815-RICR-40-00-1
815-RICR-40-00-1. Standards for Water Utilities (version Technical Revision, 01/30/2014 to 01/04/2022)
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1.1 Authority and Purpose
A. Authority. These rules are issued
pursuant to the authority granted by R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-3-33, and
shall apply to any person, firm, corporation or other entity now or
hereafter engaged as a public utility in the business of furnishing
water to the public (hereinafter, “water utility”) within the
State of Rhode Island.
B. Effect on Prior Rules. These Rules &
Regulations replace the existing Division Rules and Regulations
Prescribing Standards for Water Utilities, in Division Docket #929,
Division Report and Order #8090 of January 31, 1966, effective March
1, 1966, and shall be applied prospectively only. The existing
compilation of Rules & Regulations is hereby rescinded upon the
effective date of this document.
C. Amendment or Waiver of Rules. Upon its
own motion, or upon application, and for good cause shown, the
Division of Public Utilities and Carriers may modify, suspend, or
repeal the provisions of any rule herein. Application may be made to
the Division for the modification of any rule or for temporary or
permanent waiver from its provision, provided, however, that no water
utility shall submit application for such modification or waiver
without submitting therewith a full and complete justification for
such action.
D. Penalty for Violations. The Division of
Public Utilities and Carriers may impose a penalty as provided by
R.I. Gen Laws § 39-2-8 upon any water utility which violates:
1. these rules;
2. an Order issued by the Division of
Public Utilities and Carriers; or
3. R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 39-1 through
39-5.
1.2 Definitions
A. “Actual Read” means any meter
reading taken by a water utility employee, or the employee of a
contractor working on behalf of a water utility, through use of an
AMR (or ARB or other electronic remote reading technology) or by a
water utility employee visually inspecting the actual meter.
B. “Administrator” means the
Administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and
Carriers.
C. “AMR” means an automated meter
reading device.
D. “Commission” means the Rhode Island
Public Utilities Commission.
E. “Curb Stop” means the company’s
shutoff valve located at the service connection.
F. “Customer” means any person, firm,
company, association, or governmental unit of the state supplied with
water service by any water utility. The customer is liable for
payment to the water utility for the cost of the water supplied to
the customer’s property by the water utility for use by the
customer or the customer’s tenant(s), as applicable.
G. “Division” means the Rhode Island
Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.
H. “Estimated Read” means all types of
reads other than an actual read, including those submitted by
electronic means (phone, e-mail, or other internet-type
communication) or in writing by customers.
I. “Inactive” means a service line
where water service to the customer has been discontinued but the
service line has not been abandoned.
J. “Main” means a water pipe, owned,
operated and maintained by a water utility, which is used for the
purpose of transmission or distribution of water but is not a water
service pipe.
K. “Meter” means a device, instrument,
or any attached device, used by a water utility to measure a quantity
of water for billing purposes.
L. “Non-Registering Meter” means a
meter that does not register the consumption of water. Some companies
refer to this as a “DR meter”.
M. “Public Utility” is as defined in
R.I. Gen Laws § 39-1-2.
N. “Service Connection” means the point
of connection of the customer’s piping with the curb stop owned by
the water utility.
O. “Service Pipe” shall mean the
connection from the water utility's mains to the curb stop, and the
customer's connection from the curb stop to the meter, and includes
all of the pipe, fittings and valves necessary to make the
connections.
P. “Water Service” shall mean the
furnishing of water to a customer in this state by a water utility.
Q. “Water Utility” is any person, firm,
corporation or other entity now or hereafter engaged as a public
utility in the business of furnishing water service to customers
within the State of Rhode Island.
1.3 Service Provisions
A. Filing of Rate Schedules. All rates,
tolls and charges by a water utility shall be filed, posted, and
available for public inspection in accordance with the provisions of
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-3-10. In addition, each water utility shall post
this information on its website.
B. Information to Customers
1. Each water utility shall, upon request,
provide its customers with such information and reasonable assistance
as will help them to select the best use of service at the most
advantageous rate. However, the ultimate responsibility for the
selection of the best use of service at the most advantageous rate
will rest with the customer.
2. Each water utility shall, upon request,
explain to its customers the method of reading meters and calculating
the bill.
