Please use the following tables to find detailed listings of our special rates and fees. Please note that tap fees are shown without system development fees.
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Setup Fee for all new or transferred accounts | $25 |
| Outside Reader installed by the District | Cost + 20% |
| Bad Check Charge for any check or e-payment returned by the bank | $30 |
| Administrative Service Charge-charged when service is scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment on account or disconnection due to failure of the customer to comply with the rules and regulations of the District | $56 |
| Field Service Charge-charged for additional trips to a service address due to inaccessibility of District facilities/equipment or unauthorized reconnection of service. | $56 |
| Repairs to District Property/Equipment-billed according to the equipment and materials schedule | Time and Materials |
| Residential/Commercial sewer permit fee for a new tap inspection charge based on 4 hours of inspection required for the sewer tap | $303 |
| Per hour charge above 4 hours (includes testing) | $72 |
| Overtime inspections charged at 1.5 times the hourly rate | $108 |
| Sanitary Sewer Abandonment charge for inspection of sewer connection when abandoned. | $110 |
| Water Tap Abandonment Fee disconnect at curb stop or meter pit. Inspection fee is $100; if District performs disconnection, then time and material rates will be charged. | $110 |
| Prepaid Plan Review, Inspection, and Project Administration for commercial/industrial, subdivision construction, engineering review of each set of plans, and for water and sewer construction inspection services upon plan approval. Subsequent plan reviews will be charged on an hourly basis. | $220 each |
| Water and sanitary permit and inspection fees to recover the full cost of the District's inspection (including fire lines) | Projects less than or equal to $50,000 will be 5% of project cost; greater than $50,000 will be $2,500 plus 2.5% |
| Overtime inspections charged at 1.5 times the hourly rate | $108 |
| Collection Fee for every collection made on behalf of a private developer, based on the Private Developer Agreement with The District | $50 |
| Late Payment Charge for monthly billing | $5 or 10% of bill, whichever is greater |
| After-Hours Reconnection Fee | 3 hours at current fee schedule |
| Plan Sheet Copy Fee – 24 inches by 36 inches sheet; black and white | $3 per sheet |
| Plan Sheet Copy Fee – 24 inches by 36 inches sheet; color | $6 per sheet |
| Water Charge for bulk water stations | $12 per 1,000 gallons |
| Water Charge for WaterShed dispensing units | $0.25 per gallon |
| Copy Charge for public records request – black and white | $0.05 per copy |
| Copy Charge for public records request – color | $0.07 per copy |
| Copy Charge for public records request – electronic copy | $1 per copy |
| Notice to Individuals of Specific Public Businesses by special request in self-addressed stamped envelope | $0.05 per notice |
| Sanitary Sewer Cross-Connection Fee, implemented in situations where known storm and sanitary sewer connections exist. A 30-day notice will be granted first in most situations | $100 per day |
| Map Design Fee to generate maps | $88 per hour |
| Plan Deposit Fee – non-refundable fee paid by contractors for plans set for projects being publicly bid on. | $100 per set |
| Monthly Fire-Protection Charge for un-metered fire lines to pay for the availability of water service upon demand in the event of a fire | $2 per hydrant plus monthly line size charges below:
4" line - $35; 6" line - $70; 8" line - $112; 10" line - $161; 12" line - $217 |
| Unauthorized Use of Sanitary Sewer and/or Water Lines – for any property owner making a connection without proper inspection or proper authorization, including reconnection | $100 per day + usage/discharge |
| Stormwater Billing Fee – per-bill charge to include stormwater fees for another entity on The District's customer bill | $0.50 per bill |
| Anti-Degradation Fee for up to 10,000 gallons per day. Minimum charge is $360 for one Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU), Ohio EPA's standard flow estimate for an average 3-bedroom home | $1 per gallon |
| Anti-Degradation Fee for over 10,000 gallons per day | $10,000 plus $0.10 per gallon |
