1701 S Jefferson Ave
Saginaw, MI 48601
Phone - (989) 759-1612
Fax - (989) 759-1609
Water Maintenance and Service provides continuous maintenance and service on the City's water and sewer distribution system. The primary responsibility of this section is maintenance programs on the City's 411 miles of water distribution mains and 306 miles of the sewer system. It involves repair of all water main and sewer line breaks and leaks; installation and repair of new fire hydrants and valves and locating and staking of City water utilities prior to excavation by others. Activities also include meter reading, construction of new sewer connections, installation of rat bait in manholes and investigation of water backups.
If you are trying start or end your Water & Sewer Service, please contact the Water & Sewer Billing Department between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday at 759-1450.
Learn more about what the City of Saginaw is doing to improve stormwater quality.
MAINTAINING OR RESTORING WATER QUALITY IN BUILDINGS WITH LOW OR NO USE
Click here to see Public Education Material.
Rules and Regulations For Installation, Maintenance and Removal of Water Meters
Public Services Series Bulletin NO. 3-16
Section 1:
Meters - All premises using City water shall be metered. Meters shall remain the property of and under the control of the City. Not more than one residence, business, industry or commercial constitution shall be served by one meter. Each premise so metered shall have its own separate water supply line and shut-off valve in the street.
Section 2:
Locations - Meters shall be located at a point where the water service first enters the basement wall. Where there is no basement, the meter shall be located where the water service first enters the building and cannot be installed in a crawl space but must be brought up to first floor in an approved location. All meters must be installed in a heated area.
Section 3:
Valves and Meter Bypasses - The water service shall be provided with two (2) full flow gate valves. The valves are to be installed in inlet and outlet sides of the meter (at spuds). All meters two (2) inches and larger shall have a bypass with a full flow gate valve installed. The bypass can be full pipe size, however in no case shall it be smaller than one pipe size below the water service extension. [For example: a two (2) inch water service shall have as minimum a one-and-a-half (11/2) inch bypass.] No solder joints allowed in meter sets or bypass, only after downstream meter valve.
Section 4:
Clearance - Meters shall be set in a horizontal pipe not less than five (5) inches from a wall or stationary object, and not over four (4) feet above the floor. There shall be at least eighteen (18) inches of clearance above the top of one (1) inch and smaller meters. Clearances for larger installations shall conform to standard specifications established by the City. Meters shall not be set in inaccessible locations nor enclosed. Should a meter be made inaccessible or enclosed, making maintenance and reading difficult or impossible, the Utilities Field Operations Manager may order the customer to make the necessary corrections at the owner's expense, or have the water service terminated until plumbing is in compliance with the rules.
Section 5:
Damage to Meters - Owners or persons in charge of premises housing meters shall be responsible for damages to a meter by hot water, frost, or other causes not controlled by the City. Fees to be assessed at fair market value.
Section 6:
Meter Seals - Only authorized employees of the City shall break a seal on a meter or meter bypass. If a customer finds a broken seal, they shall immediately notify the Utilities Field Operations Manager. Failure to notify shall result in a broken seal charge.
Section 7:
Readinq, Repairinq and Removinq - Authorized employees of the City of Saginaw shall have the right to enter any premise on which City water is used to inspect, adjust, read, repair or remove water meters or appurtenances in connection with said water meters at any reasonable time. Any piping near or around the meter or curb stop shall be substantial enough to allow utilities personnel to turn curb stop on and off for plumbing repairs, turn ons, turn offs, etc. Any piping deemed substandard shall be replaced by the owner upon request by authorized personnel.
Section 8:
Electrical Groundinq - No person, firm or corporation shall ground or electrically connect any radio, telephone or other electrical system to the discharge side of any water meter unless:
(a) A shunt is placed around the water meter that will bypass any electrical current so connected; or
(b) At least ten (10) feet or more of metal water pipe is connected to and buried in moist earth on the discharge side; and
(c) Any shunt placed around the water meter shall be so placed that the meter may be removed without disturbing the shunt. No electrical connection shall be made to the water meter, the meter union or meter tail plate.
