The text
Sec. 78-46. - Statement of policy.#
The water division shall exercise reasonable diligence to furnish a continuous and adequate supply of water to its customers and avoid any shortage or interruption thereof except as may be precipitated by its suppliers of water.
(Code 1986, § 20-41)
Sec. 78-47. - Interruption.#
Whenever the utility finds it necessary to schedule an interruption to its service, it shall make a reasonable effort to notify all customers to be affected by the interruption giving the time and anticipated duration of the interruption.
(Code 1986, § 20-42)
Sec. 78-48. - Restricted use.#
(a)
Generally.
(1)
If it becomes necessary to restrict the use of water, the utility shall notify its customers as provided for in subsection (b) of this section before such restriction becomes effective specifying:
a.
The reason for the restriction;
b.
The nature of the restriction, for example, outdoor use, use by certain classes of customers, etc.;
c.
The date such restriction is to go into effect;
d.
The probable date of termination of such restriction.
(2)
During times of threatened or actual water shortage, the utility shall equitably apportion its available water supply among its customers with due regard to public health and safety.
(3)
Irrigation of lawns and landscaping for residential properties served by the Town of North Kingston's supply, including the areas within Forest Lakes, Riverdell, Pettaquamscutt Lakes Shores, Edgewater, Pettaquamscutt Terrace, Rio Vista, Mettatuxet, West Passage and the North End Industrial Park is restricted depending upon the legal address of the property between June 1 and August 31 on an annual basis, as follows:
a.
Addresses ending in an even number or a letter may irrigate on even number calendar days;
b.
Addresses ending in an odd number may irrigate on odd number calendar days;
c.
Owners of newly seeded or landscaped lawns may apply to the water division for an exemption to this section.
(4)
Violations. For the first violation in any calendar year, a written notice of a first offense shall serve as a warning that subsequent violations may result in a fine in accordance with section 78-250.
(b)
Emergencies.
(1)
The purpose of this section is to provide for a means of conserving the town's supply of water by restricting the use of water on occasions of actual or anticipated shortages and when deemed necessary for the health, welfare or safety of the residents of the town.
(2)
Whenever the town engineer certifies in writing to the town manager that, on the basis of daily water usage records or that in the opinion of the town engineer, predicated on past, present and predicted weather conditions and patterns of consumption of the town's water supply, or any other facts then in the possession of the town engineer pertaining to the town's water supply, or any other facts then in the possession of the town engineer pertaining to the town's water system, the present and anticipated use of the town's water supply will be such that either a shortage of water or damage to the town's water system may reasonably be anticipated unless restrictions are imposed, the town manager may proclaim a state of emergency and restrict or prohibit outdoor use of town water by anyone during all or certain hours of all or certain days. In extreme emergencies, the town manager may prohibit the use of water that is essential for the operation of businesses.
(3)
The town manager shall cause any such proclamation declaring a state of emergency and prohibiting outdoor use of town water to be posted as soon as possible at the town hall, to be released to the news media and, to the extent the town manager deems practicable, to be otherwise brought to the attention of persons using town water.
(4)
When, on the basis of daily water usage records, present and anticipated weather conditions and patterns of consumption and other facts known to the town engineer concerning the condition of the town's water system, the town engineer shall certify in writing to the town manager that the danger of a shortage of water or damage to the town's water system has ended, the town manager shall declare the termination of the state of emergency and remove any and all restrictions placed on the use of town water. Notice of the termination of the state of emergency and the removal of such restrictions shall be publicized by the town manager in the same manner in which notice of the proclamation and restrictions were given in the first instance.
(Code 1986, §§ 20-43, 20-44; Ch. 770, § 1, 7-7-1998)
Sec. 78-49. - Discontinuance.#
(a)
Service may be discontinued to presently served customers for the reasons listed in this section. Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, the customer shall be permitted no more than ten days following the mailing or delivery of a notice to comply with the rule before service is discontinued. Service may be discontinued:
(1)
Without notice if there is a condition determined by the utility to be hazardous;
(2)
Without notice if there is customer use of equipment in such manner as to adversely affect the utility's equipment or the utility's service to others;
(3)
Without notice when the utility has discovered clear and convincing evidence that by fraudulent means a customer has obtained unauthorized water service or has diverted the water service for unauthorized use or has obtained water service without the service being properly registered upon the utility's meters;
(4)
Without notice when a leak within the customer's service line is detected by the utility;
(5)
Without notice when a customer has tampered with any equipment including the meters, furnished and owned by the utility;
(6)
For failure of the customer to permit the representatives of the utility access to its equipment;
(7)
For nonpayment of a bill;
(8)
For failure to comply with payments required in section 78-67 and section 78-70;
(9)
For failure of the customer to furnish such service equipment, permits or certificates as have been specified by the utility as a condition of obtaining service or if such equipment or permissions are withdrawn or terminated;
(10)
For failure to comply with any provisions of division 9 of this article.
(b)
No service shall be disconnected on Friday of any week or on the day prior to a holiday, except as provided in subsections (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(5) of this section.
(c)
The town shall develop written water shutoff procedures which shall be kept on file in the water division office.
(Code 1986, § 20-45)
Sec. 78-50. - Denying service to prospective customers.#
A prospective customer may be refused service if, in the opinion of the superintendent: (1)
The size or location of a main is inadequate to provide service until arrangements for such deficiency can be resolved as provided in this article;
(2)
The proposed demand for water use either in total or maximum flow would adversely affect the service to other customers.
(Code 1986, § 20-46)
Sec. 78-51. - Conditions, terms and rates.#
The water division reserves the right to change or amend from time to time the terms, conditions and rates for the uses of water, in accordance with state law.
(Code 1986, § 20-47)