Policies

Under the Authority of Oregon Revised Statute 264.306 Adopted by Ordinance No. XXXXXX

You, as the resident and customer of the Corbett Water District (the “District”), are an owner of the District’s water system. The District is managed by the Board of Commissioners (the “Board”), which is elected by the people. Members of the Board are not paid for their time. The Board has adopted these rules and regulations to provide for the efficient delivery of water services to you, the owners. Adherence to these rules and regulations, including prompt payment of all rates and charges, will enable the District to continue serving you well.

All transactions concerning water service will be made through the business office of the District. The Corbett Water District Office is located at 36120 East Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR 97019.

In these rules and regulations, the following definitions are used:
– Customer: The person(s) shown on the record of the District as requesting water service for the use of the property served. The customer may, but need not be, the owner of the property served.
– A “customer line” is the pipe, valves and fittings leading from the meter into the premises served.
– A “water main” or “main” is the pipe, usually two inches or larger in diameter, laid in the street, road, easement, or other access for the distribution of water to the customers through service lines.
– A “service line” is the pipe, valves, and the fittings laid from the main to, and including the meter, and meter box and the valve on the main side of the meter.
– A “detector check meter” is used on a Fire Line as part of the backflow assembly. It does not meter water used when engaged.
– An “In-Line meter” is used on all domestic and commercial water lines to meter water usage through the line.

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

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.

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

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

3.0.2     Applicants will be responsible for proper completion and filing of the application, for compliance with the District’s rules and regulations and for all obligations and costs connected with the requested service.

3.0.3     Applications for service will be considered merely as requests for service. The District will not be bound to provide service until the application is officially accepted. Filing of the application will not bind the District or the Board to provide service

The District shall, at the time of accepting an application for service, require the applicant to provide a deposit for a service connection. The District will refund the customer any amount remaining on deposit when the customer cancels water service. The District will not be responsible for paying any interest on amounts deposited with the District pursuant to this provision.

The applicant must pay an installation charge in full in advance of installation of a new water service. Charges imposed by the District for service connections will not vary based on which side of the street or road a main is located. Connections that provide service from one street or road to property or premises abutting another street or road will not be permitted without prior approval by the Board. Each such determination will be made on a case-by-case basis. Charges for the installation of service pipes and meters will be in the amount necessary to cover the actual cost of such work, as well as fees on the current FY fee schedule.

Water service will be provided only from pipes or mains located within streets, alleys or rights-of-way controlled by the District, and to property or premises abutting such mains. So-called “spider connections” which would 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.

Any service call dispatched at a customer request and completed outside the Normal Operating Hours, including weekdays after Normal Operating Hours, weekends, and holidays is considered an “After Hours Service Call”. After hours service calls may be billed for each technician dispatched for the service call. Weekend is defined as the time between 4 PM on Friday and 8 AM on Monday.

The customer is financially responsible for the cost of a customer line replacement whenever the District moves a meter in order to bring it into compliance with the District rules and regulations. When spur lines or old main lines are abandoned and meters are to be removed, the customer shall be financially responsible for any extension of their own customer line to the new meter installed at the main line.

Each household must have a separate service connection and meter. Service will normally be furnished by means of one meter per household service. If more than one meter is necessary, the District will bill the customer for each meter separately.

3.7.1     Meters will be set at property lines unless such location is not practical. The service line from the main to the meter, as well as the meter and the meter box, will be the sole property of the District.

3.7.2    Unless otherwise requested in writing and paid for in advance, service connections will be ¾” 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 ¾” will be installed when requested in writing, provided the system is able to adequately serve larger volume connections. Charges made for the installation of larger services will be sufficient to cover all actual costs thereof, and the minimum charge will be higher than for standard ¾” service connections.

Service to persons residing outside the limits of the District will be considered on a case-by-case basis. No such service will be made if the District lacks sufficient surplus water capacity over and above the requirements of customers and potential customers within District boundaries. Such service, if provided, may be discontinued at any time if the interest and the needs of the District so require

The Landlord will be responsible for any water charges or fees left unpaid by the tenant of the premises served by the District. Where the landlord fails to pay the utility charges, the District may refuse to provide water service to the property. The District will require a deposit and signed customer application for each meter from the landlord. The District will provide a duplicate bill to the landlord.