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sanitary Sewer Tappers License – a sanitary sewer tappers test is required for all first-time tappers and renewed on a yearly basis | Initial cost – $100; Renewal – $25 |
| Freezing Charge for a residential or commercial user for a meter not housed in a meter pit – 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch | Current cost + 20% |
| Freezing Charge for meter 1 inch and 1.5 inches | Current cost + 20% |
| Freezing Charge for meter 2 inches or greater and hydrant meters | Time and Materials |
| Deposit for Temporary Hydrant (refunded if meter is not damaged. If damaged, full charge + 20% will be charged | $1,000 |
| Hydrant Setup or Removal Fee Permit – includes adaptor, 50-foot hose, and meter | $110 |
| Water Charge (regardless of provider area) | $12 per 1,000 gallons |
| Short-Term Rental Charge (up to one week of use) | $110 setup fee plus water charge |
| Long-Term Rental Charge (use for summer period for hydroseeding, landscaping, pond filling, etc. Billed monthly) | $110 setup fee plus water charge and $50 monthly fee |
| Unauthorized Hydrant Use for any person using a hydrant without authorization | $100 per day plus consumption |
| Testing and Replacement of Meter fee charged if meter is determined to be reading accurately after testing. No charge if meter is reading inaccurately. | $100 |
| Hydrant Flow Test | $150 |
| Pool Filling | Case-by-case quote |
| Water Meter Schedule – includes meter pit, meter, radio read unit, excavation, and 1 inch connection to water main. For 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch residential meter | $3,350 |
| Water Meter Schedule – for tandem meter (two meters either 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch) | $3,750 |
| Water Meter Schedule – 1 inch residential or light commercial meter | $3,650 |
| Water Meter Schedule – for 1 inch tandem meter (includes two 1 inch meters) | $4,050 |
| Water Meter Schedule – for 1.5 inch meter | $7,000 |
| Water Meter Schedule – for 2 inch meter (2 inch tap on main) | $7,400 |
| Outside Reader installed by District | Current cost + 20% |
| For Tap Exceeding 2 inches on Any Size Line – The District will only perform the tap. No excavation, service line, or restoration. Time and material costs ("t/m") determined on a case-by-case basis. Customer is responsible for installing meter, service line, and tapping saddle for the building plus tap costs. | Tap costs |
| For 4" tap | $250 + t/m |
| For 6" tap | $300 + t/m |
| For 8" tap | $350 + t/m |
| For 10" tap | $400 + t/m |
| For 12" tap | $450 + t/m |
| Water Taps, All Road Bores Less than 60 feet – included in tap fee. Any service line requiring a longer length will be charged at the completion of installation. | Current cost + 20% |
| Meter Cost and AMR Cost for lost, damaged, well meters | |
| Meter Cost and AMR Cost - 2 inches or greater water meter | Time and Materials |
| Meter Cost and AMR Cost – 5/8 inch | Current Cost + 20% |
| Meter Cost and AMR Cost – 3/4 inch | Current Cost + 20% |
| Meter Cost and AMR Cost – 1 inch | Current Cost + 20% |
| Sewer Grinder Pump Assembly purchase of residential single phase unit | Current Cost + 20% |
| Grinder Pump Electric Service Cost – applied to residences with electric service only | $2.00 per month per pump |
| Sewer pressure system tap fee – cost for District to perform a tap on sewer force main (1.5" only) | $1,400.00 |
| Any service line requiring a longer length than 60 feet will be charged at the completion of installation | Current Cost + 20% |
| Special Wastewater Discharges – includes any offsite generated waste stream requiring treatment and must conform to the District Extension Policy Section V – Protection of Sewer System | $500 minimum plus $12 per 1000 gallons |
| Front Footage Charge for Extension of Projects – Waterline and sanitary sewer connections to existing facilities that have not been assessed to benefitting properties. See extension policy for further explanation. Waterlines with Fire Protection | $33 per benefitting front footage |
| Gravity Sanitary Sewer Line | $72 per benefitting front footage |
| Low Pressure Sanitary Force Main | $17 per benefitting front footage |
| Rural Waterline Without Fire Protection | $17 per benefitting front footage |
| Equipment Fee (Without Operator) | Rate per Hour |
|---|---|
| Sewer jet truck | $150 |
