Water Department

Water Services

The City of Stanton water system currently includes two supply wells with a total production capacity of approximately 650 gallons per minutes (GPM). Within the distribution system there are approximately 10.8 miles of water mains consisting of 7,000 feet of 8 inch pipe, 6,200 feet of 6 inch pipe, 33,000 feet of 4 inch pipe, and nearly 10,700 feet of 2 inch or smaller pipe. The system also includes a single elevated 100,000 gallon storage tank, located in the north part of the city.

The city wells are located in the southeast part of the city along State Highway 57 and south of the river east of Elkhorn Acres Golf Course. The well south of the river is the main well being used, with the well along Highway 57 used during peak demand periods. The computer controlled well pumps and distribution system automatically deliver water to meet the fluctuating demand.

The average depth of the wells is 60 feet; average consumption is 225,000 gallons per day; peak consumption is 500,000 gallons per day; hardness is 364 mg/L. The city has been making improvements in the water system for the past several years.

The water is tested frequently by the state health department laboratory to be sure that it meets all state and federal water quality standards. The water is not normally chlorinated, but standby chlorination equipment is maintained in the event that it is needed. The City of Stanton water system operates in compliance with and is regulated by the Nebraska Health and Human Services. You may contact the NHHS, Regulation and Licensure Division by calling them at 402-471-2133.

The distribution system in general is considered to be adequate. The entire city is served by the distribution system and no specific inadequacies are known. There is an excess of small diameter lines for a system of this size. These small diameter lines are generally serving as domestic service lines only and have no fire protection capabilities.

Source Water Assessment

The City of Stanton has received a copy of the Source Water Assessment for the City’s public water system. The Source Water Assessment was prepared by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. A copy of the Source Water Assessment can be viewed at the City Hall. Please call 402-439-2119 with any questions.

Consumer Confidence Report

The City of Stanton has received a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report (Annual Water Quality Report). This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the City of Stanton water system to provide safe drinking water. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Consumer Confidence Report was prepared by the Nebraska Health and Human Services System. A copy of the Consumer Confidence Report can be viewed at the City Hall. Please call 402-439-2119 with any questions.

Hydrants

Any customer with a fire hydrant located on his property is responsible to make sure that access to the hydrant is not blocked by landscaping, trees and shrubs, or by fences. Fire department personnel must be able to easily get to all sides of a hydrant in the case of a fire.

The City of Stanton flushes fire hydrants twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Flushing of hydrants is done to maintain a high quality of water throughout the system.

Citizens may want to schedule their clothes washing around these flushing periods, as they may experience colored water. It is normal for some discoloration to occur under these circumstances. Please call 402-439-2119 with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions are always asked, “Who is responsible for what?” The resident is responsible for the water line from the curb stop to the house. The City takes care of the water line from the curb stop to and including the main. If there is a problem with water pressure, etc, call 439-2119 and someone will be dispatched to your residence. If the problem is something that the resident needs to take care of, they will be directed with the best possible route to take.

Every water supply pipe is provided with an easily accessible curb stop for each customer. The property owner is required to keep the curb stop in good repair and if the property owner fails to do so, then the Water Commissioner is authorized to make the necessary repairs and the cost thereof is a charge against the property owner.

Every water customer is provided one water meter, up to 1 inch.  The customer shall pay for any additional meters. The meter shall be replaced by the City when it is no longer serviceable. The City of Stanton requires that homeowners protect water apparatus from frost or freezing. Cost of repairs to damaged water meters due to freezing will be charged to the homeowner. Pipes and meters located in unheated areas may need to be insulated to protect them from freezing.

Make sure you know where the main water shutoff valve in your house is located in case you have a “plumbing emergency”.

For hook up fees and construction fees, please check with City Hall 402-439-2119.

If you have any problems with your water services, please call 402-439-2119 during the daytime hours and 877-617-6549 during nighttime hours to reach the city pager.

Before you excavate on your property or in the public right of way you need to call One Call at 1-800-331-5666. One Call will contact all of the utilities serving the area so the utilities can mark their underground lines. Don’t forget to call before you dig: It’s the law and it could save you thousands of dollars by preventing damage to utility lines.

Water Regulations

Title XVII Chapter 55 Public Works; Water

Water Regulations

170.55.01 Water; Operation and Funding
            The Municipality owns and operates the City of Stanton Water System. All revenue collected shall be known as the Water Fund and shall remain in the custody of the City Treasurer. The City may pay for extensions and improvements by issuing and selling its combined revenue bonds and securing the payment thereof by pledging and hypothecating the revenue and earnings of any two or more of said public utilities and may enter into such contracts in connection therewith as may be necessary or proper. Such combined revenue bonds shall not be general obligations of the City issuing the same and no taxes shall be levied for their payment, but said bonds shall be a lien only upon the revenue and earnings of the public utilities owned and operated by the City of Stanton and which are pledged for their payment.
            The Water Commissioner shall have the direct management and control of the City of Stanton Water System and shall faithfully carry out the duties of his/her office. The Water Commissioner shall have the authority to enforce the rules and regulations for the efficient management of the Water System, subject to the supervision and review of the Governing Body. It shall be the duty of the Water Commissioner to report to the Governing Body the affairs of the water department and any recommendations as deemed proper. The Governing Body shall have the authority to adopt the rules and regulations, and to set the rates to be charged for services rendered by ordinance and shall file a copy of the policies and rates in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection at any reasonable time.

170.55.02 Water; Definitions
            The following definitions shall be applied throughout this Article. Where no definition is specified, the normal dictionary usage of the word shall apply.
Backflow – The term “backflow” means any reversal or unwanted flow of non-potable water or substance from any industrial, domestic or health system into the potable water system.
Main – The term “main” is hereby defined to be any pipe other than a supply or service pipe that is used for the purpose of carrying water to and dispersing the same in the City of Stanton.
Separate Premise – The term “separate premise” is hereby defined to be more than one (1) customer procuring water from the same service or supply pipe. The second (2nd) premise may be a separate dwelling, apartment, building, or structure used for a separate business.
Service Pipe – The term “service pipe” is hereby defined to be any pipe extending from the shut-off or curb stop at or near the lot line to and beyond the property line of the customer to the location on the premise where the water is to be dispersed.
Supply Pipe – The term “supply pipe” is hereby defined to be any pipe tapped into a main and extending from there to a point at or near the lot line of the customer’s premise where the shut-off or curb stop is located.
Water Well – The term “water well” is hereby defined to mean any excavation that is drilled, corralled, bored, washed, dug, driven, jetted, or otherwise constructed for the purposes of the exploring for ground water, monitoring ground water, utilizing the geothermal properties of the ground, injection of water into the underground water, or extracting water from the ground. The water well shall not include any excavation made for obtaining or prospecting for oils, natural gas, minerals or products mined or quarried or inserting media to re-pressure oil or natural gas bearing formation.

