2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
2022
SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS
LOUISVILLE WATER COMPANY
APPROVED BY BOWW DECEMBER 21, 2021
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Water Service and Meters
1.01 General Policies
1.01.1 Application of Rules……………….................... page 1
1.01.2 Violation of Rules……………………………... page 1
1.01.3 Water Quality………………………………...... page 1
1.01.4 Water Supply…………………………………... page 1
1.02 Application / Eligibility
1.02.1 Eligibility for Service………………………….. page 1
1.02.2 Application for Service……………………....... page 1
1.02.3 Payment of Fees / Charges…………..………… page 2
1.03 Retail Water Service
1.03.1 Service Installation……………………….……. page 2
1.03.2 Plumbing Permits…………………………….... page 2
1.03.3 Charge for Service……………………………... page 2
1.04 Types of Services Available
1.04.1 Domestic Service……………………………… page 3
1.04.2 Fire Service……………………………………. page 3
1.04.3 Irrigation Service……………………………… page 3
1.04.4 Combined Residential Domestic / Fire Service.. page 3
1.04.5 Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Service page 3
1.04.6 Livestock Service……………………………... page 3
1.04.7 Wholesale…………………………….……………..page 3
1.05 Location of Meter / Responsibility for Service
1.05.1 General………………………………………… page 4
1.05.2 Length of Service……………………………… page 5
1.05.3 Maximum Service Size page 5
1.05.4 Customer / Applicant Obligation for Facilities…. page 5
1.05.5 Private Plumbing Facilities Maintenance
Obligations……...……………………………... page 5
1.05.6 Re-Sale of Water………………………………. page 5
1.05.7 Use of Water…………………………………... page 5
1.05.8 Relocation of Service Line……………………. page 5
1.06 Meter Measurement Required of All Water Supplied
1.06.1 Meter Requirement……………………………. page 5
1.06.2 Unauthorized Water Usage……………………. page 5
1.06.3 Water Fill Stations…………………………….. page 5
1.07 Residential Water Service Through Private Easement
1.07.1 Meter Application Criteria…………………….. page 6
1.07.2 Approval………………………………………. page 6
1.07.3 Failure to Comply……………………………... page 6
1.08 Temporary Service / Meters
1.08.1 Application for Temporary Service……….…… page 6
1.08.2 Temporary Account Period……………………. page 7
1.08.3 Temporary Service Attachments………………. page 7
1.08.4 Fees / Charges……………………………….…... page 7
1.08.5 Company Removal of Temporary Service…….. page 7
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.09 Multiple Unit Premises
1.09.1 General……………………………………….… page 7
1.09.2 Multiple Units…………………………….……. page 7
1.09.3 Master Meters…………………………….……. page 8
1.10 Customer’s Shut Off Valve page 8
1.11 Plumber License and Instructions
1.11.1 Plumbing Permit…………………………….…. page 8
1.11.2 Homeowner’s Permit……………………….….. page 8
1.11.3 On / Off Status of Service………………….……. page 8
1.12 Risk of Loss / Liability
1.12.1 Loss, Damage, Injury……………………….….. page 8
1.12.2 Responsibility……………………………….…. page 8
1.12.3 Before You Dig (BUD)…………………….….. page 9
1.12.4 Damage to Company Facilities…………….….. page 9
1.13 Discontinuance of Service
1.13.1 Discontinuance by the Customer………….…… page 9
1.13.2 Discontinuance by the Company………….…… page 9
1.13.3 Discontinuance of Fire Service………….……... page 9
1.14 Payment of Deposit, Bills, Fees and Other Charges
1.14.1 Service Deposit…………………………….…... page 9
1.14.2 Late Payment Fee.……………….…..…….…… page 10
1.14.3 Delinquent Bills…………………………….….. page 10
1.14.4 Overdue Notice………………………….……... page 10
1.14.5 Responsibility for SFO Usage page 10
1.14.6 Hearing Officer……………………………….... page 10
1.14.7 Account Consultation……………………….... page 10
1.14.8 Shut Off After …Account Consultation….…... page 11
1.14.9 Notice of Shut Off……………………….……... page 11
1.14.10 Restoring Services…………………………….... page 11
1.14.11 Returned Check Fee…………………………..... page 11
1.14.12 Combined Billing………………………………. page 11
1.14.13 Fees for Activities / Services Performed by
Company………………………………………... page 11
1.14.14 Cross Connection Control Charge....…………… page 12
1.14.15 Existing Service Activation Fee………………… page 12
1.14.16 Existing Service Deactivation Fee……………… page 12
1.14.17 Backbilling and Billing Refunds ……………….. page 12
1.14.18 Elevated Service Charge page 12
1.14.19 At Risk Properties…………………………………..page 12
1.14.20 Disputes……………………………………………..page 12
1.14.21 Application of Payment Proceeds page 12
1.15 Fire Protection Services and Charges
1.15.1 General………………………………….……… page 12
1.15.2 Use of Fire Service………………….….………. page 12
1.15.3 Fire Service Charges…………………….……... page 13
1.15.4 Combined Residential Domestic / Fire Services… page 13
1.15.5 Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Services.. page 13
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.16 Estimating of Consumption
1.16.1 Estimated Bill………………………………..…. page 14
1.16.2 Inaccurate Meter………………………………. page 14
2.0 Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention
2.01 Backflow Prevention, Foreign Supplies, Existing Water Service,
and Dual Service Supplies
2.01.1 Backflow Testing………………………….…. page 15
2.01.2 Backflow Prevention Assembly Requirements..…... page 15
2.01.3 Existing Water Service…………………………. page 16
2.01.4 Fire Service Backflow Prevention…………..….. page 16
2.01.5 Combined Residential Domestic / Fire Service and
Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Service… page 16
2.01.6 Foreign Supplies………………………………... page 16
2.01.7 Dual Services………………………………….... page 16
2.01.8 Fountains, Swimming Pools and Aquariums….... page 16
2.01.9 Right to Inspect…………………………………. page 16
2.01.10 Failure to Comply………………………………. page 16
2.01.11 Exceptions…………………………………….… page 17
3.0 Water Main Extensions for Retail Service Area
3.01 General Policy for Extensions
3.01.1 General……………………………………..…… page 17
3.01.2 Extension Methods…………………..…………. page 17
3.01.3 Extension Approval………………………..…… page 17
3.01.4 Compliance with Applicable Rules and
Regulations……………………………………... page 17
3.01.5 “Tap” Defined………………………………….. page 17
3.01.6 Company Extensions…………………………… page 17
3.01.7 Minimum Extension Length…………………..... page 18
3.01.8 Ownership / Control……………………………. page 18
3.01.9 Main Extension Routing page 18
3.01.10 Rights-of-Way and Easements………………..... page 18
3.01.11 Street Grade Restriction……………………........ page 18
3.01.12 Determination of Size of Water Main…………... page 18
3.01.13 Betterment……………………………………… page 18
3.01.14 Cost of Fire Hydrants…………………………… page 19
3.01.15 Elevated Service Area…………………………... page 19
3.01.16 One Hundred Lot Rule………………………….. page 19
3.02 Developer Tapping Fee Extension Method
3.02.1 Cost of Extension……………………………..… page 19
3.02.2 Design Standards……………………………….. page 19
3.02.3 Collection and Payment of Tapping Fees……….... page 20
3.02.4 Waived Tapping Fee Privileges……………….... page 20
3.02.5 Recovery Period……………………………….... page 20
3.02.6 Acquired or Merged Systems………………….... page 20
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
3.03 Refunding of Installation Cost Extension Method
3.03.1 Application……………………………………… page 20
3.03.2 Refund for Projects Utilizing 5/8 x ¾”
Services……………………………..………..…. page 21
3.03.3 Refund for Projects Utilizing Unconfirmed
Sizes of Services Greater than 5/8 x ¾”………... page 22
3.04 Two-Thirds Majority Tapping Fee Extension Method
3.04.1 Application…………………………………….... page 23
3.04.2 Cost of Extension……………………………..… page 23
3.04.3 Design and Construction Standards…………..… page 23
3.04.4 Tapping Fee…………………………………..… page 23
3.04.5 Payment Method……………………………..…. page 24
3.04.6 Subsequent Connections…………………..……. page 24
3.04.7 Recovery Period………………………………… page 24
3.04.8 Subsequent Extensions…………………..……... page 24
3.05 Apportionment Warrant Extension Method (KRS 96.265)
3.05.1 General……………………………………..…… page 24
3.05.2 Apportionment Warrant Tapping Fees……..…... page 24
3.05.3 Extension by Private Agreement……………..… page 25
3.06 Rebating Tapping Fee Extension Method
3.06.1 Application…………………………………….... page 25
3.06.2 Equitable Share of Cost……………………….... page 25
3.06.3 Collection of Tapping Fees……………………... page 25
3.06.4 Rebating of Tapping Fees……………………..... page 25
3.06.5 Recovery Period……………………………….... page 25
3.07 System Development Charge Rule
3.07.1 General………………………………………..… page 26
3.07.2 Specific System Development Charge………..… page 26
3.08 Waterworks Facility Relocation
3.08.1 General Policy……..……………………………. page 26
3.08.2 Construction Procurement Options……..………. page 26
3.08.3 Undepreciated Value of Assets to be Relocated
or Abandoned…………………………………… page 27
3.08.4 Cost Adjustment…………………………..……. page 27
3.08.5 Ownership and Control……………………..…... page 27
3.08.6 Determination of Size of Water Main………..…. page 27
3.08.7 Rights of Way and Easements………………..… page 27
4.0 Tapping Fees
4.01 Tapping Fee Policy………………………………...................... page 28
4.02 Tapping Fee Schedule…………………………………………. page 28
4.03 Tapping Fees in Water Districts Leased……………………… page 28
5.0 Fire Hydrants
5.01 General……………………………………………..................... page 28
5.02 Fire Hydrants Requested by Individuals or Agencies….……. page 28
5.03 Ownership of Fire Hydrants…………………………............. page 28
5.04 Certified Flow Tests………………………….……….………. page 28
5.05 Private Fire Hydrants……………………………… page 28
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.0 WATER SERVICE AND METERS
1.01 General Policies
1.01.1 Application of Rules - All water service shall be governed by these rules and regulations as stated
or as amended by the Board of Water Works. The rules and regulations shall be strictly and
impartially enforced by the Louisville Water Company officers, employees and the Board of Water
Works. Variances from these rules and regulations must be authorized by the Chief Engineer or
his designee with documentation of the variance filed with the Corporate Secretary.
