Policies

2.0 Operation

The entire water system, including all mains, service lines, meters, reservoirs and all facilities and appurtenances, may be operated only by authorized personnel of the District.

2.1 Connection

No person may connect to any of the District’s facilities, turn on any meter or service, or operate any fire hydrant valves without express authorization from the District. Members of regularly constituted fire departments are authorized to connect to and use fire hydrants for the express purpose of fighting fires and for such routine checking and maintenance as the Board of Commissioners of the Water District may approve.

2.2 Vegetation Clearance

The District reserves the right to clear a 3-foot width clearance and a 6-foot height clearance surrounding any water meter, hydrant or water service equipment.

3.0 Request for Service

3.0.1 To receive a new water service or to reinstate service after disconnection, the prospective customer or an authorized representative must submit a completed application for service on a form furnished by the District. The District will not provide water service until a completed application is received and all required payments are made. Applications must include the signature of the applicant, the location of the premises for which service is requested, the address to which all bills shall be sent, a phone number with voicemail, an email address, and additional information as the District may require.

3.0.2 Applicants are responsible for complying with all District rules, regulations, and procedures, and for all obligations and costs connected with the requested service.

3.0.3 An application for service is considered a request for service. The District is not obligated to provide service until the application is accepted and finally approved.

3.1 Deposits

A deposit for a service connection must be submitted with the application. Any amount remaining on deposit when the customer terminates water service will be refunded to the customer. No interest will be paid on deposits submitted pursuant to this section. Deposit amounts are as provided in the current fee schedule adopted by the District Board.

3.2 Charges for Installation

In addition to the deposit, each applicant must pay an installation charge prior to installation of a new water service. Installation charges are as provided in the current fee schedule adopted by the District Board.

3.3 Connection to Service

Water service will be provided only from pipes or mains located within streets, alleys or right-of-way controlled by the District, and to property or premises abutting such mains. So-called “spider connections” that provide service from one street or road to property or premises abutting another street or road will not be permitted and requests for such service will be denied.

3.4 After Hours Service Calls

Any service call dispatched at a customer request and completed outside the District’s regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, is considered an “After Hours Service Call”. After Hours Service Calls may be billed for each technician dispatched for the call. “Weekend” is defined as between 4 PM Friday and 8 Am Monday.

3.5 Line Replacement

If the District is required to move a meter in order to bring it into compliance with District rules and regulations, the customer is responsible for the cost to replace the customer line. If a spur line or old main line is abandoned and meters are required to be removed and relocated to the main line, the customer is responsible for the cost to extend their customer line to the new meter.

3.6 One Service per Household

Unless otherwise approved by the District, each household must have a separate service connection and meter. If more than one meter is necessary, the District will bill the customer for each meter separately.

3.7 Meters and Size of Service

3.7.1 Meters will be set at property lines whenever practical. The service line from the main to the meter, as well as the meter and the meter box, remain the sole property of the District.

3.7.2 Unless otherwise requested in writing and paid for in advance, service connections will be 3/4″ and meters will be first-quality 5/8″-3/4″ meters, including the corporation stop, fittings, connections, yoke or setter, meter box, shut-off locks, etc., as the District requires from time to time.

3.7.3 Services larger than 3/4″ will be installed when requested in writing, provided the system is able to adequately serve larger volume connections. The customer is responsible for the cost to install larger services, which shall, at a minimum, be sufficient to cover all actual costs thereof.

3.8 Service Outside of District Boundaries

Service to persons residing outside the limits of the District will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Service may be denied or discontinued if the District lacks sufficient surplus water capacity over and above the requirements of residents located within District boundaries or when the District Board finds it is in the public interest to do so.

3.9 Rented Properties

The owner of any property served by the District is responsible for unpaid water charges or fees for service to the property, including any charges incurred by renters or tenants. If the owner fails to pay delinquent charges, the District may terminate water service to the property and require the property owner to submit a new application and pay all required fees before service will be restored. The District will make reasonable efforts to provide duplicate bills to owners and tenants, but failure to receive a duplicate bill will not excuse the property owner from its obligations under this section.

3.10 Standby Fire Protection Service Connections

3.10.1 A Fire Line is for fire suppression only. A Fire Line must be separate from domestic or commercial water use. Fire Lines may not be used to supply water except for purposes of testing or leak detection by an authorized person.

3.10.2 Standby fire protection systems connected to a Fire Line shall be installed in accordance with applicable District regulations and standards.

3.10.3 All customers with a stand-by fire protection system are required to have a meter (at minimum a detector check meter) and appropriate Backflow Prevention Assembly installed at their cost. Service line and meter sizes for such systems shall be as recommended by the customer’s engineer and the Fire District, and must be approved by the District.

3.10.4 All backflow devices shall be installed in accordance with OAR 333-061-0071 with the additional requirement that no vertical penetrations are allowed. See the Cross Connection and Backflow Control section (section 11) for more information.

3.10.5 The customer is responsible for the cost of installing the Fire Line and any related improvements, according to applicable District rates, fees and other charges, including System Development Charges.

3.10.6 The service connection and all equipment appurtenant thereto, including the meter, must be installed in accordance with all applicable regulations. Such equipment remains the sole property of the District.