C. Deposits/Interest. A water utility, to
protect against loss, may require a deposit before rendering service
to any customer. This deposit shall not be more than the highest
actual billing period’s usage of a prior customer or the highest
estimated billing period of the new customer if a prior customer does
not exist. Interest shall be paid on deposits in accordance with
applicable approved rate schedules or the terms and conditions of the
water utility. Deposits plus accrued interest thereon, less any
amount due the water utility, will be refunded upon termination of
service. The water utility may return a deposit prior to the
termination. A customer may request a return of deposit prior to the
termination of service if the customer has established a good payment
history and the water utility agrees to the return of deposit. When
an account is terminated, and a deposit or portion thereof is applied
against an account that has been terminated, interest shall cease to
accrue on the balance at the date of termination.
D. Measurement of Service. All water sold
by a water utility shall be upon the basis of metered volume sales
and/or a fixed rate.
E. Liability for Water Charges Including
Past Due Charges
1. Liability for Water Charges Generally.
The customer of a water utility shall be liable for the payment of
the tariffed rates fixed by the water utility for the use of water
furnished by that water utility to the customer along with any
applicable taxes and fees.
2. Liens on Property For Water Charges. If
authorized by statute for a water utility (e.g., R.I. Gen. Laws §
39-15-12), the rates assessed against a customer for the water
delivered to the customer for consumption may constitute a lien on
the property to which the water was delivered. The lien shall arise
and attach as provided by the laws applicable to that specific water
utility.
3. Assessments or Adjustments of Past-Due
Charges. If any water utility becomes aware that one of its customers
has received water for use from that water utility but has either not
been billed for the use of that water, or has been for any other
reason improperly charged, the water utility shall calculate the
appropriate charges for the period in question and present those
charges to the customer. These charges shall be in addition to any
charges accruing for current use of the water by the customer.
However, the water utility shall not be allowed to collect new or
corrected charges for past use that are made more than three (3)
years from the date on which the bill for those charges for use
should have been properly presented to the customer.
F. Meter Readings and Bill Forms
1. Each meter register shall indicate
clearly the volume units registered and size of the meter.
2. All meters will be read at regular
intervals (but no fewer than two actual reads each year) and on
approximately the corresponding day of each meter reading period. In
service areas that do not utilize AMR devices (or ARB or other
electronic remote reading technology), the water utility must verify
meter reads phoned or mailed in by the customer at least once every
six (6) months. Bills based on estimated reads shall not exceed six
(6) consecutive months on any residential, commercial or industrial
account.
3. Each water utility shall keep an
accurate account of all charges for service billed each customer and
shall maintain records for ten (10) years showing information from
which each bill rendered may be readily computed.
4. Bills shall be rendered at regular
intervals and shall show:
a. the date of the current meter reading;
b. the meter reading (the amount or
quantity of service for the billing period);
c. the type of meter reading (i.e., actual
or estimated);
d. the billing period;
e. a list of itemized charges; and
f. consumption history (the amount or
quantity of service in the past four billing periods). Provided,
however, for any water utility presently unable to satisfy §§
1.3(F)(4)(c) and (f) of this Part above, due to billing software
limitations, that water utility shall have until January 1, 2010 to
satisfy these requirements.
5. The billing date and the postmark date
on the bill shall not vary by more than ten (10) business days.
G. Complaints of Customers. Each water
utility shall make a full and prompt investigation of customer
complaints made either directly to the water utility or through the
Division. A record of all complaints received shall be kept for at
least two years. This record shall show the name and address of the
complainant, the date and character of the complaint, and the
disposition made thereof.
H. Termination of Service
1. By customer. A customer must give at
least five (5) business days notice of his/her intention to terminate
service, and shall be responsible for all charges until expiration of
such notice period but shall not be responsible for any charges
thereafter unless service is reestablished by the customer.
2. By water utility.
a. For non-payment of bills - In accordance
with the applicable terms and conditions of service, a water utility
may require that bills be paid within a specified time after
presentation. Thirty (30) days from the date the bill is rendered,
service may be terminated for the non-payment of bills, provided the
customer has been given written notice at least ten (10) days prior
to the date of termination. In lieu of termination or upon
restoration the water utility may require payments at less than
normal billing intervals. All terminations of water service for
nonpayment of bills shall be done in accordance with the Rhode Island
Public Utility Commission’s rules governing the termination of
services for non-payment.
b. For violation of terms and conditions of
service- No water utility shall terminate service to a customer for
violation of any term or condition of service without written notice
of at least ten (10) days, advising the customer specifically as to
which term or condition of service has been violated and precisely
how it was violated, except that service may be terminated
immediately when the violation of the term or condition of service is
such as to endanger life or property.