Section 9:
Alterations or Chanqes - No person, firm or corporation shall change the location of a meter or meter pit, alter the grade so that it will cover up or create a hazard around any meter pit or stop box; or in any way obstruct the free access to any water meter, meter pit or stop box without the written permission of the Utilities Field Operations Manager.
Section 10:
Optional Arrangement - Any customer may elect to establish metering facilities registering the discharge from his premises to the public sewers. All such arrangements shall be subject to the prior approval of the Director of Public Services and the expense thereof shall be borne by the customer.
A customer may also elect to establish separate metering facilities for water use that is not discharged to the public sewers. All such arrangements shall be subject to prior approval of the Director of Public Services and the expense thereof, including installation, maintenance and operation shall be borne by the customer.
When separate metering facilities registering water consumption only have been Installed as permitted by this article, the readiness-to-serve charge provided for in Section 52.33(A)(1) shall be based upon the size of the meter. Commodity charges as provided for in Section 52.56(A) and 52.56(B) shall be applicable for all metered consumption. Sewage disposal charges as provided for in Section 51.55 shall not be applicable under this article.
The readiness-to-serve charge under this arrangement shall be billed monthly and shall apply regardless if the service is on or off.
Any unauthorized alteration or modification of an approved metering facility may result in discontinuance of service, an estimation of billable charges and removal of any City owned metering equipment.
Section 11:
Commercial/Industrial - All meters one-and-a-half (11/2) inches and larger shall contain an approved expansion joint that allows flanged pipe to be separated for meter service.
Commercial/industrial applications are required to have cross connection prevention devices located immediately downstream from meter and located in an above-grade heated structure. Water meter shall be located in the same structure. Design and materials must be approved by Maintenance and Service Division.
If water is required on a continuous basis, a second, device will be required on the bypass.
Section 12:
Effective Date - The effective date of this regulation shall be
The requisition supersedes Water Series Bulletin No. 3-17, dated April 4, 2007 and is issued under the authority granted by provisions of Section 52.19, Regulatory Authority, Water Distribution System, of Chapter 52, Water, of Title V, Public Works, of the Saginaw Code of Ordinances.
Rules And Regulations For The Construction And Maintenance Of A Water Service Extension
Public Services Series Bulletin NO. 3-17
Definition: Water Service Extension - Shall mean that portion of the water supply line from the curb box up to and including the water meter and meter shutoff valves.
Section 1:
Extension Permit - No person shall construct, alter, or repair a water service extension without first obtaining a written permit from the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Services, 1435 S. Washington Avenue.
Section 2:
Construction Material - Water service extensions two (2) inches in diameter and smaller shall be constructed of type K, soft temper copper tubing. Water service extensions three (3) inches in diameter and larger shall be constructed of Class 52 Ductile Iron, Class 22 Cast Iron and C909 PVC Pipe with a working pressure of 150 PSI. The type of water pipe selected shall be used for the entire length of the water service extension (from the end of the City-installed water service connection to the water meter). No solder joints will be allowed before the meter.
Section 3:
Placement of Pipe - All water service shall be constructed no less than five (5) feet below finished grade at any point. The water service extension may be placed in the same trench with the sewer service extension, providing the bottom of the water pipe is above the top of the sewer pipe at all points by at least twelve (12) inches; and a solid shelf is constructed on one side of the trench which shall be of sufficient width to properly support the water pipe without bracing. When the water service extension pipe cannot be placed twelve (12) inches above the sewer service extension pipe, the Water service extension and sewer service extension shall be laid in separate trenches and Separated by five (5) feet of undisturbed or compacted earth. Under building without basements, the minimum depth of five (5) feet shall be maintained for eighteen (18) inches inside the foundation wall. (Pre-existing conditions will be considered when applying these rules. In all instances the water line shall be above the sewer.) Subject to the approval of the Superintendent of R.O.W.
