Rules and Regulations

PWSB
RULES AND REGULATIONS

Revised

January 1, 1886

October 11, 1978

February 9. 1983

In accordance with charter amendment, Chapter l269, these revisions to the Rules and Regulations are hereby enacted by the Pawtucket Water Supply Board on April 10, 2007.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

G.1 Business Office

G.2 Office Hours

G.3 Questions and Complaints

G.4 Emergency Service

G.5 Employees

G.6 Service Area: Distribution System and Service Pipes

G.7 Rates

G.8 Buying/Selling Property

G.9 High Consumption: Notices

G.10 Customers' Rights

G.11 Definitions

1. WATER BILLS

1.1 Billing Frequency

1.2 Property Owners' Responsibilities

1.3 Customer Account Information

1.4 Charges

1.5 Payment of Bills

2. METERS

2.1 General

2.2 Ownership, Installation and Maintenance of Meters

2.3 Size, Type and Location of Meter

2.4 Seals, Damage, Tampering

2.5 Meter Testing and Repairs

2.6 Remote Meter Reading

2.7 Special Metering

3. SERVICE PIPES

3.1 Application

3.2 Service Installations, Charges

3.3 Ownership of Service Pipe

3.4 Customer Service Pipes

3.5 Service Valves

3.6 Unauthorized Operations

3.7 Repairs to Customers' Piping and Fixtures

3.8 Special Service Installations

4. TEMPORARY SERVICES

4.1 Construction Services

4.2 Hydrant Supplies

5. MAIN PIPE

5.1 Transmission Mains

5.2 Distribution Mains, Extensions

6. FIRE SUPPLIES

6.1 General

6.2 Drawings

6.3 Approval of Installations

6.4 Annual Charges, Water Use

6.5 Separate Connections, Use of Water

6.6 Inspections, Tests

6.7 Meters, Valves

6.8 Backflow Prevention

6.9 Fire Pumps

7. FIRE HYDRANTS

7.1 Hydrant Installations

7.2 Hydrant Ownership

7.3 Use of Hydrants

7.4 Obstruction or Tampering with Hydrants

8. SOURCE OF SUPPLY

8.1 Reservoir Descriptions

8.2 Terminal Reservoirs

8.3 Water Withdrawal

8.4 Trespassing

9. RESTRICTIONS ON WATER USE

9.1 Air Conditioning Equipment

9.2 Water Shortages, Droughts

10. CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION

10.1 Water Supply Board Responsibility

10.2 Consumers' Responsibilities

10.3 Regulation of Cross Connections

10.4 Cross-Connection Permit Required

10.5 Location of Protective Devices

10.6 Type of Backflow Preventer Required

10.7 Installation Practices

10.8 Inspection, Testing and Overhauling or Devices

10.9 Cross-Connection Control in Existing Facilities

11. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

11.1 Pump Connection

11.2 Service Interruption

11.3 Resale of Water

11.4 Inspections

11.5 Beginning and Ending Service

11.6 Severability

11.7 Generic Clause

12. VIOLATIONS/PENALTIES

12.1 Violation of Rules

12.2 Discontinued Water Service

12.3 Delinquent Bills

12.4 Legal Action

12.5 Termination or Denial of Service

12.6 Discontinuance or Denial of Service

12.7 Fraud and Endangerment

Appendix A – Ten State Standards

Appendix B—Wintertime moratorium on water service installations

GENERAL INFORMATION

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following rules and regulations, and all subsequent changes, amendments and additions thereto shall constitute a part of the contract with every person, municipality, corporation, and property owner supplied with water and other services by the Pawtucket Water Supply Board. Acceptance of this contract and all conditions thereto shall be acknowledged by taking of water or service by the customer.

Whenever the term PWSB appears in these rules and regulations, it shall be construed to mean the Pawtucket Water Supply Board, its members, it’s Chief Engineer, or any of its duly authorized employees, singly or collectively.

Every customer is entitled to a copy of these rules and regulations and the prevailing tariffs of the PWSB upon request to the Customer Service Office. The Rules and Regulations are posted on PWSB’s web site. All customers should read these rules and regulations carefully to understand their rights and responsibilities. Failure to know or understand the rules and regulations shall not be accepted as an excuse for violation.

G.1 BUSINESS OFFICE: The offices of the PWSB are located in the Branch Street Pumping Station, 85 Branch Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, telephone (40l) 729-5000.

G.2 OFFICE HOURS: Daily except Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays:

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Emergency personnel are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

G.3 QUESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS should be directed to the PWSB by calling (40l) 729-5000 or in person at the business office. All complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.

G.4 EMERGENCY SERVICE

G.4.1 Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cumberland: The PWSB has emergency service crews on duty 24 hours every day of the year. Emergencies in Pawtucket, Central Falls and the Valley Falls portion of Cumberland served by the PWSB should be reported by calling (40l)729-5000.

G.5 EMPLOYEES: PWSB employees are issued photo identification cards and distinctive uniforms. If there is any question regarding the identity of anyone claiming to be an employee of the PWSB, please call the Business Office for verification.

G.6 SERVICE AREA: DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND SERVICE PIPES

G.6.1 The PWSB primarily supplies water throughout the Cities of Pawtucket, Central Falls and the Valley Falls section of the Town of Cumberland. There are other areas that are served on a case by case basis.

G.6.2 Pawtucket and Central Falls: The distribution system is owned and maintained by the PWSB.

G.6.3 Cumberland: The distribution system in the Valley Falls portion of the town lying south of Marshall Avenue and the Cumberland Terrace area is owned and maintained by the PWSB. The remaining pipes in Cumberland are owned and maintained by the Town of Cumberland Water Department. (401) 658-0666

G.6.4 Service Pipes: The PWSB owns and maintains the service pipe between the street main and the curb stop which extends approximately 18 inches beyond the curb line or pavement edge in Pawtucket and Cumberland. For large services ( 4-inch and above ) that are connected to the main without a curb stop, The PWSB owns and maintains the main from approximately 18 inches beyond the curb line or pavement edge in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cumberland.

G.6.5 Building Service: The service pipe from the connection after the curb stop to the building, and all piping within the building is installed, maintained and repaired by the property owner or through a plumber licensed by the State of Rhode Island.

For large services ( 4-inch and above ) that are connected to the main without a curb stop.

The PWSB owns and maintains the main from approximately 18 inches beyond the curb line or pavement edge in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cumberland.

G.7 Rates: All water and services are furnished at rates in accordance with the tariffs of the PWSB, as approved by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. Copies of the tariffs are available for inspection at the PWSB Customer Service Office, 85 Branch Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Copies of the rates and other customer information may be obtained upon request at the Customer Service Office at 729-9050.

G.8 BUYING/SELLING PROPERTY

G.8.1 Notice: It is the responsibility of the homeowner to notify the PWSB Customer Service Office before selling your property. The property owner is responsible for all water charges until the PWSB is notified of the property transfer.

G.8.2 Settlement of Bills: Although the PWSB will not prorate bills between old and new owners, the Customer Service staff will assist property owners in settling bills between the parties if a current water meter reading is provided.

G.9 HIGH CONSUMPTION: NOTICES: When meter readings indicate water use above normal, the PWSB may send a notice to the owner advising him or her of the change. Failure of the PWSB to send such a notice shall not relieve the customer of their responsibility to maintain his or her fixtures and piping in a satisfactory condition and to repair leaks promptly.

G.10 CUSTOMERS' RIGHTS: Customers of public utilities have certain rights regarding service, termination protection, etc. These rights are generally protected by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, the Division of Public Utilities and the State Attorney General. Customers will be advised of their rights in any notice given them. Many of these rights appear on the back of water bills.

G.11 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set out below:

PWSB - The Pawtucket Water Supply Board, any of its members, its Chief Engineer, or any of its employees, either singly or collectively.

Air Gap - The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying pure water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device, and the flood level rim of the receptacle.

Auxiliary Water Supply - Any water supply on or available to the premises other than that of the PWSB. These auxiliary water supplies may include water from any public or private utility system other than that of the PWSB; or water from a source such as an unapproved tank, well, lake, or stream; or process fluids; or used water that may be polluted or contaminated or objectionable, or constitute a water source or system over which the PWSB has no control.

Backflow - The flow of contaminants, pollutants, process fluids, used water, untreated water, chemicals, gases, or non-potable waters into any part of the PWSB's water system, from any source or sources other than the intended source; the flow of water or other substances in a pipe in a direction opposite to the intended direction.

Backflow Preventer or Backflow Prevention Device - Any approved device, method, or type of construction intended to prevent backflow into the PWSB's water system.

Back Pressure - Pressure created by mechanical means or otherwise which causes or may cause backflow.

Back-Siphonage - Backflow due to reduced or sub-atmospheric pressure in the public water system.

Consumer - The owner or tenant, or the agent of either, or other persons in charge of any premises supplied by or in any manner connected to the PWSB's water system.

Contamination - Any introduction into pure water of microorganisms, wastes, wastewater, undesirable chemicals, or gases.

