In the event that the placement ends up being wrong, the PUC would likely side with the owner in a dispute about relocation costs because they would see it as the utility shirking its responsibility to exercise due diligence when it set the meter in the wrong location in the first place. Does the owner have the choice of either getting a meter for each unit or getting one master meter? The regulations of the Public Utility Commission also make clear in Section 24.163(a)(2)(A) & (B)that the system is responsible to furnish and install, for the purpose of connecting its distribution system to the service applicants property, the service pipe from its main to the meter on the service applicants property. Ownership of meters by the retail public utility, whether a district, WSC, city or privately owned system, is essential to the ability of the utility to effectively comply with its regulatory obligations. The sample tariff also allows service to be disconnected, after notice, if access is denied for three consecutive months. u6hhOk\GhExG-GMYsjYQC\+8*w}ap|B"[C>B\`y[%s*H X[S.3Sj_S\Z'e5TsAd D>~/mOJ>hnm={^hcb(T-C2bm4M"#Zg7;qqFY(kG1jCA XZ0SRpnNN7aQR7.LX*VAT\pPx(aPs Some systems try to solve this issue by installing remote read meters (AMR) that allow the employee to drive by all the meter locations and the meters transmit the readings to a base unit in the vehicle. Now climb the tank again after the well pump is stopped and measure the height of water again at the manway. 1 year ago. <82> <82> <201A> Texas Water Code Sec. <<9e8032b06c2c514a87349e8822134d26>]>> 0 #9: "We're already listed as very high risk. xb```a``Jc`f`ed@ Ar,8-O00/2\B;wOg`Xl_SKl}w>5">%QPH2F50e00,c 5RJf5v zn ' +\AF> The capacity requirement is driven, in part, by the maximum potential amount of water that could be pushed through that meter on a peak day. About the District - Cinco MUDs $`pi%X. startxref Development Agreement Between the City of Missouri City, Texas, and Master District that constitutes an Equivalent Single Family Connection, which amount may be changed from time to time. <> The side benefit of the AMI technology is that when someone reports a leak in the system, this type of meter allows the system to read meters in that section to determine if the leak is from their system lines or from overwatering or leaks on the customers side. The short answer is yes, the WSC/district board can change their tariff/service policy to allow for meters to be set on someone elses property. <9F> <9F> <0178> Well get someone to demonstrate the rate template weve designed and provided to systems across the state. Id like to offer an observation though, based on the information from the TRWA Sample Tariff. trailer Now subtract the first master meter reading from the current meter reading and compare that to the gallons added to the tank. Section 24.89(a)(1) of the PUC's rules states that, all charges for water service shall be based on meter measurements, except where otherwise authorized by the utilitys approved tariff.. <95> <95> <2022> A: Yes, under Chapter 13 of the Texas Water Code you must provide service to the applicant if the location of the request for service lies within your certificated service area and your utility is privately owned or a nonprofit water supply corporation. each new commercial connection and $1,000 for each new residential connection. Any correspondence you send to this regard should include a deadline for the customers to contact the system to set up a CSI so the utility can verify whether any prohibited interconnection between the two dwellings exists. The two businesses had been in a partnership in the past under one roof. <8D> <8D> <2022> end We have been mostly going by the word of individual landowners, which has recently resulted in us finding out that some of our meters were not correctly located. <8C> <8C> <0152> endstream endobj 79 0 obj[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] endobj 80 0 obj<>/Width 2550/Height 3300/BitsPerComponent 1/ColorSpace/DeviceGray/Type/XObject/Name/background_1/Subtype/Image>>stream 0000006201 00000 n <85> <85> <2026> If a member purchases land other than where the original meter was installed, according to the TRWA Sample Tariff language, they have to transfer the membership to the new property owner and leave the meter in place. Q: Our system has been asked to serve two quadplexes that were until recently supplied by wells that no longer produce water. Getting customers to understand is sometimes challenging. It doesnt matter whether the extra capacity is used to supply brand new customers who have never had service or to existing customers seeking an additional meter. Either way, the system has to maintain these higher capacities of well production, storage tanks, pumps, lines and so on, or be fined for non-compliance for violations of 30 TAC Section 290.45 of the TCEQs rules. The rules go on to state that once a system begins to use some of that extra capacity, they need to begin designing specific improvements which will replace this used capacity. <98> <98> <02DC> There is nothing in TCEQs Chapter 290 regulations which addresses the above scenario dealing with pre-existing taps that have been removed. IN ADDITION - sos.texas.gov A: We get this question from time to time, and the answer as to whether you should have one master meter for each apartment building or one meter per individual apartment is it depends. In general, the Public Utility Commissions (PUC) rules first want separate meters for each unit so each individual users water usage can be measured accurately. This is a hard line for systems to take, but otherwise you are operating on an honor system in which the applicant has little incentive to uphold his or her end of the bargain. ~0r; Ive also not heard of a system providing a water commercial permit. Use of the word commercial by a water system is typically a reference indicating that it is non-standard service and not a regular residential service location. PDF Water System Service Capacity in Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs) This saves the systems from having to maintain multiple meters and make multiple service trips to disconnect and reconnect individual rental property meters, allows for a single water bill to be mailed, and saves the property owner money by not requiring them to maintain multiple lines across their property. 