3.10.1     Services larger than ¾” will be installed when requested in writing, provided the system is able to adequately serve larger volume connections. Charges made for the installation of larger services will be sufficient to cover all actual costs thereof, and the minimum charge will be higher than for standard ¾” service connections.

3.10.2    Standby fire protection systems connected to a Fire Service Line shall be installed in accordance with applicable District regulations and District standards. The customer shall make adequate provision to prevent the use of water from such systems for purposes other than fire extinguishing or fire system testing.

3.10.3    All customers having 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 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 will pay the cost of installing the Fire Service Line, including the cost of any related improvements, in compliance with applicable District rates, fees and other charges, in addition to any System Development Charges.

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

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

3.10.8    A standby charge (billed monthly), established by the District, will be made for associated services and maintenance e.g. potential water usage (demand on the system when the line is flowing at full capacity), infrastructure maintenance, leak risk and meter reading.

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

3.10.10  All water provided by the District through a Fire Service Line shall be provided 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 Service Line in violation of the District Rules and Regulations, the customer shall pay for the estimated water used, based on the District’s Rates, using gallons per minute and water line size.

A second unauthorized use during a subsequent 12 month period shall be subject to the schedule of fines and/or penalties, as established by the District’s Rates, Fees and Other Charges.

Following the third occurrence of unauthorized fire line use within 12 months, the customer is subject to Final Remedies as determined by the District Manager on a case-by-case basis and may include one or more of the following:

1. A fine for unauthorized use
2. System Development Charge may be assessed on the service. The District shall determine the amount of the System Development Charge. The Board may thereafter treat the fire line as a standard Service Connection subject to all applicable provisions of these Rules and Regulations.
3. Termination of Water Service; or
4. 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 that work in good faith with the District to resolve fire line use issues in a timely manner, as determined by the District Manager.

3.11.1     No person, except those authorized by the District, shall operate or attempt to operate any fire hydrant.

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     Only the District may change or relocate a fire hydrant.

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

3.11.5     The Fire Department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment and hydrants. Access from the street to the fire hydrant, fire protection system and control valves shall be maintained by in a manner that the equipment or fire hydrants are immediately visible. A clear space shall be maintained within a 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 feet. Property owners shall be 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 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 3-foot radius of the hydrant without approval of the District.

3.11.7     Upon notice from the District, the property owner shall, within 14 days, remove such obstruction or correct non-compliance. If the obstruction is not removed or compliance is not achieved within the required time, the District shall take corrective action. If the obstruction presents an urgent safety hazard, the District may take immediate corrective action. All charges associated with corrective actions, including those taken by the District, will be the responsibility of the property owner.

3.11.8    The District, along with the Fire Department, designates hydrant paint color. No change in hydrant color is allowed unless specifically authorized by the District.

At any time a customer of the District may discontinue water service to a property. Service to the property will be discontinued by the District upon notification and a final bill will be prepared and provided to the customer within two weeks. The final bill is payable at once.

The District recognizes that at times it is more efficient and convenient for the customer and the District to discontinue the water service but leave the water meter intact but locked. The District may designate a service as “Off, Not Out” during which time service is discontinued

The customer will be billed for accumulated surcharges, any past due balances, and a fee at the time of the meter being unlocked and water turned back on.

Irrigation accounts will be billed for accumulated surcharges and any past due balances but will not be assessed a unlock / turn on fee.

If a service is connected to the District’s water system without a meter or without the District’s approval, it is deemed illegal. The District staff will notify the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department that an illegal service connection has been made. After the citation for theft of services has been issued by the authorities, District personnel shall remove the illegal connection.

Notification shall be left on the premises of the actions taken, with instructions to contact the District office. Before reconnection, the person(s) must apply for a “new” service and must pay any accumulated surcharges, past due balances, legal fees and a reconnection fee based on time and material of all disconnection, lockout, reconstruction, legal fees, and reconnection of service, including deposit for a “new” service.

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.

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.

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, which will be 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.

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.

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 more than five years.

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 of service.

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 it 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 conditioned upon the use of a larger meter and such other conditions that the Board may require.

Charge for 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.

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 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: 15th of the Odd Month
• Late fee: 5 Business days after the due date
• Shut-Off Notice Fee: 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.

