5.3. ERMUSR 11-12-2003 ..41*-
Elk River
Municipal Utilities
322 King Avenue phone: 763.441.2020
Elk River,MN 55330 Fax:763.441.8099
November 4, 2003
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
John Dietz
Jerry Takle
James Tralle
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Water Service Line Change
At the October Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, ownership and repair
of customer owned water service lines were considered. The issue of qualified water
utility personnel repairing water valves in customer service lines before the meter was
discussed. The resolution was to allow utility personnel to continue to make these repairs
as part of good customer service. Attached is section 103 of the water rules with the
suggested changes underlined that would allow utility staff to make these repairs. Staff
recommend adoption of these changes.
The second item of our October discussion, revolved around an "insurance" policy to pay
for customer water services that have failed. If a water service fails, the cost of repair is
$2,000-$3,000 and many customers do not have that amount of cash on hand to pay for
this unexpected expense. If we do institute an"insurance"program to pay for failed
water services, the customer will not pay for service line replacement during our street
rehabilitation projects, but will wait for the service line to fail and let the "insurance" pay
for it. On the other hand, during street rehabilitation projects, we pay to have the non
copper service line replaced from the main to the curb stop and encourage the customer
to pay to have the remaining service line replaced (curb stop to house). We do not get
reimbursed for our cost.
Due to the fact that we can assess the property the cost of repairing a failed service line, if
the customer can not afford the entire amount, although the utility fronts the initial money
and is reimbursed over time. Staff recommends at this time, continuing our current
policy and forego the proposed insurance programs.
WATER RULES
103 WATER SERVICE REPAIRS
REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY
Maintenance or repair, of the service from and including the main stop cock to the
premises remains the responsibility of the property owner.
Water service repairs or renewals that become necessary will be made by a
licensed plumber at the expense of the property owner. Utility staff, at owners
authorization, may replace water valves before water meter.
Whenever it becomes necessary to repair or replace a broken or defective water
pipe running from the main in the street to the meter, the said broken or defective
water pipe is not of copper or cast iron construction, it shall be replaced by copper
tubing. Type K one (1) inch minimum size.
LEAK REPAIR
When a leak develops on a customer's service, it shall be repaired as soon as
possible. If repairs have not been completed within a reasonable time as
determined by the Elk River Municipal Utilities, the water will be shut off.