1616 Rio Grande The board can amend the current charge to whatever they determine to be fair to the ratepayers. A: TRWA does not make recommendations for rates, but we do provide rate calculation training so that a system can set proper rates that are equitable to all customers. <83> <83> <0192> The original members account should be closed out at the old address. Setting the meter on the property owned by the applicant is always the best policy. A new membership fee should be required for each new meter. <00> <00> <0000> PDF LIVING UNIT EQUIVALENT (LUE) GUIDANCE DOCUMENT - Austin, Texas end 0000001032 00000 n There is nothing that prevents a customer from having a separate meter just for their irrigation system. <0D> <0D> <000D> /CMapType 2 def (In fact, conservation rates can escalate, in proportion to the total gallons, for customers using the greatest amounts of water on a monthly basis.) Wouldnt it make sense for the owner to have to pay the cost of extending the line(s) out to those structures? At the time of this Agreement, an ESFC of wastewater means 315 gallons per day of water and an ESFC of water means 400 gallons per day of water. A: This is an issue weve been talking to TCEQ about as far back as 2004. <89> <89> <2030> Next write down the master meter reading on the meter to be tested. Some systems opt to offer discounts to customers that have multiple connections or to waive impact or other front-end capital improvement fees. TRWA does not recommend any product, supplier or person and leaves that decision up to each system. (2) Active connection, as used in this section, means a lot or . Q: I am aware of the rule that requires meters to be located on the property being served. <86> <87> <2020> Should not effect transit. Even if the customer would only need standard service, TRWAs Sample Tariff includes the requirement that the property of the applicant/ member shall be inspected to ensure compliance with state required Minimum Acceptable Operating Practices for Public Drinking Water Systems as promulgated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or successor agency. <9B> <9B> <203A> w;A`@3YceL 0a0DD8T#_ _~qd"D|%U0 a`q]HEWls!G29h4 The closest thing we have to a bottom line here is that a system can remove the meter, but they still need to maintain capacity at that same location in case a future applicant wants to re-install another water meter there. <00> <00> <0000> The TRWA Sample Tariff addresses this issue and follows the Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chapter 24 rules about the systems ability to access a meter for repairs and normal service. endstream endobj 77 0 obj<>/BaseFont/Courier/FirstChar 0/LastChar 255/Subtype/Type1/ToUnicode 78 0 R/Widths[0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600 600]>> endobj 78 0 obj<>stream /CIDInit /ProcSet findresource begin Define Equivalent Single-Family Connection. << )-__@u{{z"|RDQG|G2`4Y M6 oaomo[^W[zWJ+wCV 0000000536 00000 n 10. And what if one or all of those new meters were located on the same property, but a half mile away from the end of your current line? The NSF 61 is the standard for all pipes, repair clamps, and any other fitting or material used in a public water system. Due to an expansion, the two split and are now serviced by the same meter. begincmap Does the one meter per residence apply in this situation? g MLu]VxcN[4wosYpe$C4-`#`:euD=G)\IGiuu}o\2kr%Scw#LBSkEkG=] i"a8S7EB=w=N Most of these systems have had positive comments about the dependability of these newer types of meters, and some reported only a 5 percent re-read when the meters were originally installed (this percentage typically went down as they got the bugs worked out). Now the member wants the water meter moved to a different property about 100 yards from its original location. PDF CALCULATION OF EQUIVALENT DWELLING UNITS (EDU - USDA Rural Development If your new meter is a 2-inch or smaller positive displacement meter, the straight pipe runs are not required for the meter to be accurate. The average daily flow for domestic use shall be calculated at the minimum rate of 100 gallons per day per capita (gpdpc) and an Equivalent Residential Connection (ERC) of 2.5 persons per single-family residence and 2.2 persons per multi-family and mobile home units.. It is best to set the meters close to the structure to be served and to always obtain an easement for service lines and meters before new service is established. * 04dOvZ% y;a p^u N&?FqCe6MoA Chapter 13.07 WATER AND WASTEWATER ASSESSMENTS, RATES, FEES AND CHARGES begincmap Different growth <83> <83> <0192> <89> <89> <2030> 0000000766 00000 n trailer If not then the meter accuracy is over or under by that difference since the tank is a definite volume (provided the above calculation and tank dimensions were accurate). <96> <97> <2013> 0000000586 00000 n A: New meters are supposed to be calibrated and ready to use when shipped to systems. For example, the Service Rules