170.55.03 Water; Application for Service

property. Failure to pay the fee or charge shall be cause for disconnection of service. A copy of the application acknowledging receipt of service deposits is provided to the customer, along with a listing of utility rates and the customer service policy.
The City may, in some circumstances, accept application for service from a second party, with the understanding that the first party will sign an application within fifteen (15) days. Such second party shall be responsible for payment of services unless and until an appropriate written and signed application is made by the first party and accepted by the City for the entire service period.
If a current customer moves to a new location and desires utility services at the new location, notification of the new location will be sufficient. If the customer adds new services, he/she must sign another application and pay the required deposit for the new service.
Water will not be supplied into any house or service pipe except upon the order of the Water Commissioner, and plumbers are prohibited from turning the water into any service pipe except on the order of the Water Commissioner; provided that this rule shall not be construed to prevent licensed plumbers from admitting water to test pipes, but for that purpose only. The Water Commissioner shall not order water to be supplied into any house or service pipe, whether new or existing construction, until the water system to be served has been inspected and approved by the City of Stanton Water Commissioner. 

170.55.04 Water; Contract
            All the rules, regulations, and provisions of this article shall be considered a part of the contract with every person who is supplied with water service by the City. Without further formality, the making of application on the part of any applicant or the use or consumption of water service by present customers thereof and the furnishing of water service to the customer shall constitute a contract between the customer and the City of Stanton, to which said contract both parties are bound.
All customers of the City of Stanton Water System shall permit the Water Commissioner, or a person designated by the Water Commissioner, during reasonable daytime hours, to enter their premises or buildings for the purpose of reading or testing any meter, or to examine and repair the pipes, meters or other fixtures.
If the customer shall violate any of the provisions of said contract or any reasonable rules and regulations that the Governing Body may hereafter adopt, the Water Commissioner or his / her agent, may cut off or disconnect the water service from the building or premise or place of such violation. When water has been turned off from any customer, the customer shall not turn it on or permit it to be turned on without the consent of the Water Commissioner. No further connection for water service to said building, premise, or place shall again be made except by order of said Water Commissioner or his / her agent and on payment of the expenses of shutting off and turning on the same; provided there is a satisfactory understanding with the offending party that no further cause for complaint shall arise.

170.55.05 Water; Installation Procedures; Generally 
The City of Stanton shall furnish and install the water supply pipe from the main to within one (1) foot of the property line and such supply pipe shall include the main tap, corporation stop, valves, pipe, curb stop, and stop box, and such installation shall include all labor of excavating and laying the same at the expense of the City.  If a larger supply line is requested, the customer shall pay the difference in cost for the City to install. The customer shall install the service line from the curb stop to the residence at the expense of the customer.
Whenever it shall be necessary to cut into, excavate in, or remove any portion of the paving in any street in the City to serve any lot with water, or to repair or relay any supply or service pipe connecting any water main with any lot, the consent of the Water Commissioner shall be first secured and the paving shall be restored to its former condition. The work of removing and restoring any street pavement for any such purpose shall be by and under the supervision, control and direction of the City Superintendent and in accordance with the provisions of this Code and any other specifications of the City regulating paving.
After supply pipes are laid, in refilling the opening, the earth shall be laid in layers of not more than nine inches in depth and each layer thoroughly tamped and settled with water. The streets, sidewalks and pavements shall be restored to as good of a condition as before the excavation, and all dirt, stones, or rubbish shall be removed immediately after completing the work.

170.55.06 Water; Curb Stops; Generally
Every water supply pipe shall be provided with an easily accessible curb stop for each customer, which is situated so that the water can be conveniently shut off. Curb stops shall be of such patterns as shall be approved by the Water Commissioner.
Curb stops shall be placed in the supply pipe on the terrace one (1) foot from the property line, and protected by a valve box reaching from the top of the curb stop to the surface of the ground, of suitable size to admit a valve key for turning on and off the stop, and with a cast iron cover, having the letter “W” marked thereon, visible and even with the pavement, sidewalk, or top of the ground.
The property owner is hereby required to keep said curb stop in good repair and if said property owner should fail to do so, then the Water Commissioner is hereby authorized to make the necessary repairs and the cost thereof shall be made a charge against said property owner the same as water rent.
Where the curb stop and / or service pipe for a customer is currently located in a terrace adjacent to the property owner by someone other than the customer, or where the water service pipe of a customer is located on the property of another, the customer shall remain responsible for the maintenance of the water service line as set forth in section 170.55.07 and section 170.55.11 of this Code. The customer shall also be responsible for the replacement and repair of any paving, concrete, fencing, sod, or other landscaping on the property of another or on the terrace adjoining the property of another, which is damaged or destroyed in performing maintenance on the curb stop or water service pipe as required herein.
At the property owner’s option, the City shall correct the location of the curb stop, to place on the terrace of the property owner, as repairs are needed. The fees from section 170.55.13, 1 b shall apply to all relocations of curb stops.
When a supply pipe serves two (2) or more distinct premises or tenements there shall be provided a separate curb stop for each premise or tenement so the water supply may be shut off from one without interfering with the supply to others.

170.55.07 Water; Service Pipes; Generally
The customer shall install the service pipe from the curb stop to the premises. The service pipe shall withstand a minimum pressure of 160 PSI. All service pipes shall be laid under the surface of the ground with no less than five feet of earth cover, and in all cases shall be so protected as to prevent rupture by freezing. No person shall be permitted to make or have made any taps or connection with any water service pipe between the water meter and the curb stop by the property line. The approval of the materials to be used shall be made by the Water Commissioner.
All new installations or repairs of service pipes require two (2) inspections by the Water Commissioner. The first (1st) inspection shall be made when connections or repairs are completed and before the pipes are covered. The second (2nd) inspection shall be made after the dirt work is completed and the service is restored. It is the customer’s responsibility to notify the Commissioner at the time the work is ready for each inspection. All installation shall be done under the supervision and strictly in accordance with the rules, regulations, and specifications prescribed for such installation by the Water Commissioner; provided that the said rules, regulations and specifications have been reviewed and approved by the Governing Body. Any decision of the Water Commissioner may be appealed to the City Council.
All persons abandoning any water service pipe shall have a licensed plumber turn off the line at the curb stop and shall cut and crimp the service pipe as close as possible to, not to exceed one foot from, the curb stop. The Water Commissioner shall be notified in writing whenever a service pipe is to be abandoned and shall be permitted to inspect and approve all work done in connection with such abandonment. The Water Commissioner may disconnect the supply line from the curb stop to the tap at the water main, at his / her discretion. The Water Commissioner will remove the water meter from the premises. Any person failing to abandon a service pipe in compliance with this section shall be guilty of a violation and shall pay for the costs of properly shutting off, closing or crimping any abandoned service pipe and shall be liable for any damages to municipal property caused by the improperly abandoned service pipe. The Water Commissioner may approve alternate means of closing and abandoning service pipes upon request if the foregoing procedure is impractical. To have an abandoned service pipe reconnected to the City of Stanton Water System a service connection charge (tap fee) and any additional fees will be charged to the property owner.