All open trench excavations shall meet competent person requirements.
Section 4:
Size of Extension - The size of the water service extension shall be of sufficient diameter to furnish an adequate flow of water to meet requirements of the building at peak demand, and in no case shall be less than three-quarters (3/4) of an inch inside diameter.
Section 5:
Branches and Connections - There shall be no branch, tee, or wye connections between the water supply main in the street and the water meter.
Section 6:
Shutoff Valves, Meter Bypasses and Meters - All water services extensions shall be provided with two full flow gate valves. The valves are to be installed on the inlet and outlet sides of the meter located no more than 12" upstream or downstream and must be accessible. All meters two2) inches and larger shall have an expansion joint and a bypass with a full flow gate valve Installed. The bypass can be full pipe size below the water service extension size. [For example: A two (2) inch water service shall have as minimum a one-and-a-half (11/2) inch bypass.] All meters shall be located within one (1) foot of the building wall where the pipe enters the building. (Additional requirements - see WS Bulletin 3-9.)
Section 7:
Inspections - All water service extensions before being covered shall be tested under full pressure, inspected and approved by an authorized inspector assigned by the Maintenance and Service Division of the Department of Public Services.
Water service extensions larger than two (2) inches shall be subject to hydrostatic testing, chlorination, and bacteriological analysis prior to being placed into service. Water service extensions larger than two (2) inches will be initially installed with an air gap between the connection and the extension under construction. The contractor shall provide piping materials to make a temporary connection with cross connection protection to existing water connection and/or fire hydrant. This temporary connection is for the express purpose of filling the water extension for required pressure testing, chlorination and bacteriological analysis prior to final connection and being placed in service. An alternative to this shall be a double, back-to-back valve installed with an air relief installed between two valves. Inspections will be made Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Overtime charges will be assessed for after hour or weekend inspections.
Section 8:
Protecting the Excavation - Any trench which may create a real or potential hazard the public shall be protected by adequate barricades, signs, lights or other approved protective devices.
Section 9:
Water Turn On - No person other than an authorized employee of the Maintenance and Service Division shall make a water turn on or shutoff at the curb stop. An application for such turn on or shutoff shall be made to the Water Billing Section in the Department of Finance. No turn on will be made unless all provisions of this bulletin and of Bulletin No. 3-9 have been complied with.
Section 10:
Extension Leaks - Any leak occurring on a private water service extension shall be investigated by an authorized inspector of the Maintenance and Service Division. If it is determined that the leak is on the supply side of the curb stop or in the curb stop itself, it shall be repaired by the City at no expense to the property owner.
If it is determined that the leak is on the extension side of the curb stop, it shall be repaired by the property owner at his expense. In the latter case, the Utilities Field Operations Manager of the Maintenance and Service Division shall:
(a) Give written notice to the property owner of record by regular mail of the United States Postal Service, advising the, owner of the leak and requiring that repair be made within five (5) days.
(b) If the repair has not been made at the expiration of the five (5) days, a second written notice shall be given by certified mail of the United States Postal Service. This shall establish a second five (5) day period for the repair to be completed and give notice that any non-compliance will result in the discontinuance of the water service.
(c) If at the end of the second five (5) day period the repair has not been made, the service shall be discontinued until the proper repair has been made.
(d) If in the judgment of the Utilities Field Operations Manager of the Maintenance and Service Division any leak is of such magnitude or location as to constitute or create a hazard to public safety, or a threat of damage to public or private property, he shall order the water service discontinued immediately until the proper repairs have been completed.
Section 11:
Pipe Repairs and Replacements - Pipe repairs or replacements shall be made with like materials. Any repair over half the length of the extension will require replacement of the extension. (Refer back to section 2).
Lead service connections and extensions regardless of length must be entirely replaced with materials required for new systems. If replacement is necessary on the supply side of the curb stop, such replacement will be made by the City at no expense to the property owner. If replacement is necessary on the extension side of the curb stop, it shall be replaced by the property owner at his expense.