and Regulations of the TRWA Sample Tariff, Section E, states: An apartment building, condominium, manufactured housing (modular, mobile or RV) community, business center or other similar type enterprise may be considered by the Corporation to be a single commercial facility if the owner applies for a meter as a 'master metered account' and complies with the requirements set forth in PUC rules, this Tariff and applicable law. TRWAs Sample Tariff, Section B provides additional detail, requiring compliance with PUC, Chapter 24, Subchapter H rules pertaining to submetering. One requirement under PUC rules is that the owner who intends to bill tenants for sub-metered or allocated utility service or who changes the method used to bill tenants for utility service must register with the PUC in a form prescribed by the commission. (1) The requirements contained in this section are to be used in evaluating both the total capacities for public water systems and the capacities at individual pump stations and pressure planes which serve portions of the system that are hydraulically separated from, or incapable of being served by, other pump stations or pressure planes. Until Saturday there was a higher level called "very high-risk area where there is a variant of concern" but that category . These waivers usually apply only when the customer voluntarily contacts the system to either install the appropriate number of meters or allow for inspection by system staff to verify that the other connections are not being used. A: Master metered accounts are typically used when a landowner wants a single meter to provide water service to multiple buildings, apartments, offices, trailer spaces or other types of business activities. The customer must, at his or her expense, properly install, inspect, test, maintain and provide all required documentation of any approved backflow prevention device required by the corporation (30 TAC 290.46(j); Section I Service Application and Agreement). A: Your question is very common for all rural and some urban systems. endbfrange Then, once the system reaches 100 percent capacity, that system should begin constructing these new facilities to replace or build that extra 15 percent or more back into their system for future growth. <99> <99> <2122> Duplexes and triplexes are sufficiently similar to single family homes so that a duplex equals twice the ERU . What can we do if the owner of the membership denies that someone is living at the second residence? You should start by notifying these customers that you have observed people living at these residences and cite them to the relevant TCEQ rules and provisions of your service agreement relating to having only one residence per connection. We think this might turn into a public relations problem. 0000000015 00000 n [tF]JJfSHYs8n?G?#ZS^n#E|WHxt2o1BBb.el+Dijwv-7ajcn7mY 6ii>a!0Y7"9ET3 A4INih9'uC0\!a;OKx[TJ2 7Kie That availability to use that capacity should be paid for, but not by tacking the costs onto existing customers. /CIDSystemInfo Q: A member of our WSC has two water meters on his property. <8A> <8A> <0160> << /CMapType 2 def However, most of the time there isnt an easement filed between the two neighbors for the meter and service line from the front property to the back property being served. IQ-EQ | 110,749 followers on LinkedIn. From this, they can develop a plan that best provides service to the entire development considering the wishes of the developer and the system. <99> <99> <2122> Is this legal or what problems could this create? 1 begincodespacerange % With this person not being an employee or contractor, exactly what leverage does the system use to require the meter readings to be delivered on time and accurately? In this case, applicants pay for what is necessary to provide them with their individual service, including his or her part of line upgrades, wells, tanks or treatment capacities before receiving service or entering into a service contract; the system pays for any facility capacity in excess of what the individual needs. 0000000903 00000 n Extension of pipe(s) to transfer utility service from one property to another, to share, resell, or submeter water to any other persons, dwellings, businesses, or property, etc., is prohibited. lmr19a9s;rw;A$PsI@mr+9pB? Texas Administrative Code - Secretary of State of Texas TRWA recommends that systems stop floating memberships and meters from one property to another because of the confusion it creates. Q: We have a customer who has his meter inside a fence. A: In the TRWA Sample Tariff, as well as in the USDA-RD Service Application and Agreement Form, it states that a meter shall be installed on a property to serve that single property and water cannot be diverted to another property. 36 beginbfrange Check to be sure these references are included in your tariff and if so, the member would be prohibited from extending service from one side of the road/alley or across a property line to provide service to a neighbors property not designated to receive service according to your tariff. V)bXAmXki65[I47l0B]jU6)ILRn64-7ZvJ"I7LTaTm,XMU0 aBa h5]A"BxV`fNX6:aRVi"Db03iT+P0MDDCDDDD/tL~~1"g43B6GA_628PL&hi$(pD=-RqGqSA$A%py>$kK/. @0A2@p0@T!EQL& L Aa0w"[!