c. For theft of water service - A water
utility may terminate service without notice whenever a theft of the
service by the customer is detected.
d. For lack of meter accessibility - A
water utility may terminate service with written notice, of at least
ten (10) days prior to termination, advising the customer of the
water utility’s inability to access the customer’s premises for
purposes of reading, installing, repairing, or replacing the water
meters and/or meter reading devices. The customer shall be
responsible for providing accessibility to the above meter and
equipment.
e. Charge for restoring services - If
service is terminated under paragraphs §§ 1.3(H)(2)(a), (b), (c) or
(d) of this Part, above, the water utility may make a reasonable
charge for restoring the service, provided such charge is specified
in the water utility’s approved tariff.
1.4 QUALITY OF WATER SERVICE
A. Water Pressure Requirements
1. Normal Operating Pressure. Each water
utility shall maintain normal operating pressures of not less than 20
pounds per square inch (psi) nor more than 125 psi at the service
connection.
2. Pressure Variation
a. Variations in pressure under normal
operating conditions shall not exceed 50% of the average operating
pressure; however, under no circumstances shall normal operating
pressures fall below 20 psi.
b. Pressure variations outside the limits
specified will not be considered a violation of this rule when such:
(1) Arise from unusual or extraordinary
conditions; or,
(2) Arise from the operation of customers'
equipment.
B. Interruptions of Service
1. Generally. Each water utility shall use
all reasonable means to avoid interruptions to service, but should
interruption occur, service shall be reestablished within the
shortest time practicable, consistent with safety. When an emergency
interruption of service affects any portion of the fire protection
system, the water utility shall promptly endeavor to notify the local
Fire Chief or other public official responsible for fire protection
of such interruption and of subsequent restoration of normal service.
2. Unplanned Interruptions. Each water
utility shall keep a record of all unplanned interruptions to service
of over thirty (30) minutes in duration in any portion of their
distribution system. The record shall include the date and time of
the interruption, approximate number of customers affected, the date
and time of service restoration, the cause of such interruption when
known, and steps taken to prevent its recurrence. Reports shall be
retained by the water utility for a period of two (2) years and made
available to the Division for inspection upon request.
3. Scheduled Interruptions. When service is
interrupted to perform scheduled work on mains or equipment, such
work shall be done at a time causing minimum inconvenience to
customers, consistent with the circumstances. Customers seriously
affected by such interruption shall be notified in advance, if
practicable. Where any main supplying public fire protection service
is scheduled to be shut off for maintenance or other work, the water
utility shall notify the local Fire Chief or other official
responsible for fire protection at least forty-eight (48) hours in
advance, stating the approximate time and anticipated duration. In
addition, the local Fire Chief or other official responsible for fire
protection shall be notified promptly upon restoration of service.
4. Notification to Division. All
notifications to the Division of service interruptions shall be made
in accordance with the criteria set out in Appendix A.
C. Water Quality
1. Notification to Division. When matters
of water quality are under review by the Rhode Island Department of
Health (DOH), the Division shall be notified thereof in writing by
the water utility. A final report shall be submitted by the water
utility to the Division within a reasonable time after final
disposition of the matter.
2. Notification to Public. When matters of
water quality and DOH regulations necessitate notification to the
public, the water utility shall effectuate such notification as
expeditiously as possible and by all reasonable means available.
Timely and direct notification shall also be provided to the
appropriate municipal officials in the cities and towns affected, the
Division, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. The water
utility may rely on the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency to
provide notification to the public (and appropriate municipal
officials) if the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency determines
that it capable of effectuating the timely notifications and accepts
that responsibility.
1.5 METER INSTALLATION, ACCURACY
AND TESTING
A. Inspection of Meters Removed from
Service. All meters removed from service that are to be reinstalled
shall be inspected for correctness of register.
B. Meter Installations
1. All meters shall be in good mechanical
condition and of adequate size and design for the type of service
that they measure.
2. Each water utility shall adopt a
standard method of meter installation. This standard method of meter
installation shall be described in writing as simply and clearly as
possible, using drawings where necessary to illustrate the
description, to ensure that each customer can understand the
requirements for a standard meter installation. Copies of the
descriptions of standard meter installations shall be made available
to prospective customers and contractors or others engaged in the
business of installing water pipes and water meters.
C. Testing and Calibration of Meters
1. Generally. All meters shall be tested
and calibrated in accordance with the requirements set forth herein.