3.10.7 The operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of the Fire Service Line is the responsibility of the owner. The District is not responsible for operation, maintenance, repair or replacement of the Fire Line.

3.10.8 The customer is responsible for paying a standby charge (billed monthly) established by the District, for associated services and maintenance. A standby charge covers potential water usage demand on the system when the line is flowing at full capacity.

3.10.9 Water used through a Fire Line for fire extinguishing or fire system testing will be metered but not charged.

3.10.10 All water provided through a Fire Line shall be subject to the supply and pressure existing in the water distribution system. The District shall not be liable for damages due to interruptions of water service or variation in water pressure.

3.10.11 If water is used from a Fire Line in violation of the District Rules and Regulations, the customer is responsible for the cost of the water estimated to be used.

The District may assess a fine or penalty for a second unauthorized use of a Fire Line during a subsequent twelve (12) month period, according to the schedule established by the Board.

In the event of a third occurrence of unauthorized use of a Fire Line within twelve (12) months of the second unauthorized use, to the District, the Manager may impose a final remedy to include one or more of the following:

A. A fine for unauthorized use;

B. Termination of water service; or

C. Such other actions as the District Manager determines appropriate under the circumstances.

3.10.12 The District Manager may, with Board approval, waive or postpone invoking a final remedy as described above for customers who work in good faith with the District to resolve unauthorized or inappropriate use of a Fire Line.

3.11 Fire Hydrants

3.11.1 No person shall operate or attempt to operate any fire hydrant unless expressly authorized by the District.

3.11.2 The District may authorize use of a fire hydrant for a temporary water supply. The user shall pay all rates, fees and other charges for such service and shall conform to District permit requirements for hydrant use, including but not limited to compliance with applicable cross connection control and backflow prevention requirements.

3.11.3 Publicly owned fire hydrants are the property of the District. No person may change, modify, or relocate a fire hydrant without the express authorization of the District.

3.11.4 Privately owned fire hydrants may be used only for fire emergencies or other uses specifically authorized by the District.

3.11.5 No person may deter, prevent, or hinder fire department personnel from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment and hydrants. A clear space shall be maintained within a three (3)-foot radius of fire hydrants, fire protection equipment and control valves. Access from the street to the hydrant shall be kept clear if the travel distance is greater than three (3)-feet. Property owners are responsible for pruning or removing landscaping or other obstructions that restrict access to or visibility of a fire hydrant.

3.11.6 A minimum of eighteen (18) inches shall be maintained between the ground and the center of the lowest hydrant discharge port. No change in grade (ground elevation) is allowed within a three (3)-foot radius of the hydrant without approval of the District.

3.11.7 Within fourteen (14) days of receipt of notice from the District, the property owner shall remove any obstruction or correct non-compliance with this section. If the obstruction is not removed or compliance is not achieved within the required time, or if the obstruction presents an urgent safety hazard, the District may take immediate corrective action. Any costs incurred by the property owner or the District under this section are the responsibility of the property owner.

4.0 Termination by Customer

A customer may discontinue water service to a property at any time by providing notice to the District. The District will provide the customer with a final bill within two (2) weeks of the effective date of termination. Payment is due immediately upon receipt of final bill.

4.1 Voluntary Shut Off and Turn On

Upon request of a customer and subject to District approval, the District may discontinue water service but leave the water meter intact and locked. The District may designate a service as “Off, Not Out” while the service is discontinued under this section.

4.2 Residential Disconnections by District

The District may terminate water service to any customer who fails to comply with these Rules and Regulations, including failing to pay all fees and charges when due. If service is disconnected under this section, the customer will be required to comply with section 7.2 of these Rules and Regulations before service is restored.

4.3 Agricultural Disconnections

If the District terminates an account for an irrigation customer for failure to comply with District Rules and Regulations, including failing to pay all fees and charges when due, in order for service to be restored the customer shall be required to comply with section 7.2 of these Rules and Regulations but will not be required to pay a reconnection fee.

4.4 Fraud or Abuse

The District may immediately discontinue service to any customer if the District reasonably believes the customer to be engaged in fraud of the District or abusing District property or personnel.

5.0 Illegal Connections

It is a violation of the law to connect to the District’s water system without a meter or without the District’s approval. Upon a reasonable belief that an illegal connection has been made, District staff will notify the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department and request an investigation. Upon confirmation and issuance of a citation by a law enforcement official, District personnel shall remove the illegal connection. Before disconnecting the service, the District shall post or leave on the property a written notice of the specific law or regulation alleged to be violated; an explanation of the actions on how to remedy the violation, including paying any penalties assessed pursuant to these regulations.

5.1 Fraudulent Connections

Water service obtained from the District by fraud or through the provision of fraudulent information by the customer or an agent of the customer is deemed illegal and will be treated as an Illegal Connection.

6.0 Agreement to Pay Charges and Comply with Rules

By submitting an application for water service, the applicant will be deemed to have agreed to abide by all rules and regulations of the District, including without limitation to complete and deliver a backflow questionnaire, and to pay all bills promptly. This agreement will constitute a contract for payment between the applicant and the District.