1.01.2 Violation of Rules - Any customer violating or permitting violations of the Company's rules and
regulations governing the introduction, supply and consumption of water will be notified thereof,
in writing. The notification of violation will be delivered by hand or by certified mail. If the
customer then fails or refuses to comply immediately with the order of the Company, the Company
may terminate the water service. The Company retains its right to recover all costs incurred
because of such violation and to report violations of law. Water service will not be restored until
the rule violation is corrected, satisfactory arrangements have been made to recover all costs
incurred as a result of the violation, and satisfactory assurance is given that future abuses will not
occur. In the case of persistent violation and disregard of the Company's rules, the service
attachment, corporation stop or ferrule, may be withdrawn from the distribution pipe and the
supply wholly discontinued.
1.01.3 Water Quality - The Company will meet all State and Federal standards and / or any other
applicable governmental laws and regulations for drinking water. However, the Company is not
and cannot be responsible for the quality of its product once such product leaves its system and
passes a point beyond its control.
The Company expressly reserves the right to disconnect, confiscate unauthorized devices, and / or
discontinue water service or any other connection with or without notice where the Company
discovers, finds or is otherwise made aware of any such installation that poses a threat to the public
water supply, public health or public safety.
1.01.4 Water Supply - The Company cannot guarantee a specific water pressure, quantity or an
uninterrupted supply of water. The supply will be as free from interruptions as is possible. The
supply and pressure in the public water system may be affected by main breaks, scheduled repairs,
alterations, additions, fire hydrant usage, variations in hydraulic performance and acts of God.
1.02 Application / Eligibility
1.02.1 Eligibility for Service - Except as permitted under Service Rule 1.07, a property is eligible for
water service only when it resides within Louisville Water’s retail service area and abuts a public
right-of-way, public water easement or other public utility easement within which a Company
water distribution main is located.
1.02.2 Application for Service - Applications for service attachments to distribution pipes must be made
by the owner of the premise to be served or by the owner's agent as authorized in writing. When
requested by the Company, the applicant must, as a prerequisite for the granting of the application,
provide proof of ownership or written authority to act as an agent for the owner, state fully and
truthfully all purposes for which the water is requested, provide the desired peak flow rate, , and
sign a required application for such service. Applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility
and may be denied. Examples of ineligibility may include, but are not limited to, reasonable
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
suspicion of identity theft, insufficient required paperwork or permits, noncompliance with
Louisville Water Service Rules and Regulations and / or inadequate hydraulic capacity.
1.02.3 Payment of Fees / Charges - Upon approval of an application, service will be scheduled upon
receipt of applicable fees and charges related to obtaining service and payment of all other
outstanding bills or charges from another address where service was provided and was the
responsibility of the applicant. Any additional charges or refund on accounts will be made to the
person or business named as account holder.
1.03 Retail Water Service
1.03.1 Service Installation - Upon proper application for its service, the Company shall furnish and install
(if not already present), at the applicant's expense, that portion of the service line from the
Company's distribution main to the applicant's property line or easement line including necessary
appurtenances. Installation of water service may occur at discretion of Chief Engineer. In addition
to the foregoing, the Company reserves the right regarding removing any unused services on the
premise, including but not limited to, the meter frame and cover and filling in the vault with sand
or crushed stone and cutting the service line at the main and turning the corporation stop off, all at
the applicant’s expense.
1.03.2 Plumbing Permits - Louisville Water's New Service Applications requires a Division of Plumbing
permit for each domestic and irrigation service to verify the intended structure is going through
the proper regulatory building channels. If an exemption has been granted, a completed Affidavit
for Farmstead Exemption Form must be provided at the time of application submittal. The service
will not be installed until the applicant obtains and submits copies of all necessary approvals and
permits from the local plumbing inspection office and health department. Plumbing permits may
be obtained from the following agencies:
Bullitt County Health Department (for property in Bullitt County)
State Department of Housing, Division of Plumbing (for property in Jefferson County)
Oldham County Health Department (for property in Oldham County)
1.03.3 Charge for Service - There shall be a flat service installation fee under typical construction
conditions for the following:
The Company may also establish service installation fees for other services as applicable. The
Company reserves the right to charge the actual costs of installation (e.g. rock, multi-lane roads,
LOJIC GIS data, staff time to process service application. etc.). If, in the judgment of the
Company, any water service line installation has unusual installation obstacles or shall be longer
than 100 feet, then such services will be installed on an actual cost basis.
The amount of the flat service installation fee is approved by the Board and shall be published as
the Louisville Water Company New Service Fee Schedule. Charges are determined from the
estimated average cost of installations based on service size.
¾” domestic or irrigation services 1” domestic or irrigation services
1½” domestic or irrigation services 2” domestic or irrigation services
1” two-way domestic service ¾” irrigation retrofit
1” irrigation retrofit 4” fire service
6” fire service
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
Services to critical customers such as, hospitals, dialysis facilities, surgical centers, schools,
nursing homes, and hotels shall be installed with isolation valves on either side of their service tap
on looped mains and provided with a secondary water supply grid-tie on dead ended mains.
Exceptions to this rule will be reviewed and approved by the Chief Engineer or designee.
Any service for which a service installation fee has not been established shall be installed on an
actual cost basis. The installation fee or deposit based on the estimated cost will be taken at the
time of application.
1.04 Types of Services Available
Unless specifically authorized in Rule 1.09, 1.15.4, 1.15.5, or 2.01.7, only one domestic, one fire
and one irrigation service shall be provided into a premise unless the Chief Engineer, or designee,
approves the customer's demonstrated need for additional service and appropriate backflow
prevention is installed as approved by the Company as required in Rule 2.01.1.
1.04.1 Domestic Service A domestic service is defined as a water service to provide water for potable
purposes. A domestic service shall be the only source used in filling swimming pools.
1.04.2 Fire Service A fire service is defined as a water service to provide water for fire protection or
firefighting purposes and it is not for potable use. Fire Services 4" and larger to supply sprinkler
systems and/or private hydrants must be a separate service attachment from the domestic service.
1.04.3 Irrigation Service An irrigation service is defined as a water service to provide water for irrigation
of vegetation, and frost proof yard hydrants. An irrigation service shall not be used as a source to
fill swimming pools or for any other sanitary or potable use and none of the water shall be
discharged into the sanitary sewer system. An irrigation service can be installed by performing a
separate tap of the water main or by separating the existing service line (<= 1domestic service)
into a domestic meter and an irrigation meter. Assuming the domestic service and the irrigation
service are utilized at different times, there will be no effect on the water pressure.
1.04.4 Combined Residential Domestic / Fire Service A combined residential domestic / fire service is
defined as a fire sprinkler system that complies with the most current version of NFPA 13R
combined with a domestic service for residential customers.
1.04.5 Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Service A combined commercial domestic / fire service
is defined as a commercial limited area fire sprinkler system that complies with the most current
version of NFPA 13R and 13D, combined with a domestic service for commercial customers.
1.04.6 Livestock Service A livestock service is defined as a water service to provide water to livestock
and other animals, poultry, etc. that are domesticated. A livestock service shall not be used as a
source to fill swimming pools or for any other sanitary or potable use and none of the water shall
be discharged into the sanitary sewer system. The private service piping for a livestock service
shall provide backflow protection in accordance with Louisville Water’s backflow prevention
standard.
1.04.7 Wholesale service A wholesale service is defined as a water service to provide water to a
customer for resales purposes, while in agreement with service rule 1.05.6, and 105.7.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.05 Location of Meter / Responsibility for Service
1.05.1 General - The Company shall own and maintain the water meter, meter vault and service line
from the water main to and including the meter assembly in the meter vault and the tailpiece
extending to the customer's property service connection. The customer shall own and maintain
the private service line between the property service connection and the premise. In addition, the
customer owns and maintains the union between the tail piece and the private service line.
All persons who are not Louisville Water employees or authorized contractors are prohibited from
accessing the meter vault and its contents including the meter and its appurtenances except in case
of an emergency shut off of the service. The Company may pursue legal action against anyone
illegally accessing its facilities, including the meter vaults.
Location of Meter / Service - Meters shall be generally installed in vaults located in the right-of-
way or public easement area as near as possible to the customer's property line or easement line.
Water service pipe and meters shall generally be installed so that the service pipe and meter are
perpendicular to the water main. Given this limitation, and except as set out below, the water
service pipe and meter installed by the Company shall be at a location agreed upon between the
Company and the applicant. Where service is installed, the location shall be as designated below
(in order of priority):
a. Location of previously installed service sleeve, or
b. For a corner lot, in the middle of the premise on the side of the property closest to the water
main (no stake card present and no previously installed service sleeve) unless customer has
agreed to pay for actual cost of installation, or
c. Location of private service lines installed prior to the meter / service installation (if no
previously installed service sleeve), or
d. Location of stake card, provided by the Company, attached to a stake, placed on site by the
applicant, or
e. The location marked on the service application (if no stake card present).
The cost of relocation of service pipes, vaults, and meters in a different location than the one
determined by the Company as set forth above shall be paid by the applicant.
It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to maintain the card and stake at the proper location,
if applicable, until the service pipe and meter vault are installed. Service installation is dependent
on site accessibility to the property. Assuring accessibility is the responsibility of the applicant.
The Company reserves the right to locate services without agreement where necessary. The
Customer is responsible to connect and maintain the service connection. The applicant shall
establish final grade at the location proposed for the meter vault prior to making application for
water service. The applicant shall be responsible for the cost of any grade adjustment of the meter
vault and/or service line that must be made after installation by the Company
Special Interior Meter Location - Where it is necessary to install an interior meter within a
customer's premise, ample and suitable space, free from exposure to frost, shall be furnished to the
Company by the owner of such premise wherein to set, read, and repair the meter. This space at
all times shall be accessible to the Company's employees, which shall be unobstructed by the
customer. Any damage incurred as a result of leakage within the customer's premise shall not be
the liability of the Company. Where a meter is located within the customer's premise, the customer
shall have available near the meter, facilities or equipment to drain or remove any water leakage
from the meter or Company facilities.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.05.2 Length of Service - Service lines greater than 100 feet in length from the main to the meter must
be approved by the Chief Engineer or designee.
