Rules and Regulations

II. Low Pressure Service Areas

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has specific requirements if you choose to apply for water service in a low-pressure area. HWA must meet OEPA minimum requirement standards when deciding on a meter location. If your application is approved in a low-pressure area, it is the customer’s responsibility to develop desired pressure at the residence. A low water pressure area is considered less than or equal to 45 psi and greater than or equal to 35 psi. Any area with water pressure, at the proposed water tap elevation, that is less than 35 psi, application for water service will be denied.

III. Initial or Minimum Charges

The current tap fee shall be charged for each new meter installation within the limits set forth. The monthly minimum water charge shall commence when the meter is set. Each meter requires a separate water tap account number and each account number will cover a separate and individual account.

The flat minimum monthly water rate, as set up in the water rate schedule, will be payable each month irrespective of whether any water is used by the customer during the month, and irrespective of seasonal use.

In addition to the collection of regular rates, the water company may collect from the customer a proportionate share of use fees or impositions.

IV. HWA Responsibility

After a new service review has been completed and applicant has paid required fees, HWA will install, maintain and operate a main distribution water pipe line or lines from the source of water supply.

Each service line connects with the HWA water system at the nearest available place if the water system shall be of sufficient capacity to permit the delivery of water. If the water system shall be inadequate to permit the delivery of water through a service line installed at such place without interfering with a delivery of water through a prior service line, then such service line shall be installed at such place as may be designated by HWA.

Each customer shall be required to dig or have dug a ditch, to purchase and install, and to maintain such portion of the service line or lines from the meter pit to their own dwelling, or other place of use on their premises at their own expense. The customer shall also install a cut-off valve, pressure regulator and check valve at the end of the dwelling side of the service line.

V. HWA's Liability

HWA does not assume the responsibility of inspecting the customer's piping or apparatus.

HWA reserves the right to refuse service unless the customer's lines or piping are installed in such manner as to prevent cross connection or backflow.

HWA shall not be liable for damages of any kind whatsoever resulting from water or the use of water on the customer's premises unless such damage results directly from negligence on the part of HWA. HWA shall not be responsible for any damage done or by resulting from any defects in piping, fixtures, or appliances on the customer's premises. HWA shall not be responsible for negligence of the third persons, or forces beyond the control of HWA resulting in any interruption of service.

VI. User's Responsibility

Piping on the premises of the customer must be so installed that the connections are conveniently located with respect to HWA lines and mains.

If HWA is called upon to provide additional meters, each place of metering will be considered as a separate and individual account. The customer shall provide a place of metering which is unobstructed and accessible at all times. If the meter reader cannot read the meter due to debris, vehicle parked on meter or the meter is blocked in some manner, a service charge will be applied to the account. If a vehicle must be towed by HWA in order to have access to the meter, the customer will be responsible for towing charges.

The customer's piping and apparatus shall be installed and maintained by the customer at the customer's expense in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with HWA rules and regulations and if full compliance with sanitary regulations of the State Board of Health and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. A pressure reducer and a backflow preventer must be installed on the customer's side of the service connection.

The customer shall guarantee proper protection for HWA's property placed on the customer's premises and shall permit access to it only by HWA personnel.

In the event that any loss or damage to the property of HWA or any accident or injury to persons or property is caused by or results from negligence or wrongful act of the customer, his agent or employees, the cost of the necessary repairs or replacements shall be paid by the customer to HWA and any liability otherwise resulting shall be assumed by the customer.

The amount of such loss, or damage or cost of repairs shall be added to the customer's bill and if not paid, services may be discontinued by HWA.

Water furnished by HWA may be used for domestic consumption by the customer, members of their household and or employees only. The customer shall not sell or give the water to any other person without approval of HWA. The owner/member shall remain responsible for all billings, water usage, and losses of any nature incurred. Water shall not be used for irrigation, fire protection or other purposes, except when water is available in sufficient quantity without interfering with the regular domestic consumption, then the water may be used for any other purpose. Disregard for this rule shall be sufficient cause for refusal or discontinuance of service.

VII. Extensions to Mains and Services

Hecla Water Association (HWA) has revised its policy for commercial builders requesting line extensions, aligning with the new Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) standards. This is vital for those seeking water service taps from HWA.

OEPA Plan Approval Requirement:

Engineering Plans Submission: Commercial builders must submit detailed engineering plans, stamped, signed, and dated by an Ohio Licensed Professional Engineer, for OEPA approval before HWA can sell a line extension and water service tap.

Hecla Water Approval:

These plans also require approval by a Hecla Water representative, as OEPA will issue the plan approval to Hecla Water.

