Water and Sewer

Procedures & Costs for Connection to Municipal Water

The water system in your street will allow you to connect to Detroit water.  The water is treated with fluoride and chlorine and has the advantage of not having to be softened for use.  Fire protection and related insurance costs are a benefit to each homeowner, whether you connect your home or not. Each property owner has two options (with an existing home) if they desire to connect:

1. Pay the entire connection fee in cash, currently $3,634.00.  This figure includes the tap-in at the property line, the water meter (including remote reading device on the exterior of the home) and the first 30 days of un metered water usage.
   
   
2. Pay tap-in ($1,242.00), meter cost ($227.00), construction water usage ($15.00), and initial payment on debt ($17.98), which totals $1,501.98.  The balance of $2,150.00 will then be financed over a 20-year period.  The monthly payment of $17.98 will begin 30 days after completion of Utility Obligation Agreement.

The balance is subject to an interest charge of 8% per annum on the unpaid balance.  A lien is placed on the property. The lien may be paid off at any time.  The lien must be retired if the property is sold subject to a new mortgage.  A land contract sale or assumption would not require a pay-off.

If a resident desires to use the debt option, proof of ownership must be presented to the Public Service Department.  Either the original Warranty Deed (recorded) or the Title Insurance policy (NOT THE COMMITMENT FOR TITLE), must be presented.  All parties listed on the Deed or Title Policy must sign the Utility Obligation Agreement and have it witnessed and notarized.

In addition to paying for the above, two other items must be accomplished before the connection can be made.  All charges relating to these two items are the responsibility of the homeowner.

1. A pre-inspection of the dwelling must be approved by the Rochester Hills Building Department.  They are located on the upper level of City Hall, 1000 Rochester Hills Dr. (248-656-4615).  The pre-inspection expires six (6) months after the approval date.
   
   
2. A service line must be installed by a licensed contractor.  A homeowner may do the work if an affidavit is signed and a permit is secured through the Public Service Department.  The line from the house to the property line may be either Type "K" Copper or "L" Soft Copper or Polyethylene plastic water tubing  Ultra high molecular meeting the following specs:  Type III, Grade P 34, Class C, PE 3408, ASTM D-1248 and ASTM D-2737, 200 P.S.I. at 73.4 F.  (SIDR-7).  The line must be 1" in diameter and laid to a depth of five feet.

Upon receipt of the tap-in and meter fees, a "template" will be issued to the homeowner.  This will allow you to "plumb" the interior pipes to accept the water meter.  Gate valves will be required on either side of the template and the well system isolated from the municipal system.  Since sanitary sewer rates are based on water consumption (see "note" below), it is advisable to maintain your system for outside watering.  Wells removed from service in favor of connection to a municipal water system must be abandoned by a well driller registered by the Michigan Department of Health.  A report of the method of sealing shall be filed with the health officer.

Our tap schedule varies with work load, weather conditions, etc.  Once the line has been installed and approved, the pre-inspection approved and all charges paid, your address will be added to the tap schedule.  Rochester Hills crews will tap the main and run a connection to the property line.  A shut off will be installed at the property line.  The City will not turn the water on at the time the tap is made.  An adult must be present, so please call for an appointment. After a period of thirty days of using the template, our department will attempt to contact you for a meter installation appointment.  If you have not heard from us within 45 days, please contact us.