6.1 Contracts for Special Requirements

When an applicant’s requirements for water service are unusual, large, or subject to great fluctuation and variations in rate of use, the District may require a special contract for an extended period of time. This contract may include “take or pay” provisions. The District also may require reasonable security that is satisfactory to the District and sufficient to protect the District against loss and to guarantee performance under the terms of the contract. For commercial uses involving the filling of tanker trucks from unmetered connections (such as water hydrants), the user must pay a service fee for access to the connection, plus a fee per 1,000 gallons of water used. All tanker trucks and other commercial users must utilize an approved backflow device.

6.2 Modification of Rules, Regulations, Rates and Charges

All rules, regulations, rates and charges for water service are subject to change or modification by the Board. Special contracts will not be subject to unilateral modification during their effective terms.

6.3 Special Contract Requirements

All special contracts will be in writing, signed by the customer or an authorized representative of the customer and an authorized officer of the Board. In no case may any such contract exceed a period of five (5) years.

6.4 Subdivison of Property

When a tract of land with one or more houses or other structures has been divided and sold or leased, a new service must be obtained for each structure desiring water service other than the structure originally served.

Each new service will be responsible for a separate connection fee and application for service.

6.5 Requests for Service to Multiple Structures

Upon written application by the customer, the District may, but is not obligated to, permit customers to service three (3) residences associated with a single residence (including cabins or trailers with inside plumbing, but in no event to constitute more than three (3) separate households) from a single service. The District may condition the granting of such service requests upon compliance with such requirements as deems appropriate, including, without limitation, requiring that (1) the service was applied for in the name of the applicant, (2) all such residences or living quarters are located on a single parcel of property, and (3) all such residences or living quarters are used by a single user or user group. Special user groups (e.g., parks, camps, schools, etc.) may apply for service to multiple structures from a single meter. Approval of such uses may be conditined upon the use of a larger meter and such other conditions that the Board may require.

7.0 Computation of Charges

Charge of service will be based on water consumption and meter size. Water consumption is billed in units. One unit is equal to 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons. Fees and charges are determined by separate resolution of the Board.

7.1 Billing Practices

The District will bill each customer every other month (by the 1st of the odd month) for water service. Charges for water service are due and payable on the Due Date printed on the bill. If the payment is not received at the District by the Due Date, the bill becomes delinquent on the fifth (5th) business day, after which a Late Notice will be sent to the customer, and a Late Fee will be added to the delinquent amount. For more information see current fees. Payments are to be mailed to the Corbett P. O. Box listed on the bill or delivered to the Corbett Water District Office, 36120 East Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR. Payment can also be made by ACH (Automated Clearing House) by means of automatic check withdrawal, after arrangements have been made through the Corbett Water District.

• Due Date: Fifteenth (15th) of the Odd Month
• Late fee: Five (5) business days after the due date
• Shut-Off Notice Fee: Fifteenth (15th) day past the due date
• Shut-Off Fee: 5 business days after the Shut-Off Notice
• All fees must be paid in full to prevent shut off

Customers may carry a credit balance not to exceed the total of the customer’s water bill usage from the June, August and October billing periods. Any payments received will be returned on a monthly basis to the customer, such as bill pay checks created by the customer’s bank. Leak adjustment credits will not be factored into the credit balance.

7.2 Termination of Service

Water service disconnected for lack of payment of bills may not be restored until the District receives, in cash or cash equivalent, payment in full of all past due bills, including applicable service charges and Late Fees, plus costs actually incurred by the District in connection with such bills, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses and costs of collection or collection attempts. In cases of extreme hardship, the District Manager will have the discretion to waive delinquencies and to renew service to a delinquent account upon receipt of a satisfactory payment plan of the overdue amount.

If water is turned on without written District authority during the period of any delinquency, the service will be deemed an Illegal Connection. In addition, if the service is to be restored after regular business hours, an additional fee will be assessed.

7.3 Payment Plans

The goal of a payment plan is to establish a regular payment amount that will bring a customer account to a zero balance within six (6) months, including regular usage. The frequency of payments must be at least monthly. To qualify for a payment plan a customer must have a good credit with Corbett Water District and complete and sign the Payment Plan Agreement.

7.4 Surcharges

Additional charges may be incurred for processing of payments and/or items, such as: returned payments, web portal processing fees, and credit card convenience fee.

8.0 Application

8.0.1 System Development charges may apply to a mainline extension, new connection to the District mainlines, or a change in existing service that increases demand on the water system.

8.0.2 The District may collect system development charges for capacity-increasing capital improvements pursuant to ORS 223.297 through 223.316. The charges will be collected at the time an application for connection, or for increases in an existing service that will increase the use of capital improvements and generate a need for those facilities, are received and the requested services are added to the system.

8.0.3 The system development charges are separate from and in addition to any applicable tax, assessment, charge or fee otherwise provided by law or imposed as a condition of development.

8.0.4 System development charges include that portion of the District’s connection charge that is greater than the amount necessary to reimburse the District for its average cost of inspecting and installing connections to the system.

8.0.5 The system development charge is due and payable upon the completion of a new connection form. In some instances, a payment plan may be agreed upon in writing.