Cross-Connection - Any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement, direct or indirect, whereby backflow to the PWSB's water system can occur. This may also include by-pass arrangements, jumper connections, spool pieces, swivel or changeover devices, and other temporary or permanent devices through which or because of which backflow may occur.

Degree of Hazard - A term derived from an evaluation of the potential risk to health and the adverse effect upon the PWSB's water system.

Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) - An approved assembly composed of two single, independently acting internally loaded check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly and test cocks for testing the water tightness of each check valve (See 10.8.2)

Downstream - Device A is "downstream" of Device B if water, flowing in its normally intended direction, reaches Device A after it has reached or passed through Device B.

Health Hazard - Any condition, device, or practice in the public water system or its operation that creates, or may create, a danger to the health and wellbeing of the water consumer; a similar situation in a consumer's water system which threatens to create a health hazard in the public system through backflow.

Pollution - The presence of any foreign substance (chemical, physical, radiological, or biological) in water that tends to degrade its quality so as to constitute an unnecessary risk or impair the usefulness of the water.

Pollution Hazard - A condition through which an aesthetically objectionable or degrading material may enter the PWSB's water system.

Potable Water - Water from any source approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health for Human consumption.

Process Fluids - Any fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically, or otherwise contaminated or polluted which would constitute a health, pollution, or system hazard if introduced into the PWSB's water system, including, but not limited to: (a) polluted or contaminated waters; (b) process waters; (c) used waters originating from the PWSB's water system but which may have deteriorated in sanitary quality; (d) cooling waters; (e) contaminated natural waters taken from wells, lakes, streams, or irrigation systems; (f) water from unapproved storage tanks; (g) chemicals in solution or suspension; and (h) oils, gases, acids, alkalis, and other liquid or gaseous fluids used in industrial or other processes, or for firefighting purposes.

Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow (RPPD) - An approved device containing a minimum of two independently acting internally loaded check valves together with an automatically operated pressure differential relief valve located between the two check valves. During normal flow and at the cessation of normal flow, the pressure between the two check valves shall be less than the supply pressure. In case of leakage of either check valve, the differential relief valve, by discharging to the atmosphere, shall operate to maintain the pressure between the check valves at less than the supply pressure. The unit must include tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the device, and shall be fitted with properly located test cocks. (see 10.8.1)

System Hazard - A condition causing damage or posing the threat of damage to the physical properties of the Board's water system.

Upstream - Device A is "upstream" of Device B if water, flowing in its normally intended direction, must flow through Device A before reaching Device B.

Used Water - Any water supplied by the PWSB from its water system to a consumer's water system after it has passed through the water meter or check valve.

Vacuum Breaker - A device used to prevent back-siphonage by admitting atmosphere air pressure to the water pipe. (See l0.8.3 and l0.8.4)

SECTION I. WATER BILLS

1.1 BILLING FREQUENCY

1.1.1 Residential and small commercial consumers (meter sizes 5/8 inch through 1 inch) shall receive bills for domestic water service every three months on a staggered basis. General location of the property within the service area shall determine the months in which bills are rendered.

1.1.2 Industrial and large commercial accounts with meter sizes 1 inch and larger shall be billed quarterly in February, May, August, and November.

1.1.3 Large industrial, wholesale, and public agency accounts may be scheduled for monthly billing.

1.1.4 Fire protection service accounts shall be billed once per year during January.

1.1.5 Special services, repairs, and miscellaneous charges shall be invoiced at the time the charge is incurred.

1.2 PROPERTY OWNERS' RESPONSIBILITIES

1.2.1 Change of Ownership: Property owners shall notify the PWSB Customer Service Office at the time property ownership changes, or when the owner's mailing address changes.

1.2.2 Payment for water and services shall be the responsibility of the property owner of record as of the date of the billing.

1.2.3 New property owners using water at their premises without filing an application for service may be subject to penalties provided by state law for unauthorized use of water. Water service may be discontinued from any customer who fails to file an application for service.

1.2.4 Unpaid water bills are immediate liens, and run with the property, in accordance with Chapter 39-15-12 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island (1956). All unpaid bills should be settled between buyer and seller when the property is transferred. The PWSB does not send closing bills or prorate charges between owners.

1.3 CUSTOMER ACCOUNT INFORMATION

1.3.1 Requests for information on account status, notices, rates, rules and regulations and other customer information may be made in writing, in person, or by telephone to the PWSB Customer Service Office, 85 Branch Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860, telephone (401)729-5000.

1.3.2 Requests for certification regarding bills, liens and customer account status must be made in writing to the Customer Service Office.

1.4 CHARGES

1.4.1 Water: Charges for water shall be based on metered consumption by the premises. Water consumption shall be measured in cubic feet, and billed in units of 100 cubic feet (HCF) in accordance with the tariffs.

1.4.2 Customer Service Charge: A customer service charge shall be assessed against all active accounts, and shall be calculated in proportion to the size of the meter (s) on the service in accordance with the tariffs.

1.4.3 Fire Protection: Charges for fire service shall be calculated in proportion to the size of the fire service size at the curb line in accordance with the tariffs.

1.4.4 Other Charges: Charges for merchandise, construction services, meter repairs, and other special services shall be billed in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the rules and regulations and applicable tariffs.

1.5 PAYMENT OF BILLS

1.5.1 Due Date: All bills for water and service are payable when rendered, and become delinquent after 30 days. Delinquent bills shall incur a penalty at the interest rate in accordance with the approved tariffs on the outstanding balance, calculated from the date of the invoice or the date of last payment to the current date.

1.5.2 Payment Location: Bills may be paid by mail to the address shown on the bill, or in person to the City Collection Office, Pawtucket City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island and at other locations as may be designated by the PWSB.

SECTION 2. METERS

2.1 GENERAL

2.1.1 Except for Public fire protection or for other special purposes, all water supplied by the PWSB shall be measured by approved water meters before use, and charges for such water will be billed to the property owner, whether the water is used or wasted.

2.1.2 Customers are advised to read their water meters frequently to detect leaks or water waste early and to avoid large water bills. Information regarding meter reading is available from the PWSB Customer Service Office.

2.2 OWNERSHIP, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF METERS

2.2.1 Installation: All meters, 5/8 inch through two inches, shall be installed by PWSB employees and shall be owned by the PWSB. Meters larger than two inch shall be installed by the property owner through a plumber licensed by the State of Rhode Island. PWSB employees shall inspect the meter after installation.

2.2.2 Seals: All meters shall be sealed by an employee of the PWSB. Presence of a properly placed seal shall indicate approval of the meter and its installation by the PWSB.

2.2.3 Large Meters: All meters larger than the 2 inch size shall be owned and maintained by the customer. Sizes 5/8 inch through 2 inch shall be purchased directly from the PWSB and shall be installed by its employees. Sizes larger than two inch shall be purchased directly from the meter supplier and shall be installed by a plumber licensed by the State of Rhode Island. All meters must be of a type approved by the PWSB.

2.2.4 Removal: Only employees of the PWSB may remove a water meter once it is set.

2.3 SIZE, TYPE AND LOCATION OF METER

2.3.1 Selection: Under most circumstances, residential properties containing up to five residence units will require a 5/8 inch meter. However, the PWSB reserves the right to select the size, quantity and types of meters to be installed on any service, using information supplied by the customer as to intended water use patterns. Lacking such information, the PWSB shall use its best judgment in selecting meters, and the customer shall agree that modifications to the metering configuration may be needed after water use patterns are established and evaluated with the original selection. All such modifications shall be made at the customer's expense.

2.3.2 Types: Meters may be of the disc type (sizes 5/8 inch through 2 inch), compound type (2 inch through 6 inch), or turbine type (2 inch through 12 inch), depending on anticipated usage patterns. Meters shall fully comply with the specifications of the PWSB, which are available upon request.

2.3.3 Location, General: The meter shall be located on the customer service pipe as near as possible to the point at which the service enters the building , and installed in accordance with the current PWSB standard detail for “Typical Meter Installation”. Meters shall be installed horizontally, with proper support as necessary in a location in which it will be accessible for reading, inspection and maintenance. A valve will be placed both before the meter and after the backflow preventer device. (See Section 3).

2.3.4 Meters larger than 2-inch size shall be located in the building closest to the street line, providing the building is within 75 feet of the curb line of the street. If the nearest building is more than 75 feet from the street, the meter shall be installed just inside the customer's property line in an above ground water tight vandal proof structure/vault provided and maintained by the owner. The meter vault shall be designed to keep the meter from freezing, and shall be approved by the PWSB prior to installation. The meter vault shall meet the following requirements:

2.3.5 Meters up to or approved equal to 2-inch size shall be inside the building nearest the street regardless of its distance from the street.

2.3.6 Protection: Meters shall be protected at all times from damage due to freezing, vandalism, accident and also by an approved backflow preventive device. (See Section 10)

2.4SEALS, DAMAGE, TAMPERING

2.4.1 Seals: All meters shall be sealed by the PWSB when set.

2.4.2 Damage: A meter damaged by frost, vandalism, hot water or causes other than normal wear shall be repaired or replaced at the expense of the property owner. A service charge shall also be assessed by the PWSB.