| Vacuum truck (3000 gallons) | $75 |
| Crane truck | $65 |
| Single Axle Dump Truck | $65 |
| Tandem dump truck | $100 |
| Bucket truck | $75 |
| Skid steer loader and trailer | $40 |
| Waterline leak detection equipment | $135 |
| Crew cab service truck | $50 |
| Trailer mounted vac | $55 |
| Excavator | $60 |
| John Deere loader | $60 |
| Trailer jet | $55 |
| Lateral push camera | $80 |
| Sewer camera truck – main line camera | $175 |
| Sewer camera truck – lateral launch camera | $250 |
| Equipment Fee | Cost per Day |
|---|---|
| Pipe expander, 2 inch to 8 inch pipe (materials not included) | $55 |
| Pickup truck | $60 |
| Automobile | $40 |
| Tandem axle trailer | $40 |
| Dual-wheeled trailer | $50 |
| Jack hammer | $40 |
| Generator – trailer mounted – less than 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) | $240 |
| Generator – trailer mounted – 100 to 199 kWh | $310 |
| Generator – trailer mounted – 200 kWh | $460 |
| Light tower/generator | $85 |
| Compactor | $60 |
| Rototiller | $50 |
| Power sewer snake | $50 |
| Cut off saw | $35 |
| Chain saw | $40 |
| Acetylene torch set | $35 |
| 14 Foot Jon Boat | $60 |
| Trash pump – 1.5 inch electric | $40 |
| Trash pump – 2 inch gas/diesel | $45 |
| Trash pump – 3 inch gas/diesel | $50 |
| Trash pump – 4 inch diesel Baker or GR | $70 |
| Trash pump – 4 inch diesel submersible | $70 |
| Trash pump – 6 inch diesel submersible | $90 |
| Trash pump – 6 inch diesel silent pump GR or Godwin | $90 |
| Suction hose – 20 feet by 1.5 inches; 20 feet by 2 inches | $10 |
| Suction hose – 20 feet by 3 inches, 20 feet by 4 inches | $15 |
| Suction hose – 20 feet by 6 inches | $20 |
| Discharge hose – 50 feet by 1.5 inches; 50 feet by 2 inches | $10 |
| Discharge hose – 50 feet by 3 inches; 50 feet by 4 inches | $15 |
| Discharge hose – 50 feet by 6 inches | $20 |
| Gas detector | $70 |
| Manlift tri-pod | $50 |
| Barricades and/or safety cones | $20 |
| Air compressor | $70 |
| Blowers (ventilation) | $30 |
| Blowers (smoke) | $70 |
| Electronic line locator | $60 |
| Trench shoring | $115 |
| Boring tool | Current cost + 20% |
| Portable wastewater flow meter with installation and weekly monitoring | Time and Materials |
| Portable wastewater flow meter without installation and weekly monitoring | $250 per week |
| Odor loggers | $150 per week |
| Equipment having a daily rate that is used for less than four hours per day will be billed at half the daily rate; equipment used between four and eight hours per day will be billed at the full daily rate. The daily rate covers eight hours of use. Portal To Portal: Hourly rates and mileage rates will be charged as portal to portal. | |
| Subcontractors: when subcontracting becomes necessary, a management fee of 20% will be added to that subcontractor's billed amount. | |
| Equipment and Materials: 1. Any non-District equipment will be subject to a 20% handling charge plus the usage fee. 2. All materials expended on the job will be subject to a 20% handling charge. The use of such equipment may be arranged for by and between the District and the subdivision desiring the use of such equipment, and will be properly billed to the credit of the sewer and water funds by the District. Said equipment will not be loaned when required for use by District personnel. All equipment shall be rented under District supervision. |
|
| Employee Hourly Rates | Rate per Hour |
| Field Employees (including vehicles) | |
| Straight time | $62 |
| Overtime | $93 |
| Double time | $124 |
| Contract rate to non-District customers | $117 |
| Field Employees (without vehicles) | |
| Straight time | $55 |
| Overtime | $83 |
| Double time | $110 |
| Contract rate to non-District customers | $110 |
| Management | |
| Straight time | $88 |
| Overtime | $132 |
| Double time | $176 |
| Adjusted to reflect actual average employee earnings plus benefits. Rates are to be adjusted annually based on any increase in wage and the cost of benefits. These rates are fully burdened to include overhead. | |
| Labor rates | |
| Straight time: refers to normal working hours from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, except when Holidays are observed during the Monday through Friday work week. | |
| Overtime: those hours before 7:30 am and/or after 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. All Saturday and Sunday hours will be billed at the overtime rate. | |