8.0.6 If payment is secured by a lien on the property served, the agreement/contract will include a waiver of all rights to contest the validity of the lien, except for the correction of computational errors.

8.1 Appeals

8.1.1 A person aggrieved by a decision required or permitted to be made by an agent of the District with respect to system development charges or a person challenging the propriety of an expenditure of system development charge revenues may appeal the decision or the expenditure to the Board by filing a written request at the District’s offices, addressed to the Board, describing with particularity the decision of the office of the District or the expenditure from which the person appeals.

8.1.2 An appeal of an expenditure must be filed within ninety (90) days of the date of the alleged improper expenditure. Appeals of any other decision must be filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the decision.

8.1.3 Any legal action challenging the methodology for system development charges adopted by the Board must be filed not later than sixty (60) days after the adoption.

9.0 District Responsibility

The District will maintain and repair its mains, service lines, meters, structures, facilities and all appurtenances so as to keep them in repair and operative at all times in so far as is practical and reasonable.

The District will provide adequate sources of supply, necessary primary feeder mains, storage facilities and other improvements necessary to make service generally available to all areas within the District.

The District will furnish water for ordinary domestic, household, business and community use and for such sprinkling, irrigation, commercial and firefighting purposes, as the system may reasonably supply and as may be approved by the District Manager. Extensions of water service to areas not currently obtaining water from the system may be provided at the expense of those persons requesting service.

9.1 District Liability

The District will not be liable for damages or otherwise responsible because of interruptions, discontinuance of water service, or variations in pressure. The District Manager will have the right, in cases of inadequate supply or shortages of water to determine how water from the system may be used. The District Manager will establish procedures limiting water use and give preference to those uses determined to be in the best interests of public health, public convenience, safety, and necessity.

The District will not be liable for any loss or damage of any nature whatsoever caused by any defect in the customer’s lines, plumbing or equipment.

9.2 Discontinuance of Service for Defective Conditions

The District may, after providing written notice, discontinue service to any premises of a customer that exhibits defective conditions of plumbing or equipment and that results, or is likely to result, in interference with proper service, or is likely to cause waste or contamination of water.

10.0 Customer Responsibility

10.0.1 The customer is responsible for maintaining up to date contact information with the District.

10.0.2 The customer is responsible for all pipes and plumbing after the District’s meter and must comply with all cross connection and backflow policies.

10.0.3 The customer must install, maintain and repair all piping between meter(s) and premises served, and must install same at a depth of two (2) feet or more, which is considered sufficient to protect from damage and freezing.

10.0.4 The customer must secure locate markings for underground facilities prior to digging in the right of way.

10.1 Customer Liability

10.1.1 The customer shown on the records of the District to be the user of a parcel of property – is liable for the payment of all bills charges made for water service installations and service to that property, whether for his, her or its use or the use of other persons, whether they be occupants, renters, or holders of leases on the property to be served.

10.1.2 The customer is liable for any damage caused to the Water District system due to not following above rule 10.0 Customer Responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to damage to pipes, meters and/or pressure reducing valves. The liability can include the cost of repair (labor, materials, equipment) and Boil Water Notices (labor, lab testing and DRC oversight costs).

11.0 Compliance

Corbett Water District complies with state guidelines OAR 333-061-0070 Cross Connection Control Requirements.

11.1 Backflow

11.1.1 Backflow Definition

Backflow is when the water in the pipes after the water meter goes backwards (the opposite direction from normal flow). There are two situations that can cause a backflow condition: “Back Pressure” – a pressure greater than the supply pressure that may cause backflow. (High-pressure boiler or pressure washer) “Back Siphonage” – the creation of a backflow as a result of negative pressure. (Water main break or use of fire hydrants)

11.1.2 Backflow Conditions

Backflow may occur under the following conditions:

a) An auxiliary water supply exists which is, or can be connected to, any potable water piping.

b) Piping for conveying liquids or gases other than potable water is under pressure and is installed or operated in a manner which could cause a cross connection.

c) Intricate plumbing makes it impractical to determine if a cross connection exists.

d) There is a fire service or irrigation service that doesn’t involve recycling of the water in the house.

e) Domestic service lines are two (2) inches or larger

f) The building is more than two (2) stories or higher than thirty (30) feet above the water main.

g) The property includes an irrigation or sprinkler systems.

h) The property includes a hot tub, pool, or waterbed.

i) Livestock troughs are present.

j) Any other situation that possible cross contamination could occur.

11.1.3 Backflow Assembly Requirement

Any person utilizing the public water supply shall install a backflow prevention assembly (or air gap, where applicable) and meet the standards listed in OAR 333-061-0070 and OAR 333-061-0071, as amended, and shall be installed pursuant to Districts specifications. The USC list of approved backflow assemblies will be adhered to.

The District’s engineer shall provide a binding interpretation as to the adequacy of each assembly, rule or specification.

11.1.4 Backflow Prevention

All plumbing within buildings served by the Water District must be installed and all plumbing fixtures constructed so as to prevent pollution of water supply by back siphonage or back pressure. The District will disconnect water service to any premises known or found to have such defects and hazards and will not restore service until such defects and hazards have been eliminated and found to comply with the State Plumbing Code requirements.