2.4.3 Missing Seal: A missing or damaged meter seal shall be considered prima facie evidence that the meter has been tampered with. Any person who tampers with or defaces a meter to prevent proper registration of water consumed or who breaks any seal placed by the PWSB shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with the provisions of State law.

2.5 METER TESTING AND REPAIRS

2.5.1 New Meters: Every meter is carefully tested before it is initially installed, and before being reinstalled after it has been removed for repair or any other reason. Large meters purchased directly from suppliers shall be tested by the manufacturer before shipment. A copy of the manufacturer's test certificate shall be submitted to the PWSB prior to installation of the meter.

2.5.2 Existing Meters: All meters shall be tested periodically to assure continued accuracy, at least as frequently as required by the regulations of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

a. Larger meters, owned by the property owner, shall be tested in accordance with the following schedule. The owner shall bear the costs of periodic testing; the cost of repair, recalibration, and retesting of meters found to be inaccurate shall be borne by the owner of the meter.

Meter Size Maximum Testing Interval

2 inch 5 years

3 inch 2 years

4 inch and larger l year

Meters may be tested more frequently if in the opinion of the PWSB, the meter has been subject to duty that might cause it to become inaccurate.

2.5.3 Accuracy: All meters shall be required to measure water flows accurately, with an acceptable registration being within the range of 98% to 102% of actual flow. Tests and calculations shall be performed according to the standard of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

2.5.4 Customer-Requested Test: Should a property owner question the accuracy of the water meter, the owner may request a special meter test by the PWSB, in writing. The property owner shall place a deposit with the Board, in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of the testing. A licensed plumber shall remove the meter and bring it to the PWSB for testing. The PWSB shall test the meter, and shall then make any repairs that may be necessary to bring the meter to its standards. The plumber shall reset the meter as soon as possible after repairs are complete. After the meter is reset, the PWSB will inspect the meter and seal it.

a. Fast Meters: If the meter test shows that the meter has been registering in excess of 102% of actual water flow (calculated in accordance with Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission procedures), the deposit shall be refunded and the PWSB shall pay the costs of removing and resetting the meter. The customer's water bill for the current billing period shall be adjusted downward by the difference between the calculated registration and 100%, and the meter shall be adjusted to register within the proper tolerance.

b. Slow Meters: If the meter test shows that the meter has been registering less than 98% of the actual water flow (calculated in accordance with Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission procedures), the deposit will be retained to cover the cost of testing. The customer's water bill for the current billing period shall be adjusted upward by the difference between the calculated registration and 100%, and the meter shall be adjusted to register within the proper tolerance.

c. Correct Meters: If the meter test shows that the meter has been registering within the range, 98% to 102% of the actual water flow, the deposit will be retained to cover the cost of testing. No adjustments will be made to the customer's bill or to the meter.

d. Repair Costs: The cost of repairing meters requiring adjustment shall be billed as follows:

(1) Defective meters 5/8 inch through 2 inch will be replaced by the PWSB.

(2) Repair or replacement meters larger than 2 inch - shall be borne by the owner.

e. Referee Test: Upon application, the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities will conduct a referee test of the customer's meter, in accordance with its regulations.

2.5.5 Meter Repairs: The PWSB may order the owner of any meter that is not registering or that has been damaged to have the meter repaired. The owner shall have the meter removed or repaired within 25 days of receipt of such order. Meters through the 2-inch size shall be returned to the PWSB for repair; larger sizes will be repaired by the owner. All costs of removal, repair, retesting, and reinstallation shall be borne by the owner of the meter.

2.5.6 Water Bills: If a meter fails to register or has been removed for repairs, testing or other purposes during a billing period, the bill shall be estimated based on the average daily consumption rate for the previous three year period.

2.5.7 If any meter larger than 5/8 inch size is found to be unserviceable due to obsolescence, unavailability of repair parts, or cost of repair higher than replacement cost, the owner of the meter shall be directed to replace the meter. The owner shall, within 25 days of receipt of such notice, provide evidence to the PWSB that a replacement meter has been ordered. The PWSB shall be notified immediately when the meter is received, and shall inspect and seal the meter installation.

2.6 REMOTE METER READING

2.6.1 Encoder Required: All metered services shall be equipped with an encoding device that permits reading the meter from outside the building. The device shall be installed by the PWSB.

2.6.2 Meter Replacement: A remote device shall be installed at any time it becomes necessary to replace an existing meter.

2.6.3 Damaged Meters: A remote reading device shall be installed at the customer's expense wherever there is evidence of damage to a meter resulting from the negligent or willful acts of the customer and/or agents, tenants, invitees or licensees.

2.7 SPECIAL METERING

Service and meter installations for condominiums, mobile homes, trailer parks, public parks, strip malls, planned unit developments, and federal, state and municipal housing projects shall conform to design requirements established by the PWSB staff on a case-by-case basis. Detailed plans, specifications (designed and stamped by a registered professional engineer) shall be submitted to the PWSB for review and approval. Unless specific approval is given for special metering configurations, services and meters shall comply with other requirements of these rules and regulations and PWSB standards as outlined in the design checklist for project review.

SECTION 3. SERVICE PIPES

3.1 APPLICATION

3.1.New Services: Any person who desires water service to their property shall make application on standard forms available at the Customer Service Office of the PWSB located at 85 Branch Street. The application must state fully and truly the purpose for which the water is to be used, together with the proper legal description of the property and the official town or city street and number of the premises to be supplied. The applicant shall also furnish such other information as may be necessary for the PWSB to determine the water supply requirements of the applicant, including, but not limited to, a site plan of the premises. The application shall be accompanied by the payment of the prevailing fees and charges as set forth in the Rules and Regulations and in the tariffs.

3.1.2a Existing Services: Any person desiring to restore water service to any property which has been previously disconnected from the Pawtucket Water Supply system shall apply for service and pay the prevailing fees and charges as set forth above. If the property contains existing plumbing work, the applicant shall furnish a certification from a licensed plumber that the piping has been inspected and updated to current plumbing code standards.

3.1.2b Shared Service: Any property owner requesting the subdivision of a parcel with more than one building being supplied by a single water service connection at the street shall be required to provide a separate water service connection at the street for each building.

3.1.3 Change of Ownership: Any person purchasing property already served by the PWSB shall make application for transfer of the service in the name of the new owner immediately upon closing of the property transfer.

3.1.4 Developer-installed Services: Any developer installing service to vacant lots as part of a water main extension project shall file an application for each such service in the developer’s name, as provided in Section 5.2.6.

3.2SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, CHARGES

3.2.1 Installation: Service pipes are installed by the PWSB from the distribution main in the street to the curb stop 18 inches from the curb line. 3.2.2 Installation Charge: The PWSB shall charge an application/service installation charge which will fully reimburse the PWSB for all costs incurred in providing water service to the property, including account set-up, engineering, service installation and surface restoration. The charges may vary among the communities served.

3.2.3 These charges shall apply whether a new service pipe is installed or a "vacant lot" service or abandoned service is to be utilized.

3.2.4 Quotation: Application/service installation charges are available upon request from the Meter Department Office of the PWSB. This quotation shall be valid for a period of six months.

3.2.5 Winter Time moratorium on water service installations. Refer to APPENDIX B

3.3 OWNERSHIP OF SERVICE PIPE

3.3.1 Street Portion: The service pipe from the distribution main up to and including the curb stop is owned by the PWSB.

3.3.2 Customer Portion: The portion of the service pipe beyond the curb stop (including the connection to the curb stop) belongs to the owner of the property, and is installed in accordance with the current PWSB standard details and maintained by the owner through a licensed plumber.

3.4CUSTOMER SERVICE PIPES

3.4.1 Sequence of Installation: The customer's service pipe, from the curb line to the building, shall be installed in accordance with the current PWSB standard details, and the installation shall be completed before the PWSB installs its portion of the service from the main to the curb. The exception being that for 4 inch and larger service, PWSB shall provide their service first.

3.4.2 Alignment: The INSTALLER must lay the customer's service pipe in a straight line from the curb to the inside of the building’s front exterior wall and perpendicular to the center line of the street. The proposed alignment must be approved by the PWSB before any work is performed.

3.4.3A Separation from Sewer: No water service pipe shall be laid in the same trench with a sewer pipe, nor shall a water service pipe be laid within 10 feet of any sewer pipe, nor cross beneath a sewer. In situations where it is impossible to obtain the above separation, the separation shall be in accordance with the Ten State Standards.

3.4.3B Separation from underground utilities other than Sewer: All underground utilities and/or structures (except sewer) shall maintain a minimum five foot horizontal clear separation from any existing water line as measured in a horizontal plane. There is no minimum vertical separation required provided the five foot horizontal separation is maintained. In situations where the 5-foot horizontal separation cannot be maintained, a minimum two-foot vertical clear separation shall be maintained. If it is impossible to obtain proper separations, the proposed separation must be approved by the PWSB before any work is performed.

3.4.4 Permits: The property owner or the owner’s INSTALLER shall obtain any necessary permits, as required, from the appropriate city, town or state agency before opening any sidewalk for the laying of service pipes.

