6.2. ERMUSR 01-09-2007 Elk River
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway phone:763.441.2020
Elk River,MN 55330 Fax:763.441.8099
January 2, 2007
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
John Dietz
Jim Tralle
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Water Service Testing Requirements
The water service line from the corporation cock on the water main to the building is the
property of the owner. For new construction, the utilities do take on the responsibility of
inspecting the service line for leaks. For commercial/industrial service lines, the test pressure
is 150 psi. For residential customers, the test pressure is system water pressure in the 50 psi
to 90 psi range.
In new areas, many homes are built and connected to the water system before the water
distribution system is completed. In the winter time the service line is installed before heat is
in the new house. Using water as a test medium could result in property damage if the water
freezes. In these instances, we desire to use 60 psi air test in lieu of using system water
pressure. Currently in these instances, a pressure test may not be done.
To accommodate this air testing, staff recommends section 104 of our water rules be
amended as follows:
For Residential construction only one coupling (flared or silver soldered only)
between the water service valve (curb stop) and the main valve inside the house will
be allowed. Utility personnel shall witness contractor perform service line pressure
test. Pressure may be either system water pressure, or 60 psi air pressure when
system water pressure is not available or system water pressure is not practical in
cold weather.
*Italic is added language