170.55.08 Water; Meters; Generally
All water usage furnished through the water system of the City shall be measured by a water meter, except as otherwise permitted. All water meters used in connection with the water system of the City shall be of standard manufacture, approved by the Water Commissioner, and put in place or removed by the Water Commissioner or his / her designated agent.
A standard, up to one inch (1”), water meter shall be installed and furnished by the City for each dwelling at no charge to the property owner. For larger meters installed there shall be a charge of the difference between the normal cost of a standard meter and the cost of a larger meter to be paid by the property owner. When a customer’s service requires application of more than one type of rate, one meter will be installed for each applied rate. Each meter will be billed separately. The customer will be responsible for purchasing and installing any additional meters desired for customer purposes, and for placing such meters adjacent to the City meter. The cost of replacing a special meter shall be the customer’s responsibility.  Meters shall be installed by a licensed plumber, with the location approved by the Water Commissioner.
No person other than the Water Commissioner or his / her designated agent, shall be permitted to set meters. All meters so set and installed shall be kept in repair at the expense of the City unless the same are damaged by the negligence or willful conduct or acts of the customer. The meter shall be replaced by the City when no longer serviceable.
All meters shall be set in a horizontal position. Water meters shall be in an easily accessible position so that they may be read, tested, or repaired easily by the Water Commissioner. Water meters in mobile home courts shall be installed in meter pits. Water meters will be installed just prior to building occupancy and it will be the responsibility of the developer to request the installation.

reset, said meter, and the cost thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the customer as water rent.
The owner or tenant of any premises served with City water shall provide ready and convenient access to the water meter located on such premises so that it may be easily examined, repaired or read by the Water Commissioner or his / her designated agent to perform such functions. Water customers may have a remote readout installed with the water meter. The readout device shall be installed by city employees or a licensed plumber under the direction of the Water Commissioner. On new construction the remote readout wire shall be installed when a request is made for the first inspection. If a discrepancy exists between the outside remote register and the inside water meter, the inside water meter shall be controlling for determining water consumption and billing. Both meters will be read concurrently at least once per year to compare readings and to adjust the meter readings.
When meters are installed in pits, the property owner shall furnish a pre-cast concrete pit and a four (4) inch square post at least four (4) feet above the ground next to the pit for the installation of a remote meter readout. Meters in pits shall be at least ten (10) inches above the bottom of the pit and all pits shall be at least four (4) feet wide at the bottom. Pits shall be no less than five (5) feet deep.
Where meter boxes are necessary to protect the meter and the City’s investment therein, the same shall be installed by the City at cost, but at the expense of the property owner and said cost shall be added to the water account charged against the property serviced; provided, the owner shall have the privilege of installing his / her own meter box and the specifications for construction thereof are complied with.
All water meters and remote meter readouts shall be sealed by the Water Commissioner. It shall be unlawful for any person to break the seal unless specifically authorized to do so by the Water Commissioner. Should any water meter or remote seal be broken or removed, or should any water meter or remote readout be damaged, destroyed or otherwise rendered unserviceable or faulty by any action, negligence or willful conduct on the part of a water customer or his / her agents, licensees, tenants or assigns, the expense of repairing or replacing the same shall be chargeable to the water customer as water rent.
All water meters shall be kept in repair by and at the expense of the City of Stanton.  Meters will be changed approximately every fifteen (15) years or when recording of usage begins to slow.  When meters are worn out, they shall be replaced and reset by the City of Stanton; provided, that if the customer permits or allows a water meter to be damaged, injured, or destroyed through his / her own recklessness, carelessness, or neglect so that the meter must be repaired or replaced, the Water Commissioner shall bill and collect from the customer the cost of such meter repair or replacement in the same manner as water rent is collected.  Permitting a water meter to be damaged or destroyed by freezing shall always be considered negligence on the part of the customer.
All meters shall be tested at the customer’s request.  The City reserves the right to test any water service meter at any time, and if said meter is found to be beyond repair the City shall always have the right to place a new meter on the customer’s water service fixtures at City expense. If the meter is found to register within two (2) percent of accuracy, the City may charge a test fee for all such tests made at intervals more frequent than once every two (2) years. If the meter is found to register in excess of two (2) percent, fast or slow, the City will pay for the testing and will adjust the customer’s billing for the known or assumed period of error, not to exceed the previous six (6) months. 

170.55.09 Water; Temporary Connections
            No person may connect any temporary service pipe to the City water mains or supply lines without approval of the Water Commissioner. Persons wishing to make a temporary service pipe connection shall file a written request for such connection with the Water Commissioner, specifying the connection desired to be made, giving the number of feet of service pipe required, a diagram of the premises and equipment to be served, and an estimate as to the duration of the temporary service pipe connection. The Water Commissioner may, at his / her discretion, approve the temporary service pipe connection which shall be done at the expense of the applicant and under the supervision of the Water Commissioner. Such temporary service pipe shall at all times be under the absolute control and supervision of the City Water Commissioner, and the City reserves the right to disconnect the temporary service pipe at any time there is reasonable cause to believe the applicant is failing to comply with the terms and conditions of the temporary connection permit or is jeopardizing either the City water system or the quality of water in the premises or equipment being served. The temporary service pipe permit shall expire at the earliest of either the applicant’s estimated time of duration or the connection of the premises or equipment to an approved permanent service line. The applicant may obtain an extension of time on the temporary service pipe permit for good cause shown to the Water Commissioner.
            Arrangements for metering and billing will be established on a case-by-case basis.

170.55.10 Water; Tapping Mains or Supply Pipes
No person except by direction of the Water Commissioner shall be permitted, under any circumstances, to tap the water mains or supply pipes, or install corporation stops or appurtenances thereon. All pipes shall, in all cases, be tapped at the two o’clock position or at level, and not in any case nearer than fifteen inches of either end of the pipe, nor nearer than two feet to any other tap.

170.55.11 Water; Repairs and Maintenance; Generally  
All persons taking City water shall keep the service pipe, curb stop, valves, valve boxes, meters and other apparatus in good working order and repair, and protect the same from frost at their own risk and expense. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or occupant of any premises to install and maintain the service line from the curb stop to the water meter. If any part of the service pipe or fixture is not wanted for use, the customer shall notify the Water Commissioner in writing, and have the same removed and disconnected and shall pay the expense in so doing, and a proper reduction in rates will be made from that date, if needed.
The City of Stanton Water Department may require the owner of any property which is within the City of Stanton, or connected to the City Water System, to repair or replace any service pipe which serves the owner’s property and is broken or otherwise in need of repair or replacement.  The property owner’s duty to repair or replace such a service pipe shall include those portions from the curb stop to the point of distribution.  No person shall dig up or uncover so as to expose to the frost, any water pipe of the City, except under the direction of the Water Commissioner.
The customer shall have an operable shut off, curb stop, or valve box outside of the residence and repairs to keep it operable will be at the expense of the customer, if due to damage.  All repairs to the property of the Water Department, including the meter, shall be made by the City of Stanton. The Water Department shall have the right to operate the curb stops and / or valves at any time deemed necessary by the Water Commissioner.
The Water Commissioner, or his duly authorized agents, shall have free access, at any reasonable time, to all parts of each premise and building to, or in which, water is delivered for the purpose of examining the pipes, fixtures, meter, and other portions of the system to ascertain whether there is any disrepair or unnecessary waste of water.
The City Clerk shall give the property owner notice by registered letter or certified mail, directed to the last known address of such owner or agent of such owner, directing the repair or replacement of such service pipe.  If within thirty days (30) of such notice the property owner fails or neglects to cause such repairs or replacements to be made, the Water Commissioner may cause such work to be done and assess the cost upon the property served by such connection.