3.4.5 Depth: Customer service pipes shall have at least five feet of cover to avoid freezing.

3.4.6 Materials: All new or replaced service pipes size 2 inch and smaller, shall be Type K, extra heavy, soft temper, cold drawn, seamless copper tubing with a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 30,000 pounds per square inch .Service pipes larger than two inch shall be ductile iron pipe, thickness class 52, cement-lined, (DOUBLE THICKNESS), manufactured in accordance with the latest standards of the American Water Works Association.

3.4.7 Inspection: The customer service pipe shall be inspected and tested for water tightness in the presence of a PWSB representative before being covered. Such inspection shall not relieve the installer of requirements for inspections by representatives of the respective city or town-building inspector.

3.5 SERVICE VALVES

3.5.1 MainShut-off: Every service pipe shall have an approved valve installed immediately after its entry into the building. All fittings located before (on the street side of the meter) the meter must be flared. Existing services not furnished with valves shall be made to conform when the piping is renewed.

3.5.2 Meter Valve: All services shall be equipped with an approved type ball valve, backflow prevention device, in accordance with provisions of Section 10, to protect the public water system from any potential reverse flow that could compromise the system water quality. A ball valve shall be placed, immediately following (on the building side) the water meter and backflow preventive device, to prevent the backflow of water when the meter is removed. Existing services not furnished with valves should be made to conform when the piping is renewed.

3.6 UNAUTHORIZED OPERATIONS

No person except an authorized representative of the PWSB will be allowed under any circumstances to tap distribution mains and insert corporation stops therein, to install or remove service pipes, or to operate gate valves and curb stops. If operation of gate valves or curb stops is required, one working days’ notice shall be given to the PWSB except in case of emergency.

3.7 REPAIRS TO CONSUMERS' PIPING AND FIXTURES

3.7.1Repairs: Property owners shall be required to keep their service pipes and appurtenances that are connected to the public water system in good repair and protected from damage due to freezing, vandalism and negligence. In case of a break in the customer's portion of the service pipe, the property owner shall have the pipe repaired immediately by an INSTALLER. Failure to make repairs at once shall be cause for disconnection of the customer.

3.7.2 Low Pressure: In the event of low pressure less than normal minimum system pressure of 20 pounds per square inch within a customer's premises, the PWSB will replace the street portion of the service pipe only after the customer has had an INSTALLER relay the customer's portion of the service pipe from the curb to the building.

3.8 SPECIAL SERVICE INSTALLATIONS

3.8.1 Services for condominiums, trailer parks, housing projects and other similar applications shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.7.

3.8.2 Swimming Pools: Swimming pools shall be filled only through permanently connected, metered services with an approved backflow prevention device. Pools shall not be filled from fire hydrants under any circumstances.

SECTION 4. TEMPORARY SERVICES

4.1 CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

4.1.1 Application: Contractors, builders, and others requiring water for construction purposes shall make application for a temporary service and shall thereafter be subject to the same rules and regulations as permanent customers.

4.1.2 Meters and Backflow Prevention: Appropriately sized meter and backflow prevention device shall be installed on the temporary service, in a protected location provided by the applicant.

4.1.3 Payment: The applicant for a temporary service shall make payment in advance of an application/service installation charge which will cover the PWSB's costs in installing the service, plus a deposit sufficient to cover the cost of the water meter, backflow prevention device and the estimated cost of the water to be used through the temporary service.

4.1.4 Excessive Consumption: If, at any time, the cost of the water used by the applicant exceeds the amount deposited for the cost of water, the applicant will be required to deposit additional sums to pay for the actual consumption and estimated additional use.

4.1.5 Refund: Following completion of the work, upon the return of the meter and backflow prevention device and request of the applicant, the PWSB shall refund any unused portions of the deposit.

4.2 HYDRANT SUPPLIES

4.2.1 Special Permit: Temporary service supplies from fire hydrants shall be made only under special permit of the Chief Engineer, and shall be subject to all conditions contained in such permit.

4.2.2 Meter and Backflow Prevention: All hydrant services shall have an appropriately sized meter and backflow prevention device set by the PWSB. The applicant shall provide a secure location for the meter.

4.2.3 Payment: The applicant shall pay, in advance, an application charge as well as a deposit of sufficient amount to cover the cost of the water meter and backflow preventive device and the estimated water which will be used.

4.2.4 Refund: Upon request of the applicant and the return of the meter and backflow prevention device in good condition, the unused portion of the deposit shall be refunded.

4.2.5 Swimming Pools: Swimming pools shall not be filled from fire hydrants under any circumstances.

SECTION 5. MAIN PIPE

5.1 TRANSMISSION MAINS

5.1.1 Definition: Transmission mains are large-diameter pipes, typically 16 inches and larger, laid for the purpose of transmitting water to and from the PWSB's pumping stations and reservoirs, and to assure an adequate supply of water at critical points of the distribution system.

5.1.2 Connections of service pipes or fire hydrants shall not be permitted on transmission mains larger than 16 inches unless authorized by PWSB.

5.2 DISTRIBUTION MAINS, EXTENSIONS

5.2.1 Definition: Distribution mains are water pipes laid in the streets as feeders to consumer's services and fire hydrants.

5.2.2 Developer's Expense and Reimbursement: New distribution mains and extensions of existing mains shall be installed by and at the sole expense of the person or firm requesting the extension, subject to reimbursement by future connectors as provided in Section 5.2.7. All main extensions shall be approved in advance by the PWSB and shall be subject to any and all conditions which may be included in such approval. The developer shall enter into an appropriate agreement with the PWSB detailing the requirements of the installation, the basis for fees and charges, and the procedures for reimbursement of construction costs.

5.2.3 Dead Ends Prohibited: Unless special approval is obtained from the PWSB, no water main extension shall be installed that results in a dead end. That is, any main extension shall be required to connect to an active water main at each end to promote circulation and reliability of service.

5.2.4 Contractor Approval: Main extensions shall be installed by a contractor approved by the Chief Engineer. The applicant will be required to provide a performance bond or cash deposit sufficient to complete the installation or to correct any defects.

5.2.5 Main extension construction shall be inspected by a representative of the PWSB, and shall not be placed into operation until fully accepted in writing by the Chief Engineer. The PWSB shall charge the applicant an inspection fee sufficient to cover inspection costs.

5.2.6 Customer Service: The developer shall install, at his expense, customer service pipes from new mains to the front property line of each lot, and shall file an application for each service in the developer’s name. The developer shall be billed the customer charge for each such service until such time as the lot and any improvement thereon has been sold and the new owner has requested service.

5.2.7 Developer Reimbursement: Where any developer-installed water main provides water service heretofore unavailable to any property other than that specified in the main extension application, the developer shall be entitled to reimbursement of a proportionate amount of the original installation cost from new customers that connect to the new main within five years of the date of acceptance of the main by the PWSB. The proportionate share assigned to each such future connection shall be based on the street frontage of each parcel receiving new service from the extension, including the developer's property; the cost to be apportioned shall be the developer's original installation cost for the extension (as evidenced by receipted bills from the installing contractor) less the cost of any customer service pipes installed to serve the developer's property. The PWSB shall collect the reimbursement amounts from the new connectors at the time each applies for water service, and shall forward the reimbursement to the developer.

SECTION 6. FIRE SUPPLIES

6.1 GENERAL

6.1.1 The PWSB may render a special service to private property for fire protection purposes.

6.1.2 Domestic water supply for residential fire protection, residential fire sprinklers for boiler protection, may be permitted providing that:

The customer shall comply with the PWSB Rules & Regulations under sections 6 also section 10, and all other sections that may apply.
Not more than threesprinkler heads are allowed to be used for fire protection on boilers only.
Sprinkler heads must be piped so that the supply of cold water provides circulation of water.
No valve shall be allowed which shuts off the sprinkler system without turning off the domestic water supply.

6.1.3 Applications for fire protection service shall be made by the property owner or the owner’s authorized agent, and shall be accompanied by complete plans of the proposed fire protection system and payment of the proper charges. Rates for fire service installations and annual fire service charges are available upon request from the PWSB Meter Department.

6.1.4 All new fire services shall include a Reduced Pressure Zone Valve (RP), all other fire services shall meet the requirements of section 6.8.1.

6.2 DRAWINGS

6.2.1 The applicant for fire protection service shall furnish a complete and correct set of drawings, specifications and calculation prepared and stamped by a registered professional engineer, of the proposed fire protection system, including a plan of the property and detailed locations of all valves, pipes, meters, hydrants, tanks, booster pumps, sprinkler heads, test outlets, and other appurtenances. The plans shall become the property of the PWSB upon application.

6.2.2 The applicant agrees as a condition of this special service to furnish revised and up-to-date drawings of the fire protection system whenever any changes or additions are made.

6.3 APPROVAL OF INSTALLATIONS

6.3.1 The PWSB reserves the right to determine the necessity for, and the advisability of, granting any application for this special service, and the right to determine the size of service pipe which will be permitted. Such determination shall consider the size of the street main, pressure on the main, possible effects on existing customers, and the nature and capacity of the fire protection equipment in the building.