Repairs 2" and larger will require all parts to be swabbed with a 5% chlorine solution.
Complete pipe replacements of service extensions larger than two (2) inches will require hydrostatic testing, chlorination and bacteriological analysis prior to being placed into service. (Exposed piping may be subjected to a visual leak test).
Article 11.
An alternative to the traditional excavation method of installation is the Jack and Bore method as an acceptable means of replacing/installing water extensions up to 2" in diameter provided it meets the minimum depth of bury and clearances for other utilities can be maintained. A pressure test of 75 psi for 15 minutes is required to test for water tightness of the extension on any portion of the extension that cannot be visually inspected.
Section 12.
Sidewalk and Driveway Repairs - It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to repair any sidewalk or driveway removed while in the process of repairing or replacing .a water service extension.
Permanent restoration of sidewalks or driveways shall be made immediately following pipe repairs, weather permitting. In any case, the disturbed area shall be maintained so as to prevent injury to pedestrian or vehicular traffic until permanent repairs can be made.
Section 13.
Effective Date - The effective date of this regulation shall be
This regulation supersedes Water Series Bulletin No. 3-17 dated April 4, 2007 and is issued under the authority granted by provisions of Section 52.19, Regulatory Authority, Water Distribution System, of Chapter 52, Water, of Title V, Public Works of the Saginaw Code of Ordinance.
Rules And Regualtions For The Construction And Maintenance Of A Sewer Service Extension
Public Services Series Bulletin NO. 6-37
Definition: Sewer Service Extension - Shall mean that portion of the sewer line from the property line up to within five (5) feet of the building wall.
Commercial or industrial shall not be less than six (6) inches. The type of sewer pipe selected shall be used for the entire length of the sewer extension. (No slotted or sock pipe allowed.) If pre-existing conditions do not meet the above specs. Field Operations Manager or his Designee can approve variances.
Section 1:
Extension Permit - No person shall construct, alter, or repair a sewer extension without first obtaining a written permit from the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Services, 1435 S. Washington Avenue.
Section 2:
Construction Material - Sewer extensions shall be constructed of either double strength vitrified clay sewer pipe, concrete sewer pipe A.S.T.M. C-14-3, P.V.C. pipe - standards A.S.T.M. 3034, SDR 26, or ADS N12, ProLink SJ or equal (no hinged split couplers allowed). The type of sewer pipe selected shall be used for the entire length of the sewer. Sewer extensions to a single-family residence may be four (4) inches in diameter. Extensions to multiple family residences, commercial or industrial shall not be less than six (6) inches. The type of sewer pipe selected shall be used for the entire length of sewer extension. (No slotted or sock pipe allowed) Variances must be approved by City Council.
Section 3:
Pipe Joint Construction - All joints constructed in sewer extensions shall be made tight so as to exclude infiltration/exfiltration and growing roots. Joints in vitrified clay or concrete sewer pipe to have bell and spigot ends and sealed with a premium joint approved rubber compression type seal. All joints shall be constructed in such a manner as to maintain smooth alignment of the inside barrel of the pipe.
Sewer pipe joints connecting pipes of dissimilar material or pipes of different sizes shall be made with a Fernco flexible coupling or Fernco donut or approved equal. O-ring connections of different size pipes will not be allowed.
Every 100' of sewer extension a cleanout is required at the building and every 100' thereafter, per plumbing code. No tees or 90's allowed, 45's must be separated by at least 1' of pipe. Sanitary wyes are required for clean outs.
Section 4:
Repairs - Any repair over half the length of the existing extension will require replacement of the extension.
Section 5:
Depth of Extension - Where the depth of the sewer connection permits, all sewer extensions shall be constructed with not less than six (6) feet of cover to the finished grade at any point, and at a slope of not less than 1/8 inch per foot. The sewer extension and the water extension may occupy the same trench when the top of the sewer pipe is at least twelve (12) inches below the bottom of the water pipe. In cases when the sewer extension cannot be constructed twelve (12) inches below the water extension, or when the water extension exceeds two (2) inches in diameter, then the water extension and sewer extension shall be laid in separate trenches and separated by five (5) feet of undisturbed or compacted earth. In this instance the minimum depth of the sewer is 42" at building foundation. All open trench excavation shall meet competent person requirements.
