365 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<826B791C035DF141B5FC102546D7A1A5>]/Index[339 51]/Info 338 0 R/Length 113/Prev 168287/Root 340 0 R/Size 390/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream %%EOF )-__@u{{z"|RDQG|G2`4Y M6 oaomo[^W[zWJ+wCV The extra 15 percent capacity is supposed to be maintained by the system (not paid for by the new customer), but the system may require applicants requesting service to pay for some of the system upgrades that will be used by that applicant. How common are they compared to the traditional positive displacement manual read meters? Instead, growth should pay for growth, even if a current member is responsible for the new growth through the addition of a second meter on their property. The board can amend the current charge to whatever they determine to be fair to the ratepayers. I have also seen frustration when the front property owner requests a second meter from the system and the line is at capacity. :RA%_Xo($N4jKA$iH~5]_]_W_4_'MAzcbhS Gj,+ NPt%TJMvM'B!41F"#4_M}:C?o_o_Z__^_,bD-CF`s;7Qfdcq12FnfhPM4w*`Rthj7v>N2nAqNtF?ON~kEWTB}WLO'?~_Kjjv?ijpU5l%.^=8I>5jtLd%-A^XABL4"?DDDD~~/a?i{`TG{`_+IW21 ffy./HZU"L3FRCa;5.Z qa?C$;VY!v +rxO%}^F'dvwtkV~JW_k#Nq|o|!mm+DcWS62q}9jQi|:{MT'^K{Ul%kr#x~jBXDvK{!ZoI";NaZa4?AWuAR#kM4Nh0Ai#'A"""!D~" }~},Tv;R*2@YDxw4& f0OeqXYDtc/DCXt(P 4(A|;Z <00> <7F> <7F> <2022> endstream endobj 382 0 obj <>stream trailer There also is a section in the Service Application and Agreement form RUS-TX Bulletin 1780-9 (05/17) that states: All water shall be metered by meters to be furnished and installed by the Corporation. There may be limitations that prevent using the meter when there is an outside water ban or other drought measures are in place. Master metering is only applicable when it is a single piece of property, not two different tracts. <9D> <9D> <2022> <81> <81> <2022> Would the individual use the company vehicle or his own? Problems also come about if a leak occurs by some accident or digging operation by the front property owner and the back property owner wants them to pay for damages, or have the system discount their water bill because they didnt know they had a leak. Some meter manufacturers also require strainers or other devices to be installed to protect the meter and straighten or condition the water so that their meters will be as accurate as possible. Present Ave. Daily Flow (B 6 + B 7 ) Single family - include all single family homes, mobile homes and seasonal dwellings in this category. <86> <87> <2020> w;A`@3YceL 0a0DD8T#_ _~qd"D|%U0 a`q]HEWls!G29h4 Id like to offer an observation though, based on the information from the TRWA Sample Tariff. 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 While this may have been more of an undertaking many years ago, most counties have modernized and this research can now generally be done from the systems office. xc```a``A2@\(}drBf /CIDSystemInfo Duplexes and triplexes are sufficiently similar to single family homes so that a duplex equals twice the ERU . % \\~;XBM?!GIjM_% ]$N6+ A;#-^V_J_K_Z!m?oW16d pzpDu@N_D}v54}aM,7=?9?rIh:O7U`BVM[np`&6+mC-Ot6)Rz 6+VM?mHAMA5i }l& In order to correct the issue, the system must first have supporting language in its tariff. <>/OutputIntents[358 0 R]/Metadata 360 0 R>> Hopefully the two figures are the same or within a reasonable margin of error. @0A2@p0@T!EQL& L Aa0w"[!-Si7qH>D I am not aware of any cost of service appeals dealing with this issue specifically, but systems should be aware that the PUCT might side with the customer if someone complains about being charged new fees to obtain service at a location where service previously existed. <8D> <8D> <2022> After you establish a system's ERU quantity, you can use it to determine the number of ERUs for other types of service connections. Customers that do not report multiple connections, causing utility employees to have to investigate the matter, are usually denied these waivers. /CIDSystemInfo <8C> <8C> <0152> Therefore, removing the meter box completely could allow the utility to reduce its total number of connections for purposes of determining the systems necessary capacity. Whatever the reason for requesting a second or third meter, they get irritated when they are denied the other meter (or told they will have to pay the cost of paralleling the line) while the person behind their property is enjoying a meter on their property. This is referred to in Section C under the definition of member and proof of ownership, and again in Section E under Rules and Regulations. IQ-EQ | 110,749 followers on LinkedIn. 0 <80> <80> <20AC> 3 The Blue ater Contract defines a "LUE" as the capacity necessary to serve a single-family residential . While the board of directors is keeping the old monthly charges and rates, we only have a base rate for 1 -inch meters. A: This is commendable for a system member to agree to read all the meters for your system at no cost. <8F> <8F> <2022> #9: "We're already listed as very high risk. This eliminates the need for a system to conduct manual drive-bys and allows all meters to be read from the whole system in a matter of minutes from the office. developed and used to calculate the Impact Fee per Equivalent Single Family Connection (ESFC). X1'H`7g3a*|f{h00eiF` BVb`+c0 z^ 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. <8B> <8B> <2039> 10. /Ordering (UCS) An LUE is assumed to represent 3.5 people living in a residence. \"L&h6AKm5 ZydZ P*dGLr)9 3 If a system has a trailer park, RV park, apartments, and so on being served by one meter, the TCEQ doesnt count it as one connection but either counts the number of spaces being served or calculates the capacity needed by size of meter. <8E> <8E> <017D> He does not want us to move the meter outside the fence for safety reasons. 