Connections & Easement FAQs
An easement is a legal and specific right to use the real property of another without possessing it. In this case, easements are necessary in order to provide a pathway across two or more pieces of property to cost-effectively bring new water service to an area. An easement is considered as a property right in itself at common law and is still treated as a type of property in most jurisdictions.
In order for the Southwest Water Authority (SWA) to cost-effectively expand its infrastructure and provide water service to new customers, we must first obtain easement permission from the landowner. SWA is working on easement acquisition now in several rural communities. If you have received an easement request, please get it signed, notarized and returned to our office. The easements are required in before SWA can include you for future water service.
The proposed route of the pipeline tries to keep road crossings to a minimum and avoid physical barriers such as trees, creeks or hills. The location of other customers also affects the route of the pipeline.
Routing is done in order to construct the pipeline cost effectively. Going around your property increases the cost of construction. If you refuse to sign the easement, Project engineers will try another route. If another route is not viable, your neighbors may not be able to receive water service. If you refuse to sign an easement, and later want water, you would be responsible for the costs incurred by the SWPP in order to reroute the pipeline around your property. If there is no other route, the Project has the right of eminent domain but would prefer not to use it.
Main transmission lines are the source of the distribution system and provide water to the cities; the State Water commission (SWC) pays for easements for main transmission lines. Without main transmission lines, rural lines would not be possible. The SWPP has a set maximum amount that can be spent to provide service to a single customer, otherwise known as the cost per Estimated Service Unit (ESU). Because the cost to deliver water to the customer is regulated, paying for easements would increase the cost per ESU and many customers would not receive service. Therefore, it is essential that donated easements for the rural area are obtained to provide maximum coverage within the cost limitations. Landowners who have provided the SWPP with a donated easement are eligible to receive a reduction in hookup fees on any rural water hookup provided that the easement obtained provided service to other customers. In not paying for easements, the SWPP continues the tradition of more than 22 rural water systems now operating in North Dakota who do not pay for easements.
While the SWPP is asking for a donated easement, it is not the intent of the SWPP to cause a financial burden to landowners. If damages occurred to crops or hay land during the construction phase, call the State Water Commission at 800-889-1019. Any other damages will be negotiated by contacting the SWA office at 701-255-0241 or toll free at 888-425-0241.
You will find this year’s hookup fees with explanation of costs located under here.
Yes, you are responsible for that portion between your residence and the meter pit. Attached is an illustration of the meter assembly components.
No, you are responsible for making your own arrangements. You may make your own hookup, hire a licensed water and sewer installer, hire a licensed plumber, or any combination of the afore mentioned. Upon request, we will supply a listing of licensed water and sewer contractors and licensed plumbers.
All homes built after July 1, 1995 must be inspected by an inspector representing the North Dakota State Plumbing Board or the local administrative authority that issues a plumbing permit. For further information, contact the State Plumbing Board at 701-328-9977. This information should answer your questions concerning your individual billing and hookup. If not, please feel free to contact our office. Remember, it is extremely important that the user and/or installer be familiar with Southwest Water Authority installation requirements before proceeding with installation.
Our system will provide for a pressure of 45 psi in most cases. If your present system is less that 45 psi, it is possible that some of your existing piping may leak. However, most systems should be able to handle the 45 psi we are providing. Also, if you are removing your in-line pressure tank, make sure your hot water heater is protected for expansion. The State Plumbing Code requires that provisions must be made for hot water expansion. Consult with your plumber for specific needs as they apply to your system. Hot water expands and if no provisions are made for this condition, they can explode.
Yes, however, this use must not be tied into the Southwest Water Authority’s water system. In other words, there must a be a physical disconnect between your existing water source and the Southwest Water Authority source. Failure to do so would be a violation of the Southwest Water Authority’s Rules and Regulations.
A cross connection is any connection to a water source which could possibly cause contamination to that water source. Normally this condition exists when pressure in the system is lost and water is allowed to siphon back into the system. An example of a cross connection would be a submerged hose filling a tank. If a failure in the system causes loss of pressure in the system, the water in the tank would siphon back into the distribution system. Since this is a public system, it would not only affect your system, but the public’s as well. Cross connections are also a violation of the Southwest Water Authority’s Rules and Regulations. It is extremely important that each customer check their system to make sure a cross connection does not exist because a pressure drop in our system could create a very serious contamination problem. Even though we have backflow preventers, they are mechanical and subject to failure.