Section 6:
Bedding of Extension - Bell holes shall be excavated at each point where bell and spigot pipe is used to insure full bearing for the body of the pipe. A minimum of three (3) inches granulated material shall be used to provide uniform support for all sewer pipe for the entire length of the extension.
Section 7:
Backfill of Trench - All sewer extension trenches shall be backfilled with sand or other approved granular material to a point at least three (3) inches above the pipe, properly tamped or water flushed into place. The remainder of the trench may be backfilled with excavated materials, excluding stones exceeding three (3) inches in diameter, masonry, rubble or other extraneous material.
Section 8:
Protection of Excavation - Any trench which may create a real or potential hazard to the public shall be protected by adequate barricades, signs, lights or other protective devices.
Section 9:
Inspection of Extension - All sewer extensions, before being covered shall be inspected and approved by authorized inspectors assigned by the Maintenance and Service Division of the Department of Public Services. Those not inspected shall be re-excavated.
Section 10:
Extension Responsibility - It is the responsibility of the person making a sewer extension to check and make certain that said sewer connection is open and free of obstructions before beginning said sewer extension. The elevation of the sewer connection shall determine the elevation of the sewer extension. No new extension shall be allowed to any connections over 50 years old.
Section 11:
Private and Subdivision Rear Lot Drainage - A separate private sewer extension is allowed to drain rear lots. A single six (6) inch connection will be allowed with an approved drainage structure which shall include a restrictor to allow no more than a three (3) inch opening. A drawing for approval and a shop drawing provided with list of material to be used must be submitted to the Utilities Field Operations Manager or his designee.
Single Family Private Rear Lot Drainage Single - family private rear lot drainage shall consist of a 6" sewer connection sewer extension to the property line within 5' of property line an in-line-P-trap will be installed, all 6" pipes and parts will be backfilled with 3" of sand above and below pipe. After the 6" pipe P-trap owner/contractor is allowed to transition to 4" pvc pipe continuing to the private catch basins at a minimum depth of bury of 18" to the top of the 4" pvc pipe. Private rear lot catch basins shall typically be made of pvc and contain a minimum of an 18" sump to allow solids to settle and have a sufficient opening to drain, such opening to have a slotted cover to prevent plugging of catch basin or tile from debris. Backfill of 4" pipe will be accomplished using native materials. Pipe materials allowed are the same as for sanitary connections.
Section 12:
Sidewalk and Driveway Repairs - It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to repair any sidewalk or driveway removed while in the process of repairing or replacing a sewer service extension.
Permanent restoration of sidewalks or driveways shall be made immediately following pipe repairs, weather permitting. In any case, the disturbed area shall be maintained so as to prevent injury to pedestrian or vehicular traffic until permanent repairs can be made.
Section 13:
Catch Basins and Manholes - All sewer extension must be approved by Utilities Field Operations Manager or his designee.
Catch basins - Minimum 3'. Shall be trapped at the initial sewer extension with a 6" PVC trap (SDR - 26) and will have a 2' sump.
Manholes - Minimum 4' diameter. All manholes shall have troughs constructed of the same pipe material used for the extension to provide for smooth laminar flow throughout. (Concrete formed troughs are not acceptable).
Sanitary and storm sewer joined in the same manhole is allowed provided the storm inlet is one foot above the sanitary inlet.
Section 14:
Effective Date - The effective date of this regulation shall be
This regulation supersedes Water Series Bulletin No. 3-17 dated April 4 2007, and is issued under the authority granted by provisions of Section 52.19, Regulatory Authority, Water Distribution System, of Chapter 52, Water, of Title V, Public Works of the Saginaw Code of Ordinance.