| Double time: those hours that are worked on an observed Holiday. |
System Development Fee
The System Development Fee (SDF) structure is designed to prevent the inequity to existing customers that would result if user rates were increased to pay for added costs for new construction to serve future customers (line over-sizing for example). With SDFs, new customers connecting to the system pay an amount approximating the amount that has already been paid by existing customers towards general investments in The District’s capital infrastructure.
SDFs have been developed from the “system buy-in” methodology developed by the American Water Works Association. It’s based on the premise that while new customers are entitled to water and wastewater service at the same price charged to existing customers, existing customers have already paid a portion of the cost of general improvements to support the entire water distribution system. The “growth pays for growth” policy is consistent with the extension policies approved by the Board of Trustees.
Revenue derived from SDFs is restricted to use for the development of facilities to expand water and wastewater services. This includes the development of water sources and wastewater treatment, construction of buildings, tanks, mains, and pumps needed to provide adequate public water and wastewater treatment within The District’s service areas.
History
In 1986, the Board of County Commissioners implemented a program (“cost-of-service methodology”) using pricing structures and financing methods intended to be fair and equitable to all users. The program is periodically reviewed to ensure that customers pay their fair share of the cost of service. The District’s Board of Trustees endorsed this concept on February 9, 1993, and adopted the System Development Fee (“SDF”) on December 14, 1993.
The SDF was one of many alternatives reviewed in eight public meetings leading up to the fee’s original approval. The District periodically updates this policy, most recently in 2020, with changes effective January 1, 2021. Prior to this study, the last update went into effect on January 1, 2014.
The District has updated and revised our System Development Fee schedule effective January 1, 2021. Active quotes (within the 120-day quote period) from 2020 will be honored at the 2020 rate schedule. Expired quotes will be recalculated using the 2021 fee schedule.
A System Development Fee (SDF) is a charge for new customers to the system. It is designed to prevent the inequity to existing customers that would result if user rates were increased to pay for added costs for new construction to serve future customers (line oversizing for example).
The goal is to achieve a more equitable recovery of capital costs from new connections. To make the costs fair to the existing customer base, new customers should pay a fee to “buy into the system”. Existing customers have already paid a portion of the cost of general improvements to support the entire system. Revenue derived from SDFs is restricted to use for the development of facilities to expand water and wastewater services. This includes the development of water sources and wastewater treatment, construction of buildings, tanks, mains, and pumps needed to provide adequate public water and wastewater treatment within The District’s service areas.
The fees are based on water meter size. They are broken down into “Water Distribution”, “Sewer Collection” and “Sanitary Treatment.” Any SDF request over 2 inches will be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
| Meter Size | Water Distribution SDF | Sewer Collection SDF | Water/Sewer Collection Total | Sanitary Treatment SDF | Water/Sewer Collection & Treatment Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 inch | $1,304 | $1,087 | $2,391 | $211 | $2,602 |
| 3/4 inch | $1,956 | $1,631 | $3,587 | $317 | $3,903 |
| 1 inch | $3,260 | $2,718 | $5,978 | $528 | $6,505 |
| 1 and 1/2 inches | $6,520 | $5,435 | $11,955 | $1,055 | $13,010 |
| 2 inches | $10,432 | $8,696 | $19,128 | $1,688 | $20,816 |
Meter over 2 inches – contact The District
General Water Service Rules
The following list of regulations is a basic outline for general customer use. If you have questions or would like clarification on any item discussed below, please contact us.