6.3.2 Only one fire service shall be allowed to any one building or premises unless the applicant, or applicant’s engineer, can document that more than one service is required for proper protection of the premises. All fire protection equipment connected to the city service shall be confined to the building or premises named in the application. Where more than one service is provided for a single building or premises, they shall be kept separated within the premises; they may be connected only with special permission of the Chief Engineer.

6.3.3 All vertical backflow prevention device installations must have the approval of the PWSB.

6.4 ANNUAL CHARGES, WATER USE

6.4.1 Charges for fire protection service shall be paid in advance upon application and then annually in advance when billed. Water used for purposes other than fire protection shall be billed at prevailing rates.

6.5 SEPARATE CONNECTIONS, USE OF WATER

6.5.1 Any connection larger than 2 inches that supplies water for fire protection shall be a separate connection from the domestic water supply. Each water supply system (fire and domestic) shall be separately connected to the water supply main in the street, except 6.1.2.2.

6.5.2 Fire supply services shall not be used to supply water for any purpose other than fire protection. Reasonable uses of water shall be permitted for fire drills, draining the system to prevent freezing, testing the system, and other reasonable uses connected with fire protection.

6.5.3 Fire protection services shall not be used to supply water for any other purpose. Such use shall be grounds for disconnection of the fire protection service.

6.6 INSPECTIONS, TESTS

6.6.1 All fire services shall be subject to periodic inspections by the PWSB. The owner shall give all reasonable access for such inspection and shall provide such information as may be requested.

6.6.2 Owners may periodically test their fire protection system in accordance with the following procedures:

a) The owner or the agent of the owner shall notify the PWSB at least two working days before the test.

b) The owner or the insurance company shall place an advertisement in the The Times warning of the possibilities of rusty water.

c) Whatever information is obtained from the test shall be submitted to the PWSB as public information.

d) The owner shall notify the appropriate fire department when the test is to take place.

6.6.3 The PWSB reserves the right to have a representative present during the test and to limit the volume and/or the flow rate of the water used for the test.

6.7 MATERIALS

6.7.1 Fire protection services that receive a meter shall be metered in conformance with Section 2.

6.7.2 The owner shall purchase and install an approved backflow protection device with a working pressure of two hundred (200) psi.

6.7.3 On the inlet and discharge sides of each fire service’s meter and backflow assemblies, the owner shall install a gate valve of the OS&Y type, manufactured in accordance with the American Water Works Association specifications and meeting the requirements of the National Board of Fire Underwriters or its successor organization.

6.8 BACKFLOW PREVENTION

6.8.1 Fire protection systems shall be required to be updated with an approved Backflow Protection Device. Because of the varying degree of hazard which may be present in any given fire protection system, the protection required must be determined by the PWSB after evaluation.

6.8.2 Generally, however, the fire service entrance shall be equipped with an approved Backflow Prevention Device suitable for use with the highest degree of hazard as follows (see Section 10 for additional requirements as to Backflow Prevention):

(a) Anti-freeze or other chemical addition – RP .

(b) Unapproved auxiliary water supply connection to system (well, lake, stream, etc.) – RP.

(d) Any system with private fire hydrants – RP, DCVA. *

(e) In-line booster pump – RP plus low-suction pressure cut-off.

(f) Pumping connection within 1,700 feet of auxiliary water supply – RP, DCVA. *

(g) Pumper connection more than 1,700 feet from auxiliary water supply - Alarm Check**.

(h) Water storage tank – RP, DCVA .*

(i) Building height over three stories – RP, DCVA *.

RP = Reduced Pressure – New Fire service Applications

*DCVA = Double Check Valve Assemble Only For Retro Fitting Existing Fire Service With No Chemicals AND Must Have Prior Approval of the PWSB.

**Pumper connection must be downstream of alarm check.

6.9 FIRE PUMPS

6.9.1 Fire pumps, installed for the purpose of boosting pressure above that available from the water supply main, shall be allowed only under special permit from the Chief Engineer. Application for such permit shall include a detailed submittal of all pertinent information on the pump, including capacity-head curves, connection sizes, suction head data, and other information requested by the Chief Engineer.

6.9.2 The application shall also include all requested information on the pump control system, backflow prevention devices, and other appurtenances, sufficient to assure the Chief Engineer that the proposed installation will not adversely affect the water system. All information shall be certified by a registered Professional Engineer.

SECTION 7. FIRE HYDRANTS

7.1 HYDRANT INSTALLATIONS

7.1.1 In Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cumberland, the PWSB shall install public fire hydrants in any location requested by the fire chief of the Pawtucket , Central Falls or Valley Falls Fire Department, subject, however, to the ability of the mains to supply the needed quantities of water.

7.1.2 Fire hydrants may also be installed by the PWSB when needed for proper operation of the distribution system or for adequate fire protection.

7.2 HYDRANT OWNERSHIP

7.2.1 All public fire hydrants in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Valley Falls section of Cumberland and their connections are installed and maintained by the PWSB as part of the water system.

7.2.2 An annual charge for the use of public fire hydrants shall be charged to the respective fire departments at the prevailing rates contained in the tariffs.

7.3 USE OF HYDRANTS

7.3.1 Public fire hydrants are installed for the sole purpose of fire protection. With the exception of members of the fire department performing their official duties and employees of the PWSB, no person shall operate a fire hydrant without the written consent of the Chief Engineer.

7.3.2 By special permit, certain hydrants will be designated to the public works departments of each municipality and to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for use in filling street sweepers and sewer jet trucks. These connections will be subject to backflow prevention as required within these rules and regulations.

7.4 OBSTRUCTIONS OR TAMPERING WITH HYDRANTS

7.4.1 No person shall obstruct the access to any public fire hydrant by placing or permitting any vehicle, snow, debris, building material, or other obstruction to remain on or about the hydrant which will in any way interfere with its immediate use.

7.4.2 No person shall change the appearance, color or shape of any hydrant.

7.4.3 Any person who shall illegally operate a fire hydrant shall be subject to prosecution under applicable state and local law.

SECTION 8. SOURCE OF SUPPLY

8.1 The Abbott Run Stream provides water to the Pawtucket Water Supply System. The source of supply includes two large reservoirs - Diamond Hill Reservoir and Arnold Mills Reservoir - and two smaller ponds - Robin Hollow Pond and Happy Hollow Pond - as well as the land around them and along much of the length of Abbott Run Stream in the Town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The PWSB owns exclusive flowage rights to all water in Abbott Run Stream.

8.2 The ponds and reservoirs are defined as "Terminal Reservoirs." Any use whatsoever of these terminal reservoirs and the land surrounding them by the general public is prohibited because of the possibility of contamination of the water supply and damage to the watershed property.

8.3 No person shall withdraw any water from the Abbott Run Stream or from any reservoir or pond along it for any purpose without the express written authorization of the PWSB.

8.4 Any person who trespasses on the property of the PWSB for any purpose whatsoever, or who through any action or inaction pollutes or contaminates the water of Abbott Run Stream shall be prosecuted under applicable state and local laws.

SECTION 9. RESTRICTIONS ON WATER USE

9.1 AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

9.1.1 All air conditioning and refrigeration installations employing water from the municipal system shall be designed to recirculate the cooling water and minimize the requirements for make-up water. Once through refrigeration systems shall not be permitted. The make-up water line shall be equipped with a backflow prevention device in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.

9.2 WATER SHORTAGES, DROUGHTS

9.2.1 The PWSB shall declare a water emergency whenever the amount of water in the storage reservoirs falls below 50% of total storage capacity or during droughts or periods of extended hot weather that stress the PWSB system. The emergency shall remain in effect until the reservoirs are restored to 60% or more of capacity.

9.2.2 When a water emergency is declared, the PWSB shall develop supplementary regulations to reduce water use through conservation, elimination of waste, and restrictions on certain types of use. Restrictions may include, but shall not be limited to:

(a) washing or flushing of sidewalks;

(b) watering of lawns, shrubs, and other vegetation;

(d) filling of private swimming pools;

(e) use of decorative water fountains;

(f) other uses designated by the PWSB.

9.2.3 During a water emergency, the PWSB or the Chief Engineer may, if required, prohibit the use of water from the municipal supply for any purpose not essential to the health, safety and welfare of the public, and may prorate or ration the use of the available supply so that uses may serve those purposes most closely related to the safety and health of the public.

9.2.4 Customers who fail to comply with water conservation measures and restrictions shall be subject to penalties as provided in the emergency regulations approved by the Public Utilities Commission, including but not limited to immediate termination of service. Such termination shall not limit the PWSB from imposing other penalties as may be provided for by these rules and regulations and by state and local law.