170.55.12 Water; Authority for Setting Fees and Collections
            The Governing Body has the power and authority to fix the rates to be paid by the water customers for the use of water from the Water Department. All such fees shall be on file for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. The City Treasurer shall bill the customers for water usage and collect all money received for water usage by the City of Stanton on the account of the Water Fund. The City Treasurer shall faithfully account for all revenue collected. A monthly report stating the total income and expenses for the water department will be given to the Governing Body.
            It shall be the duty of the City Treasurer to keep and cause to be kept a separate, detailed and accurate account of all water rents and charges due from each customer with debits and credits, as the case may be, for a period of five (5) years.
            The Water Commissioner shall have the authority to issue permits for the use of water for building and construction purposes. A fee shall be paid as determined on a case-by-case basis.

170.55.13 Water; Fees and Rates for Customers
            All water customers shall be liable for water fees provided by ordinance, unless and until, the customer shall, by written order, direct the Water Commissioner to cancel service to their premises. Water furnished through the City of Stanton Water System shall be measured by a water meter. Should any water meter get out of order or repair and fail to register properly, the customer will be charged at the average monthly consumption, as shown by the meter when in order, for six months previous, or fraction thereof, if the same has not been used that long. No reduction in rates will be made for the time any service pipe may be frozen or out of use for any reason or cause.
            The minimum rate as set forth in this article shall be uniform and apply in all cases where water is furnished within or without the City as the case may be. The charges for water usage, furnished at the rates set forth in this article, shall be collected by the City Treasurer. If the amount of water consumed monthly is not sufficient to exhaust the minimum rate as herein below provided and charged by the City, such customer or person to be charged shall not be entitled to any return or credit for any portion of such minimum rate. The minimum rate shall be charged for each meter, which is directly or indirectly, connected to the city water system.
            The fees to be charged for water furnished shall be as follows:
1. Service Connection Charge (tap fee)
            a. The owner or occupant of any premises who desires to make a tap onto the City’s water system shall pay a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) to the City of Stanton Water Fund.
b. No building or premises shall be connected to the City’s water system when an extension or alteration of any existing water line is needed unless the owner of such premises pays a fee of five dollars ($5.00) per front foot of the entire property upon which the building or premises is located to the City of Stanton Water Fund.
2.  Deposit Charge
            For all rental customers, a deposit of thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($37.50) is required for water service. Deposits are kept on all rental property until the customer terminates service. Customers who terminate service are provided the refund minus all delinquent charges at the time of termination. No deposit fee is required for water service to new property owners within the City of Stanton.
            Deposits cannot be transferred to another person’s account, even if the person is a family member.
            The appropriate deposit is required to be made within thirty days (30) from the date of application, unless arrangement is made for additional time, or the utility will be disconnected after reasonable notice.
3. Customer Requested Disconnect Charge      
            The owner or occupant of any premises who desires to have the water service temporarily disconnected must request it in writing to the Water Commissioner. The water will be shut off at the curb stop. The customer or his /her designated representative may be required to be present to confirm the water is disconnected.
A fee of $25.00 will be charged. No fee shall be charged for a disconnect requested by customer’s making repairs to their water service pipe for up to a 72 hour period. No basic monthly fee will be charged if the water is shut off for over 30 days. If water is shut off for a portion of the month, the total monthly fee will be charged.
            For special use meters, the meter will not be removed from the service line and no fee will be charged for yearly disconnect, as long as the customer has another water account with the City. The customer must notify the City Water Department when the water use has been shut off for the winter.
4. Customer Requested Reconnect Charge
            The owner or occupant of any premises who desires to have the water service reconnected must request it in writing to the Water Commissioner.  The water will be turned on at the curb stop. The customer or his / her designated representative may be required to be present to confirm the water is reconnected.
A fee of $25.00 will be charged. No fee shall be charged for a reconnect by customers making repairs to their water service pipe within a 72 hour period of being shut off.
            For special use meters, the customer must notify the City Water Department when the water use has been turned on for the summer.
5. Abandonment of Service
            The owner or occupant of any premises who desires to permanently abandon service must request it in writing to the Water Commissioner. The water will be turned off at the curb stop. The property owner shall have a licensed plumber disconnect the service line from the main and crimp the service line, unless the Water Commissioner has approved other means of abandoning the line. The water meter will be removed from the premises. A fee of $10.00 will be charged. No monthly fee will be assessed for abandonment of service. To have service reestablished, the owner will need to pay a service connection charge ($100.00) and any additional fees to the City and have a plumber reconnect the service line to the main.
6. Residential and Commercial Rates
            All customers of the City of Stanton shall have properly installed water meters. Any customer who does not have a water meter installed, shall proceed immediately to have the same installed or the City will install and the costs shall be added to that customer’s water bill and collected as provided by law.
            The City shall furnish one (1) water meter, up to one inch (1”) in diameter, free of charge to each customer. The costs for the installation of such water meter shall be borne by the customer. The meter shall be installed in a location that is easily accessible to be read and repaired, and is approved by the Water Commissioner.
            Rates shall be applicable to all customers. Consumption is in gallons, and dollar charges are per 1,000 gallons.