1.05.3 Maximum Service Size - The maximum service size shall be one pipe size smaller than the main,
unless approved by the chief engineer or designee.
1.05.4 Customer / Applicant Obligation for Facilities - The applicant shall furnish and install the
necessary private service line from the property line or easement line to the place of consumption
and shall be responsible for the maintenance of the same.
1.05.5 Private Plumbing Facilities Maintenance Obligations - All premise owners, tenants, and customers
shall keep their private service lines, water shut-off valves, and other plumbing fixtures in good
repair and operating condition to preclude the public water supply from adverse risk or to prevent
any contamination of the public water supply.
1.05.6 Re-Sale of Water - Water delivered by the Company shall not be resold except as permitted by the
Company pursuant to a written agreement, including an application under Rule 1.06.3 to utilize a
fill station.
1.05.7 Use of Water - Water delivered by the Company shall not be used in any way that might conflict
with Company or governmental rules and regulations.
1.05.8 Enlargement and Relocation of Service Line - Customer will be required to pay for the installation
of a new service and the cost to discontinue the old service when the customer requests relocation
or enlargement of an existing service line.
1.05.9 All existing services within a development will be discontinued at the customer’s expense upon
new service installation to comply with Rule 1.04.
1.06 Meter Measurement Required of All Water Supplied
1.06.1 Meter Requirement - All water supplied by the Company shall be measured by meters installed
and maintained by the Company for that purpose. Louisville Water Company shall issue all meter
and service installation materials.
1.06.2 Unauthorized Water Usage - If it is determined that water is being used or taken without being
properly metered by a Louisville Water device or if an unauthorized bypass of a meter has been
installed, the Company, at its discretion, will bill the responsible customer for the estimated
amount of water usage. If the unauthorized water use continues or poses a threat to the safety of
the public water supply, the Company may disconnect, confiscate the unauthorized device, and
discontinue the water service to the premise as provided in Rule 1.13.2 with or without notice to
the customer. The Company reserves the right to prosecute water theft in addition to the above
actions.
1.06.3 Water Fill Stations - The Company may, at its option, provide fill stations to supply water to mobile
tanks. Those wishing to use such fill stations must pay via credit card at the fill station pump. Fill
stations must not be used for lawn chemical service, mobile vehicle washing or other activities
involving potentially toxic or hazardous materials due to the following, which includes but is not
limited to, potential hazards of back-siphonage and introduction of toxic or foreign materials into
public water system.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.07 Water Service Through Private Easement
1.07.1 Meter Application Criteria Upon application for water service the Company may allow such a
property to receive metered water service through a private service line installed within a private
water easement so long as the following criteria are met:
a. Where installation of a public water main is determined by the Company to not be in its best
interest.
b. The property does not front a publicly dedicated right-of-way or public water main extension.
c. The applicant obtains a letter from the appropriate fire district indicating that the fire protection
district has no objection to the installation of a domestic water service and service line to the
property in question, and that the installation of a public fire hydrant is not required.
d. The maximum length of the private water service line generally shall not exceed 1,000 linear
feet, measured from the Company's meter, and shall generally not exceed 50 feet in elevation
change from the Company’s meter to the structure unless system capabilities can support a
longer private service line of such a private water service installation or the applicant formally
commits to installation of private water service improvements as required to maintain adequate
pressure and flow.
e. The property proposed for service must have available to it a minimum 10 feet wide perpetual
private water service easement that permits the installation, maintenance, repair or replacement
of a private water line extending from a public water main to the benefited property. A copy
of the duly recorded easement document must be provided to the Company prior to application
for service. The easement shall be that form approved by the Company.
f. The property proposed for service must have a recorded declaration of restriction limiting
further development until it abuts a public right-of-way or it abuts a water main extension
within a publicly dedicated easement. A copy of the recorded declaration, in a form
satisfactory to the Company, must be provided to the Company prior to the application for
service.
1.07.2 Approval - Each written request for water service through a private easement will be reviewed on
a case-by-case basis and be subject to approval by the Chief Engineer or designee.
1.07.3 Failure to Comply Failure of the applicant to comply with the requirements set forth under
Section 1.07.1 as approved under Section 1.07.2 is subject to water service shut off or
discontinuance at the sole discretion of the Company with notice to the applicant.
1.08 Temporary Service / Meters
1.08.1 Application for Temporary Service - Upon proper application for a temporary service, the
Company may issue a temporary service account and a temporary meter service assembly for use
by the applicant in accordance with these rules. Applications for temporary services will not be
accepted for lawn chemical service, mobile vehicle washing or other activities involving
potentially toxic or hazardous materials due to the following, which includes but is not limited to,
potential hazards of back-siphonage and introduction of toxic or foreign materials into the public
water system. If the temporary service is used for fill tanks, vessels, or impoundments, the
customer must operate the temporary service with a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly back
flow prevention device or air gap between the temporary meter service assembly and the receiving
tank, vessel, or impoundment.
1.08.2 Temporary Account Period - Temporary service account permits may be issued for periods of up
to twelve months in length, and the Company may issue renewals upon expiration of the permit
period. At no time may a temporary service compromise the performance and safety of the public
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
water supply system. Therefore, a permit may be issued for shorter durations and may be
terminated prematurely if, in the judgment of the Company, the temporary service compromises
the public water supply system. All temporary service meters must be returned for testing and
maintenance at the end of the permit period.
1.08.3 Temporary Service Attachments - Upon approval by the Company, temporary services will be
attached only to existing services or fire hydrants. When a fire hydrant is utilized, the permit shall
be for only the fire hydrant specified by the attachment number on the application, and the
applicant shall give notice of use of that fire hydrant to the appropriate fire district. For certain
uses, such as road or pipeline construction, where more than one fire hydrant is involved, the
temporary service permit may be written to cover multiple fire hydrants. The hydrants to be used
must be specified by attachment numbers on the application. In case of multiple fire hydrants use,
exact locations and addresses are required, and the applicants shall give notice of use to the
appropriate fire districts. This will allow Louisville Water to inspect the fire hydrants for damages
and proper functionality. The Company reserves the right to bill the customer for repairs and
damages to any fire hydrants that are being utilized for the temporary service application.
1.08.4 Fees / Charges - Temporary services are subject to the following:
a. water service charge
b. daily service fee
c. deposit (partially refundable) covering the cost of the meter assembly
d. water consumption charge
e. damage fees for the temporary service meter assembly/ fire hydrant
f. Unreturned meter fee
g. Missing Read fee
The refundable deposit will be returned, less deductions for unbilled water consumption and any
damage to the meter assembly, fire hydrants, and / or appurtenances used, or any unpaid balance
on account.
1.08.5 Company Removal of Temporary Service - The Company reserves the right to suspend or
terminate temporary service permits and to remove, retrieve or confiscate a temporary service
meter assembly, when necessary to enforce Company service rules when it otherwise endangers
the public water supply, or for non-payment.
1.09 Multiple Unit Premises
1.09.1 General - Only one building shall be supplied with water from each service attachment, unless the
buildings to be supplied with water are on the same property and owned by the same entity which
shall be responsible for all water bills.
1.09.2 Multiple Units - Apartment houses, condominiums, patio homes, shopping strips, or other similar
structures owned by one entity, and each having their own distinct physical address, may have
separate service attachments. Each tenant will be responsible for their own water bill. Individual
service attachments may be supplied to each premise provided that each individual unit has a direct
perpendicular pathway to the public right-of-way or public easement that contains a water main.
Individual service connections will not be installed for premises above or below the ground floor.
1.09.3 Master Meters - Master Meters shall be permitted to supply water to multiple premises, tenants,
persons or structures providing the following criteria are met:
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
a. Buildings or structures front dedicated right-of-way, roadways, or Company easements in
which a public water main could be installed.
b. One person or entity will pay the water bill.
c. System Development Charge (SDC) will apply to all retail Master Meters.
d. The Master Meter application must meet the criteria outlined in Section 1.02.2.
e. The applicant must supply a site plan approved by the appropriate Fire Protection District.
f. Master Meters of 3 inches and larger shall be reviewed for approval by the Chief Engineer or
Designee.
g. SDC will not apply to Master Meters installed to supply Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW)
regulated water distributors.
h. Master Meter private piping will not cross any public water main and shall not be located closer
than five feet to a public water main other than the connection.
1.10 Customer's Shut Off Valve
Water customers, tenants or owners of premises into which service pipes have been introduced or
installed are forbidden to operate the Company's shut off valves. Louisville Water recommends
that customers, at their expense, install shut off valves on every service line located at the first
suitable point beyond the property or easement line. This shut off valve is to enable the owner,
tenant, or customer to turn off the water in case of accident to the pipes or water fixtures on the
premises.
1.11 Plumber License and Instructions
1.11.1 Plumbing Permit - Plumbers licensed under the laws of Kentucky, and with proper permits shall
install pipes and fixtures or make connections or repairs to facilities of water customers of the
Company and then only in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Company and all
applicable local and State plumbing codes.
1.11.2 Homeowner's Permit - Homeowners, with proper permits, may install pipes and fixtures or make
connections or repairs to facilities only on their own property and then only in accordance to the
rules and regulations of the Company and all applicable local and State plumbing codes.
1.11.3 On / Off Status of Service - Only Company representatives may change the status of a water
service attachment or service meter.
1.12 Risk of Loss / Liability
1.12.1 Loss, Damage, Injury - The Company will not be responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or
injury to the customer or third parties arising out of or relating to the introduction of its water
service onto a customer's premises.
1.12.2 Responsibility - Where the space beneath the sidewalk from the curb line to the property line has
been appropriated to private use, the piping fixtures and water conveyed therein, and any such
damage occasioned thereby, becomes the liability of such owner, occupant, tenant, or water
customer.
1.12.3 Before You Dig (BUD) - Kentucky 811 - Prior to excavating, all persons must comply with the
requirements of State and local law for locating and marking underground facilities. To reach
Kentucky 811 or BUD dial 811.