SECTION 10. CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION PROGRAM

10.1 WATER SUPPLY BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

10.1.1 As the purveyor of water to its customer, the PWSB has the following responsibilities in regard to cross-connection control:

a. General responsibility for the safety of the public water system under its jurisdiction.

b. Establishing rules, regulations and procedures to control cross-connections.

c. Reviewing and approving plans for new installation to assure compliance with these regulations.

d. Inspecting new backflow preventer installations for compliance with approved plans.

e. Issuing registration certificates or permits to maintain approved cross-connections in accordance with these regulations.

f. Inspecting all commercial, industrial, residential, medical and institutional premises served by the public water system to determine if cross-connections exist, whenever the Chief Engineer or his designee deems such inspections necessary.

g. Taking appropriate actions to eliminate hazardous conditions.

h. Maintaining records of inspections of approved backflow preventers.

10.2 CONSUMERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

10.2.1 The owner of any premises containing a cross-connection or a potential cross-connection shall have the following responsibilities with regard to backflow prevention devices on the premises:

a. Applying annually for renewal of the registration certificate or permit.

b. Having suitable arrangements made so that inspections can be made by the staff of the PWSB during regular business hours.

c. Maintaining a spare parts kit and special tools for each type of backflow preventer.

d. Providing necessary labor to assist in inspections.

e. Testing, installing and maintaining of all approved backflow testing devices.

f. Testing, at least monthly-approved water storage tanks to verify that the water remains of satisfactory bacteriological quality.

g. Obtaining the necessary plumbing permits prior to installing backflow preventers.

l0.2.2 Owners and/or designers of new residential, commercial, industrial, medical and institutional buildings are urged to contact the PWSB Meter Department as early as possible in the design process. Prior to applying for water service, the owner shall file drawings showing all proposed backflow prevention devices, along with complete plumbing and fire protection plans which show the location of all hot and cold domestic (potable) water lines, industrial process water lines, fire protection water lines, and connections to machines, plumbing fixtures, wall hydrants and hose bibbs, fire protection equipment and other connections.

l0. 3 REGULATION OF CROSS-CONNECTIONS

10.3.1 Cross-Connections Prohibited: Cross-connections between the PWSB's water supply system and other water supply systems or equipment containing water or other substances of unknown or questionable safety are prohibited except when and where suitable backflow preventers, approved and permitted by the PWSB, are installed, tested and maintained in accordance with these regulations. The PWSB shall not permit cross-connections unless all of the following conditions are met:

a. The PWSB's water system is protected by a method meeting the requirements of these regulations, and

b. Approved backflow preventers or vacuum breakers are properly installed wherever required, and

c. Plans, drawings, and specifications showing the method of protecting the PWSB's water system have been approved by the Chief Engineer or the designee of the Chief Engineer prior to construction and installation, and

d. The consumer obtains the required permit or certificate.

l0.3.2 Inspections: The Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer shall cause inspections to be made of the premises served by the PWSB's water system where the possibility of a cross-connection is deemed to exist. The frequency of inspections and reinspections shall be established by the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer, based on the potential health and system hazards involved.

l0.3.3 Access: Representatives of the PWSB shall have the right to enter at any reasonable time any premises served by a connection to the PWSB's water system for the purpose of inspecting or reinspecting the piping system or systems for cross-connections. Upon request, the consumer shall furnish the PWSB pertinent information regarding the piping system(s) and appurtenances on the premises. The refusal of the consumer to provide access or information, when requested, shall be deemed evidence of the presence of a cross-connection on the premises.

l0.3.4 Denial of Service:

(a) The PWSB may deny or discontinue water service to a consumer, or subject the service to other legal action by the PWSB, whenever, in the opinion of the PWSB, the provision or continuation of service would pose a health hazard, a pollution hazard, or a system hazard to the PWSB's water system. Water service shall not be provided or restored to such premises until the required backflow prevention devices have been installed and tested by the consumer, or until the hazard has been otherwise eliminated.

(b) If inspection of the premises reveals that any required backflow prevention device has been removed from the consumer's water system, or has been bypassed, or is in need of repair, or that a cross-connection exists on the premises, or if continued service to the premises caused pressure in the PWSB’s water system to be lowered below 20 pounds per square inch gauge, the Board shall take positive action to insure that the water system is adequately protected at all times. Water service to such premises may be discontinued, or subject to other legal actions by the PWSB; and shall not be restored until all deficiencies have been corrected to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer.

(c) If the consumer denies access to PWSB employees for the purpose of testing backflow prevention devices installed on the consumer's premises, or if the consumer fails to repair any defective device within ten days of notice to do so, service shall be discontinued or subject to other legal actions by the PWSB until it is determined that the devices are functioning properly.

l0.4 CROSS-CONNECTION PERMIT REQUIRED

10.4.1 The owner of any premises containing a cross-connection meeting the requirements of Section l0. 3 shall obtain a registration certificate or permit from the PWSB annually for each approved backflow prevention device installed in accordance with approved plans. Certificates or permits shall expire on last day of each designated month.

l0.4.2 Renewal: Registration certificates or permits will not be renewed if:

a. The consumer has denied access for periodic testing of the backflow preventer(s) by the PWSB; or

b. The consumer has failed to make or have made the annual or semi-annual testing of backflow preventers, and/or has failed to maintain records of the testing as required by Section l0.8

c. The consumer has failed to promptly repair any malfunctioning backflow preventer as of the expiration date of the certificate or permit; or

d. The consumer has failed to pay the annual cross-connection registration fee.

l0.4.3 Revocation: After notice and opportunity for a hearing, the PWSB may revoke any registration certificate or permit at any time whenever, in the opinion of the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer, the cross-connection or the maintenance thereof no longer complies with these regulations. A request for a hearing before the PWSB shall not authorize any consumer to maintain the cross-connection in question pending the hearing.

l0.4.4 No consumer shall maintain a cross-connection without a registration certificate or permit, or after a certificate or permit has expired or been revoked. The PWSB shall take any actions it deems necessary to assure the safety of its water system.

l0.4.5 Fee: The PWSB shall charge an annual fee for each registered cross-connection and/or backflow preventer on a consumer's premises, to cover the cost of inspection and certification and other costs related to the administration of the cross-connection control program. The amount of this fee may be obtained by contacting the PWSB office.

l0.5 LOCATION OF PROTECTIVE DEVICE

10.5.1 The location of the backflow preventer with respect to the plumbing on the consumer's premises and the service connection will be determined by the degree of hazard existing or potentially existing, and shall conform to the requirements of this section.

l0.5.2 It is the PWSB's responsibility to protect the public water system from contamination. Although the easiest method of doing this is often by "containment" (that is, installing a backflow preventer on the consumer's service line, just inside the premises from the water meter), this offers no protection to the occupants of the premises. Accordingly, the PWSB will attempt to cooperate with the consumer to locate backflow preventer(s) to provide simultaneous protection of the public water supply and the potable water system within the consumer's premises ("in plant protection"), but reserves the right to require containment of any premises.

l0.5.3 Approved backflow preventers shall be located so as to achieve protection of all cross-connections with a minimum number of devices.

l0.5.4 When high or varying degrees of hazard exist, in-plant protection must be supplemented by additional protection at the meter or property line. The following list gives examples of, but does not limit, the types of facilities which must have additional protection at the meter or property line ("containment"):

a. Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, nursing homes;

b. Laboratories;

c. Piers, docks, marinas, waterfront facilities;

d. Sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations, storm water pumping stations;

e. Food and beverage processing plants;

f. Chemical plants, dyeing plants;

g. Metal plating industries;

h. Petroleum processing or storage plants;

i. Radioactive materials processing plant or nuclear reactors;

j. Car washes;

k. Lawn sprinkler systems, irrigation systems;

l. Fire protection service systems;

m. Slaughter houses and poultry processing plants;

n. Farms where the water is used for other than household purposes;

o. Others specified by the PWSB and/or the State Department of Health when reasonable cause can be shown for a potential backflow or cross-connection hazard.

l0.5.5 Premises in which the following conditions exist shall be protected against backflow by containment (note that the installation of a backflow preventer at the meter or property line does not protect the consumer's potable water system):

a. Premises on which any substance is handled in such a manner as to create an actual or potential hazard to the PWSB’s water system.

b. Premises having internal cross-connections that, in the judgment of the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer, may not be easily corrected, or intricate plumbing arrangements which make it impracticable to determine whether or not cross-connections exist.

c. Premises where, because of security requirements or other prohibitions or restrictions, it is impossible or impractical to make a complete cross-connection survey.

d. Premises having a repeated history of cross-connections being established or re-established.

e. Premises having fire protection systems utilizing combinations of sprinklers, fire loops, storage tanks, pumps, antifreeze protection, or auxiliary water supplies.

f. Other premises specified by the PWSB when cause can be shown that a potential cross-connection hazard not listed above exists.

l0.6 TYPE OF BACKFLOW PREVENTER REQUIRED

10.6.1 Depending on the degree of hazard and type of backflow involved, the PWSB may accept air-gap separation, reduced pressure principle devices (RPPD), double check valve assemblies (DCVA), pressure-type vacuum breakers (PVB), or atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVB) as backflow preventers.

l0.6.2 Each consumer's premises have unique problems; cross-connections occur in a variety of forms and vary in nature such that the protection of each installation must be considered in light of the conditions found to exist. Therefore, the final determination of the type of backflow prevention required shall be made on a case-by-case basis by the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer.