No meter shall be placed in service or permitted to remain in service
if the error of registration, determined in accordance with §
1.5(C)(3) of this Part, below, exceeds 2%. At the option of the water
utility the larger size meters may be tested in place after
installation.
2. Test Flows. All meters shall be tested
at the three rates of flow specified in Table I, below. No meter
shall be installed which registers less than 98% of the minimum test
flow.
3. Determination of Error. If the meter
error of registration at any of the rates of flow specified in Table
I, below, is less than 98% or greater than 102% of the actual flow,
the meter fails and may not be installed or used unless
recalibrated.
Meter
Size
(Inches)
Minimum
Gal./Min.
Median
Gal./Min.
Maximum
Gal./Min.
5/8
¼
2
10
3/4
½
3
15
1
¾
5
25
1
1/2
1
½
10
50
2
2
16
80
3
4
30
120
4
7
50
250
6
12
100
500
4. Sealing of Meter. Upon completion of
adjustment and test of any meter under the provisions of these rules,
the water utility shall affix thereto a suitable seal in such a
manner that the adjustment of registration of the meter cannot be
tampered with without breaking the seal.
D. Test Schedules for Meters
1. Periodic Tests of Meters in Service. All
meters in service will be tested or replaced in accordance with the
schedule set out in Table II, below:
Table
II
Periodic
Meter Testing Schedule
Size
of Meter (Inches)
Maximum
Interval Between Tests or Replacement
5/8”
- 2”
20
years
3”
and Larger
2
years
2. Requested Tests.
a. Tests Performed by Water Utility at
Customer’s Request. When requested by a customer, each water
utility shall:
(1) test the accuracy of the customer's
meter within thirty (30) days from the time the request is made, and
(2) extend to the customer an offer to
allow the customer or the customer’s designated representative to
be present for the testing.
3. At the customer’s request, the
Division or the Division’s designated representative may observe
the test. When requested to test a meter by a customer as herein
provided, the water utility shall not knowingly remove, interfere
with, or adjust the meter to be tested outside the presence of the
customer without the written consent of the customer, and approval by
the Division. A report giving the name of the customer requesting the
test, the date of the request, the location, the type, make, size,
the serial number of the meter, the date tested, and the result of
the test shall be supplied to such customer within fifteen (15) days
after completion of the test.
a. Meters that are not due for a periodic
test. If the meter the customer requests to have tested is not
overdue for its periodic test, the water utility may require a fee
for such a test if allowed by its tariff. If upon testing the meter
is found to be over-registering by more than 2%, the testing fee
shall be promptly refunded. If the meter is not found to be over
registering by as much as 2%, the utility shall retain the testing
fee.
b. Meters that are due for a periodic test.
If the meter the customer requests to have tested has exceeded the
due date for its periodic test, the water utility may not require a
fee for such a test.
4. Tests Requested by Division. Upon
application to the Division by a customer, a test will be made of the
customer's meter by the Division’s authorized representative as
soon as practicable. When notified of an application submitted to the
Division by a customer for a meter test as herein provided, the water
utility shall not knowingly remove, interfere with, or adjust the
meter to be tested without the written consent of the customer, and
approval by the Division. The customer shall pay a deposit for this
test, and the deposit shall be retained or returned, just as for a
water utility test as described in § 1.5 (D)(2)(a)((1)) of this
Part.
5. Record of Tests. The meter technician or
other person testing the meter shall make a complete record of all
tests, adjustments, and other data sufficient to allow all of the
test results and calculations for that meter test to be verified.
Such record shall include: the identifying number of the meter, the
type of the meter, the date and kind of tests made, the reading of
the meter before making any test, the error as found at each test,
and, if repaired, the accuracy of the meter after the final test.
6. Retention. Records of periodic tests of
meters will be retained by the water utility for inspection by the
Division for a minimum of ten (10) years. All meters that are changed
out, or removed from service for any reason, shall be retained for
inspection by the Division for a minimum of six (6) months.
E. Customer's Bill Adjustments
1. Calculation of Error. In meter tests
directed by the Division, or performed by the water utility at the
request of a customer, the correctness of registration of the meter
and its performance in service for billing purposes shall be
determined by averaging the meter flow rates across all the
intermediate and high flow rates. The percentage of registration
shall be taken as the algebraic sum of the errors at the median and
maximum rates of test flow, as set forth in § 1.5(C)(3) of this Part
(Table I), divided by two. Any adjustment of charges made in
accordance with this rule shall be based on the average error thus
derived.