Rules And Regulations To Control Water Supply Cross Connections
Public Services Series Bulletin No. 6-20
Section 1:
Definitions
1. "Backflow" means water of questionable quality, wastes or other contaminants entering the city's water supply system due to a reversal of flow.
2. "Cross-connection" means a connection or arrangement of piping or appurtenances through which a backflow could occur.
3. "Safe air gap" means the minimum distance of a water inlet or opening above the maximum high water level or overflow rim in a fixture, device or container to which city water is furnished which shall be at least 2 times the inside diameter of the water inlet pipe; but shall not be less than 1 inch and need not be more than 12 inches.
4. "Secondary water supply" means a water supply system maintained in addition to the city's water supply, including but not limited to water systems from ground or surface sources not meeting the requirements of Act No. 98 of the Public Acts of 1913, as amended, being sections 325.201 to 325.214 of the Compiled Laws of 1948, or water from the city's water supply which in any way has been treated, processed or exposed to any possible contaminant or stored in other than an approved storage facility.
5. "Submerged inlet" means a water pipe or extension thereto from the city's water supply terminating in a tank, vessel, fixture or appliance which may contain water of questionable quality, waste or other contaminant and which is unprotected against backflow.
Section 2:
Cross-Connections Prohibited
1. A cross-connection shall not be made between the city's water supply system and a secondary water supply.
2. A cross-connection shall not be made by submerged inlet.
3. A cross-connection shall not be made between the city's water supply and piping which may contain sanitary waste or a chemical contaminant.
4. A cross-connection shall not be made between the city's water supply system and piping immersed in a tank or vessel which may contain a contaminant.
Section 3:
On-Site Inspection
Representatives of the City shall have the right to enter at any reasonable time any property served by a connection to the city's water supply system for the purpose of inspecting the piping system or systems thereof for cross connections. On request, the owner, lessees or occupants of any property so served shall furnish to the inspector any pertinent information regarding the piping system or systems on such property. The refusal of such information or refusal of access, when requested, shall be deemed evidence of the presence of cross-connections.
Section4:
Corrections and Protective Devices
1. A user of the city water shall obtain written approval from the Director of Public Services of any proposed corrective action or protective device before using or installing it. No protective device will be authorized unless it has been approved by the Michigan State Department of Environmental Quality.
2. The total time allowed for completion of the necessary corrections shall be contingent upon the degree of hazard involved and include the time required to obtain and install equipment. If the cross connection has not been removed, after a reasonable period of time, the city shall physically separate the city's water supply from the onsite piping system in such a manner that the two systems cannot again be connected by any unauthorized person. Water services to such property shall not be restored until the cross connection has been eliminated in compliance with the provisions of this regulation.
Section 5:
Water Unsafe for Drinkinq
The potable water supply made available on the properties served by the city's water supply shall be protected from possible contamination as specified by this regulation and by the state and city plumbing code. Any water outlet which could be used for potable or domestic purposes and which is not supplied by the potable system must be labeled in a conspicuous manner as:
Section 6:
Private Water Storaqe Tanks
A private water storage tank supplied from the city's supply system shall be deemed a secondary water supply unless it is designed and approved for potable water usage.
Section 7:
Pipinq Identification
When a secondary water source is used in addition to the city's water supply system, exposed city water and secondary piping shall be identified by distinguishing colors or tags and so maintained that each pipe may be traced readily in its entirety. If piping is so installed that it is impossible to trace it in its entirety, it will be necessary to protect the city water supply at the service connection in a manner acceptable to the Michigan State Department of Environmental Quality.
Section 8:
Plumbinq Codes
This regulation does not supercede the state or city plumbing code, but is supplementary to them.
Section 9:
Effective Date
These rules and regulations shall become effective on
This regulation is issued under the authority granted by the provisions of Section 52.19, Regulatory Authority, Water Distribution System of Chapter 52, Water, of Title V, Public Works, of the Saginaw Code of Ordinances. Supersedes Bulletin of 1974.