l0.6.3 The following guidelines will be used in evaluating backflow preventer selection:

a. Air gaps give the highest degree of protection.

b. Vacuum breakers will not protect against backpressure, but will protect against back-siphonage when operating properly.

c. Barometric loops are not acceptable backflow preventers.

d. An interchangeable connection or change-over device has limitations which prevent its use where back pressure is present or may occur, where the auxiliary supply is not an approved source, or where the water system supply pressure is likely to drop below 20 pounds per square inch gauge. Since this type of connection is one of the easiest to bypass, the use of this type device will be approved only as a temporary and continuously supervised arrangement. In most instances, an approved device or method must be included and approved by the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer

e. Reduced Pressure Principle Devices (RPPDs) shall not be installed in underground vaults or in areas subject to flooding.

f. Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVAs) shall not be installed in areas subject to flooding and preferably not in underground vaults except where gravity drainage is provided. DCVAs shall not be used where degree of hazard is considered moderate or high.

g. Fire service system: See Section 6 of the Rules and Regulations.

h. Approved DCVAs and RPPDs shall be furnished complete with two tightly closing gate valves and four quarter-inch test cocks.

i. Unless protected against a higher degree of hazard by a DCVA, RPPD, air gap, vacuum breaker, or other device installed in the supply line, all hose bibs and wall hydrants shall be protected by an integral or non-removable hose bib vacuum breaker.

10.6.4 There shall be no by-pass around any approved backflow preventer unless an approved backflow preventer is installed on the by-pass.

10.6.5 When premises are protected by containment, the type of backflow preventer used shall be appropriate for use with the highest degree of hazard known or suspected to exist on the consumer's premises.

10.6.6 Premises having booster pumps connected to the water system shall be equipped with a low pressure cut-off device to shut off the booster pump when the pressure in the pump suction drops to 20 pounds per square inch gauge or below.

10.6.7 RPPDs, DCVAs, vacuum breakers, manufactured air-gap items, and other backflow prevention devices used to comply with these regulations must be types and models appearing on the latest approved list of the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. Other devices shall be considered for approval, provided the consumer or the manufacturer of the device first furnishes to the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer:

a. Laboratory test reports from an independent testing laboratory, based on ASCE Standard No. 1013 or No. 1015, or on American Water Works Association Standard C-510 and C-511, or on USC Specifications; and

b. Field test report of one year's service under supervision of an independent testing laboratory in conformance with American Water Works Association Standard C-510 and C-511, or on USC Specifications; and

c. Copy of ASCE Certification Seal or USC Certificate of Approval; and

d. Current catalog information, installation instructions, and service and maintenance manuals.

10.6.8 Certification of full approval of the device by the State of Rhode Island Health Department, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering of the Connecticut Department of Health for use in their respective states may be substituted for items "a." through "c." above. The information required in item "d." shall be required in either case.

10.7 INSTALLATION PRACTICES

10.7.1 Reduced Pressure Principal Device (RPPD): This device, effective against backflow caused by back pressure or back siphonage, is used to protect the public water system from substances which are hazardous to health. All devices should be installed in the horizontal position. Any proposed vertical installation must be first reviewed and approved by the PWSB.

a. For in-plant protection, the RPPD shall be installed on the consumer's side on the water meter on the domestic water supply line.

b. Drinking and potable water lines, lines for safety showers, and lines for eye wash devices should be taken off the upstream side of the backflow preventer.

c. The backflow preventer shall be located so as to permit easy access and provide adequate and convenient space for maintenance, inspection and testing.

d. The backflow preventer and shut-off valves must be installed in a horizontal line between three and four feet from the floor and a minimum of six inches from any wall.

e. Tightly closing gate valves must be installed at each end of the device.

f. The device must be protected from freezing, flooding and mechanical damage.

g. If the device is to be installed on a hot water line, a device approved for use at the elevated temperature must be used.

h. If a drain line is to be provided for the relief valve port, there must be an approved air-gap separation between the port and the drain line. To be approved, the air-gap must be at least two times the internal diameter of the discharge port.

i. Before installing a backflow preventer, pipelines shall be thoroughly flushed to remove foreign material.

j. The consumer must maintain a spare parts kit and any special tools required for removal and re-assembly of devices.

k. Installation of a RPPD in an underground vault is not permitted.

10.7.2 Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): A DCVA is effective against backflow caused by back pressure or back-siphonage and can be used to protect the public water system from substances which may be objectionable but not hazardous to health.

a. Drinking and domestic water lines, lines for safety showers, and lines for eye wash devices should be taken off the upstream side of the DCVA.

b. The DCVA shall be installed with adequate space to facilitate maintenance, inspection and testing of the device.

c. The top of the check valves must be a minimum of thirty inches and a maximum of 54 inches above the floor.

d. There must be at least twelve inches clearance between the DCVA and any wall.

e. Tightly closing gate valves must be installed at each end of the assembly.

f. Check valves must be provided with suitable connections and appurtenances (four 1/4 inch test cocks) for testing.

g. The consumer must maintain a spare parts kit and any special tools required for removal and re-assembly of each device.

h. The check valves must be protected against flooding, freezing, and mechanical damage.

i. Underground vault installation may be permitted only under unusual circumstances and then only by approval of the PWSB.

10.7.3 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): The AVB, designed to prevent back-siphonage, is not effective against backflow due to backpressure. They cannot be used in installations where they will be subject to continuous pressure, or where shutoff valves are installed downstream of the device.

a. AVBs must be installed at least six inches above the flood level rim of the highest fixture they serve, but should not be installed more than five feet above floor or ground.

b. AVBs must be installed downstream of the last shut-off or valve serving the fixture or equipment.

c. AVBs must be installed in locations where they will not be subjected to corrosive fumes, dust or grit.

d. The device must be protected against flooding, freezing and mechanical abuse. Installation in an underground vault is not permitted.

e. If AVBs are used as protection on tanks containing liquids which are hazardous to health, further protection will be required on the water feed line.

f. AVBs must not be used under conditions of static line pressure.

g. AVBs installed on hose bibs, wall hydrants, yard hydrants, or other threaded connections must be of the non-removable or tamperproof type.

10.7.4 Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): The pressure vacuum breaker assembly consists of one or two check valves, vacuum relief, inlet and discharge shut-offs, and properly installed test cocks. It is not effective against backflow due to backpressure, but may be used as protection against back-siphonage.

a. PVBs must be installed at least twelve inches above the flood level rim of the highest fixture they serve, but should not be installed more than five feet from the floor or ground.

b. PVBs may be installed on the pressure side of a shutoff valve.

c. There must be adequate room for maintenance and testing around each device.

d. PVBs must not be installed in locations where the device will be subject to corrosive fumes, dust or grit.

e. The device must be protected against flooding, freezing and mechanical abuse.

f. If PVBs are used as protection on lines subject to backflow of liquids which are hazardous to health, further protection will be required on the water feed line.

10.8 INSPECTION, TESTING AND OVERHAULING OF DEVICES

10.8.1 After approval of plans and installation of approved devices, the installer or consumer shall notify the PWSB so that arrangements can be made for an inspection by the PWSB.

10.8.2 Approved backflow preventers shall be tested at least annually. The PWSB may elect to have testing of various types of devices, or devices in certain locations, more frequently.

10.8.3 The owner shall provide the necessary labor to assist the representative in testing and repairing the device(s).

10.8.4 The owner shall test all approved backflow prevention devices according to the schedule included in the permit. A record of the date and results of the test must be kept and made available on request by the Board. Testing shall be conducted by NEWWA, ABPA certified testers.

10.8.5 RPPDs and DCVAs shall be inspected internally and completely overhauled by the consumer at least once every five years.

10.8.6 Devices failing any test or found defective shall be overhauled, repaired, or replaced, at the consumer's expense. Repairs must be completed within ten working days of the notice by the PWSB. The PWSB reserves the right to discontinue water service to the premises until repairs are complete if it deems such action to be necessary to protect its system and other consumers.

10.9 CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL IN EXISTING FACILITIES

10.9.1 The Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer shall cause existing premises connected to the PWSB's water system to be inspected for possible cross-connections and to comply with the provisions of Section 10 whenever:

a. The ownership of the premises changes; or

b. The principal use of the premises or a portion of the premises changes; or

c. The existence of a cross-connection or possible cross-connection is reported to the PWSB by an employee of the PWSB, by a municipal building or plumbing inspector, by a local or state health department or safety department employee, or by another reliable source; or

d. An investigation into an actual or probable case of backflow or cross-connection contamination indicates that the premises may be the source of such contamination; or

e. The customer's service entrance and metering facilities are redesigned or reconstructed.

f. The PWSB deems necessary.

10.9.2 If the results of such a cross-connection control inspection indicate the need for installation of one or more backflow prevention devices, the Chief Engineer or designee of the Chief Engineer, shall issue an order to install the required protection and/or to modify the piping and/or the processes used on the premises to eliminate the hazard. If, after 90 days, the consumer has not complied with the requirements of the order, water service may be discontinued in accordance with Section 10.4.4.