1.12.4 Damage to Company Facilities - In all cases where any Company facilities are broken, cut,
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
otherwise damaged or caused to leak by an act or omission performed by any third party, the
Company shall charge a fee, make a claim and pursue collection against the responsible party(ies)
for any and all actual costs for repairing and restoring the facility including, but not limited to, the
cost of physical repairs, flushing the water supply system, and chemical treatment.
1.13 Cancellation of Service
1.13.1 Cancellation by the Customer - When a customer wishes to cancel the water service account in
their name, it shall be the customer's responsibility to notify the Company at its office by oral or
written order to terminate such service. Only then will the customer be relieved of the
responsibility for any future charges for water used through such service.
1.13.2 Cancellation by the Company - The Company may terminate water service without notice if it
poses a threat to the safety of the public water supply or if it is received through an illegal and / or
unauthorized connection. The Company may terminate a water service with prior notice for
nonpayment of charges and fees.
1.13.3 Cancellation of Fire Service - In addition Fire Service accounts cannot be cancelled and water
turned off unless written permission is granted to the Company from the appropriate fire
department.
1.14 Account Responsibility
1.14.1 Customers receipt of water service from Louisville Water is subject to and governed by the terms
of these service rules and regulations. Customers receipt of such service further constitutes
customers acceptance of financial responsibility as outlined in these service rules and regulations
as well as the "Louisville Water Company Tariff, Rate Schedule, and Customer Fees and Charges".
By Providing your phone number for your Louisville Water account, you consent to receive
prerecorded calls and SMS messages containing information about your Louisville Water Service.
This can include, but not limited to: outages and disruption of service, field work, subsidies, billing
reminders, etc. Louisville Water will never sell your information or use your phone number for
any solicitation. You can opt out of the notification by contacting Louisville Water.
Receipt service requires:
a. LWC requires a valid and current social security number, Individual taxpayer Id number, or an
Employer Identification number
b. Applicant must have no delinquent balances on any account with Louisville Water
c. Service will not be established at properties in which the property owner has an unpaid balance.
d. LWC reserves the right to request documentation to establish service. Such documentation
includes but not limited to identification, credit worthiness, and right to possession of property.
Service Deposit A refundable Service Deposit approved by the Board of Water Works will be
charged to and may require payment prior to water service connection, or shown on the first billing
statement for all customers applying for residential, commercial or industrial water service who:
a. have had a previous account in bad debt or bankruptcy status; or
b have had a service disconnected due to non-payment within the last three years of service.
c have a Utility score below the threshold set by the customer service management team.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
The Service Deposit will only be refunded when:
a. a customer closes the account and a sufficient credit balance exists to cover the full amount or
a portion of the service deposit after the final billing of the account; or
b. the customer has paid their bill in a timely manner for three consecutive years.
1.14.2 Late Payment Fee Payment of bills are due monthly or bi-monthly by the end of the business
day on the due date displayed on the water bill. If a customer refuses or neglects to pay the bill by
the due date indicated, late fees approved by the Board of Water Works will be applied to the total
outstanding water balance and shall be immediately due and payable.
1.14.3 Delinquent Bills - If any consumer becomes delinquent in the payment of water bills, as set in the
preceding paragraph of this rule, the Company will, at its discretion and within the guidelines set
out below, turn off the water service at the premise(s) or any future premise, on which such
delinquency exists. The Company reserves the rights to refuse reconnection of service at such
premise(s) until the customer has fulfilled his obligations as herein set out.
1.14.4 Overdue Notice - Not less than twenty-one (21) days after the original billing, any customer who
has failed to pay the amount due shall be notified that the account is overdue, and setting forth a
day, not less than seven (7) days after the date of notification, water service will be turned off.
Immediate disconnection could result from broken payment arrangements, service found on, or
return payments.
1.14.5 Responsibility for Service Found On Usage - In cases where a service is found on unauthorized
(SFO), the owner will be held responsible. LWC will back bill up to 60 days for tenants who
request and qualify for service.
1.14.6 Account Consultation Officer- The President shall appoint one or more of the Company's
employees to act as Account Consultation Officer to hear concerns by customers relative to
disputed water bills.
1.14.7 Account Consultation- Promptly upon receipt of notice from any customer that a bill is disputed,
said customer shall be notified of the date of the Account Consultation which shall be held at the
offices of the Company. At this consultation the Consultation officer shall carefully consider all
of the evidence presented and, at the conclusion of the hearing, shall advise of the Company's final
determination as to the amount due. If for any reason, the Consultation officer is unable to render
a decision at the conclusion of the account consultation, he / she will mail the customer a written
notice of his / her decision as soon as possible. The Consultation officer shall have the authority
to reaffirm the amount owed, to excuse all or any part of the amount owed, or to refund or apply
credit to the account. The Consultation officer’s decision shall be the final decision of the
Company.
1.14.8 Shut Off After Account Consultation - If the decision of the Consultation officer is to the effect
that some amount is still owed to the Company, and that amount is not paid within seven (7) days
after either a decision of the Consultation officer at either the conclusion of the consultation or
receipt of written notice of the decision to the customer, the Company may turn off said customer's
service without further notice.
1.14.9 Notice of Shut Off and Non-Payment Fee Prior to turning off water service for non-payment, the
Company will attempt to contact customers through a final bill notice to the address listed on the
account and if possible through other means that may include a phone call, letter, email or text
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
(dependent on available customer information). If the customer’s payment is not received within
7 days of the due date the service could be scheduled for disconnection. The customer will be
charged a disconnect fee per premise on the account upon completion of the disconnection field
activity or before customer is reconnected.
1.14.10 Restoring Services In order to restore water service that has been turned off due to non-payment,
the customer must pay the full account balance including any fees prior to restoration. The
restoration of a property that has been KVC’d will take up to 7 to 10 business days.
1.14.11 Returned Check or Electronic Payment Fee - Should any check, chargeback, or electronic e-
payment received by the Company from a customer for water service be returned by the bank upon
which it was drawn, the Company will charge the customer the Board approved charge then in
effect, which, together with the full amount for which the payment was presented, must be paid
immediately or water service will be discontinued. In the event such water service is discontinued
because of this rule the water service will not be restored until the charges referred to in section
1.14.9 have been paid in addition to the charges imposed by this paragraph.
1.14.12 Combined Billing - Where more than one metered service serves a single premise, and
a. service pipes are not inter-connected within the customer’s premise, and
b. The entire consumption within the premise cannot be supplied by any one existing service, and
c. any one existing service cannot be enlarged to supply the full requirement of the premise
because of the capacity of the Company’s grid system, and
d. with prior approval by the Company the readings of the meters on these services may be
combined for computing the bill for water used at the premise.
If the premise is also billed for waste water volume that is based on total water consumption, this
combined meter reading will be used for computing the waste water volume charge. When waste
water volume charges are based on water consumption, the same meter reading calculation method
must be used in computing each charge on any one bill.
The foregoing provisions notwithstanding combined billing cannot be permitted if the charge for
water registered by one of the meters is exempt from the State Sales Tax while the charge for water
registered by a second such meter is not so exempt.
1.14.13 Fees for Activities and Services Performed by Company - Fees for activities and services
performed by the Company (including but not limited to shut-off and/or restore service, service
found on unauthorized (SFO), tampering fees, towing fees and leak detection) are approved
annually by the Board and are determined from the average actual costs of performing these
services. The Company may also establish fees for other services based on the actual cost of the
service and approval by the Board.
1.14.14 Cross Connection Control Charge - The Company may charge a fee for monitoring services to
prevent or minimize the risk of cross contamination to the public water supply pursuant to Rule
2.0.
1.14.15 Existing Service Activation Fee - When a water service is activated at an existing service location
other than for non-payment of water bill as outlined in 1.14.9, the Company will charge the
customer requesting the service activation the Board approved charge then in effect for activating
the service.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.14.16 Existing Service Deactivation Fee - When a water service is deactivated at an existing service
location other than for non-payment of water bill as outlined in 1.14.9, the Company may charge
the customer requesting the service deactivation the Board approved change then in effect for
deactivating the service.
1.14.17 Back billing and Billing Refunds In the event the Company determines accounts have had usage
but have not been billed or have been underbilled, the Company may bill retroactively for the
period identified as not being billed or being billed for less usage than actual. Back billing for
usage that was not billed or under billed will not exceed 2 years from the date the Company notifies
the customer. In the event of an over billing, the Company may issue refunds for up to two years
of overcharging less actual bills incurred. In situations involving sales tax or other extenuating
circumstance, refunds may be made up to four (4) years with approval of the Consultation officer
as described in 1.14.7. If data is not available for under billing or over billing, the Company may
estimate the amount to be debited or credited to the customer based on historical usage.
1.14.18 Elevated Service Charge: All customers receiving service at Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL) other
than elevation 660 feet mean sea level shall pay an elevated service charge as established by the
Board of Water Works and published in the tariff because service to those customers requires
additional energy transfers in the form of booster pumping or, in some cases, booster pumping
followed by pressure reduction.
1.14.19 Properties that have a history of many and/or large unpaid account balances may be determined to
be “at risk” properties by Louisville Water. Louisville Water may require services for such
properties to be in the name of the owner per property valuation administrator.
1.14.20 Billing dispute, zoning changes, or adjustment request must be received within 180 days of issue.
1.14.21 Louisville Water jointly invoices and receives payments for and on behalf of both Louisville
Water and Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). As such, Louisville Water
applies customer proceeds received in payment of the foregoing service to customer
accounts based on the proportionate percentage of the balance owed to Louisville Water
and the Metropolitan Sewer District according to the following schedule:
a. LW Other Charges (Non-Pay Fee, Returned Check Fee, etc.)