-Si7qH>D This has an added benefit that the customers will be required to maintain their own service lines from the meter to their houses. Published in January/February 2020 (Issue 1 of Quench). Email: info@trwa.org, Water University/Utility Management Certification, TCEQ Requirement All Occupational Licensing, Wastewater Technical Assistance & Training Program, Click Here to Return to the Ask Larry Archives Homepage, Metering & One Meter per Residence Rules (Ask Larry). endcodespacerange R02 includes a pool and lawn and landscape irrigation of the lot as long as there is no separate irrigation meter. Well meters required by 290.41(c)(3)(N) of this title (relating to Water Sources) shall be calibrated at least once every three years.. e. The Corporation shall require each Member to have a cutoff valve within 2 feet of the meter on the Members side of the meter for purposes of isolating the Members service pipeline and plumbing facilities from the Corporations water pressure. If your systems tariff contains the same language as TRWAs sample tariff, failure to remedy this hazardous condition is subject to disconnection without notice, and ultimately cancellation of membership due to policy non-compliance in accordance with Section E if the issue is not remedied. <7F> <7F> <2022> This can lead to lawsuits and fights between neighbors and family members, and often the utility ends up bearing the brunt of these clashes. We want to be fair, but we also want be responsible. Hopefully this will help address the customers concerns. The CSI inspector should make a note on the CSI form stating that the well has been completely disconnected from all the potable water lines serving the dwelling units. 12 dict begin Turn off all valves connected to the distribution system so that no water leaves the tank during test period. Only the labor to reinstall the meter, a new customer service inspection fee, the BPAT test if there was a backflow assembly there before, and the refundable membership fees could be charged to the new applicant at that previously served location. In fact, there are laws about meter tampering, damage and diversion if a person is caught or found guilty of messing with a utilitys meters. Do I need to calibrate the meter? For years, many rural and municipal systems have opted to install master meters for rental properties such as multiple apartment buildings on the same tract of land, multiple mobile homes or manufactured homes on the same tract of land, as well as multiple RVs or strip/multi-use business centers with a common owner. fA=~0xO}wASICHzKnp[o <95> <95> <2022> The Members use of the Corporations curb stop or other similar valve for such purposes is prohibited. There is also a concern about whether your easement allows system personnel to traverse 500 feet of the owners property. A: This is a common problem for older systems as they try to come into compliance with newer rules. <93> <94> <201C> The TCEQ interprets an "active connection" as a connection that is completed or existing and able to supply drinking water from the PWS to a single-family <8D> <8D> <2022> <8B> <8B> <2039> Published February/March 2021 (Issue 1 of Quench). C+vdt\?K(Pwu,Gu-=s-^|8o!$cntc}Egg=/ckY0 \ <00AE> The Uniform Plumbing Code does not allow for booster pumps under this condition and TCEQ rule Section 290.44(d)(3) states that service connections that require booster pumps taking suction from the public water system lines must be equipped with automatic pressure cut-off devices so that the pumping units become inoperative at a suction pressure of less than 20 psi (thereby preventing a back siphonage condition). /Registry (CourierOPBaseFont1) Our engineers say the only way we can meet TCEQ standards for water distribution if we add the meter is with a six-inch line extension. 0 <0D> <0D> <000D> Installing multiple meters on a single undivided property with a line running across the property could lead to easement issues in the future. <9F> <9F> <0178> I was told the meter was installed when a relative lived in a trailer on the far end of the property, but the meter has not been used for many years. A 6 inch line, according to the TCEQ Chapter 290 Rules, can serve up to 250 connections. CMapName currentdict /CMap defineresource pop Payment of these fees are reimbursable if and when the District sells Bonds for that purpose and the TCEQ . Those base rates dont have to be the actual meter size equivalent listed in the TRWA Sample Tariff, but one of the reasons/ justifications for a higher base rate for these larger meters is the TCEQs capacity requirements that each system must maintain. The wait times at the transit Schengen passport control might be a bit longer but probably not since the border police seems to be managing staff levels. For customers who have their homes 500 feet or more off the road, meters may be relocated to the edge of the customers property instead of at the house. <80> <80> <20AC> Since the two businesses have separated and are no longer on the same property, then the convenience store is diverting water to another property, which constitutes an illegal connection or transfer of water from one property to another. Requiring employees to climb ladders to get over fences or traverse 500 feet of property may not be reasonable access for your system and could be considered denial of access. end startxref Q: What is the purpose of the restriction on multiple connections to a single tap rule? The ERUs would be equivalent to what would be used by typical single-family residences, if they were using the water. <002D> <8B> <8B> <2039> 374 0 obj /Ordering (UCS) Amstelveen is a leafy, prosperous, family-oriented suburb close to Amsterdam, which has a growing population of international residents. Know how, know you | We are IQ-EQ, a leading investor services group employing 4300+ people across 24 jurisdictions worldwide. Hopefully the two figures are the same or within a reasonable margin of error. If the WSC has an easement properly filed at the courthouse for every line and meter, the new property owner cant make the system move the meter.