SECTION 165:65-3-3. Service pipes and meter sets

(a)   Upon application by any bona fide applicant for water service, the utility shall provide a tap and a corporation cock at the main, furnish and install a service pipe of suitable material and capacity, furnish and install a shut-off cock, a meter box, and all other fittings necessary to set a meter on the applicant's property abutting upon any public way in which the utility has an adjacent water distribution main.

(b)   Where additional meters are furnished by the utility for the convenience of the consumer, a charge for such meters may be made in accordance with a schedule approved by and on file with the Commission.

(c)   The utility may charge the residential applicant a tap-on charge specified in its tariff or rules of service on file with and approved by the Commission for furnishing and installing the necessary material and coupling devices, providing the meter setting and connecting the meter to the consumer's house service line. The charge shall be a non-recurring charge for the premises, notwithstanding later change in ownership or consumers there served. Subsequent consumers may be charged a service initiation fee, provided such fee is listed in the utility's approved tariff. The meter box, meter, and all other fittings used in connecting service and serving the meter shall remain the property of the utility. When it is necessary to make a tap-on of a size larger than required for a residential consumer, the tap-on and meter setting cost shall be charged the consumer as specified in the tariff or Rules of Service, or if no such charge is there stated, at the actual cost to the utility.

(d)   Where the utility and the consumer cannot agree upon the location, dimensions and type of installation to be made, the utility shall advise the consumer of the CSD and provide the telephone number to the consumer to address the problem and seek resolution. If the problem remains unsolved, either the consumer or the utility may file an application with the Commission for hearing and final determination.

(e)   Where circumstances require the meter to be set at a point other than the property or curb line, the proper service pipes shall be installed by the utility from the main to the meter. If the meter is located inside the property line at the consumer's request, the consumer shall pay the cost of the service pipe from the property or curb line to the meter and for installation thereof, under uniform rates to be adopted by the utility and approved by and on file with the Commission. The utility shall own and maintain all service lines and equipment up to the outflow side of the meter wherever installed.

(f)   The utility shall provide each service connection with an individual shut-off cock. No tandem service shall be allowed.

(g)   The size, design, material, and installation of the consumer's service pipe shall conform to any code, ordinances or requirements of the city or town where installed, or where no such requirements exist, to the rules and orders of the Commission and the Service Rules of the utility filed with and approved by the Commission. No service pipe shall be less than three-fourths inch (3/4") nominal size. All service pipes shall be laid underground at a depth sufficient to prevent freezing, except where service is not intended to be used during freezing weather and the pipes are actually drained during such periods.

(h)   In the installation of a service pipe the consumer shall not install any tee or branch connection without consent of the utility. The consumer shall leave the trench open and pipe uncovered until it has been inspected by the utility or inspection waived. The service pipe shall be provided with a suitable shut-off cock by the consumer. The consumer is responsible for maintenance of all service pipes from the outflow side of the meter.

(i)   When the installation of a service pipe requires a trench to remain open on the consumer's property for an inspection or waiver of inspection, the utility shall perform the inspection, or request that the inspection be performed if done by a third party, within fourteen (14) calendar days of the installation.

(j)   All open trenches shall be clearly marked for the safety of the public using, at a minimum, caution tape or flags.

[Source: Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2380, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 36 Ok Reg 718, eff 7-25-19]