Required Documentation for OEPA:

Project Summary Sheet: Builders need to fill out the 'PROJECT SUMMARY SHEET FOR PLAN REVIEW OF PROPOSED WATERLINE EXTENSIONS'. This form can be downloaded here .

Plan Review Fees: Plan review fees, payable by the commercial builder, must accompany the engineering plans for OEPA review.

Process After OEPA Approval:

Once OEPA approval is obtained, HWA will provide a quote for the line extension. It is crucial to confirm water availability in your area with Hecla Water prior to starting this process.

HWA Construction Policy:

HWA will undertake water line extensions within its area, provided the customer pays the full installation cost and signs a contract with HWA.

Public Use and Board Approval:

No water supplies for public use shall be constructed or operated within HWA limits without approval from the Board of Directors.

Additional Information and Resources:

For more details on plan submission, visit the OEPA’s website.

VIII. Access to Premises

Duly authorized agents of HWA shall have access, at all reasonable hours, to the premises of the customer for the purpose of installing or removing HWA property, inspecting pipes, reading or testing meters or for other purposes in connection with HWA service and facilities.

Each Customer shall grant or convey, or shall cause to be granted or conveyed to HWA a permanent easement and right-of-way across any property owned or controlled by the customer wherever said easement and right-of-way is necessary for HWA's water facilities and lines, so as to be able to furnish services to the customer.

No person or persons shall deposit, or cause to be deposited any matter or material into any reservoir, tank or water pipe, or employ the water services of HWA in such a manner as to permit the entry of polluting matter into the water supply thereof, as per Federal Law of the Safe Drinking Water Act Section 1432 which states; any person who tampers with a public water system shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined in accordance with title 18 of the United States Code or both.

IX. Change of Occupancy

If you purchase a residence with Hecla Water Service, you are required to provide a photo ID and proof of ownership to the Hecla Water office in order to transfer service. There will be no deposit required, however, if the meter is locked, there will be a service fee to restore the service. A land contract agreement does not qualify as proof of ownership of the property.

Not less than one working day notice must be given to HWA to discontinue service or to change occupancy.

If any owner/member has a property that is occupied by a renter or persons leasing or purchasing on a land contract, the water service shall remain in the name of the owner/member. All billings, water usage, and losses of any nature shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner. All current accounts with deposits will remain in the renter's name until the time of departure, or when their account has been closed, deposit credited and final bill processed.

X. Meter Reading - Billing - Collections

Meters will be read and bills rendered monthly, but HWA reserves the right to vary the dates or length of period covered, temporarily or permanently if necessary or desirable.

Bills for water will be figured in accordance with the HWA's water rate schedule and will be based on the amount consumed for a period covered by the meter reading, except where a customer orders turn-on, the minimum bill to such period shall be equal to the minimum charge for one full month's service.

Charge for service commences when meter is installed, whether used or not.

Reading from different meters will not be combined for billing, irrespective of the fact that said meters may be for the same or different premises, or the same or different customer's or for the same or different services.

Bills are mailed the last business day of each month with the payment due by the 15th of the following month. If the 15th falls on the week-end or holiday, payment must be received in the office the last business day prior to the 15th to avoid a 10% penalty on the net bill amount.

All bills not paid on or before the past due date shall be termed delinquent and service on the account may be discontinued without further notice. Notice of this rule is printed on the water bill.

Failure to receive bills or notices shall not prevent such bills from becoming delinquent nor relieve the customer from payment. The water company is not responsible for postal mail delivery.

XI. Leak Protection Program

In partnership with ServLine, Hecla Water offers a program that helps cover the financial loss due to an eligible water leak. Customers are automatically enrolled into the Leak Protection Program. A $2.00 fee will be placed on your bill to reflect coverage. This fee allows you up to $2500 in coverage for lost water due to an eligible leak. The service can be used one time in a twelve-month period. You will only be responsible for your average bill and in the rare case any amount over $2500.

This program is not mandatory. To decline coverage call Hecla ServLine at 740-237-3488. If the customer chooses to decline coverage, said customer will be responsible for all lost water if not enrolled. There will be no adjustments for water used for irrigation, pools or fraud.

XII. Suspension of Service

Service discontinued for non-payment of bills will be restored only after bills are paid in full, and a service charge paid for each meter reconnected.

HWA reserves the right to discontinue its service without notice for the following additional reasons:

• To prevent fraud or abuse, including two residences on one meter.
• Consumer's willful disregard of HWA's rules.
• Emergency repairs.
• Insufficient supply beyond HWA's control.
• Legal process.
• Direction of public authorities.
• Strike, riot, fire, flood, accident or any unavoidable cause.