Over 120 days
b. Water (includes Temporary Service Surcharge), MSD Sewer Metered, MSD Drainage,
MSD Sewer Unmetered, Surcharge Contract, Oldham County, Bullitt County
Sanitation, Drainage
91-120 days
c. Water (includes Temporary Service Surcharge), MSD Sewer Metered, MSD Drainage,
MSD Sewer Unmetered, Surcharge Contract, Oldham County, Bullitt County
Sanitation, Drainage
61-90 days
d. Water (includes Temporary Service Surcharge), MSD Sewer Metered, MSD
Drainage, MSD Sewer Unmetered, Surcharge Contract, Oldham County, Bullitt
County Sanitation, Drainage
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
31-60 days
e. Water (includes Temporary Service Surcharge), MSD Sewer Metered, MSD Drainage,
MSD Sewer Unmetered, Surcharge Contract, Oldham County, Bullitt County
Sanitation, Drainage
Current Charges
f. Water (includes Temporary Service Surcharge), MSD Sewer Metered, MSD Drainage,
MSD Sewer Unmetered, Surcharge Contract, Oldham County, Bullitt County
Sanitation, Drainage, Payment of optional warranty, insurance or other service charges.
1.15 Fire Protection Services & Charges
1.15.1 General - Services for fire protection, standpipes, and automatic sprinklers will be installed at the
expense of the applicant.
1.15.2 Use of Fire Service - Persons or applicants desiring such services shall be granted them provided
the intended use is for preventing or extinguishing fires or testing the fire protection system and
shall not be used as a potable water supply. In the event of any unauthorized use, the Company,
at its option, may discontinue the service or services or install meters, with prior notice, at the
expense of the customer, to control the entire flow on such services. Should water be used for any
other purpose, such usage will be billed at the established retail water rates.
1.15.3 Fire Service Charges - The charges for fire protection service will be made in accordance with the
"Louisville Water Company Tariff, Rate Schedule, and Customer Fees and Charges" and will be
billed monthly or as the Company may hereafter designate. The charge for water used, estimated
from the meter registration, will be billed in addition to the scheduled monthly service charge at
the established water rates without application of the minimum bill or allowable use. Water used
for extinguishing fires or testing the fire protection system will not be billed provided a certificate
of such use from a fire insurance underwriter or the fire department is submitted to the Company.
Fire services will continue to be billed to the owner per PVA, unless the service is discontinued in
accordance with 1.13.3. Unpaid fire service charges may result in a lien on the property.
1.15.4 Combined Residential Domestic / Fire Services Residential customers may install a fire
protection sprinkler system in combination with their domestic service provided:
a. Sprinkler system complies with the most current version of NFPA 13D.
b. All private plumbing complies with State and local plumbing codes.
c. A Double Check Valve assembly (A.S.S.E. 1015) or a RPZ assembly (A.S.S.E. 1013) is
installed in accordance with 2.01.4.
d. The domestic / fire service provides potable water to residential single-family or duplex
dwellings only.
e. Designation of Combined Residential Domestic / Fire Service must be made at the time of
application for water service to receive consideration for billing as outlined in 1.15.3.
f. The residential domestic / fire service shall not exceed 1 1/2-inch in nominal size.
g. No hydrants, public or private, are permitted to be connected to residential domestic / fire
private service lines, plumbing or piping.
h. Any variance to the requirements of this section must be approved by the Company’s Chief
Engineer or designee.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
1.15.5 Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Services - Commercial customers may install a limited
area fire protection sprinkler system in combination with their domestic service provided:
a. All private plumbing complies with State and local plumbing codes.
b. Fire sprinklers installed by a Plumbing Contractor, as required in the NFPA 13R and 13D, or
a limited area sprinkler system installed by others will have a branch line serving a sprinkler
head, or heads, from an interior, domestic supply line with a Double Check Valve assembly
(A.S.S.E. 1015) or a RPZ assembly (A.S.S. E. 1013) located on the branch line as close as
practical to the supply line tee.
c. Shutoff valves on the backflow prevention device must be supervised in the open position.
d. The installing party is responsible for sizing the water service line and meter to adequately
supply the fire demand and domestic requirements.
e. Designation of Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Services must be made at the time of
application for water service or prior to installation of the limited area fire sprinkler system to
receive consideration for billing as outlined in 1.15.3.
f. No hydrants, public or private, are permitted to be connected to the commercial domestic / fire
service private service lines between the meter vault and the interior of the building.
g. Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Services may only be installed on commercial
domestic services that are a nominal size of 1-inch, 1½-inch and 2-inch.
h. Any variance to the requirements of this section must be approved by the Company’s Chief
Engineer or designee.
1.16 Estimating of Consumption
1.16.1 Estimated Bill - In the event a Company representative or hired contractor representing Louisville
Water is unable to obtain a read from a customer meter for any reason, the Company will calculate
an estimate of the consumption registered by that meter since the date the meter was last read. The
customer will receive a bill calculated on the estimated consumption. The bill will be treated by
the Company as if the reading of the meter had actually been determined visually or electronically.
The Company will make every effort to ensure that a customer’s water consumption is not
estimated for more than two consecutive bills when the consumption estimation is due to issues
that are Louisville Water’s responsibility to correct. Examples of situations that prevent Louisville
Water from reading the meter include, but are not necessarily limited to, mud in the vault, dial
maintenance, or a service that needs to be raised. When consumption estimation is caused by
issues outside Louisville Water’s control and reasonably within the customer’s control, the
Company will attempt to contact the customer to explain the need to access the meter and that bills
will be estimated until the issue(s) is resolved. Examples of situations that prevent Louisville
Water from reading the meter but are outside of Louisville Water’s control would include, but are
not limited to, construction, parked car, brush over the meter vault, vicious animal(s), or other
obstructions.
1.16.2 Inaccurate Meter - When a meter is found to be inoperative and does not correctly register the
amount of water passing through it, the Company will calculate an estimate of the consumption
registered by the meter since the date of the last accurate meter reading and prepare a bill based on
the estimated usage. The bill will be treated by the Company as if the meter had been correctly
registering the water usage.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
2.0 CROSS CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION
Backflow Prevention Backflow prevention is required to protect the public water supply from
contamination. All costs associated with the Cross Connection Control program including the
installation, maintenance, testing and monitoring of the backflow prevention device are the
responsibility of the customer. The Company requires a test on initial installation and annually
thereafter. The backflow prevention device test report must be submitted to the Company Cross
Connection Control Department.
2.01 Backflow Prevention, Foreign Supplies, Existing Water Service, and Dual Service Supplies
2.01.1 Backflow Testing - A Company-recognized certified technician must test the backflow device and
submit test results to the Cross Connection Control Office for Company records. A Company-
recognized certified technician is one who has completed and passed a backflow prevention
training course presented by
University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic
Research,
American Backflow Prevention Association,
University of Florida Training, Research, Education, Environment, Occupation (TREEO)
Center,
Local Plumbers and Pipefitters #502,
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association,
Bluegrass Cross Connection Control Association,
Jefferson Community and Technical College,
or another training course if the certified technician provides training documentation and proof
of completion to the Company Cross Connection Control Office that, in the decision of the
Company, meets the requirements set forth for the previous Company-recognized backflow
prevention training programs.
The Company will provide a notice once a year to the customer that the backflow device on the
service line is required to be tested.
2.01.2.1 The following are the Company-approved backflow prevention assembly requirements:
a. RPZ valve assembly (A.S.S.E. 1013); Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) valve assembly
(A.S.S.E. 1020); Double Check (DC) valve assembly (A.S.S.E. 1015); Physical air-gap of not
less than 6 inches or 2 times the feed pipe diameter, whichever is greater.
b. All assemblies must be installed to meet or exceed manufacture’s recommendations.
c. All commercial and industrial water services shall be required to have a (RPZ) valve assembly.
d. All irrigation services shall be required to have a RPZ or a (PVB) valve assembly
e. Apartment buildings and multi-family structures that are served with one metered service that
are three-plex or greater shall be required to have a (DC) valve assembly.
f. All RPZ or DC valve assemblies installed on the domestic water service line as a main
containment device shall be required to have a strainer before the backflow device. The
strainer must be FDA approved for potable water.
g. Where a by-pass has been installed around a main containment device, a backflow preventer
must be installed on the by-pass. The by-pass backflow device shall be equivalent to the type
required on the main service.
h. Any customer that utilizes a booster pump must install a RPZ valve assembly before the pump
.
i. All livestock services shall have a DC or RPZ valve assembly as required by the Company.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
2.01.3 Existing Water Service Commercial customers with an existing water service that poses a hazard
to the public water supply or that are re-plumbing their water service must install, at owner’s
expense, a Company approved backflow prevention device. A site visit by company staff may also
be utilized in the process of identifying customers that are required to have backflow prevention.
The customer may be contacted by letter that indicates the Company does not have a record of a
backflow prevention device located at the premises. The customer will be given a time frame by
the Company to complete the work and to send the test results to the Cross Connection Control
Office.
2.01.4 Fire Service Backflow Protection Backflow protection devices will be installed in accordance
with the following unless otherwise specified under 1.15.4, 1.15.5, or 2.01.1.
a. Any fire protection system will have a detector check valve installed by the Company at the
property line. A (DC) valve assembly is required to be installed by the contractor on the
customer’s property.
b. Any fire protection system that presents a hazard to the public water supply shall be required
to have a RPZ valve assembly. This includes system with:
A fire pump (requires approval by the Chief Engineer or designee)
A chemical fire protection system
Any other source of water. i.e. holding tank
Or any condition that presents a health related risk to the public drinking water supply
2.01.5 Combined Residential Domestic / Fire Service and Combined Commercial Domestic / Fire Service
Any private fire sprinkler system that is served by the domestic water piping (typically residential
and small commercial use), shall be required to have a DC or RPZ valve assembly installed on the
domestic water branch serving the fire sprinkler heads.
2.01.6 Foreign Supplies Whenever a customer utilizes a well, cistern, or other water source for
emergency backup to the Company water supply, the internal piping must be separated from the
Company supply by a RPZ valve assembly or a physical air-gap
2.01.7 Dual Services Where dual service supplies are deemed necessary and are approved by the
Company’s Chief Engineer or designee, the private service lines serving water from the
Company’s public water supply system must be protected by a RPZ valve assembly. A dual
service is specifically defined as two or more of the same type of service connections (domestic,
fire, irrigation, etc.) as set forth under 1.04 from the public water supply to a common structure.