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.

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

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.

8.0.1     System Development charges can include mainline extension, new connection to the district mainlines, increased size of an existing service, or change of location of customer meter.

8.0.2     The District may collect system development charges for capital improvements pursuant to ORS 223.297 through 223.316. The charges will be collected at the time of 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.

8.6.1      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.

8.6.2     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.

8.6.3     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.

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, however, 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.

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 regulations limiting water use and give preference to those uses determined to be in the best interests of public health, public convenience, safety, and necessity. Extensions to furnish water to areas at present not now obtaining water from the system may be made by the District at the expense of those persons requesting service.

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.

The District may, without further 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.

The customer is responsible for maintaining up to date contact information with the District. The customer is responsible for all pipes and plumbing after the District’s meter and must comply with all cross connection and backflow policies.

Customers must install, maintain and repair all piping between meters and premises served, and must install same at a depth of two feet or more, which is considered to be sufficient to protect from damage and freezing.

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 and 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.

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

11.1.1     Backflow Definition

Backflow is when the water in your pipes (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

The following are conditions where possible backflow conditions can exist:

1. An auxiliary water supply exists which is, or can be connected to, any potable water piping.
2. There is piping for conveying liquids or gases other than potable water which is under pressure and is installed or operated in a manner which could cause a cross connection.
3. There is intricate plumbing which makes it impractical to determine if a cross connection exists.
4. There is a fire service, irrigation service, unless it’s a recycling of the water in the house.
5. Domestic service two inches or larger in size exists.
6. The building is more than two stories or higher than thirty feet above the water main.
7. An irrigation or sprinkler system exists.
8. A hot tub, pool, or waterbed exists.
9. Livestock troughs are present.
10. 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 & 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.

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.

11.3.1     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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

All leakage occurring between the meter and the property served will be the responsibility of the customer. In addition, the customer will be responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of the 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.

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.

12.3.1     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 and be considered by the District to receive an adjustment to their current water bill according to this policy.

12.3.5     To be considered 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 fiscally 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 (See Exhibit A) either at the District office or through the District’s web site at www.corbettwaterdistrict.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 leak adjustments will be granted at 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 billing cycles prior to the leak. Adjustments may not be issued for leaks extending over more than two 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 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     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

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 and be considered by the District to receive an adjustment to their current water bill according to this policy.

12.3.5     To be considered 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 fiscally 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 (See Exhibit A) either at the District office or through the District’s web site at www.corbettwaterdistrict.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 leak adjustments will be granted at 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 billing cycles prior to the leak. Adjustments may not be issued for leaks extending over more than two 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 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     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

Installation and maintenance of water meters may be performed only by authorized employees of the District , and no seal may be altered or broken except by one of the District’s authorized employees.

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.

If a change in size of a meter and service is requested, the customer must file a new connection application. specifying the requirements of the 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.

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.

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 but 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.

Should any meter fail to correctly register use of water service which said meter should properly register, the amount of water used during the billing period for such service will be estimated by the District from a corresponding earlier billing period for which usage patterns are most likely to be comparable.

13.6.1     The District will, upon written request, test any customer’s meter, and where circumstances require, adjust for over-or under-charges incurred during a period not to exceed the six months immediately preceding the date of the test. Any customer desiring to have a meter tested must submit a written request to the District, together with a prepayment of the District’s applicable charge for testing. The District will refund to the customer 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 is option, test the meter and adjust for over-or under-charges incurred during a period not to exceed six months immediately preceding the date of the test. The customer served by the meter will not be charged for tests undertaken at the District’s option. If a meter does not register, the District will bill the customer served by that meter for water consumed while the meter was not registering. The bill will be computed by assuming a rate of water usage 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.

The District, from time to time must interrupt service for repairing mains, making extensions, repairing valves, fire hydrants, control devices, equipment reservoirs, etc., and for cleaning, maintaining and reconditioning reservoirs and storage tanks.

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 it is known that service is to be interrupted for any appreciable length of time. The District will not be liable, however, for any failure to so notify customers.

The District will pay for the 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.

The facilities, after installation, will be the sole property of the District and will be maintained and operated by the District’s personnel exclusively, and all connections for services thereto shall be made in the manner elsewhere set forth in these regulations, and the charges made for service connections and meters shall be as therein set forth.