11.1.5 Backflow Assembly Expense

All expenses of the backflow assembly installation shall be the responsibility of the water user. Testing and maintaining the required assemblies shall also be the sole responsibility of the water user.

11.1.6 Backflow Installation and Initial Test

Any lead-free backflow assembly required to be installed shall be installed and tested within thirty days of the date when the requirement became necessary or upon notification from the District. All assemblies will be registered with the District. Registration shall consist of size, make, model, serial number, location and date of installation.

Failure to install and test any required assembly in a timely manner shall result in the termination of water service.

11.1.7 Annual Backflow Testing

The owner of any backflow prevention assembly shall have the assembly tested annually and provide a copy of the test results to the District.

• **OHA provides a list of testers on their website. https://yourwater.oregon.gov/backflow.php?county=Multnomah
• The District may require more frequent testing if a serious health hazard exists.
• If the District fails to receive the annual test report within thirty days of the due date, the District shall test the assembly and charge the water user a fee. All testing shall be done by an Oregon state certified backflow prevention assembly tester.

11.1.8 Failure of a Backflow Assembly

If a backflow assembly fails any test, water service shall be discontinued after ten business days until the assembly passes the required tests.

11.1.9 Backflow Site Inspections

Along with the required backflow preventers and their regular maintenance, site inspections or surveys may be performed (upon reasonable notice during normal business hours) at properties that present a potential hazard to our water system:

• External (“site”, or “containment”) – to protect the water supply from cross connections on the customer’s premises.
• Internal (“hazard”, or “isolation”) – to protect the customer from potentially hazardous cross-connection in their own system.

11.1.10 Pre-1988 Backflow Assemblies

Any backflow prevention assembly installed before October 1988, which was approved at the time of installation, but is not on the current approved list maintained by the State Health Division, may remain in service if:

a. The assembly is commensurate to the degree of hazard; and

b. The assembly is properly maintained; and

c. The assembly is tested at least annually and performs to satisfaction; and

d. The assembly requires only minimum maintenance.

11.2 Air Gaps

An approved air gap is a physical separation between the free-flowing discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline, and the overflow rim of an open or non-pressure receiving vessel. These separations must be vertically orientated a distance of at least twice the inside diameter of the inlet pipe, but never less than one inch.

An obstruction around or near an air gap may restrict the flow of air into the outlet pipe and nullify the effectiveness of the air gap to prevent back siphonage. When the air flow is restricted, such as the case of an air gap located near a wall, the air gap separation must be increased.

11.2.1 Air Gap Inspections

Air gaps must be inspected on an annual basis by the District’s cross connection control specialist, or private cross connection control specialist, to verify all these requirements are met. If the air gap is not in compliance, then corrections will be made within ten (10) days and re-inspected, or water service shall be terminated.

11.3 Cross Connections

11.3.1 Prohibited Connections

Neither potential or actual cross connections of any kind are permitted between the District’s system and any other water supply, whether private or public, without the written consent and approval of the District Manager and compliance with the provisions of the District’s cross-connection/backflow program. For purposes of this paragraph, prohibited cross-connections include, but are not limited to, connections between the District’s pipes, appurtenances, pumps, tanks, storage reservoirs, facilities, equipment, appliances, etc., whether located on public or private property, and those of any other water supply.

11.3.2 Vacuum Breakers

The District will not allow vacuum breaker hose bibs as a cross connection prevention device, as they are unable to be tested; therefore, there is no way to ensure they are in working condition.

11.3.3 Possible Cross Connection Inspection

The District Manager or other authorized representative will have the right to inspect (upon reasonable notice during normal business hours) the premises of users for physical connections with other water supplies, recirculation systems, cooling systems, industrial processes or any other facilities within which pollution may exist or occur. Any user whose premises contain such connections must remove the same immediately after notice. If not removed within the time specified, the District will remove any connection that has been made to service the property in question.

11.4 Customer Questionnaire

The District shall conduct a survey periodically and will require that each customer fill out a questionnaire (not to exceed one per annum). The questionnaire is designed to determine if a premises needs isolation with a backflow assembly.

If the survey answers differ drastically from the conditions found on premises, or if the survey is not returned in a timely manner, the District reserves the right to assess a fee or terminate water service.

11.5 New Buildings

The owner or builder of any new building or irrigation system shall submit a copy of the piping plans for review by the cross connection control specialist. If such plans are not submitted, water service shall be denied until an on-site inspection can be made.

12.0 Leak Definition

A water leak or water leakage is defined as any water loss on the customer’s side of the District water meter resulting from a condition where repair and/or replacement of customer infrastructure (service line or interior plumbing, etc.) is required to terminate the water leak.

12.1 Leak Responsibility

All leakage occurring between the meter and the property served will be the responsibility of the customer. The customer is responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of water lines, stop and waste valves, gate valves, pressure regulators, backflow assemblies, plumbing fixtures, hydraulic devices and other water-related facilities at the customer’s premises.