2.01.8 All private containers that store water (including fountains, swimming Pools, aquariums and other
water storage but excluding water heaters) must be constructed so that the inlet water supply
serving the installation must be separated from the Company supply by a RPZ assembly or a
physical air-gap
2.01.9 Right to Inspect Louisville Water reserves the right to inspect all private plumbing for those water
services described in Rule 2.01.1 to verify compliance with the requirements of Rule 2.012 during
normal business hours or as arranged with the customer by Louisville Water
2.01.10 Failure to Comply Failure to comply with any of the cross connection control rules set forth in
this section will result in the water being turned off at the discretion of the Company, with notice.
The private service lines must be inspected and approved by the Cross Connection Control Office
before the water supply will be restored.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
2.01.11 Exceptions Variances to the requirement set forth under Section 2.0 CROSS CONNECTION
CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION must be approved by the Chief Engineer or
designee.
3.0 WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS FOR RETAIL SERVICE AREA
3.01 General Policy for Extensions
3.01.1 General - The Company will extend water mains upon proper application to serve an applicant, a
customer, or customers, within its retail service area, provided that, in the sole opinion of the
Company, the extension is feasible, practical, adheres to good operating practice, where such
extension will not affect the adequacy, quality, pressure or quantity of service to existing customers
and will not otherwise impair the service or financial structure of the Company. Extensions will
be in accordance with the service rules and with the express approval of the Board of Water Works
except that the President, Chief Engineer, or designee may approve extensions which comply with
these rules where the contract cost to the Company does not exceed the then current contract
authorization level delegated to staff.
3.01.2 Extension Methods - There are recognized methods of extending mains depending on the
circumstances:
a. Tapping Fee Method,
b. Refunding Method,
c. Two-Thirds Majority Method,
d. Apportionment Warrant Method, and
e. Rebating Method.
3.01.3 Extension Approval - No application for a water main extension shall be construed as binding
upon the Company until it has been approved as provided herein and signed by the Chief Engineer
or designee. Any deposit made with an application shall not be construed as an acceptance thereof;
and the Company expressly reserves the right to return said deposit at any time prior to its
acceptance and approval less expenses incurred by the Company on said application as
hereinabove set out.
3.01.4 Compliance with Applicable Rules and Regulations; Contract Required - No application for water
main extensions shall be approved by the Company until the applicant has entered into a contract
with the Company and has furnished satisfactory evidence of full compliance with all pertinent
laws, rules, and regulations, including providing an approved plat of any proposed subdivisions
together with construction plans, waste water drawings, and fire protection district approved fire
hydrant location plans.
3.01.5 “Tap” Defined - For the purposes of Service Rule 3, a tap is defined as a separately metered and
billed service connection. An extension of the water main by the Company or a third party shall
not be considered as a tap.
3.01.6 Company Extensions - The Company, acting on its own motion, may install mains, which in its
opinion are needed. Upon application, service connections may be made thereto, with the payment
of the applicable tapping fee at the time the main was installed.
3.01.7 Minimum Extension Length - The minimum length of a water main extension shall be to the far
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
property line for properties with public right-of-way or public water easement frontage 100 feet in
width or less, and to the midpoint of the property for properties with public right-of-way or public
water easement frontage greater than 100 feet in width.
3.01.8 Ownership / Control - After the installation of an approved extension, the extension shall become
the sole property, and be under the exclusive control and management of the Company, and the
Company shall have the right to make further extensions or to make connections thereto for other
extensions, for itself, and for other parties who may make proper application, all without the
consent or compensation (except where required by contract) of the applicant for whom the
original extension was made.
3.01.9 Main Extension Routing- The initial main extension to serve a new development shall be routed
through the development’s primary entrance, unless alternative routing is approved by the Chief
Engineer.
3.01.10 Rights-of-Way and Easements - No application for water main extension will be approved until or
unless the streets or roadways or other public easements in which they are to be installed have been
shown on a final subdivision plat intended for public dedication or easement and recordation or
legally dedicated to public use in compliance with the pertinent statutes, ordinances, rules and
regulations of the appropriate public agency, or accepted as dedicated public ways by
municipalities, County Fiscal Courts, Metro Councils or State agencies by recorded deeds, or
easement granted to the Company by the applicant, or easements are obtained for the Company
and such dedication or easement permits installation of public water service facilities. Where
mains are installed based on a final subdivision plat and the plat is subsequently changed, the
Company retains its right to recover from the developer any damages or costs incurred as a result
of such plat changes and the Company retains its right to require the developer to procure and
provide to the Company, at the developers sole cost and expense, any easements specified by the
Company for the main extensions and future main extensions.
3.01.11 Street Grade Restriction - The Company reserves the right to refuse to install or accept a water line
unless the final grade of the street has been established in accordance with government regulations.
In the event that the grade of the street changes after the water main is constructed, Louisville
Water reserves the right to not accept the water main.
3.01.12 Size of Water Main In order to meet the water flow requirements set forth under the current Fire
Hydrant Ordinances (Bullitt County, Louisville Metro, and Oldham County) and for public water
supply operational needs, minimum pipe diameters are established as follows based upon the type
of development: residential 8-inch; commercial 12-inch; industrial 16-inch. Exceptions may be
approved by the Chief Engineer.
3.01.13 Betterment - The Company may install a pipe line of larger size than is required for service to the
applicant. In this event, the total project cost entering into the computing of the deposit and cost
to the applicant shall be on the basis of that required to install the size pipe required for service to
the applicant in accordance with all State and local requirements. The Company will bear the
incremental cost of materials associated with upsizing the mains up to and including 12 inches in
diameter. The applicant will bear the full cost for installations, labor, and rock excavation
associated with upsizing the mains up to and including 12 inches in diameter water mains. For
mains being upsized to larger than 12 inches in diameter, the Company will bear the incremental
cost of material, installation, labor and rock excavation associated with upsizing the water main.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
This applies to all main extension methods.
3.01.14 Cost of Fire Hydrants - The cost of the water main extension shall include the cost of the fire
hydrants if such are required by the governing authority or local laws and regulations.
3.01.15 Elevated Service Area - If the request for water main extension cannot be approved because it is
in an elevated area requiring high pressure such that the distribution mains that would normally
serve the area cannot provide pressure for adequate service (minimum 40 psi) the Company may,
at its sole option, require a pumping station and / or storage tank as a part of the main extension
project at the applicant / developer's cost.
3.01.16 One Hundred Lot Rule Water main extensions shall be equipped with a sufficient number of
valves so located that breakage or other interruption will not cause the shutdown of any substantial
portion of a main. At such time that 100 building permits have been issued for construction in a
subdivision development, a second water main into the development will be required to provide
water to the development as a secondary supply and shall be so located that breakage or other
interruption will not cause the shutdown of any substantial portion of the development. (Louisville
Metro Ordinance No. 187-2003). Subsequent water main grid-ties will be required with each
incremental 100 building permits issued in said subdivision.
Similarly, apartments or multi-unit premises exceeding 100 units will be required to have a
secondary water main supply. In situations where an apartment or multi-unit premises exceeding
100 units is supplied by a master meter, the public water main providing the master meter supply
shall be looped to provide two-way feed and sufficient valves to allow water to be supplied from
either direction.
3.02 Developer Tapping Fee Extension Method
3.02.1 Cost of Extension - When the request for a water main extension requires, at the sole decision of
the Company, installation of supply mains not located within the area to be served, the extension
applicant (including, but not limited to developers) shall pay the Company for the cost of
installation including, but not limited to charges and costs for labor, material, easements,
equipment, and engineering services for such system improvement. The applicant shall deposit
with the Company a check, or a certified irrevocable letter of credit from an institution on the
Company's list of approved institutions, equal in amount to the Company's estimated cost. Such
initial deposit, once accepted by the Company, shall not be subsequently substituted with another
form of payment. This deposit shall be made in advance of construction and, upon completion of
the work, final payment and / or refund shall be adjusted to the actual cost incurred by the
Company.
3.02.2 Design Standards - All main extensions installed by third parties pursuant to this rule shall be
constructed in accordance with Company design and construction specifications and inspected by
Company. The Company shall determine the size of water mains to be installed and payment for
the installation of the main shall be as stated in Rule 3.01.12.
3.02.3 Collection and Payment of Tapping Fees - An extension applicant may charge other applicants
wishing to receive water service along the tapping fee main extension a "tapping fee" as may be
authorized by the Company for the privilege of tapping said main extension for the purpose of
installing service connections to supply water to the property abutting. This tapping fee shall be
established at the time the main extension application is approved and should represent a fair
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
proportion of the cost of the main extension, in accordance with the regular Schedule of Tapping
Fees in effect at the date of acceptance of application for main extension, unless a higher amount
is approved by the Board of Water Works. The sum or sums, when approved by the Company,
shall be paid by the other water service applicants to the Company. The Company, after making
a record of same, shall annually pay such approved sum or sums to the applicant installing the
main extension or its assignee.
3.02.4 Waived Tapping Fee Privileges - The applicant, by written notice to the Company, shall have the
right to waive the tapping fees, in full or in part, to any person or persons including the applicant
itself. However, any or all tapping fees waived shall be considered by the Company as counting
toward the installation costs paid by the applicant and therefore, having been received and remitted
to the applicant and included in the total for the purpose of determining whether or not the applicant
has been refunded his installation costs.
3.02.5 Recovery Period - If within 20 years of the date the water main is placed in service, the aggregate
amount of tapping fees charged equals the amount paid by the extension applicant for the
construction of the main extension or improvement, without interest, then no further tapping fee
charges shall be collected and refunded to the extension applicant.
If the cost of installing the main is not fully recovered by the extension applicant within 20 years
from the date the main is placed in service, the right of the applicant to receive tapping fees from
third parties for the privilege of tapping said main cease 20 years after the date of installation of
the tapping fee main extension.
3.02.6 Acquired or Merged Systems - Customers to be served through systems acquired by or merged
with the Company shall continue to receive tapping fees as set out in the contract for installation
as of the date system is acquired or merged. All tapping fees for mains installed or under contract
after the date of acquisition are governed by the subsections of this rule.
3.03 Refunding of Installation Cost Extension Method
3.03.1 Application - When the request for a water main extension relates to a new development the
applicant/developer wishing to have the water main extended has the following options upon
depositing with the Company, either by check or an irrevocable letter of credit from an institution
on the Company's list of approved institutions, an amount equal to the estimated costs, as
determined by the Company, of any labor, material, equipment, easements and engineering
services:
a. entering into a contract with the Company for the Company to undertake all design and
installation work with reference thereto, or
b. entering into a contract with the Company permitting the developer to contract with a Company
prequalified installation contractor for the main extension installation work to be performed in
accordance with Company specifications and subject to Company inspection.