XIII. Meter Tampering

Tampering with a meter in any way will result in the possible pulling of the meter from service. A $150 charge and any water used must be paid before service is restored. Any HWA property damaged will be added to the water bill for the property.

Violators may be prosecuted under Ohio Law from the Ohio Revised Code - section 4933.18. The penalty for the misdemeanor (less than $500 in damages and theft of water) is a fine of $1,000 and repeat offenders can be given a term of incarceration, at the discretion of the court.

HWA may in addition to prosecution by law, permanently refuse service to any customer who tampers with a meter or other measuring devices.

XIV. Hydrants

HWA is NOT a fire protection system. All hydrants in HWA distribution system are for flushing purposes. All maintenance on flushing hydrants shall be performed or approved by HWA. Unless damaged due to vandalism or negligence, repairs and maintenance will be performed by HWA.

No person shall, except when life or property are threatened, open or connect to any hydrant of HWA, nor draw water therefrom except as approved by HWA.

No person shall obstruct or in any way prevent or interfere with continuous free access to any hydrant except by written permission of HWA.

Any person violating any provision of these Rules and Regulations shall be liable to a fine to be paid upon conviction of such violation, as provided by law.

XV. Complaints - Adjustments

If a customer believes the bill to be in error, he or she shall present his or her claim, in person or in writing to the office of HWA before the bill becomes delinquent. Such claim if made after the bill has become delinquent shall not be effective in preventing discontinuance of service, as hereto provided. The customer may pay such bill under a protest and said payment shall not prejudice his or her claim.

Upon written request of any customer, the meter serving said customer shall be tested by HWA. Such test will be made without charge to the customer if the meter proves to be greater than 2% fast. Otherwise, a charge will be made if the test indicates meter accuracy within the 2% limit or less. The customer may be required to witness the test. The charge is for residential size meters. Larger meters will be tested on a cost plus basis and charged if the meter proves not to be fast by more than 2%.

HWA will make an additional meter readings at the request of the customer for a fee, provided, however, that if such special reading discloses that the meter was over-read, no charge will be made.

XVI. Abridgement or Modification of Rules

No promise, agreement or representation of any employee of HWA shall be binding upon HWA except as it shall have been agreed upon in writing, signed and accepted by the officers of HWA.

No modification of rates or any of the Rules and Regulations shall be made by any agent of HWA.

These Rules and Regulations may be modified or amended at any time by HWA and thereupon be binding upon all customers.

Water Conservation Notices

In the event a critical resource shortage exists, the HWA board of directors have adopted a water management plan.

Stage 1

When moderate but limited supplies of water are available, HWA shall call upon the general population to employ prudent restraint in water usage, and to conserve water voluntarily by whatever methods available. At that time, there will be a temporary hold on the purchasing of water taps.

Stage 2

When very limited supplies of water are available, HWA shall order curtailment of less essential usage of water, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

1. The watering of any vegetation; trees, grass, plants
2. The washing of vehicles or any mobile equipment.
3. The washing of driveways, parking lots, office buildings, or other outdoor surfaces.
4. The operation of any ornamental structure making use of water.
5. The filling of swimming pools/and or wading pools, or the refilling of said pools after the effective date of order.
6. The use of water from fire hydrants for any purpose other than filling fire trucks.
7. The serving of drinking water in eating establishments, unless requested by the individual; as well as a freeze on water hook-ups or new water taps sold.

Stage 3

When critically limited supplies of water are available, HWA shall institute mandatory restrictions on each customer as follows:

1. Industrial, institutional, commercial, governmental, wholesale and all other non-residential customers shall be allotted a percentage reduction of water based on that customer's average monthly consumption.
2. Individual residential customers shall be limited to a specific amount or percentage of water per billing period. In the event any customer exceeds the maximum allotted monthly water usage, said customer shall be charged and shall pay the current rate for every one thousand (1,000) gallons consumed above the allotted amount.

Stage 4

When only crucial supplies of water are available, HWA, by regulation and order, restrict the use of water to purposes which are absolutely essential to life, health and safety.

Call Before You Dig - It's an Ohio State Law!

Ohio Revised Code - Section 3781.28
1 - (800) 362-2764

Call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) two (2) working days before you dig. An order for a line locate will be sent to the Hecla Water Office and an HWA service person will locate the line to prevent any accidental breaks in the water line.

Don't take a chance by guessing where you think the water line is located. Not calling the OUPS phone number before digging up a water line will result in an unnecessary break leaving residents of that area without water service while it is repaired.

The cost of any repairs of water line breaks will be charged to the party responsible for digging up the line, without a prior request for a water line locate.