12.2 Leak Liability

The District will not be held liable for any damages or injuries whatsoever resulting from leakage or water running on the premises from pipelines, plumbing fixtures, open faucets, valves, fixtures, devices, appurtenances, hoses or other water-related facilities located beyond the meter.

12.3 Leak Adjustments

12.3.1 Water usage resulting from conditions that did not involve repairs or replacements (such as filling a swimming pool, leaving an outdoor watering hose or irrigation sprinkler system on too long) are not eligible for a water leak adjustment by the District.

12.3.2 Water leaks due to leaking faucets or toilets are not eligible for water leak adjustments.

12.3.3 Water leaks on irrigation lines are not eligible for water leak adjustments.

12.3.4 Any District customer may apply to receive an adjustment to their current water bill according to this policy.

12.3.5 To be eligible for a water leak adjustment, the customer is first required to promptly resolve the water leakage at the customer’s own expense. (The District is not responsible for repairs or replacements needed on the customer side of the District water meter.) Repairs must be completed within forty-five (45) days of the customer discovering the leak or notification of the leak from the Water District.

12.3.6 Once the repairs are complete and within thirty (30) days of when repairs have been made, the customer may request a water leak adjustment in writing on the approved District form either at the District office or through the District’s website at www.corbettwater.com.

12.3.7 The customer’s leak adjustment request must include a statement of where and when the leakage occurred, receipts from the repairs and/or pictures of the leak and repairs and a written summary of what steps were taken (what work was done) to terminate the water leakage.

12.3.8 No more than one water leak adjustment shall be granted to a customer during a rolling 24-month period.

12.3.9 No leak adjustment shall be made for bills that have not increased more than 25% from the same billing cycle the prior year or the three billing cycles prior to the leak.

12.3.10 No more than two (2) leak adjustments will be granted for any property unless proof of complete water line replacement is provided to the District.

12.3.11 Upon receiving a water leak adjustment request, the District Office Staff will calculate a water leak adjustment credit of up to 50% of the cost of the amount of water lost based upon the average of the same billing cycle for the last three years. If historical information is not available, the adjustment will be based on the average of the three (3) billing cycles prior to the leak. Adjustments may not be issued for leaks extending over more than two (2) consecutive billing cycles. The water leak adjustment credit excludes the fixed base rate portion of the bill and normal historical water use during the billing period. The customer’s cost for infrastructure repairs (materials and labor) or damage done to other property as a result of the customer’s water leak is not eligible for reimbursement by the District.

12.3.12 If the water leak adjustment is approved by the District Manager, the customer will be notified, and the credit will be applied to the customer’s account. If payment for the balance is not received within thirty days of notification or the customer has not set up a payment plan for the balance, the leak adjustment will be removed from the account and the customer will be liable for the full amount with no right to appeal. Any outstanding portion of the bill is subject to late fees and penalties up to and including termination of service according to Ordinance 2009.05.02 Penalties, Fees, and Deposits.

12.3.13 The customer may appeal the District’s decision to the Board of Commissioners when the District determines that the customer does not qualify for a leak adjustment or if the customer disagrees with the amount of the proposed leak adjustment.

12.3.14 If the customer accepts the District’s proposed leak adjustment the customer foregoes any right to appeal to the Board of Commissioners and absolves the district of any further obligations related to the leak.

12.3.15 If a customer chooses to appeal the proposed adjustment, they must notify the District office of their desire to appeal by submitting a written request within thirty (30) days. The customer must indicate the reason for their appeal and include information supporting their appeal. The District will notify the customer of the date the Board of Commissioners will consider the appeal. The customer or the customer’s representative must be present to discuss and answer Commissioner questions concerning the leak adjustment request. If not present, no further appeal action will be considered by the District.

12.3.16 The District will convey the Board’s decision in writing to the customer within thirty (30) days of the review. All decisions of the Board of Commissioners are final. Once a customer is notified of the Board’s decision the credit will be applied to their account. If payment for the balance is not received within thirty days of notification or the customer has not set up a payment plan for the account balance, the leak adjustment will be removed from the account and the customer will be liable for the full amount with no right to appeal.

12.3.17 A water leak adjustment will not be granted without the customer’s written agreement to waive and release the District and its insurer(s) from any claim arising from alleged or actual damage to water facilities on the customer’s side of the water meter.

12.3.18 It is recommended that a pressure reducing valve (PRV) be installed immediately following the meter on customer water lines to avoid fluctuation to water pressure that can damage water lines, water heaters and plumbing fixtures.

13.0 Installation and Maintenace of Meters

Only authorized employees of the District may install and maintain water meters. No seal may be altered or broken except by an authorized District employee.

13.1 Size of Meter

Applicants may request and receive any size meter regularly stocked or furnished by the District, provided the request is reasonable and further provided that the meter is not greatly oversized or undersized, as determined by the District Manager. The District  reserves the right to determine the type of meter to be installed.

13.2 Change in Size of Meter

If a change in size of a meter and service is requested, the customer must file a new connection application, specifying the requirements of a new meter and service. If the District approves the application, the District will install the new meter and service and will charge the applicant based on the District’s current rates. The applicant’s original application will be amended to reflect the new meter and size.