10.9.3. The PWSB and/or its employee’s performing a cross-connection control inspection shall not be liable for any devices and or locations that the owner fails to report or show.

10.9.4 The owner shall test all approved backflow prevention devices according to the schedule included in the permit. A record of the date and results of the test must be kept and made available on request by the Board. Testing shall be conducted by NEWWA, ABPA certified testers.

10.9.5 RPPDs and DCVAs shall be inspected internally and completely overhauled by the consumer at least once every five years.

10.9.6 Devices failing any test or found defective shall be overhauled, repaired, or replaced, at the consumer's expense. Repairs must be completed within ten working days of the notice by the PWSB. The PWSB reserves the right to discontinue water service to the premises until repairs are complete if it deems such action to be necessary to protect its system and other consumers.

SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

11.1 PUMP CONNECTIONS

11.1.1 No booster pump should be connected to any water main or service without prior written authorization from the Chief Engineer. All booster pumps shall be equipped with proper valving and controls to prevent backflow or damage to the water system as provided in Sections 6.9 and 10.7.6.

11.2 SERVICE INTERRUPTION

11.2.1 The PWSB furnishes water to its customers at a normal minimum pressure of 20 pounds per square inch or more, but does not guarantee a continuous supply. The PWSB will assume no responsibility or liability for any damage to any fixture or apparatus in any house or other premises due to interruptions in water service, which may occur without notice, regardless of cause of said interruption.

11.2.2 No person shall be entitled to payment for damages, nor to have any portion of any payment refunded, nor to any other remedy, for any stoppage of supply occasioned by accident to the water system or by repairs; or for any non-use occasioned by absence.

11.2.3 Notice: While it is the PWSB's policy to give notice when practicable in advance of any work which will require interruption of the water supply, such notice is not required and cannot be assured under all circumstances. In case of emergency, the water may be shut off at any time without notice.

11.2.4 Failure of a property owner or tenant to receive notice of an interruption of service shall not entitle such person to any claim against the PWSB. Property owners shall take all precautions necessary to assure that lack of water pressure does not damage boilers, water heaters and other appliances and equipment.

11.3 RESALE OF WATER

11.3.1 No person, firm or corporation shall purchase water from the PWSB and to resell said water to any other person or to distribute water to any property or premises not under the direct control of the original consumer. Violations of this section shall cause disconnection of water service to the property.

11.3.2 When water is supplied to more than one party through a single service (as in an apartment building), the bill for the entire supply furnished through the service shall be paid by the owner of the property. In the case of non-payment, the water may be shut off to all parties.

11.4 INSPECTIONS

11.4.1 With reasonable cause, the PWSB may provide notice to any customer to request access to the customer's property. Customers shall provide access to inspectors and other employees of the PWSB at reasonable hours, to all parts of every building, for purposes of inspecting, reading, removing, resetting and repairing water meters; inspecting and repairing backflow preventers; inspecting fixtures and other water-using equipment; conducting cross-connection control inspections; and observing the manner in which water is used. Failure to provide such access may result in termination of water service.

11.5 BEGINNING AND ENDING SERVICE

115.1 Requests to have water turned on or turned off to any premises, except for emergency repairs, should be arranged by contacting the Meter Department Office, 85 Branch Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860.

11.5.2 Service, which has been shut off for any reason except repairs, shall not be restored until arrangements have been made with the Meter Department Office.

11.6 SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Rules and Regulations is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, the remainder of the Rules and Regulations shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or of any part of parts of any section of these Rules and Regulations shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Rules and Regulations.

11.7GENERIC CLAUSE

Wherever these Rules and Regulations are silent on any subject covered by the rules for water utility operation of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, said rules for water utility operations of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission shall apply.

SECTION 12. VIOLATIONS/PENALTIES

12.1 VIOLATIONS OF RULES: If the owner, agent, lessee, tenant or other person in charge of any premises violates any rule or regulation of the PWSB, and shall fail to remove such violation or to comply with any written order of the PWSB, its Chief Engineer, or duly authorized agent, within ten days after any such order is issued and sent by certified mail to the last known address of the property owner of record, the PWSB may discontinue water service to the premises.

12.2 DISCONTINUED WATER SERVICE : If water service is discontinued for such a violation, it shall not be restored until the violation is removed or the order is complied with, to the satisfaction of the Chief Engineer. A fee shall be paid before service is restored.

12.3 DELINQUENT BILLS: A water bill becomes delinquent 30 days after it is rendered, at which time it becomes subject to a penalty which is specified in the tariffs. Water service may be discontinued to any premises with a delinquent bill upon ten days' written notice to the property owner and subject to the procedures contained in the "Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission Governing Termination of Electric, Gas and Water Utility Services, As Amended." Service shall not be restored until the delinquent amount has been paid in full, along with all accumulated penalties and a reconnection charge.

12.4 LEGAL ACTIONS: The PWSB reserves the right to prosecute any person under applicable state and local laws when it believes such person may have trespassed on property owned by the PWSB; contaminated the water supply reservoirs, streams and tributaries; damages any building, pipe, vehicle, or other property belonging to the PWSB; contaminated the water in the distribution system; damaged, tampered with, or bypassed a water meter; operated any valve, curb stop or fire hydrant; or otherwise, through any action or inaction, damaged or interfered with the operation of the PWSB.

12.5 TERMINATION OR DENIAL OF SERVICE: Unless otherwise provided by these regulations, disconnection of residential water service for non-payment of bills shall be preceded by at least ten days' written notice, and shall be otherwise subject to rules promulgated by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission for termination of water service. A reconnection service charge shall be paid prior to restoration of service.

12.6 DISCONTINUANCE OR DENIAL OF SERVICE: As set forth in Rule 12.3, a water bill becomes delinquent in thirty (30) days after it is rendered. Unless otherwise provided by these regulations, the rules promulgated by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission or the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, all other applicable laws for termination of water service, water service may be discontinued to any property with a delinquent bill. The user of the water service, or the owner or owners of the property and/or building as recorded by the PWSB shall receive written notice of the impending service discontinuance at least ten days prior to the effective date of the proposed discontinuance. Service shall not be discontinued or terminated on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or the day before any legal holiday. A reconnection service charge shall be paid prior to restoration of service. Service shall not be restored until the delinquent amount has been paid in full, along with the accumulated penalties and a reconnection charge.

12.7 FRAUD AND ENDANGERMENT: The PWSB reserves the right to discontinue water service without notice: (a) when fraudulent use of the service by a customer is detected; or (b) whenever, in the opinion of the PWSB or the Chief Engineer, a customer's actions or inactions would, if service is continued, endanger human life or health, or public or private property.

APPENDIX A

TEN STATE STANDARDS

The table of contents is attached. A copy of the standards are available at the PWSB office for review.

APPENDIX B

PAWTUCKET WATER SUPPLY BOARD

POLICY STATEMENT

Winter-Time Moratorium on Water Service Installation

WHEREAS, Pawtucket Water Supply Board Distribution crews are often required to work around-the-clock, seven days a week, during cold-weather months to repair water line leaks and

WHEREAS, Cold-weather excavations in frozen ground require extraordinary effort and extra care in backfilling and surface restoration along with extra diligence in maintaining temporary pavement patching, and

WHEREAS Pavement repair contractors do not work during cold-weather months due to the availability of asphalt and concrete during the winter, and

WHEREAS The City of Pawtucket , City of Central Falls and the Town of Cumberland Public Works Department have policies that prohibit excavations in streets, except emergencies, during the period December 1 through April 15 each winter to avoid the problems associated with cold-weather patching;

THE PAWTUCKET WATER SUPPLY BOARD hereby established the following policy:

I. Applications for new water service installations will not be processed and scheduled for installation between November 1 and April 1 of each winter.

II. During the winter period, applications for new water service installations will be accepted with payment of a 20% deposit. Before March 1 of each year, each applicant will be notified that payment of the balance must be received by April 1 to retain the position of the application on the waiting list. However, service applications will not be processed and scheduled for installation until warm weather has sufficiently thawed the ground to permit normal excavation methods, and the appropriate municipality has granted permission to excavate in the streets.

III. Services will be installed in the order in which deposit payments are received. The applicant’s service pipe must be installed from the building to the sidewalk and the balance of the installation charges must be paid in full, before the PWSB will install the street portion of the service.

IV. If service installation charges have not been paid in full by April 1 , the applicant will be dropped to the bottom of the list. Services paid for after April 1 will be installed in accordance with standard procedures; i.e., in the order in which full payment is received.

V. Any exception to the foregoing policy shall be considered by the PWSB at its regularly scheduled meetings following a written request by the applicant. Any application approved by the PWSB for installation December 1 through April 15, will require the applicant to obtain the permission of the City or Town Department of Public Works. The applicant will be billed all costs associated with the winter installation, including maintenance of the road cut until a permanent patch can be installed. A deposit of $5,000, cash or bond payable to the PWSB, will be required to cover all installation and maintenance costs.

“ADOPTED BY THE PAWTUCKET WATER SUPPLY BOARD AT ITS MEETING OF April 10, 2007.”