Upon completion of installation of the main extension, under either method, the actual cost
incurred by the Company shall be determined. If the actual cost is found to be less than the amount
deposited, the excess amount shall be refunded to the applicant. If the actual cost is determined to
be more than the amount deposited, then a supplemental bill shall be rendered to the applicant for
payment within 30 days.
The entire cost of fire hydrant installations shall be borne by the applicant/developer. The
applicant/developer's actual cost of the project shall be established as the maximum refund amount
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
permitted herein.
3.03.2 Refund for Projects Utilizing 5/8 x ¾” Services or with Confirmed Sizing for Larger Services -
After the project has been completed and placed in service, the Company shall refund to the
applicant/developer the present value for each 5/8 x ¾” domestic service connection projected to
be in active service upon the ten-year anniversary of completion of the main extension. Refunds
for domestic services larger than 5/8 x ¾” are based upon the equivalent unit of the service size
as compared to the 5/8 x ¾” and must be based on firm construction plans of the development
showing the building design and size of the water service at the time the Refunding Contract is
executed. If the construction plans are not finalized and/or the size(s) of the water service(s) larger
than 5/8 x ¾” are not defined at the time the Refunding Contract is executed, the refunding method
shall follow the procedure outlined in section 3.03.3.
a. Refund Schedule The refund amount shall be determined by the amounts shown on the table
below, based on the billing size of the domestic water service to be connected to the main for
which the applicant/developer advanced funds for construction:
Billing
Service Size
Annual Refund Amount
5/8" x 3/4"
$ 26.50
1"
$ 44.00
1 1/2"
$ 88.00
2"
$ 141.00
.
3"
$ 276.00
4"
$ 442.00
6"
$ 883.00
b. Refunding Period Refunds shall be made one time within 120 days of closing out the contract
and Louisville Water’s acceptance of the water main. The period for the refunding calculation
shall be ten years.
c. Refunding Calculation The refunding calculation shall be based on a projection that 90% of
building lots will have active water services upon the ten-year anniversary of project
completion. The build-out projection shall be 15% in year 1 and shall increase an incremental
15% in each subsequent year through year 5; i.e., active services are assumed to be in place on
75% of lots on the 5th anniversary of project close-out. In years 6-10, it is assumed that an
incremental 3% of lots per year will obtain active water services such that 90% of all lots will
be served by year 10. The refund shall be the calculated based on the present value of the sum
of the annual refund amounts. An annual discount interest rate of five percent (5%) will be
used in the computation. The annual refund for a 5/8 x ¾” service is calculated by taking the
annual residential revenue from water sold from all Louisville Water residential customers
divided by the number of residential customers times 10 percent. This value will be adjusted
every 5 years (i.e., 2017, 2022, etc.) based on the previous 5-year average of the annual
residential revenue from water sold divided by the number of residential customers times 10
percent. The Refunding amount based on the previous 5 years (2012-2016) is $26.50. Refunds
for services larger than 5/8 x ¾” are based upon the equivalent unit of the service size as
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
compared to the 5/8 x ¾” and must be based on firm construction plans of the development
showing the building design and size of the water service.
The refunding calculation shall be performed in accordance with the following present value
formula:
Refund = (A x N
1
) + (A x N
2
)
/
(1+ i)
n2-1
+
(A x N
3
) / (1+ i)
n3-1
…. (A x N
10
)
/
(1+ i)
n10-1
A = Applicable Annual Refund Amount
N = Number of Projected Active Domestic Services by Size in Year 1-10
n = Year 1-10
i = Annual Discount Rate
d. Upon payment of the refund, the Company’s refunding obligation to the applicant/developer
shall be fulfilled. In no event shall the refund be greater than the cost of the main extension
without interest. Service installation costs will not be included in determining the cost of the
main extension. Louisville Water has the right to offset any outstanding balance owed by
applicant/developer for the project by any refund due the applicant/developer.
3.03.3 Refund for Projects Utilizing Unconfirmed Size(s) of Services Greater than 5/8 x ¾” - If firm
construction plans and/or if the size(s) of domestic water service(s) greater than 5/8 x ¾” are not
available at the time the Refunding Contract is executed, the refunding amount will be based on
the present value of each domestic service connection in active service on the main extension in
accordance with the following:
a. Refund schedule The refund amount shall be determined by the amounts shown on the table
included in section 3.03.2 (a), based on the billing size of the water service for each active
domestic service actually connected to the main for which the applicant/developer advanced
funds for construction and for which a minimum bill is being collected on the 2- year in-service
anniversary date.
b. Refunding Period Refunds shall be made one time within 120 days after the main’s 2-year
in-service anniversary date. The period for the refunding calculation shall be ten years.
c. Refunding Calculation The refund shall be calculated based on the present value of the annual
refund amount of each active domestic service actually connected to the main on the
2-year in-service anniversary date, for which the applicant/developer advanced funds for
construction and for which a minimum bill is currently being collected, which is to be
discounted for a tenyear period at an annual discount rate of five percent (5%).
The refunding calculation shall be performed in accordance with the following present value
formula:
Refund = ((Σ(A x N))
*
[((1+ i)
n
1)/(i
*
(1+ i)
n
)])
A = Applicable Annual Refund Amount
N = Number of Active Domestic Services by Size
n = Refunding Period in Years
i = Annual Discount Rate
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
d. Upon payment of the refund, the Company’s refunding obligation to the applicant/developer
shall be fulfilled. In no event shall the refund be greater than the cost of the main extension,
without interest. Service installation costs will not be included in determining the cost of the
main extension. Louisville Water has the right to offset any outstanding balance owed by
applicant/developer for the project by any refund due the applicant/developer.
3.04 Two-Thirds Majority Tapping Fee Extension Method
3.04.1 Application - The Two-Thirds Majority Tapping Fee Extension Method is available to property
owners meeting all of the following criteria:
a. Ownership of their property is in fee simple;
b. Property is located partially in or entirely in the Company’s retail service area as determined
by the presiding county’s property valuation administrator (PVA);
c. The property must be located along a publicly dedicated right of way or an access easement
where the water main will be installed to serve the applicants.
d. There is no water main extension to the property along a publicly dedicated right-of-way or a
Company easement; and
e. The frontage length of the property along the publicly dedicated right-of-way or access
easement is the same as it was on or before December 31, 2002.
3.04.2 Cost of Extension The extension applicant including, but not limited to property owner(s) or
designee(s) shall pay the Company for the cost of installation including, but not limited to charges
and costs for labor, material, easements, equipment, and engineering services for such system
improvement. When the request for a water main extension requires installation or enlargement of
supply main(s) not located within the area to be served, the extension applicant (including but not
limited to property owners, the Company and assignees) shall pay the Company for the cost of
installation including, but not limited to charges and costs for labor, material, easements,
equipment, and engineering services for such system improvement.
3.04.3 Design and Construction Standards All main extensions installed by third parties pursuant to this
rule shall be designed in accordance with Company design criteria, construction specifications and
standard drawings, constructed by an approved vendor or contractor prequalified by the Company,
and inspected by the Company or its representative. The Company shall determine the size of
water mains to be installed
3.04.4 Tapping Fee Each premise’s share of the cost shall be established by a distribution of the total
actual costs of the main extension, including but not limited to charges and costs for labor, material,
easements, equipment, and engineering services for such system improvement. The equitable share
shall be determined by distributing the total actual cost on an equal basis to the number of improved
premises to be served by the extension. This tapping fee shall be established at the time the main
extension application is approved and should represent a fair proportion of the cost of the main
extension.
For the purposes of this rule, an improved premise shall be defined as each separately deeded tract
having improvements that result in a residence, place of business, or industrial installation
requiring day-to-day domestic water service. At the election of the property owner, the property
owner of an unimproved tract may decide to be a participating premise. This premise will be
included in the number of improved premises to be served by the extension, therefore being
included in the majority determination for that main extension. If that majority determination is
greater than two-thirds, the premise will pay a tapping fee upon application for service. The
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
tapping fee will be an equitable share as determined by the method defined in this section for the
main extension serving the unimproved tract.
Minimum Participation A minimum of two-thirds of the improved premises must agree to the
water main extension and execute an agreement with the Company agreeing to pay their tapping
fee as outlined in Rule 3.04.4 in order for the project to be initiated by the Company.
3.04.5 Payment Method Upon completion of the main extension, applicants for water service shall pay
the established tapping fee or make payment arrangements with the Company.
3.04.6 Subsequent Connections Subsequent connections may be made on the same terms as the original
applicants until such time as the cost of the main extension is paid. This tapping fee shall be the
same as established for the original applicants in section 4.0 Tapping Fees.
3.04.7 Recovery Period - Tapping fees for additional service connections to the main may be collected
by the Company until such time as the Company recovers the cost of the extension without interest,
or a maximum of twenty (20) years after the date the main is placed in-service, whichever is earlier.
3.04.8 Subsequent Extensions The tapping fee in effect for each two-thirds tapping fee main extension
shall not apply to customers taking service from a subsequent extension of the initial main
extension regardless of the extension method of the subsequent main extension.
3.05 Apportionment Warrant Extension Method (KRS 96.265)
3.05.1 General - When the request for the extension is in the form of a petition signed by a majority of
property owners in an unserved area of Jefferson County as contemplated under Section 96.265 of
the Kentucky Revised Statutes, the Company will institute proceedings as set forth therein. Such
extension must be recommended by the Board of Water Works and authorized by the appropriate
legislative body with the cost to be apportioned among the benefited properties. When the
extension is completed, apportionment warrants, payable either immediately or over a Board
designated period bearing interest as set forth therein, are issued and a lien filed against each parcel
of property to which service is available from the extension, regardless of whether service is taken.
Property owners interested in pursuing the apportionment warrant extension method should
familiarize themselves with KRS 96.265 prior to soliciting signatures on the petition.