13.3 Relocation of Meter

If relocation of an existing meter or service is requested by a customer, the relocation will be at the customer’s expense. The District may request prepayment or other security, as the authorized representative of the District may deem appropriate prior to performing a relocation.

13.4 Meter Reading

The District will keep an accurate account on its books of the readings of meters. Customers will be entitled to inspect the records of readings of their meters upon reasonable notice during normal business hours of the District. A customer may request copies of the official records of meter readings for their properties by may not remove the official records from the office of the District. The District may impose reasonable charges for copies of records. The official records of meter readings will be prima facie evidence of the use of water service by the customers and will be the basis on which all bills are calculated.

13.5 Adjustments to Meter Reading

Should any meter fail to correctly register use of water service, the District will estimate the amount of water used during the billing period using an earlier billing period for which usage patterns are most likely to be comparable.

13.6 Meter Testing

13.6.1 Upon written request, the District will test any customer’s meter, and, where circumstances require, adjust for over- or under-charges incurred during a period not to exceed the six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the test. Any customer desiring to have a meter tested must submit with the written request a prepayment of the District’s applicable charge for testing. The District will refund the amount paid for testing if the meter is found to register five percent (5%) or more in excess of the actual use.

13.6.2 If, based on the District’s comparison of current and historical water usage, it appears that a meter is not registering properly, the District may, at its option, test the meter and adjust for over- or under-charges incurred during a period not to exceed six (6) months immediately preceding the date of test. The customer will not be charged for tests undertaken at the District’s option. If a meter does not register, the District will bill the customer for water consumed while the meter was not registering based upon the customer’s use during the corresponding month of the prior year, or upon a comparison with similarly situated customers during the time the meter did not register.

13.6.3 If it is impossible or impractical to read a meter on the regular reading date, the total water consumption for billing purposes for that period will be estimated for that billing period. An adjustment for actual use will be made on the first billing statement after meter reading is resumed.

14.0 Service Interruption

The District, from time to time, must interrupt service for system repairs, cleaning, and maintenance.

14.1 Liability

The District will not be responsible for any damages caused by such interruptions of service or for fluctuations in pressure. Whenever it is feasible and practical to do so, the District will give customers advance notice when service will be interrupted for a significant length of time, but will not be liable for any failure to provide notice.

15.0 Financial Obligation

The District will pay for cost of supply, pumping stations, storage facilities and primary mains for the general distribution of water within the District. The cost of main extensions to service additional customers, properties, tracts, or subdivisions requested by customers will be paid for by the person or persons requesting such extensions as provided in subsection 15.2 of these Rules and Regulations.

15.1 Ownership and Maintenance

After installation, water mains and extensions remain the sole property of the District and may be exclusively maintained and operated by District personnel. All connections for services thereto, and the costs thereof, shall be as set forth in these Rules and Regulations.

15.2 Water Main Extension Requirements

Customers must apply in writing for water main extensions and must furnish with the application from two copies of a map showing the properties that are to be served by the proposed extension. Approved extensions will be constructed by the District or by a contractor selected by and under the control of the District. Materials will be purchased by the District or the contractor making the installation for the District, must be of a quality determined by the District. The District will determine the size of mains required. Most extensions will be not less than four inches (4″) or six inches (6″) in diameter. Extensions will be located in the street or roadway in existing public easements.

15.3 Construction Cost

The customer will be charged for the requested water main installation at the District’s actual cost. Payment in full is required in advance before work begins. Upon written request, the District will provide an estimate of the cost of the requested extension. The estimate will include all materials, labor, equipment and supplies, and fire hydrants when required, plus fifteen percent (15%) for overhead, engineering and supervision. After completion of the work and tabulation of actual costs, any excess monies deposited prior to the work shall be refunded. Any extra costs must be paid by the customer.

15.4 Subsequent Development

If a main extension paid for a customer is later used to serve developed or undeveloped property not used by the customer within the ten-year period following installation of the extension, the District shall assess each subsequent property benefitting from the extension a pro rata share of the installation cost and refund that amount to the customer(s) who originally paid for the extension, provided such customer(s) can be located with reasonable diligent effort.

16.0 Special Assessments; Cost Recovery

The cost of capital improvements that provide a special benefit only to specific properties or rectify problems caused by specific properties may be assessed to such specially benefited properties in accordance with the provisions of ORS Section 264.362 through 264.394, or any successor statute.

For improvements paid for by a specific customer or customers, the District may establish a means of providing for a fair and just apportionment among the properties benefiting from the improvements, either contemporaneously or within ten (10) years of completion of the improvement.

16.1 System Development Charges

System Development Charges (SDCs) are one-time fees that are collected upon connection to the District’s water system or when a change of use occurs that increases demand on the system. SDCs are required to be used for improvements needed to support new development within the District, to ensure that new development pays its fair share of the cost of infrastructure. System Development Charges are adopted by separate resolution or ordinance of the Board.

17.0 Customer Obligation

Plumbing is to be constructed of high-quality materials and workmanship that prevent water running to waste. The District may refuse to provide water service, or terminate water service, to premises where water is allowed to run to waste, whether through defective plumbing or otherwise.