a. Minimum cost for customer that has a properly installed water meter, cost per month, including the first 1,000 gallons of water is $13.00.
b. And in addition thereto, from 1,001 gallons up, cost per 1,000 gallons, per month is $1.15.
7. Special Use (sprinkler) Rates
            The owner or occupant of any premises who desires to install a special use meter must request it in writing to the Water Commissioner. A separate meter must be purchased by the customer, sold at cost from the City, and installed by a licensed plumber. This is applicable for any non-polluting, i.e. not in violation of governmental laws or regulations, non-domestic use of water by a residential or commercial water customer. Special water uses include, but are not limited to, the following: irrigating lawns or gardens, washing personal vehicles, cooling for air conditioners, general outdoor cleanup, and watering livestock. Special use water is separately metered and separately billed from the normal water usage. Special water usage is exempt from sewer charges.
            Rates shall be applicable to all. Consumption shall be in gallons, and dollar charges are per 1,000 gallons.
a. Minimum cost for customer that has a properly installed water meter, cost per month, including the first 1,000 gallons of water is $13.00.
b. And in addition thereto, from 1,001 gallons up, cost per 1,000 gallons, per month is $1.15.
8. Water Well Registration
            The owner or occupant of any premises, within the City limits or within the one (1) mile jurisdiction, who desires to install a water well must request it in writing to the Water Commissioner. The fee shall be $20.00.
9. Reconnect Fee Due to Nonpayment or Violation of City Code
            The owner or occupant of any premises who desires to have water service reconnected due to nonpayment of services or for violation of the City Code must pay a fee of $20.00 if service is reconnected during business hours. If service is reconnected after hours the fee shall be $30.00. If service needs to be disconnected more often than once each year, the fee charged for reconnection shall be doubled. (Example: for the second reconnection during business hours shall be $40.00 and after business hours shall be $60.00; for the third reconnection during business hours shall be $60.00 and after business hours shall be $90.00; etc.)
10. Bulk Water Fees
            The following rates shall apply for bulk water purchased from the City
            400 – 800 gallons         $10.00
            801 – 1200 gallons       $13.00
            1201 – 2000 gallons     $15.00
            2001 – 3000 gallons     $17.00
            3001 – 4000 gallons     $19.00
            4001 – 5000 gallons     $21.00
Each additional 1,000 gallons shall be $1.00.
11. Other Fees
Meter Test Fee             $25.00
Hydrant Use Fee                      $35.00 per day
Field Collection Call Charge     $5.00

170.55.14 Water; Meter Reading; Billing Payment; Landlord Rules       
            1. Meter Reading – Each utility meter is read at least once every three months, approximately during the week of the 22nd. It is the responsibility of the customer to provide ready and convenient access to utility meters. In cases where the meter is not accessible or damaged, usage is estimated according to past usage records. A card will be left at the residence for the customer to call the reading in if the reader cannot get into the property to read the meter. In the event that bills are estimated, an adjustment will be made at the time of the next actual meter reading.
            The Water Commissioner shall divide the City into five (5) water service districts, and said districts shall be designated at District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, and District 5. All meters of customers shall be read by the Water Commissioner or his / her agents at least once every three (3) months, in each district, between the twentieth (20th) and twenty-fifth (25th) of March, June, September, and December. The months that the City does not read meters, the usage will be estimated. The customer has the option of calling in the actual reading between the 20th and the 25th, instead of having the City estimate usage. If the customer is not home at the time of reading, the customer may call in or drop off the reading. If an actual reading is not received at least every six (6) months, the service may be disconnected until a reading is received.
Once a year, the inside water meter is read and this will be used to verify the accuracy of the outside meter, if an outside meter is used. The Utility arranges this meter reading in advance with the customer. Any utility customer has the right to request the Utility, at the customer’s expense, to test a utility meter a reasonable number of times, if there is a question about accuracy.
            2. Billing – Bills will be sent to the mailing address furnished by the customer. Failure to receive a bill will not release the customer from the obligation to pay for services provided. Bills are prepared by the City Treasurer and mailed to the customer on or near the first day of each month. The monthly bill is due and payable by the fifteenth (15th) day of each month, after which date the bill is considered delinquent. If the fifteenth falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the deadline for payment of the bill is extended to the next working day.
A reminder / disconnect notice is sent to each customer whose bill is delinquent. It shall be the duty of the Water Commissioner, on all water accounts remaining unpaid by the 25th of the month, if in the Commissioner’s discretion the circumstances warrant, to shut off the supply of water to such customer and the same shall remain shut off until the account is paid in full, together with the cost of turning the water on.
            Each item on the utility bill is coded and an explanation of the code is shown on the face of the bill. The computerized billing system and employee procedures have been designed to eliminate as much error as possible from the billing process. It is the customer’s responsibility to review carefully his / her monthly bill and to notify the City Treasurer immediately if the amount seems unreasonably low or high compared to past experience. If notified of a discrepancy, the City Treasurer will make every attempt to determine if an error occurred and re-compute the bill, if necessary. Bills for water furnished shall be completed monthly and shall designate the number of gallons used at the date of the reading, or the estimated usage, and shall subtract therefrom the number of gallons of water registered at the date of last settlement, and compute the amount due for the difference in dollars and cents.
            A customer may be eligible for an adjustment to their water bill in the event of a loss of water through abnormal conditions when the cause is deemed by the City to have been undetectable and not resulting from a lack of normal maintenance by the customer. No adjustments shall be made in water charges for losses resulting from customer negligence, improper operation of plumbing by the customer, and / or failure of the customer’s plumbing system. A customer is eligible for one leak adjustment per twelve (12) month period. No adjustments shall be made in the water billing by reason of freezing.
3. Payment – Payment of utility bills may be made Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall. A night depository is located on the west side of the City Hall for depositing payments at any time. Payments can be mailed to the Water Department at 800 11th Street, PO Box 747, Stanton, NE 68779. The City of Stanton provides the service of automatic bank payments by completion of a form, which is available at the City Treasurer’s Office. Customers have an opportunity to keep water service accounts current through optional payment programs arranged through the City Treasurer.
The City will pursue a solution with customers temporarily unable to pay on time due to extenuating circumstances. The availability and terms of a deferred payment plan will be based on a review of the individual customer’s situation, including: amount and age of delinquency, past payment record, ability to pay, demonstration of good faith. Customers will be given available information on other resources for assistance, when appropriate. Service will not be terminated for inability to pay when termination would be especially dangerous to the health of a resident, as determined by the Water Commissioner, so long as the customer has made application to appropriate agencies for assistance and payment is pending.
Whenever it becomes necessary for a City representative to make a collection call at the customer’s premise to enforce payment of a billing or deposit, a field collection call charge will be added.
            4. Third Party Notice – Third party notice is available to all customers. Upon request, the City of Stanton will send a copy of any notice of service discontinuance to the person (third party) authorized. This service benefits the disabled, handicapped or elderly, since notice will ensure a third party is aware of possible discontinuance of utility service.
            5. Landlord and Tenant Rules – The City of Stanton considers as its customer that person who makes application for utility service and who assumes responsibility for payment of service. Services will normally continue until the customer requests that it be discontinued or until such time that the customer does not adhere to the rules and regulations of service. Upon request of discontinuance of service by a tenant, the meter reading is recorded and the water service disconnected. Service will be reconnected when the new tenant applies for utility service and pays the deposit and the reconnect fee. The utility will not be responsible for damage to property due to lack of heat, etc. It is the landlord’s responsibility to monitor the occupancy of his / her property.
            A contract may be entered into by any owner of rental property for the provision of uninterrupted service to such property between tenancies. The owner agrees in writing to pay for water service charges during this period and until a tenant assumes responsibility for water service under these policies.
            Any unpaid delinquent water utility rents and charges shall be declared by the City of Stanton to be a lien upon the real estate for which the utility service was used. The service shall not be connected until the unpaid delinquent water rents have been paid in full.
            The City Treasurer shall notify in writing, all owners of premises or their agents whenever their tenants or lessees are sixty (60) days or more delinquent in the payment of water rent, when requested in writing by the landlord.
            6. Right of Access – The customer must, without expense to the City, permit access to all equipment and facilities owned by the City and located on the customer’s premises at all reasonable hours.