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District (the District) supplies retail water to your area through a contract with the nearest water provider. Before obtaining service, the customer must sign a service application and contract, agreeing to adhere to the District’s material specifications for service lines. If the owner/customer lives in the Bowling Green water area, they may also be required to sign a pre-annexation agreement as a condition of receiving water service.
The service line from the meter pit to the premises is the sole responsibility of the property owner. We recommend that the service lines be buried at a minimum of 48 inches to prevent freezing.
Prior to receiving water service, the owner/customer must:
- Pay application and tapping fees at the District’s Operations Facility located at 12560 Middleton Pike (The customer may also be required to sign a pre-annexation agreement if they are in the Bowling Green water area as a condition of receiving water service)
- Hire a contractor/plumber to install your service line – The homeowner may install the service line, but this department will hook up meter pit, provided the service line is installed prior to the water tap – Otherwise, a plumber shall be hired at the owner’s expense to make the connection
- Call the District Office ((419) 354-9090, or (877) 354-9090) and let us know you are ready for the tap, or to have the meter set and water turned on. We ask for a 48-hour notice
- Disconnect existing well water system being used from the indoor plumbing at time of turn-on
- Have a recorded address visible from the street
When obtaining a permit for service, the customer must advise the District of the necessary size of the service line and meter size required to adequately serve the premises. If larger than a 1" line or larger than a 5/8" meter, the size of the service line and meter requested by the customer will be subject to approval by the District Engineer or Superintendent. All meter pits requiring up to a 2 inch meter will be required to be located at the road right-of-way in most cases.
The owner is responsible for contacting the Ohio Underground Protection Service (O.U.P.S.) 48 hours (2 business days) prior to digging the customer’s service line. The O.U.P.S. telephone number is (800) 362-2764.
The District or its Agent will make the necessary tap. The District will furnish, install, and maintain the service main extending from the District’s water main to the curb stop and/or meter pit. The owner may be charged for additional parts if a larger line or wrong type of pipe/connectors is used or if the crossing (bore) is longer than 60 feet. Homeowners whose taps require road bores over 60 feet will be charged an additional footage fee.
1. Cross Connection Control
When a customer maintains a well or other water source, no internal or external plumbing will cross-connect with the District water supply system. Due to health concerns, all plumbing for each water source must be maintained separately. Furthermore, the District will not allow water for inside use other than water provided by the District. A well can be used for outside water, i.e., outside yard hydrant, seat cock, etc.
When any cross-connections are found, the District reserves the right to immediately shut off, without notice, the water service to the Customer. Service will not be re-established until the condition is corrected to the satisfaction of the District.
When the District furnishes the meter pit, a double-check valve has already been installed inside the pit. Commercial, industrial, and some residential services will require an evaluation of the protective device required, taking into account the degree of hazard involved as determined by the District.
2. Expansion Chambers
The water system within your home is completely sealed off from the distribution main by the backflow preventer (check valve, closed system). Internal pressure build-up can occur within your home if surge protection and expansion chambers are not installed. Consult with your plumber for acceptable prevention methods to prevent this pressure build-up.
3. Pressure-Reducing Valves
Pressure-reducing valves may be necessary on the customer’s service line. This valve should be installed by your contractor or plumber. The District’s operating water pressure may exceed 70 to 75 p.s.i.
4. Access to Premises
A representative or employee of the District, with proper identification, shall at all reasonable hours, and with prior notification, have access to the premises of the customer to examine pipes, meters, connections, and other appurtenances involving the District’s water supply for the purpose of examining, replacing, repairing or removing any meter, piping, instrument or connection that is part of the District’s water system.