The cost of all water main extensions will be the actual cost to the District. Customers filing applications for extensions must apply in writing and must furnish with the application form two copies of a map showing the properties that are to be served by the proposed extension.

15.2.1     Upon written request, the District will provide an estimate of the cost of the requested extension. The applicant must, at the time of application for the extension, furnish two copies of a map showing the properties or development or both for which service is desired and the location of the proposed extension.

15.2.2     Advance payment for a water main extension must be made in the full amount by the applicant or an authorized agent before any materials will be purchased and construction begun. The cost estimate and deposit will include all material, work, use of equipment, etc., plus fifteen percent (15%) for overhead, engineering and supervision. After completion of the work and tabulation of costs of the installation, any excess monies deposited prior to the work shall be refunded. Any extra costs must be paid by the customer.

All such extensions will be constructed by the District or by a contractor selected by and under the control of the District. All materials used will be purchased by the District or the contractor making the installation for the District, must be of first quality, must comply with the District’s specifications, and must become a part of the District’s permanent system. Following installation, all extensions will become the property of 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. Fittings, valves, valve boxes and fire hydrants, when required will be included in the cost of extensions. Extensions will be located in the street or roadway in existing public easements.

If a main extension paid for by a customer of the District passes developed or undeveloped property not used by the customer who paid for the extension, and if the District receives and accepts applications for connection to the system to serve such property within the ten-year period following installation of the extension, the District shall collect from the subsequent applicant a reimbursement charge and refund the amount actually collected for such charge to the person entitled to such refund. All abutting on the street or roadway in which the extension was made, or upon such other method as the District may adopt to fairly allocate the proportionate cost of the improvements among those benefitted thereby. The customer entitled to the refund will be the customer shown on the books of the District to have paid for the extension. The District shall immediately refund to the appropriate person or persons the money so collected, provided that the proper person or persons can be located by reasonable diligent effort.

Capital construction projects that provide a special benefit only to specific properties or rectify problems caused by specific properties may be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of ORS Section 264.362 through 264.394, or any successor statue, or in accordance with the Cost Recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Ordinance.

System Development Charges (SDCs) are one-time fees that are collected to help pay for the infrastructure needed to support new development in a community. SDCs are a way to ensure that new development pays its fair share of the cost of infrastructure. Without SDCs, existing taxpayers or utility ratepayers would be responsible for the cost of building new infrastructure or expanding existing infrastructure.

The District may establish a means of providing for a fair and just apportionment among the properties benefiting from the costs of improvements to the District’s system, paid for by specific customers, pursuant to Section 16 of the ORS Section 264.362 through 264.394.

Plumbing is to be constructed of high-quality materials and workmanship, not allowing water to run to waste. Water will not be furnished to premises where the water is allowed to run to waste, whether through defective plumbing or otherwise.

The duly appointed employees of the District under the direction of the District Manager, will have free access at all reasonable hours of the day to any and all parts of structures and premises in which water is or may be delivered, for the purpose of inspecting connections, the conditions of conduits and fixtures, and the manner and extent in which the water is being used. The District does not, however, assume the duty of inspecting the customer’s lines, plumbing and equipment, and will not be responsible, therefore.

Where water is wastefully or negligently used on a customer’s premises, seriously affecting the general service, the District may discontinue service if such conditions are not corrected after due notice by the District.

The District will refuse or discontinue service to any premises where it is deemed necessary to protect the District from fraud or abuse. Discontinuance of service from one or both of these causes will be made immediately upon receipt of knowledge by the District that the condition or conditions exist.

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

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

It is imperative that the District receives all income from property taxes for homes that are on the Corbett Water District system. These funds help maintain the waterlines and fund necessary projects and operations.

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 that the District currently receives from property taxes of homes within the taxing District.

No employee of the District is authorized to suspend any of these rules and regulations, except in cases of emergency involving loss of life or property or which would place the water system operation in jeopardy.

The Board may, from time to time, as the occasion may demand or require, and in the Board’s sole discretion within the requirements of state statues, make such modifications, revisions and additions to the Rules and Regulations as may be deemed necessary and in the interest of the District.

Rates and charges for service, installation of meters, service lines, and the main extensions may be revised as necessary and required in the general public interest of the District.

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.