170.55.15 Water; Lien
            All water rates shall be charged to and collected from the owner or occupant of the premises served and the same shall be a lien on such premises and real estate where used, and may be collected by the City at any time after the same becomes due by civil action in the courts.
If water bills are not paid within the payment period as approved by the City Council, the Water Commissioner shall, as a first priority except for emergency situations of the City, proceed to disconnect the water service to a customer. The Water Commissioner may attempt to collect delinquent charges prior to disconnection of water service.
The City may refuse to furnish water service to the occupants of any premises against which the City holds a lien for water rent. The service shall not be connected until the unpaid delinquent water rents have been paid in full.
The Water Commissioner may report the names of owners of any premises served with water that are delinquent in the payment of their water bills or charges, showing the amount due for each delinquent bill, together with a description of the property upon, or for which the water has been supplied, and thereupon the City Council shall, by resolution, direct the City Clerk to file with the County Clerk a certified copy of such report and resolution, directing that the amount assessed against the different premises, as shown by such report, be collected as a special tax in the manner provided by law.

           
170.55.16 Water; Single Premise Use; Resale of Water
            No customer shall supply water to other families, or allow them to take water from his / her premise, nor after water is supplied into a building shall any person make or employ a plumber or other person to make a tap or connection between the shut off and the meter for alteration, extension, or attachment without the written permission of the Water Commissioner. It shall further be unlawful for any person to tamper with any water meter or by means of any contrivance or device to divert the water from the service pipe so that the water will not pass through the meter or while passing through said meter to cause the meter to register inaccurately.
            Except by special agreement with the City upon such terms as the City elects, no person shall resell any of the water provided by the Municipal Water System nor shall such water be transmitted to premises or used upon premises other than those specified in such person’s application for service.

170.55.17 Water; Restricted Use
            During and following drought conditions, or due to equipment failure, the City of Stanton water supply may become significantly and seriously depleted so that there will not be a sufficient supply of water to meet all customary and usual demands. Under these conditions, the Water Commissioner, with the approval of the Mayor, may find a public Water Watch, Water Warning, or Water Emergency, during which time the following measures and provisions shall be in effect to produce an orderly and equitable reduction of water consumption until, the Water Commissioner, with the approval of the Mayor, finds and declares the water shortage condition to be ended.
            In some cases public notification may be used to alert the public that the water in said building or place may not be safe for human consumption.
a.         Water Watch – A water watch may be declared when a water shortage or equipment failure poses a potential threat to the ability of the water system to meet the needs of its customers currently or in the foreseeable future. Indicators of the need to impose a water watch include, but are not limited to: system operating at 75% of pumping capacity; moderate decrease in the pumping water level of wells or moderate decrease in the recovery rate of water level in the wells; moderate decrease in reservoir levels.
            Under a water watch, all customers of the City of Stanton are encouraged to limit or curtail all nonessential uses of water in order to conserve precious water resources during the time of shortage. Customers are encouraged to comply with the following voluntary standards:
            1. No watering of lawns, shrubs, or gardens between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
2. No water should be used to fill private swimming pools, reflecting pools or any other outdoor pool or pond

3. No water should be used to wash streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, or building exteriors
4. No water should be used for nonessential cleaning of commercial and industrial equipment, machinery, and interior spaces
5. Water should be served at restaurants only upon the request of the customer
b.         Water Warning – A water warning may be declared when a water shortage or equipment failure poses a serious threat to the ability of the water system to meet the needs of its customers currently and in the foreseeable future. Indicators of the need to impose a water warning include, but are not limited to: system operating at 85% of pumping capacity; significant decrease in the pumping water level of the wells or significant decrease in the recovery rate of the water level in the wells or significant decrease in the reservoir level; a chemical spill; or a major system failure.
            Under a water warning, no person shall use potable processed water of the City of Stanton Water system in any manner contrary to the following:
1. All water customers whose street address ends in an even number shall use city water upon their premises for the purpose of watering lawns, gardens, trees or shrubs on even numbered days of the week only; and all water customers whose street address ends in an odd number shall use city water upon their premises for the purpose of watering lawns, gardens, trees or shrubs on odd numbered days of the week only.
            2. Car washing is prohibited except in commercial establishments that provide this service
3. No water shall be used to fill private swimming pools, reflecting pools or any other outdoor pool or pond
4. Tank load water sales may be curtailed or eliminated
5. No water shall be used to wash streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks or building exteriors
6. No water shall be used for nonessential cleaning of commercial and industrial equipment, machinery, and interior spaces
7. Water should be served at restaurants only upon the request of the customer
c.         Water Emergency – A water emergency may be declared when a water shortage or equipment failure poses a severe and immediate threat to the ability of the water system to meet the needs of its customers. Indicators of the need to impose a water emergency include, but are not limited to: system operating at 95% pumping capacity; serious decrease in the recovery rate of the water level in the wells; or serious decrease in the reservoir level.
            Under a water emergency, no person shall use potable processed water of the City of Stanton Water System in any manner contrary to the following:
            1. All outside water use, except for domestic, sanitation and fire, is prohibited
2. All commercial and industrial uses of water not essential in providing products or services is prohibited
3. Irrigation of agricultural crops is prohibited
4. Recreational and leisure water use, including lawn and golf course watering and other incidental or recreational use is prohibited
5. Water use not necessary for the preservation of life or the general welfare of the community is prohibited

The City of Stanton may shut off the water supply at any time, from any or all premises, to repair the water tower, pumps or mains, to make extensions or connections, or for violation of this article or failure to pay water charges, or for any other purpose that may be deemed necessary by the Water Commissioner. No claim for damages shall be made against the City or the Water Commissioner on account of any such shutoff or on account of a failure of the water supply from any cause. The City shall not be liable for any damages caused by shutting off the supply of water of any customer while the system or any part thereof is undergoing repairs or when there is a shortage of water due to circumstances over which the City has no control.
            Penalties – The following penalties shall apply for violations of water use restrictions imposed under this section.
            a. First Violation – For a first violation, the City of Stanton Water System shall issue a written notice of violation to the water user violating use restrictions imposed during a water warning or water emergency.
            b. Second Violation – For a second violation within a 12 month period, a fee shall be imposed of $20.00.
            c. Subsequent Violations – For any subsequent violation within a 12 month period, a fee shall be imposed of $50.00, and in addition, the City of Stanton Water System shall interrupt water service to that customer at the premises at which the violation occurred. Service shall not be restored until the customer has paid the reconnection fee of $15.00, plus the $50.00 fee, and has provided reasonable assurance that future violations of water warning and water emergency use restrictions will not occur.
            Any customer charged with a violation of the water warning or water emergency use restrictions may request a hearing before the City Council. The City Council may conclude that a violation did not occur or that circumstances under which the violation occurred warrant a complete or partial mitigation of the penalty.