5. Billing
Billing will be in the property owner’s name, unless prior authorization has been granted, and will begin with the date the meter is turned on. The property owner will be responsible for all water and sewer charges even if a service is in a renter’s name. The monthly or quarterly minimum charges will be billed using the current, approved rate schedule and is determined by the size of the water meter installed. (A copy of the rate schedule is available upon request.)
Failure to receive a bill will not entitle the customer to be released from charges or payment of fees. If the water meter stops or fails to register the full amount of water consumed, the customer will be billed an estimated usage based upon the customer’s normal use of water in a similar billing period.
6. District Liability
The District will use reasonable diligence in supplying a regular and uninterrupted supply of water, but shall not be liable for damages if the supply should be interrupted or fail. In the interest of public safety and convenience, all persons performing thawing services with electrical devices and equipment on water service pipes or conduits connected to the District Distribution System shall strictly observe the following practices and procedures:
- Whenever and wherever electrical energy, alternating or direct current, is to be used for thawing pipes and conduits physically connected to the lines, pipes, and conduits of the District Water Distribution System, the District shall be notified immediately.
- No work on said pipes or conduits shall be performed until after the District personnel have physically disconnected or isolated from the house piping, the section of pipe conduit to be energized.
- The District shall be notified immediately upon completion of the work so service to the customer may be restored as quickly as possible.
Reinstatement of service after normal working hours will be charged at the District’s overtime rates. A copy of these charges is available upon request.
The Customer is defined as the property owner since the property owner is, according to law, responsible for payment of all bills and is the owner of the necessary piping and connections between the curb stop and/or meter pit and their residence.
The Customer shall be financially responsible for any tampering, interfering with or breaking of the seals of meters or other equipment of the District. The customer will be held liable, including any illegal diversion of water according to law.
The Customer agrees that no one except employees of the District or Agent shall be allowed to make internal or external adjustments of any meter or any other piece of apparatus that is the property of the District.
Only employees of the District or its Agent shall have the authority to turn the water service on or off at the curb stop and/or meter pit. No other person shall be permitted to turn such water on or off without having authorization or a permit from the District in every instance. Any illegal tampering of this type may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Any calls received after the normal working hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) that are determined by the District to be the "Customer’s Area of Responsibility," may be charged based on our overtime rate to the customer/property owner.
To reduce misunderstandings, the following definitions are presented for the benefit of current, as well as future, water customers, builders and developers.
Water Service Line
The portion of water piping system located between the District’s Water Distribution Main (tap) and the curb stop or meter pit. This portion of piping is furnished according to the tapping fee schedule and installed by the District.
Customer Service Line
That portion of water piping system located at the discharge side of the meter pit or curb stop. This portion of piping is furnished and installed by the customer, builder or developer. Any substitute materials may require additional cost or fittings by the customer. In no event shall any other type of piping material be allowed except, "Type K-Soft Copper," High Density Polyethylene, or approved equal. In such case, the District reserves the right to determine such acceptable substitutes. 1 inch K-Soft Copper and 1 inch SDR #9 pipe match correctly to the customer’s side of the meter pit with the compression fitting provided. Any substitute materials may require additional cost or fittings by the customer. A 1 inch ball valve is required as soon as the customer service line enters the building. This is to allow the customer to shut off the water should a leak develop in the structure or other repairs or replacements of fixtures need to take place.
New Development or Subdivisions
In all new residential developments and subdivisions, a 1 inch minimum service tap and a 1 inch service line shall be made from the distribution main to the curb stop or meter pit. The customer, builder or developer desiring a tap larger than the 1 inch minimum, when available as a result of pre-planning, shall pay for the existing 1 inch service tap available plus the costs involved for the larger tap and the service main requested.
Changing Existing Service Lines
Any existing residential, commercial or industrial customers, seeking to replace their existing service line and tap, shall bear the full cost of such change or revision, plus any applicable overhead charges.