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. 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. If not, then the system could be charged with trespassing. 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. In many cases, system staff were simply too timid to enforce their own policies relating to meter locations if a customer raised their voice, said they would sue the system, or used an intimidating attitude. Section 290.38 defines a connection as "a single-family residential unit or each commercial or industrial establishment to which drinking water is supplied from the system." Including this language in a notification letter to all utility customers will help explain why the system is requiring a change for existing multiple connections. My question is what is considered access? Published February/March 2021 (Issue 1 of Quench). 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. <90> <90> <2022> trailer Different growth A reason for rate training is so the board can justify the base and gallonage charges to all ratepayer classifications and also to TCEQ in case the rate is appealed. C+vdt\?K(Pwu,Gu-=s-^|8o!$cntc}Egg=/ckY0 \ 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. <00A0> <20> <7E> <0020> Next, the system may want to offer a compliance schedule so that service will not be interrupted during the construction and installation of a second meter on the property designated to receive service.. <00AE> However, due to some political maneuvering several years ago, some exceptions were included in the Texas Administrative Code that allow the commissions executive director to permit master metering when applicable. A particular manufacturer is selling a pretty good meter, but it is not certified and before I invest a lot of money into their radio read system I need someone to answer this question. For Tract 2, the engineer assumed 24 equivalent single family connections, and a meter connection count will be four. All usage rates per thousand gallons should be the same across all classes of ratepayers, although conservation rates, designed to encourage efficient and non-wasteful water use practices by customers, can assess higher usage rates per thousand gallons for customers using more than a specified amount each month. for the single-family residential customer group. <00> <00> <0000> When a system sees that there is inequity in their current rate structure causing some customers to subsidize the water usage and capacity requirements for other customers, the board ought to rectify the situation by amending rates. We bring together that rare . Q: We have several members who have second living residences at their home, but only one meter. << Is this legal or what problems could this create? Unless a local governmental authority requires otherwise, or unless otherwise established, an ESFC is defined as 360 gallons per day for average water usage and 300 gpd for average wastewater return flow. 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. <83> <83> <0192> As a general rule, the only difference should be in base rates based on size of meter as indicated in the TRWA Sample Tariff. <9A> <9A> <0161> Q: We have been made aware of a customer who has installed an inline booster pump on their side of the meter. E8EVW:?m^_io~Kk^cQ"_fT"KMB!_ou ]oI_1QdpuOK_-21qWa;_?oN>?/]kD_I'XA_:4}]BhSl'~CA+u_;( m!QVa 8B*t6)(" L-6+$k "gbDF}/?# DWH&J_F#'2,dLj aPh0M0chw&H&; B,"m&_l/@^t\[O;H$w'p!;&C. HWn8}7vR}\d.P`! As it relates to the propertys location within or outside of a city, or its participation in any government-assisted or subsidized housing programs, it will be the owners responsibility to notify any necessary authorities of the new source of water, if required, since the system is merely supplying potable water to the property from a master meter. Climb the tank and use a steel measuring tape to measure the height of water in the tank to the manway. Is this a fool-proof verification? /CIDInit /ProcSet findresource begin These cost-of-service issues have subsequently been transferred to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), which has been very pro-consumer when addressing complaints. The inspector would also check for chlorine residuals at any location which the customer says is being supplied water from a private well or other source. For example, in Section E, Members Responsibility: d. Therefore, all water usage registering upon and/or damages occurring to the metering equipment owned and maintained by the Corporation shall be subject to charges as determined by the Corporations Tariff as amended from time to time by the Board of Directors. It is best to work with your customers so that a reasonable solution can be found. Q: One of our members sold their property and land but did not transfer the membership. A: You have a couple different issues to address. 0000001032 00000 n There should be a calibration or certification of accuracy with the new meter. Know how, know you | We are IQ-EQ, a leading investor services group employing 4300+ people across 24 jurisdictions worldwide. 0000000015 00000 n A: This is one of those situations where a little extra effort by the system up front can save them substantial headaches and costs down the road. <<9e8032b06c2c514a87349e8822134d26>]>> R02 - Single Family House (larger than 5/8 " meter). The normal benefit to the applicant and the system is that the applicant/landowner can design their own water system within their property and not have to worry about multiple meters and which service lines goes to which office or trailer space. The ERUs would be equivalent to what would be used by typical single-family residences, if they were using the water. If your board would like for one of TRWAs staff to attend a meeting to do some rate training, please contact our office. <80> <80> <20AC> [tF]JJfSHYs8n?G?