170.55.18 Water; Fire Hydrants
            All hydrants erected in the City for the purpose of extinguishing fire are hereby declared to be public hydrants. It shall be unlawful for anyone but authorized persons to obstruct a public hydrant, open any of such hydrants, attempt to draw water from the same or in any manner interfere with the same. For purposes of this section, authorized persons shall mean members of the Fire Department, and then only for the use and purpose of the Fire Department, or persons specifically authorized by the City of Stanton Water Commissioner, and then only in the exercise of the authority delegated by the City of Stanton Water Commissioner.

170.55.19 Water; Contract; Continuity of Service
            If any customer of City water shall move from the premises for which water is being supplied by the City, or if such premises shall be destroyed, such customer shall notify the Water Commissioner, who shall cause the water to be shut off from such premises. The service must be properly abandoned at the earliest date possible for properties destroyed.
            The City of Stanton will endeavor to supply, but does not guarantee, continuity of service of a generally accepted standard. Interruption of service for repairs, alterations, want of supply, conditions on a customer’s premises dangerous to persons, property or service of the customer, or others, non-payment by the customer, failure by the customer to provide means of access for obtaining regularly scheduled readings of the meter, or for testing the Utility’s metering equipment, or prevention of fraud or abuse, is not a breach by the City of its responsibility. In some cases public notification may be used to alert the public that the water may not be safe for human consumption.
            The customer waives claim for, and by accepting service, releases and discharges the City of Stanton for claims for, and shall indemnify and save harmless the City from any and all loss and damage arising from interruption of service, or on account of injury to persons (including death), or damage to property on the premises of a customer, or under a customer’s control, unless such loss, damage, or injury is the natural, probable and reasonably foreseeable consequence of the City’s negligence, and such negligence is the sole and proximate cause therefore.

170.55.20 Water; Destruction of Property
            It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or carelessly break, damage or deface, interfere with or disturb any building, equipment, apparatus, fixtures or appurtenances to the Water System of the City of Stanton, or any public or private hydrant, hose, valve, stop key, meter, water supply or service pipe or any part thereof, nor shall any person deposit anything in any curb stop box, or commit any act tending to obstruct or impair the intended use of any of the herein mentioned property, without the permission of the Water Commissioner, or except in cases hereinafter or otherwise regulated by the provisions of this Article.

170.55.21 Water; Complaints
It is understood that there are times when a customer of the City of Stanton Water System has a complaint about the quality of service or with a particular billing, which seems inaccurate or unjust. Complaints may be made in person at the City Hall or by letter or telephone. The Water Commissioner may be able to resolve the customer’s problem immediately. If not, the complaint will be channeled to the person who can take the necessary action.
A file will be kept of all water complaints received at the City Hall. Information listed shall be the name of the complainant, date of complaint, address of complaint, what needs to be corrected, action taken by the City to resolve the complaint.

           
170.55.22 Water; Fluoride
            The City of Stanton is prohibited from adding, either artificially or mechanically, any additional fluoride (in any form) to its public water supply, other than what already exists in its natural state.

170.55.23 Water; Disconnect and Reconnect Due to Nonpayment
            The City of Stanton has the right to discontinue services and remove its properties if the charges for such services are not paid within ten (10) days after the bill becomes delinquent. No City water service, which has been shut off, shall be restored until the person desiring such restoration makes arrangements for payment of any delinquent bill, as well as, payment of any applicable service fees. The disconnect procedure can be found in City Code Section 50.02.

170.55.24 Water; Backflow
Backflow may be caused by either a loss of pressure in the supply main called back siphonage, or by the flow from a customer’s pressurized system through a cross connection, which is called back pressure. The point at which the non-potable water comes in contact with the potable drinking water system is called a cross connection. To prevent the backflow from occurring at the point of the cross connection a device called a backflow prevention assembly must be installed.
            The Water Commissioner shall be in charge of the backflow / cross connection program for the City of Stanton. The Water Commissioner shall be in charge of keeping all maintenance records on backflow devices, inspecting all new and old buildings, and educating the general public. Records shall be maintained for the location of all backflow prevention devices within the City, type of device, and tests results.
            There are five types of mechanical devices, which are considered to be backflow prevention devices.
1. Air Gap – An air gap is a physical separation of the supply line by at least two pipe diameters vertically above the overflow rim.
2. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker – This type of assembly must always be installed at least six inches above all downstream piping. It can only be used to protect against back siphonage.
3. Pressure Vacuum Breaker – This type of assembly must be installed twelve inches above all downstream piping. It can only be used to protect against back siphonage.
4. Double Check Valve – This type of assembly is a testable device with shutoff valves upstream and downstream. This assembly does not discharge water, and is considered reliable for low degree hazards.
5. Reduced Pressure Principle Device – This type of assembly is the most reliable type of device. It is a testable device with upstream and downstream shutoff valves. It uses a relief valve that maintains a zone of reduced pressure between the two check valves.
            The City of Stanton Water Department sells a self draining vacuum breaker at cost to customers. This device can be used on all outdoor hydrants or faucets. Other types of backflow prevention devices may be purchased and installed by a licensed plumber.
No customer or other person shall cause, allow or create any physical connection between the City of Stanton Water System and any pipes, pumps, hydrants, tanks, steam condensate returns, engine jackets, heat exchangers, other water supplies or any other connection whereby potentially unsafe or contaminating materials may be discharged or drawn into the City of Stanton Water System. In order to provide protection and prevent the potential of pollutants and contaminants from entering the public water system, backflow protection devices may be required on all water service lines installed, replaced, or repaired.  The Water Commissioner shall inspect all premises to determine what level of protection will be necessary to protect the public health and safety.
            The cost of the installation, maintenance and testing of backflow prevention devices in accordance with this Section shall be paid by the customer. All backflow prevention devices shall be installed in accordance with all manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines, in a manner that the device shall be accessible for inspection and testing. A reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall not be installed in a pit or other location that may be subject to flooding.
            Backflow prevention devices shall be maintained in good working order by the customer. The customer shall be responsible to cause all backflow, backpressure or back-siphonage protection devices equipped with test ports to be tested upon initial installation, when repaired, and once each year. All tests shall be done by a Backflow Prevention Test and Repair Technician, Grade VI Water Supply Operator, certified by the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Test results shall be forwarded to the Water Commissioner on standard reporting forms. The test report shall be signed by the certified tester, attesting to proper backflow prevention operation. Devices equipped with test ports and installed on lawn sprinkling systems which are supplied with water from a service line equipped with a backflow, backpressure or back siphonage detection device shall be tested upon initial installation, replacement of integral parts, and every fifth year thereafter. Customers whose hazards are defined as high shall be required to report annually prior to January 30 of each year on the test results for their backflow prevention device.