17.1 Inspections

Duly appointed employees of the District shall have access at all reasonable hours to any part of the District’s water delivery system for the purpose of inspecting connections, the condition of conduits and fixtures, and the manner and extent in which the water is being used. The District is not responsible for inspecting the customer’s lines, plumbing and equipment, or for the cost of any repairs to, or replacement, of the same.

17.2 Discontinuation of Service

The District may discontinue water service as provided in Section 4 of these Rules and Regulations to any premises where water is used in a manner that threatens or could threaten the supply of water to the Distict’s customers at large, unless such conduct is promptly corrected following due notice by the District.

18.0 Service Outside of District Boundaries

Mains and service lines laid outside the District boundaries are permitted only under special contract and must be installed at the customer’s expense. Water service to users outside the District is at all times subject to the prior and superior rights of customers within the boundaries of the District.

18.1 Application of Regulations

All regulations now or hereafter in effect for customers inside the District, except where modified by contract, will apply to customers outside the District.

18.2 Variable Base Rate

To compensate for the District’s inability to assess property taxes on premises located outside the District, the District shall implement a variable base rate for customers outside of the District, to be recalculated annually on November 1st. The variable base rate charges will be based on the assessed value of the property served in the same way property taxes are assessed on properties located within the District.

19.0 Suspension of Rules and Regulations

No employee of the District is authorized to suspend any of these Rules and Regulations, except in cases of emergency posing an immediate threat of loss or property or which would jeopardize the safety or security of the District’s water system.

19.1 Modification of Rules and Regulations

The Board may, from time to time, as needed and consistent with Oregon law, amend or modify these Rules and Regulations.

19.2 Rates and Charges

The District’s Board of Commissioners may establish and modify rates and charges for water service by a properly adopted separate resolution approved by a majority of the Board.

All complaints, special requests for service and all other matters upon which action by the Water District is requested or sought must be presented to the District in writing by the customer or the customer’s representative.

Small version changes (X.1, X.2, etc.) are made to provide clarity or reflect modifications driven by lessons learned. These are approved by the District Manager.

Significant version changes (1.x, 2.x, etc.) are made when strategic changes occur to the plan either driven by policy changes or changes to the risk appetite. The plan is always available to the Board and changes are shared with the Board annually.

Date	Contributor	Notes	Version
1996		Original draft	1.0
1996		Sections included: ·        To The Public ·        Operations of System Facilities ·        Water Service ·        Discontinuation of Service or Change of Occupancy ·        Contracts; Special Needs ·        Payments for Service ·        System Development Charges ·        Responsibility and Liability of the District ·        Responsibility and Liability of the Customer ·        Cross Connections or Physical Connections with Other Water Supplies or Systems ·        Leaking Within Premises ·        Maintenance and Repair of Customer Lines ·        Meters ·        Service Interruption ·        Water Main Extensions; Local Improvements ·        Cost Recovery ·        Waste-Plumbing-Inspection ·        Outside Users ·        Suspension and Modification of Rules ·        Complaints and Special Requests	1.0
04/xx/1998		Added Line Replacement sub heading under Water Service Section	1.1
06/01/2005		Added Returned Checks as sub heading under Payments for Service Section	1.2
05/02/2009		Added Illegal/Fraudulent Connection Section	2.0
05/02/2009		Added Deposits sub heading under Water Service Section	2.0
05/02/2009		Added Off, Not Out Services (Voluntary Shut Off and Turn On Fee) as sub heading under Discontinuation of Service or Change of Occupancy Section	2.0
05/02/2009		Added After Hours Service Calls as sub heading under Water Main Extensions; Local Improvements Section	2.0
10/20/2009		Added Landlord responsible for water bills as sub heading under Water Service Section	2.1
01/01/2015		Added Credit Card Convenience Fee sub heading under Payments for Service Section	2.2
12/01/2015		Added Variable Base Rate For Properties Outside of District Taxing Code as sub heading under Outside Users Section	2.3
04/01/2017		Added Cross Connection and Backflow Control Requirements Section	3.0
01/23/2023 02/03/202304/28/2023	Ana Linden, Lynda Ronell, Kelly Piper, Sara Grigsby, Michael Arion	·        Reviewed and amended all verbiage ·        Added table of contents ·        Added version history table	3.1
03/18/2025	Kelly Piper Ana Linden Sara Grigsby	Reviewed for accuracy, amended numbering convention to allow for all paragraphs to have a number sequence, expanded Fire Line policy and added Fire Hydrant policy,	3.2
04/07/2025	Eileen Eakins, Ana Linden, Kelly Piper, Lynda Ronell	Reviewed by Eileen Eakins for legal content and grammar. Ana, Kelly, Lynda reviewed the track changes and accepted the track changes	3.3
05/14/2025	Kelly Piper	Added customer responsibility/liability for damage to the system. Also added recommend verbiage to the leak adjustment policy per Bob Steringer, attorney with Harrang Long PC	3.3
07/01/2025	Lynda Ronell	Corrected typos, punctuation errors found as it was being copied to the website.	3.3
07/15/2025	Erika Bronson, Board	Added two definitions and clarified a sentence. Board approved edits.	3.3