3.05.2 Apportionment Warrant Tapping Fees - Whenever a water main is extended through the
Apportionment Warrant Extension Method, the Company may collect tapping fees as set out in
these rules for additional service connections to the main after the original apportionment warrants
have been issued, until such time as the Company recovers the cost of the extension, or a maximum
of twenty (20) years after the date the main is placed in service, whichever is earlier.
3.05.3 Extension by Private Agreement - KRS 96.265(11) also provides for main extensions by private
agreement with owners of lots or tracts. Under such agreement the Company also obtains a superior
lien against the lot or tract in an amount equal to the equivalent share per lot or tract.
3.06 Rebating Tapping Fee Extension Method
3.06.1 Application The Company may allow a water main extension along an existing publicly
dedicated right-of-way or a private road utilizing a Rebating Tapping Fee Contract when the
following are completed:
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
a. applicant(s) owns parcel(s) with frontage along such right-of-way or road on which the
applicant(s) reside or conduct an established business,
b. applicant(s) agree(s) to pay the Company for the cost of installation including, but not limited
to charges and costs of labor, material, easements, equipment, and engineering services for
such system improvement, and
c. applicant(s) executes a Rebating Tapping Fee Contract with the Company for such extension
of a publicly held water main which:
i. commits to the applicant’s agreement to take water service within six (6) months of the
main being placed into service, and
ii. either payment of an equitable share of cost or executing a promissory note and mortgage
against said parcel in the amount of an equitable share of cost.
3.06.2 Equitable Share of Cost The total actual cost of the main extension divided by the total number
of applicant(s) shall be the equitable share of cost.
3.06.3 Collection of Tapping Fees Other applicants wishing to receive water service along the Rebating
Tapping Fee Main Extension shall pay a tapping fee which is equal to the equitable share of cost
established at the time the main extension is completed. The Company shall make record of the
collection of such tapping fees to said main extension.
3.06.4 Rebating of Tapping Fees Once each calendar year, the Company shall rebate tapping fees
collected in excess of the total actual cost of the main extension in a proportionate amount to each
customer with an active service connected to the Rebating Tapping Fee Main Extension. Such
rebate tapping fees collected in excess of the total actual cost of the main extension will be
distributed on an equal basis to those customers. For the purpose of this rule the total of rebate
tapping fees collected in excess of the total actual cost of the main extension shall be divided by
the total number of customers with active services connected to the Rebating Tapping Fee Main
Extension. Tapping Fee rebates are to run with the ownership of the land and in the event the
original customer moves away from the address where the tapping fee was paid, future rebates will
be forwarded to the current property owner.
3.06.5 Recovery Period Upon 20 years from the date the water main is placed in service, the tapping
fee shall cease to be collected for any additional services connected to the Rebating Tapping Fee
Main Extension. The last rebating of tapping fees as described in Rule 3.06.4 shall occur within
one calendar year from the date the tapping fees cease to be collected.
3.07 System Development Charge Rule
3.07.1 General - All new water service connections (defined as a new tap on a water main) shall carry
with them, in addition to any other applicable charges set forth in these service rules and
regulations, a System Development Charge (SDC) in an amount prescribed by the Board of Water
Works as in effect at the time of application. Any master meter installed in lieu of extending a
public water main to provide service shall pay the applicable SDC. Customers with an existing
service at a premise who wish to upgrade to a larger service at the same premise shall pay (in
addition to installation, discontinue, or other applicable fees) the difference in the SDC for the
larger service size and the existing service size. Likewise, customers with an existing service at a
premise who wish to downsize to a smaller service at the same premise shall not be required to
pay a SDC. Refunds shall not be paid by the Company for the difference in SDC between the
original and smaller service size.
Fees collected under this SDC Rule shall be deposited by the Company in a fund dedicated to
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
capital improvements that are necessary to rehabilitate or replace elements of the water system, or
on improvements that are necessary for growth or to meet operability requirements, or on projects
that are made necessary by regulation. Certain exemptions from this SDC are identified and
include:
a. Fire service connections.
3.07.2 Specific System Development Charge - The Board may establish specific System Development
Charge rules in certain portions of its retail service area. Situations where specific rules apply may
include, but are not limited to:
a. incorporation of a new portion of retail service area previously owned by third parties;
b. acquisition of a new retail service area;
c. installation of specially required facilities in a defined portion of the retail service area; or
d. installation of specially required facilities in a Company leased distribution system.
3.08 Waterworks Facility Relocation
3.08.1 General Policy - The Company will relocate its facilities upon proper application and execution of
a reimbursement agreement, provided that, in the sole opinion of the Company, the relocation is
feasible, practical, and not contrary to good operating practice, and will be in accordance with
applicable Company service rules and regulations. Relocation of facilities will be in accordance
with the Company’s “Technical Specifications and Standard Drawings for Pipeline Construction”,
latest edition.
3.08.2 Construction Procurement Options - When the request for a waterworks facility relocation is
initiated, the Company, in its discretion, may offer the applicant one of the following options upon
the applicant depositing with the Company either by check or an irrevocable letter of credit from
an approved institution in an amount equal to the estimated costs, as determined by the Company,
including any labor, material, equipment, easement and engineering services incidental to the
construction of the relocation:
a. entering into a contract with the Company for the Company to undertake all construction work
with reference thereto, or
b. entering into a contract with the Company permitting the applicant to contract for the water
facility relocation work to be performed by a contractor prequalified by the Company for the
type of work and dollar amount associated with the requested water facility relocation, in
accordance with the Company’s “Technical Specifications and Standard Drawings for Pipeline
Construction”, latest edition, and subject to Company inspection.
Under either option, public agencies requesting relocations will be billed for the cost of the
relocation.
3.08.3 Undepreciated Value of Assets to be Relocated or Abandoned - In those instances when an asset
of the Company is being abandoned, and such abandonment has been agreed to by the Chief
Engineer, the applicant requesting said abandonment shall pay to the Company the full remaining
undepreciated value of the asset being abandoned.
In those instances when applicant-requested relocations result in the in-kind replacement of assets
of the Company, or when the asset being abandoned was funded with contributed capital and the
Chief Engineer agrees that the abandoned main will not have a negative effect on the operation of
the water distribution system, the applicant will not be required to pay the undepreciated value of
the assets being abandoned. . In cases where upfront refunding amounts were paid by the Company
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
for future services, the applicant shall also pay the refunding amount attributed to services that did
not materialize in the section of main to be abandoned.
3.08.4 Cost Adjustment - Upon completion of the water facility relocation, under either method, the actual
cost of the project to the Company shall be determined. If the actual cost is found to be less than
the amount deposited, the excess amount shall be refunded to the applicant. If the
actual cost shall be determined to be more than the amount deposited, then a supplemental bill
shall be rendered to the applicant for payment within 30 days. A detailed summary of actual costs
will be made available to the applicant, upon request.
3.08.5 Ownership and Control - After the construction of an approved water facility relocation, it shall
become the sole property, and be under the exclusive control and management, of the Company,
and the Company shall have the right to extend such water facility or to make connections thereto
for extensions, for itself, and for other parties who may make proper application for extensions, all
without the consent or compensation of the applicant for whom the relocation was made.
3.08.6 Determination of Size of Water Main - Company may install a pipe line of larger size than the
main being relocated. In this event, total project cost entering into the computing of the deposit
and the cost to the applicant shall be on the basis of that required to relocate the existing size
main, including the cost of material, labor and rock excavation. The applicant will bear the cost
for installations, labor, and rock excavation associated with upsizing the mains up to and including
12 inches in diameter water mains. For mains being upsized to larger than 12 inches in diameter,
the Company will bear the incremental cost of material, installations, labor and rock excavation
associated with upsizing the water main.
3.08.7 Rights-of-Way and Easements - No application for water facility relocation will be approved until
or unless the streets or roadways in which they are to be installed have been shown on a final
subdivision plat intended for public dedication and recordation or legally dedicated to public use
in compliance with the pertinent statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of the appropriate
public agency, or accepted as dedicated public ways by municipalities, County Fiscal Courts or
State agencies by recorded deeds, or easements of sufficient size as determined by the Company
are granted to the Company by the applicant, or are obtained for the Company and such dedication
or easement permits installation of public water service facilities. Where mains are installed based
on a final subdivision plat and the plat is subsequently changed, the developer retains the sole
responsibility, and Louisville Water retains the right to require the developer, to procure and
provide to Louisville Water, with no cost and expense to Louisville Water, any and all easements
specified herein including, but not limited to, changes and / or modification of the design due to
engineering and / or field construction conditions.
4.0 TAPPING FEES
4.01 Tapping Fee Policy
Tapping fees, as per the regular schedule approved by the Board of Water Works, as the Board
may otherwise designate, will be collected and retained by the Company from customers applying
for water service to property abutting on pipe lines installed by the Company, at its expense, and
also on pipe lines installed and paid for by others, as set forth in Section 3 of these rules.
2022 Service Rules and Regulations Louisville Water Company
4.02 Tapping Fee Schedule
The Tapping fee schedule will be reviewed annually and approved by the Board of Water Works.
4.03 Tapping Fees in Water Districts Leased
Tapping fees assessed on any water service connections to any water mains installed within the
boundaries of water districts operated by the Company under Lease arrangement shall conform to
the Schedule of Tapping Fees established by the Lessor water district.
5.0 FIRE HYDRANTS
5.01 General
Public fire hydrants shall be installed when required by the Company or by governing authority or
local fire protection law, at the applicant's expense as a part of the water main extension.
5.02 Fire Hydrants Requested by Individuals or Agencies
The Company may install public fire hydrants on existing mains at the request of individuals or
agencies (including local governments) at the Company's sole discretion. The applicant shall pay
the cost of any labor, material, easements, equipment and engineering services associated with
such installation.
5.03 Ownership of Fire Hydrants
Public fire hydrants shall become the property of the Company upon installation and acceptance.
5.04 Certified Flow Tests
Upon application and payment of a Board approved fee, the Company will perform a fire hydrant
flow test certified by a Professional Engineer.
5.05 Private Fire Hydrants
Private fire hydrants are fire hydrants that are not owned or maintained by Louisville Water
Company, which draw their water supply from a dedicated Louisville Water fire service (Section
1.04.2) or private water supply (e.g. well, tank, lake, etc.).