degree of hazard, is required at that site. Records pertaining to the devices and the testing / repair records of testable devices shall be maintained by the Stanton Water Department for 5 years.
            In order for the customer to accurately complete the survey and to identify potential cross connections, an on-going public education program is required. The public will be given information on the potential dangers of backflow, how to identify a cross connection, how they can protect themselves, and the need to protect the City of Stanton Water System from contamination on a yearly basis.
            All backflow prevention assemblies will be set in a position approved by the regulations of the Nebraska Health and Human Services, Regulation and Licensure, Title 179 of Nebraska Administrative Code 2. Backflow assemblies shall be in an easily accessible position so that they may be read, tested or repaired easily by a licensed backflow inspector.
            No person shall test or repair backflow prevention assemblies unless he / she is a holder of a valid Nebraska Grade VI water operator license issued pursuant to the regulations of Nebraska Health and Human Services, Regulation and Licensure, Title 179 of Nebraska Administrative Code 2.
            Gauge equipment used to test backflow devices must be certified and calibrated in accordance with the regulations of Nebraska Health and Human Services, Regulation and Licensure, Title 179 of Nebraska Administrative Code 2.
            Penalties – If any person shall fail to comply with the regulations of Nebraska Health and Human Services, Regulation and Licensure, Title 179 of Nebraska Administrative Code 2, by failing to complete the required cross connection survey or shall fail to install or maintain any required backflow prevention device, water service may be discontinued from the customer failing to complete the required survey or failing to install or maintain the required backflow device. Prior to discontinuing water service to any customer pursuant to this section, the Water Commissioner or his / her agent, shall give the customer ten (10) days’ written notice that water service will be discontinued for failure to comply as set forth in this section. The water may not be turned on or the notification revoked except by the order of the Water Commissioner or when the violations have been corrected and upon such other terms that the Water Commissioner shall determine, and a satisfactory understanding with the party shall be had so that no further cause for complaint shall arise.

170.55.25 Water; Wells; Registration; Prohibitions
            1. Registration - All wells for which drilling has commenced or is existing within the City of Stanton shall be registered with the City Clerk by the person owning the real estate on which the well is located. There shall be no fee for registering an existing well.
            The construction of a “Water Well” within the corporate limits or within one mile of the corporate limits of the City shall not be started unless a permit approved by the Water Commissioner has been obtained. There shall be a fee of $20.00 for a well permit.
            The following information shall be submitted in connection with registering a well
            a. The name and address of the person owning the real estate on which the well is located
            b. The address and legal description of the property on which the well is located
            c. The address of all properties being served by groundwater pumped from the well
            d. A description of the uses of the water pumped from the well, including specifically whether such         groundwater is used for human consumption including, but not limited to drinking, cooking, washing or other   household uses
            e. Whether City water is available to the property currently served by the well
            f. The depth of the well
            g. A diagram showing the location of the well

            Whenever the Water Commissioner, or his / her designee has inspected any well within the City of Stanton and determined that groundwater pumped from the well is being used in violation of this Section, he /she shall send a written notice to the owner of record or to the occupant by ordinary first class mail and by certified mail, return receipt requested, notifying the addressee of the violation. The written notice shall contain the following information
a. The street address and a legal description sufficient for identification of the premises on which the well is located
b. A brief and concise description of the acts or circumstances constituting a violation of this section
c. A brief and concise description of the corrective action required to be taken to render the well and groundwater uses in compliance with this section
d. A brief and concise statement advising the addressee that if the well and groundwater uses are not brought into compliance with this section within the time specified, that the Water Commissioner, or his / her designee may order electrical power to the well disconnected and may request the City Attorney, with the consent of the Mayor, to file an action to abate the public nuisance and charge the costs thereof against the real estate, the owner of record and the addressee

2. Prohibited Uses – Groundwater pumped from wells within the City of Stanton shall not be used for any human consumption including drinking water, cooking, washing or other household uses. Any known human consumption of groundwater from wells within the City is a violation of this section and is declared a public nuisance subject to abatement as provided in this code. Groundwater pumped from private wells within the City of Stanton shall not be connected to the City of Stanton water system.
This section shall not apply to uses of groundwater pumped from wells within the City of Stanton which do not involve human consumption, including, but not limited to, non-contact cooling for industrial, commercial or residential uses and watering of vegetation.

170.55.26 Water; Service To Non-Residents
The Municipality shall not supply water service to any person outside the corporate limits without special permission from the Governing Body; provided, the entire cost of laying mains, supply pipe, service pipe, stop box and meters shall be paid by the customer.  Nothing herein shall be construed to obligate the City of Stanton to provide water service to non-residents.

170.55.27 Water; Limitations of Potential Contamination on Water Well
            The City of Stanton shall establish control over the location of future potential sources of contamination within the City of Stanton, the extraterritorial jurisdiction or to customers of the City of Stanton Water System, so as to prevent or minimize any hazard to the safety of the City’s drinking water.
            It shall be unlawful to place, maintain, construct, or replace any of the following structures or to conduct any of the following activities within the distance specified below from any existing City Water Supply Well, water storage tank, or water treatment facility.
            Category                                              Distance
            Sewage Lagoon                                    1,000 feet
            Water Well                                           1,000 feet
            Cesspool                                              500 feet
            Dump                                                   500 feet
Feedlot or Feedlot Runoff                     500 feet
            Corral                                                  500 feet
            Chemical Storage                                 500 feet
            Petroleum Storage                                500 feet
            Pit Toilet                                               500 feet
            Sanitary Landfill                                    500 feet
            Septic Tank                                          500 feet
            Sewage Treatment Plant                       500 feet
            Sewage Wet Well                                 500 feet
            Absorption / Disposal                           500 feet
            Field for Waste                         500 feet

            The governing body, may consider allowing placement of water wells, as defined by Nebraska Regulations governing public water supply systems (Title 179, NAC2) and Nebraska Regulations governing water well construction, pump installation and water well abandonment standards (Title 178, NAC12) as amended from time to time, closer to a municipal water well, than the limitations set forth above. The well may be closer only under the following conditions:
a.         The City shall refer the application to its engineer for evaluation and report. The estimated cost of the engineer’s fees must be paid at the time of filing the application, by the applicant. The applicant, in addition to any previously paid estimated costs should pay any additional costs, which are reasonably incurred by the engineer in making their examination and report.
b.         The governing body shall consider the engineer’s report and any additional information submitted by the applicant. In reaching its decision on whether to allow the placement of a water well, as defined in this article, the governing body must act to prevent all sources of possible or likely water contamination.
c.         If the governing body approves the installation, it shall submit the plan together with the engineer’s report to the Department of Health and Human Services of the State of Nebraska for final approval or denial.
            No installation shall be made without the approval of both the governing body and the Department of Health and Human Services of the State of Nebraska.

Water wells in existence and use, as of the effective date of this Ordinance, shall continue to be permitted unless such continued existence or use presents a hazard to the quality of the drinking water available for public use to the City. The owner of any well shall have the burden of establishing the existence and use of such well at the time of the effective date of this Ordinance. 

Water Usage

Water Tests

Water Tests