2. Adjustments
a. Fast Meters. Whenever as the result of a
test made by the water utility or the Division at the request of the
customer, a meter is found to register in excess of 102% of the
correct amount, the water utility shall refund to the customer an
amount equal to the charge for the excess billed for the previous
twelve (12) months or for a period equal to one-half of the time
elapsed since the last test or replacement, whichever is the shorter
period. However, if the time when the error first developed or
occurred can be definitely fixed, the amount to be refunded is to be
based thereon.
b. Slow Meters. Whenever as the result of a
test made by the water utility or the Division at the request of the
customer, a meter is found to register less than 98% of the correct
amount, the water utility may make a charge to the customer for the
unbilled amount supplied for the previous twelve (12) months, or for
a period equal to one-half of the time elapsed since the last test or
replacement, whichever is the shorter period. However, if the time
when the error first developed or occurred can be definitely fixed,
the amount to be refunded is to be based thereon, subject to the
three (3) year limitation set out in § 1.5(E)(3) of this Part.
c. Non-Registering Meters.
(1) Non AMR Meters. If a meter without an
AMR is found which does not register, the water utility may make a
charge to the customer for the unbilled amount that is based upon
information recorded prior or subsequent to the period of
nonregistration, and any other pertinent information supplied by the
customer or known to the water utility, subject to the three (3) year
limitation set out in § 1.5(E)(3) of this Part.
(2) AMR Meters. If a meter is equipped with
an AMR is found not registering, the water utility may make a charge
to the customer for the unbilled amount for only the twelve (12)
months immediately preceding the date on which the corrected bill is
sent.
F. Test Facilities and Equipment
1. Test Facilities. Each water utility
furnishing metered water service shall either provide the necessary
standard facilities, instruments and other equipment for testing
meters in compliance with these rules, or shall enter into
satisfactory arrangements for tests of its meters by another water
utility or agency equipped to test meters in compliance with these
rules, subject to approval by the Division.
2. Shop Equipment. The meter test shop,
insofar as practicable, shall simulate the actual service conditions.
It shall be provided with the necessary fittings, including a
quick-acting valve for controlling the starting and stopping of the
test, and a device for regulating the flow of water through the meter
under test. The accuracy of the test equipment and test procedures
shall be sufficient to enable shop tests of meters with an error not
to exceed 0.5 of 1%.
3. Test Measurement Standards. Measuring
devices for tests of meters shall consist of calibrated tanks for
volumetric measurements, tanks mounted upon scales for weight
measurement, or standard meters.
a. Volumetric Tanks. When a volumetric tank
is used, the volumetric tank shall be certified by the State or Local
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
b. Weight Standards. When a weight standard
is used the scales shall be tested and certified at least once every
year by the State or Local Sealer of Weights and Measures, and a
record maintained of the results of such test.
c. Size of Basic Standards. Basic standards
for meter tests shall be of sufficient capacity to insure accuracy of
the test.
1.6 EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
A. Standard Practice. In determining
standard practice, the Division will be guided by the provisions of
the American Water Works Association standards and the Rhode Island
Department of Health.
B. Construction and Maintenance. Each water
utility shall construct, install, operate and maintain its plant,
structures, equipment and mains in accordance with standard practice
as defined in § 1.6(A) of this Part above, and in such manner to
best accommodate the public, and to prevent interference with service
furnished by other public utilities, insofar as practical.
1. Dead Ends. Insofar as practicable the
water utility shall design its distribution system so as to avoid
dead ends on its mains. Where dead ends are unavoidable the water
utility shall provide hydrants or “blow offs” for the purpose of
flushing the mains. Mains with dead ends shall be flushed as often as
necessary to maintain the proper quality of the water. Records shall
be kept of all flushings of mains, showing the date, place and
duration, and such records used as a guide in determining the
necessary frequency of flushing of the same mains thereafter.
2. Segmentation of System. Valves shall be
provided at reasonable intervals in the mains to facilitate repairs
and minimize interruptions of service.
3. Grid Systems. Whenever feasible, the
distribution system shall be laid out in a properly segmented grid so
that in case of breaks or repairs the interruptions of service to the
customers can be kept to a minimum number.
4. Fire Protection Service. Specification,
location, installation and the responsibility for the maintenance of
fire hydrants, public and private fire protection facilities,
connecting mains, and their ownership may be subject to negotiation
between the water utility and the applicant. Fire hydrants and public
and private protection facilities shall be installed in conformity to
the requirements of the water utility and when owned by the water
utility shall be subject to such conditions as the Division may
determine based upon the compensation received for this service.
