land parcels regardless of ownership of the properties, lots or land parcels and that the service pipe(s) be installed in accordance with District standards and material specifications.

The Customer will be responsible for obtaining the District’s written approval for the work. In addition, the Customer will contract with a District-approved professional for the excavation and installation from the curb stop into the building and for the piping across the road, if needed.  All contractor charges will be paid by the Customer directly to the contractor.

The service line location will be set or reviewed by the District prior to excavation and must be installed to applicable plumbing codes and to District standards and material specifications, which are available at the District business office. The District reserves the right to inspect the materials and installation and must be notified before they are buried or enclosed.  If a site visit has been scheduled, and if the District must later return to the premises due to inadequate preparation by the Customer or the contractor, or lack of adherence to the specifications, the Customer will be responsible for the cost of the extra visit(s).

The District will be responsible for installing the meter and other related appurtenances during normal business hours. At its discretion, the District may subcontract part any part of this work.  The costs to the Customer for all District-installed and any subcontracted portions of the installation are as follows:

• All labor will be charged at the District’s current hourly Jobbing rate per hour for all work performed by the District and for the inspection and approval of contracted work.
• Cost of the necessary materials, parts and equipment rental, if applicable, including the cost of the meter.
• All other costs relating to the District performing the work, including but not limited to digging, permits, flagging and other charges as required.

A written estimate will be provided to the Customer for the District’s portion of the work, and a deposit equal to the estimate will be collected, to be applied to the cost of the installation, prior to the District performing the work. A final reconciliation of the job costs will be done upon completion, and if applicable, the District will return any excess deposit at the time.  If the actual cost exceeds the deposit, the Customer must pay the additional amount as per the written agreement between the District and the Customer, as a condition of service.

28. Utility Jobbing.

Utility Jobbing is the provision of unregulated utility services, such as but not limited to, construction services. A Customer must complete a written application before the District will provide unregulated utility services.  As permitted in Chapter 620 of the Commission’s Rules, a Customer may be required to pay a deposit equal to the District’s written estimate.  Unless the work is done on a flat rate basis, the District will return any excess deposit upon completion.  If the final cost exceeds the deposit, the Customer must pay the additional amount upon completion.

29. Fire Hydrants.

Fire hydrants may not be used for any purpose other than to extinguish fires unless prior permission is given by the District (such as for training exercises for Fire Department personnel). In the case of training exercises, notification shall be prior to and immediately after completion.  In the event of fire extinguishment, the fire department will notify the District of hydrant use within a reasonable time of declaring the fire under control to allow for proper maintenance.  Fire hydrants must not be opened by any person other than an agent of the District or a duly authorized representative of the municipality.

The District reserves the right to meter any fire line which it has reason to believe water is being taken for purposes others than fire protection.

30A. Private Fire Protection.

Customers requiring private fire protection must contact the District to determine the availability of fire service at their location. If available, the fire service line will be installed at the Customer’s expense within the bounds of the public way or right-of-way.  The installation may be performed by the District or by a District-approved contractor in accordance with District standards and material specifications.  After installation, the line will be owned and maintained within the public way or within the District’s easement by the District, as specified in Chapter 640 of the Commission’s Rules.  Private fire protection charges are billed quarterly.

The District does not guarantee any quantity of water or pressure available through a fire protection service. The owner of the service is responsible for determining the ongoing adequacy of supply throughout the fire service by conducting tests of their private system at their expense.  If a test of a private system requires a hydrant flow test, then charges detailed in section 30B shall apply.  If a test does not require a hydrant flow test, but requires a District representative to monitor or witness a test, then the District’s normal jobbing rate will apply.  In any case, a minimum of 24 hours advance notice must be given to the District so that a representative of the District can be present to observe the test.

All new private fire protection connections shall require individual service pipes and appropriate backflow prevention devices at the service entrance in accordance with the District’s Cross Connection Control Program. The District may also require the installation of a flow detection meter if water loss is suspected.  Individual shutoff valves shall be provided and accessible to the District on all private fire protection service pipes.

30B. Charge to Flow Test Hydrants.

For flow tests for non-municipal purposes, including but not limited to flow tests performed for new or proposed projects, the charge for a single hydrant flow test during regular business hours shall be $165.00. For each additional hydrant flow test concurrently administered at the same visit during regular business hours, an additional $40.00 will be charged. The charges for other than normal business hours shall be $204.00 for a single hydrant flow test and $62.00 for each additional concurrently administered hydrant flow test.