#ZS^n#E|WHxt2o1BBb.el+Dijwv-7ajcn7mY 6ii>a!0Y7"9ET3 Austin, TX 78701 <9F> <9F> <0178> 1 begincodespacerange <8C> <8C> <0152> Over the past year Ive talked to at least a dozen systems with existing AMR meters who are upgrading or replacing them due to older meter batteries not holding up. 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. 0000001388 00000 n Do I need to calibrate the meter? Q: Can we install a meter on land that is not owned by the system member if he gets an easement from the land owner? This standard specifies that all chemicals used properly will not cause any health effects for the consumers. /Registry (Times-RomanOPBaseFont0) (16) Connection--A single family residential unit or each commercial or industrial establishment to which drinking water is supplied from the system. Under 30 TAC 290.38(16), "connection" means "A single-family residential unit or each commercial or industrial establishment to which drinking water is supplied" from the PWS. 0000005203 00000 n 36 beginbfrange <8F> <8F> <2022> Does the one meter per residence apply in this situation? Your tariff should include the requirements for evaluating an application for a master 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. begincmap First, the one meter per residence language should be part of your tariff or service policy. both the commission's central office, located at 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building C, 1st Floor, Austin, Texas 78753, (512) 239-2545 and at the applicable regional office listed as follows. u5e` T These previously existing meter locations had already paid for or been granted capacity from the water main, and therefore they should not be required to pay for system upgrades. Accordingly, at Section 24.169(a)(2) of the PUCs rules, the Commission unequivocally states that unless otherwise ordered by the commission, each utility shall provide, install, own and maintain all meters necessary for the measurement of water provided to its customers.. endcodespacerange One ESFC is defined as equaling a typical detached single-family house. The impact fee and other front-end capital improvement fees also remain with the existing tap and location and should never be transferred to another property for the same reasons above. These items became assets and therefore had to be maintained and upgraded at the expense of the water system. 0000053091 00000 n The correspondence should also include a date on which service will be disconnected if the customer fails to make arrangements for the CSI. Finally, if the property owner intends to keep the well for irrigation purposes, it cannot be tied back into any line connected to the systems new master meter. <20> <7E> <0020> Prior to initial connection of any Customer other than a single-family residential Customer, the District's Engineer shall calculate . Amstelveen is a leafy, prosperous, family-oriented suburb close to Amsterdam, which has a growing population of international residents. Our service agreement states that we only allow one dwelling per connection. Published in July/August 2020 (Issue 4 of Quench). <8E> <8E> <017D> /CMapType 2 def Your board should look at all the different access related issues at customer locations and define in your tariff what the system considers to be reasonable access to the meters. Big problems can occur when either of the properties changes hands. The original member will pay all costs associated with a new meter installation as if they were a new customer, since they are a new customer at this new location. If the main water line(s) are near the public roads, then the system may offer to move the meter down to the road. <00> 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. If the customer still feels that the meter belongs to her then it may be helpful to give her the phone number to the PUC so she can discuss her concerns. The meter and/or wastewater connection is for the sole use of the Member or customer and is to provide service to only one (1) dwelling or one (1) business. \8h;""-[a]_aM7#0dpq6;tDdX)A!BuU ]H#Fjf )aAC;D <85> <85> <2026> 0000001247 00000 n Some engineers and systems took this to mean that if we remove the meters at these dormant locations, the system would not have to charge future new customers the price for upgrading their old water mains until the freed-up capacity was allocated to new active connections. You could also require the applicant to provide this information as part of the application process. <85> <85> <2026> An eight-inch (8") water main will generally be required to distribute water and provide fire protection within the multi-family district provided that the water main does not exceed 600 feet in length or serve more than two We have some meter boxes that do not have a meter as they were either pulled for non-payment or the owner requested them to be removed. I have visited several systems who have purchased AMR meters that are compatible with the AMI meters. TRWA recommends that systems stop floating memberships and meters from one property to another because of the confusion it creates. It is unclear whether the units are part of any government-assisted or subsidized housing programs for low-income residents. Q: Some of our customers have built duplexes in our system.