Revision to South Bend Municipal Rules and Regulations

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Municipal Utilities and Service Lines Rules and Re lam - C, Connection to the Main (Tad A customer wishing to tap into a main shall have their plumber make arrangements with the Utility for a water tap at the prevailing charge, or with the City engineering department for a sewer tap. The plumber shall check with the Utility to determine whether the customer is liable for other connection charges. The plumber, in arranging for a new water tap, must obtain a right of way excavation permit from the City Engineering Department before a tap will be allowed. They must then pay the tap fee in advance, arrange a tap appointment at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance, excavate and expose the water main for the tap, install the service line and curb stop (see above), and backfill. The Utility will make the actual connection to the main which will only include installation of a corporation stop or valve but not physical connection of any service line piping. The water main must be exposed with ample room to complete the tapping process at a forty-five (45) degree angle. The excavation is subject to all OSHA standards. Looping of the service line from the main is strictly prohibited. The customer or their agent may not make a water tap without written consent from the Utility. The Utility shall make all taps into public water mains or mains in easements dedicated to the Utility except as follows: 1. In the case of new developments, where the mains are constructed privately and then dedicated to the City, the developer's agent, a licensed bonded plumber, may make the taps and shall be responsible for defects for a three (3) year period starting at date of installation. Old water lines may not be used on new construction. 2. The tapping valve, whether corporation cock or larger valve, shall be purchased, owned and maintained by the customer, as part of the service line. However, the Utility has the right to operate these valves to control the flow of water as described in these Rules. 3. Taps on fire lines for domestic use are strictly prohibited. D. Service Line Repair Funds 1. Water Leak Repair Fund The Water Leak Repair Fund was established in 1958 for the repair and/or replacement of leaking water service lines and shutoff valves. Each customer is assessed a monthly charge. The Water Leak Repair Fund is an advantage to the customer because it shifts the large expense associated with leak repair from the customer to the Utility. It is also advantageous to the Utility because it ensures prompt repair and prevents wasted