There are 8 steps you must take in order to be connected.
- Water Customer Information and Agreement Form (Return to SWA)
- Connection Fee (Check or Money Order Payable to SWA)
- Subsequent User Installer Approval Form (Return to SWA)
- Your Connection Location Marked on the Enclosed Map
- Initialed Acknowledgement of Your First Water Bill Due Date
Once you return all of the above documentation, SWA will conduct a hydraulic study to determine the water pressure for your installation. Only 3 STEPS are left:- Hire A Qualified Installer
- Your Installer Completes Verification Of Rural Water Service Connection Form
- Return Form Before/When Your Water Is Turned On
Once your install is completed, you will need to allow for a 24-48 hour notice for your water service to be turned on.
A staff member of the Southwest Water Authority will make arrangements to turn on your water. A minimum 24-hour notification during normal working hours is required. Please notify the Southwest Water Authority office by calling 701-225-0241 or toll free 888-425-0241. Depending on the workload, the maximum notification requirement is 72 hours.
For health, safety, and legal reasons, ONLY an authorized SWA representative can turn on your water. It is your responsibility to acquire all easements, permits, installation costs, or any other incidental expenses needed to complete or maintain your home’s service line connection to the water pipeline.
Once water service is permanently disconnected, it can only be restored after unpaid minimums, expenses incurred in the collection of past due amounts and a reconnect charge are paid; or a new hookup fee is paid; whichever is less. The cost to reconnect service will never be more than a new hookup fee. A new hydraulic study may be required.
Payment will be made in full prior to reconnection. Service can be restored provided water capacity is still available. Payment shall include the accumulated monthly minimum bills since the date service was disconnected, any requested deposits, any unpaid water usage, and a service charge. Total charges will not exceed the current hookup fee.
Ordinarily, the meter would be located in the customer’s basement. If there is no basement, or other suitable frost-free environment, the SWPP will provide the customer with a meter pit. An existing well pit may be used if it passes inspection and is approved by the SWPP. Pipeline water and well water cannot be used simultaneously through the same water lines.
Contractors may use a backhoe, trencher, or plow to install the pipeline.
It is possible that the SWPP may ask to place an air vent, valve box, or other appurtenance on your property. To the extent possible, the SWPP will place appurtenances so that they are not an obstacle to farming or ranching operations.
The SWPP tries to keep the pipeline as close to the edge of the property as possible. State law requires utilities to be located 75 feet from county road center lines and 100 feet from state highway center lines.
Absolutely not, this is not only a violation of the Southwest Water Authority’s Rules and Regulations but could also cause damage to your interior plumbing. This would be considered system tampering and subject to permanent termination of service.
No, swing valves are not permitted by either the State Plumbing Board or Health Department. This would also be a violation of the Southwest Water Authority’s Rules and Regulations.
For your protection, the plumbing code requires an expansion tank be installed. The State Plumbing Board requires a minimum of 160 psi pipe on new lines installed to meet their requirements. The State Plumbing board does allow you to use your existing lines even though they may be rated at something less than 160 psi, however, you are cautioned that your old lines may not be able to handle our pressure which may be as high as 120 psi. This is especially important for those who chose a curb stop installation. Should our line pressure exceed 80 psi, it is recommended that you replace your existing lines if they are not rated for at least 160 psi. Your plumber should be able to assist you in making this determination. It is much less concerning for those who chose meter pit installations because the pressure reducing valve reduces pressure to 45 psi. Should you choose to tie into your existing water lines, please note that you did so on your verification form. Also, please note the pressure rating of your existing lines if known.
Water bills include a monthly minimum. Monthly minimums begin when water is available to the customer, whether the water is used or not. The bill will also include the cost of water used per 1,000 gallons. Visit our rate page for more information. Visit our rate page for more information.
The SWPP will bring the waterline to a point convenient to the SWA and the customer, at or near the edge of the yard. At that point, a curb stop or meter pit will be installed. Connections after the curb stop or meter pit are the responsibility of the customer. The SWPP will furnish a water meter.
For those consumers who expect to be away from their water service location for three or four months at a time (such as over the winter months), we ask that you please notify our office and arrangements can be made to prepay the monthly minimum bills and turn the water off until you return.
An average family of four will use between 5,000 and 6,000 gallons for household use. Usage will vary dependent upon your individual needs.
A licensed water and sewer contractor may install your service line up to the first joint inside your residence.