SECTION 165:65-3-2. Extent of system in which utility shall maintain service

(a)   With the exception of emergency conditions beyond its control, each utility shall operate and maintain in safe, efficient, and proper condition all the facilities and instrumentalities used in connection with the transmission, distribution, regulation, measurement, and delivery of water to any consumer up to and including the point of delivery into the piping owned by the consumer.

(b)   A water utility may operate and maintain any privately owned lines utilized by the utility for transmission and distribution of water, if granted such permission by the owner of the private line.

(c)   No residential meter shall be installed inside a residence.

(d)   The meter shall be set at the nearest feasible point to the property or curb line of the consumer.

(e)   All mains, water lines, pipes, and equipment owned by the consumer from the outflow side of the meter shall be maintained in a safe, efficient, and proper condition by and at the expense of the consumer. The utility shall have the right to inspect a new installation prior to furnishing service and the right to inspect an existing installation under reasonable conditions. Service may be refused or discontinued until the provisions of this Chapter are complied with.

(f)   Each water utility, for each locality that it serves, shall provide contact information for an office or agent where the consumer may pay bills and conduct any other necessary business with a representative of the utility. Such office or agent shall be available to the consumer during reasonable business hours at least five (5) days per week.

(g)   The utility shall provide in the telephone directory for each area it serves a telephone listing by which the utility personnel can be notified at any time during a twenty-four (24) hour day period of any utility service deficiency or emergency. If utility personnel are not available to accept the call and the call is recorded, the utility shall contact the consumer to confirm receipt of the call within two (2) hours.

[Source: Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2380, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 2322, eff 7-15-03; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 1091, eff 9-12-14; Amended at 36 Ok Reg 718, eff 7-25-19]