Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 38 - PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATION › Chapter 38.5 - UTILITY DIVISION › Subchapter 38.5.25 - Privately Owned Water Utilities › Rule 38.5.2502 - APPLICATION FOR WATER SERVICE

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) All consumers
				wanting water service must make an application with the utility. Except as
				provided in ARM
				38.5.2502(2), the
				utility may require consumers make a service application at the utility office
				on printed application forms, which shall set forth all purposes for which the
				water will be used upon the premises, or the utility may allow the consumer to
				apply for service via the telephone. A copy of the utility's printed
				application form and any subsequent modifications shall be submitted to the
				Commission to become part of the utility's tariff. A deposit for guarantee of
				payment for water service may be required by the utility of the consumer
				applying for service pursuant to the deposit rules of the Commission, Title 38,
				Chapter 5, Sub-chapter 11.
(2) All
				applications for the original introduction of water service to any premises
				must be made on printed application forms furnished by the utility and
				described in ARM
				38.5.2501(1) 
				above, and must be signed by the property owner of those premises. When the
				ownership of the premises changes, the new property owner must make a new
				application for water service with the utility. A property owner is liable for
				payment for water service as a consumer, unless ARM
				38.5.2502(3) 
				applies.
(3) Where the consumer is
				a renter, a leasee, or is not the property owner, the application for water
				service shall be made in the consumer's own name, and that consumer shall be
				liable for payment for the water service. In such instances, the utility shall
				indicate the name of the consumer and the date that the consumer began to
				receive water service on the original written service application that was
				signed by the property owner of the premises.
(4) Upon the utility's acceptance of the
				application for water service, the consumer shall have the right to take and
				receive a supply of water for the particular premises for the purposes
				specified in the application subject to compliance by the consumer with these
				rules and any special rules promulgated by the utility.
(5) When an application for new water service
				has been accepted, the utility at its own expense will tap the main and furnish
				corporation cock, and clamp when necessary, and any other material used or
				labor furnished in connection with the tapping of the main. All expense of
				laying and maintaining the service pipes from the mains to the premises of the
				consumer must be borne by the consumer. The utility shall assist consumers
				and/or excavation contractors in locating water service mains and lines prior
				to the consumer beginning excavation in order to avoid water service
				interruptions due to broken mains and lines. The service pipe must be laid
				below street grade, on the premises of the consumer and at a standard depth
				designated by the utility to prevent freezing. A curb cock and curb box of
				approved pattern must be installed by the consumer at a point designated by the
				utility. Whenever a tap is made through which regular service is not
				immediately desired, the consumer will bear the entire expense of tapping,
				subject to a refund whenever regular service is begun.
(6) No charge may be made for turning on the
				water to a new consumer during the regular working hours of the
				utility.
(7) Contractors, builders
				or owners are required to apply for permit for the use of water for building
				and other purposes in construction work. Consumers are warned not to allow the
				use of their water fixtures unless the contractors, the builders or the owners
				produce a permit issued by the utility specifying the premises on which the
				water is to be used. Water will not be turned on at any new building until all
				water used during construction has been paid for.
Sec.
					 69-3-102
					 and
					 69-3-103,
					 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 69-3-102,
					 MCA;