Hydrants maintained by the water utility shall be inspected and
operated at least once every eighteen (18) months, and shall be
checked for freezing as often as necessary to ensure that they are
functioning properly, unless the responsibility for inspecting and
operating the fire hydrant is assumed by the local fire department or
other appropriate entity. Where this is the case, the water utility
retains responsibility for repairing or replacing any fire hydrant
out of service within seven (7) days of such hydrant being reported
out of service. A record of each hydrant maintained by the water
utility shall be retained showing the size, type, location, date of
inspection and flushing and the results thereof.
5. Valves. Each water utility shall
periodically inspect the valves on its distribution system. A record
of each valve shall be kept showing the size, type, location date of
inspection and the results thereof. These records shall be kept for a
five (5) year period.
6. Service Pipes. The minimum size of the
service pipe shall not be less than ¾ inch nominal size. Each
service pipe shall be provided with an individual shutoff prior to
the meter on that service pipe.
7. Inspection of Service Pipe. In the
installation of a service pipe, the customer shall not install any
tee or branch connection and, if required, shall leave the trench
open and pipe uncovered until it is inspected by the water utility
and building official and shown to be free from any irregularity or
defect.
C. Disinfection of Facilities. Disinfection
of facilities shall be as approved by the Rhode Island Department of
Health.
1.7 RECORDS AND REPORTS
A. Station Records. Each water utility
shall keep sufficient records of the operation of its pumping,
filtering, chlorinating and other units to show the characteristics
and performance of each.
B. Water Supply Measurement Records
1. Measuring Devices. Each public water
utility shall install a suitable measuring device, or otherwise
determine quantity, at each point at which water enters the public
water utility's distribution system in order that a record may be
maintained of the quantity of water entering the distribution system
at each such point.
2. Water Supply Records. At least once each
month the quantity of water entering the public water utility's
distribution system shall be determined for each point of entry.
Twelve-month totals by sources shall be recorded and transmitted to
the Division in the utility's annual report to the Division.
C. System Maps. Each water utility shall
have on file at its principal office located within the state a
suitable map, maps or drawings showing the following:
1. Size, character, and location of all
mains, including hydrants and valves.
2. Size and location of each service
connection, where practicable. In lieu of showing service locations
on maps, a card record or other suitable means may be used.
3. Layout of all principal pumping
stations, filter and chlorinating plants to show size, location and
character of all major equipment, pipe lines, connections, valves and
other equipment used.
D Meter Records. Each water utility shall
keep numerically arranged and properly classified records giving for
each meter owned or used by the water utility for any purpose, the
identification number, date of purchase, name of manufacturer, serial
number, type, rating, and the name and address of each customer on
whose premises the meter has been in service, with date of
installation and removal. These records shall be maintained in a
manner such that the date of the last test is readily ascertainable.
E. Preservation of Records. All records
required by these rules shall be preserved by the water utility for a
period of two (2) years unless otherwise designated herein or by the
Division's Regulations Governing the Preservation of Records. Such
records shall be kept within the State of Rhode Island at the office
or offices of the water utility and shall be open at all reasonable
hours for examination by the Division or its representatives.
F. Reports to Division. The water utility
shall furnish to the Division, at such times and in such form as the
Division may require, the results of any required costs and summaries
of any required records. The water utility shall also furnish the
Division with any information concerning the water utility's
facilities or operations which the Division may request and need for
determining rates or judging the practices of the water utility.
1.8 GENERAL
A. Safety Instructions. Each water utility
shall comply with all applicable State and Federal safety
regulations.
B. Resuscitation. Each water utility
periodically shall instruct its employees engaged in electrical work
in the practice and use of accepted rules for resuscitation from
electrical shock. Copies of such rules shall be furnished to each
such employee. Electrical work as used herein shall be construed to
mean work on all live electric conductors and equipment.
C. Accidents. Each water utility shall
report to the Division as soon as possible after each accident
occurring in connection with the operation of its property,
facilities or service, wherein any person shall have been killed or
admitted to a hospital, or whereby any property damage shall have
been caused. The first report may be preliminary, but, if so, shall
be followed later by as full a statement as possible of the cause and
details of the accident and the precautions taken, if any, to prevent
recurrence.
D. Division Inspection. The Division will
from time to time inspect the works and system of each water utility
and the manner in which it has conformed to the rules and regulations
herein contained.
1.9 Appendix A