Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 38 - PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATION
Chapter 38.5 - UTILITY DIVISION
Subchapter 38.5.25 - Privately Owned Water Utilities
Rule 38.5.2503 - PROVISION OF WATER SERVICE

(1) Service pipes. Service pipes shall be so arranged that the supply of each separate building, house or premises, may be controlled by a separate curb cock, placed within or near the line of the street curb, under rules established by the utility or civil authorities, except as provided in ARM 38.5.2509(3). This curb cock and box must be easily accessible and must be kept in repair by the owner of the premises.

(2) Stop and waste cock. A stop and waste cock must be placed at some convenient point inside of the building located where it cannot freeze, and where water from the building can be readily shut off, and the water pipes drained to prevent freezing.

(3) Waste of water. Waste of water is prohibited, and consumers must keep their fixtures and service pipes in good working order at their own expense, and keep all waterways closed when not in use. Leaky fixtures must be repaired at once without waiting for notice from the utility. If reasonable notice is given by the utility and the repair is not made, the water will be shut off by the utility without further notice.

(4) Limitations on connections. No plumber or other person will be allowed to make connection with any conduit, pipe or other fixture or to connect pipes when they have been disconnected, or to turn water off or on, on any premises without permission from the utility.

(5) Mains. Before a utility is required to provide water service to a consumer, the utility's system of service mains must presently be in place at the point where service is desired.

(6) Extension of mains.

(7) Lawn sprinkling. A utility may require permits for lawn sprinkling which may be secured at the office of the utility. When necessary, the utility may impose lawn sprinkling restrictions.

(8) Billing errors. Where an error in billing has occurred, the utility shall go back in time as far as is necessary to cover and/or reconcile the erroneous billing, but no further than the most recent of either the date of the service application of the current consumer or the date of the most recent meter test, or as directed by the commission. When over collection occurs because of a fast meter, ARM 38.5.2513(2) will apply.