DPS/Engineering Department

AREA MAINTENANCE METER FOR OUTSIDE WATERING PURPOSES

How much is an Area Maintenance Meter? In addition, what is the process?

The City of Rochester Hills has an Area Maintenance Meter available to its residents on metered municipal water. This meter, when purchased by the residents, will allow them to receive a sewer credit for each unit that is used for outside watering purposes.

The Area Maintenance Meter may be purchased through the Department of Public Service, located in Rochester Hills City Offices, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive - between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Before a meter can be purchased, an application must be filled out by a property owner, or their representative, and the City of Rochester Hills. No proof of ownership is required.

Payment for the Area Maintenance Meter will be accepted when the application is completed. Payment shall include price of the meter and inspection fee.

5/8" Meter	$227.00	1" Meter	$323.00
Inspection Fee	$ 25.00	Inspection Fee	$ 25.00
Total	$252.00	Total	$348.00

  

An inspection of the plumbing and template for the Area Maintenance Meter will be required before a meter will be installed. An inspection/installation appointment can be scheduled (a minimum 24 hours notice required) upon receipt of a call from the property owner when he/she is ready for the same. Please be advised than an adult, 18 years of age or older, must be present.

The meter will be installed immediately following an approved inspection. However, if the plumbing is found to be unsatisfactory, the corrections will have to be made and another appointment scheduled at a later date.

Any questions related to the Area Maintenance Meters should be directed to the Department of Public Service at 248-656-4685.

AUTOMATIC METER READING PROJECT

What is the AMR Project?

AMR is an acronym for AUTOMATIC METER READING. This four-year project will install state of the art technology that will allow all of the water meters in the city to be read in less than eight hours using radio frequency signals from water meters.

Where is my water meter?

The vast majority of water meters are located inside the building in the basement. A wire leading to the exterior of the building transmits the meter reading to a touch pad located near the front of the building.

How does the new meter reading system work and how do I know the City has my reading and not someone else's?

The electronic transmitter device installed on your property is programmed to awaken and send the meter reading with your address and your meter number. Each meter and transmitter has a unique identification number that ensures your reading is assigned to your account. The information is then relayed to the Accounting Department and a water bill is generated with the reading and the coinciding address.

Will my water bill go up?

The cost of the new system will be incorporated in monthly water rates. Once the system is paid for, (3 to 4 years) operating expenses are expected to go down with the elimination of three meter reading positions. The first year costs are $1.80 per month for water customers and $1.80 per month for sewer customers.

How do you know that my reading is accurate?

These state of the art water meters are made of components guaranteed by the manufacturer for accuracy within one percent. Because water meters can only register a reading when water is moving through the meter (this flow turns the component parts), they cannot register a reading higher than the displacement of the water moving through the meter. As meters wear out, the accuracy drops and the meter reads lower than the displacement of the water through the meter.

Do I have to be home for installation of the AMR unit?

No, the AMR attaches to the existing touch pad unit mounted on the exterior of buildings. Building owners will be notified by mail when installers are working in their neighborhood.

How long will the installation take?

Under normal conditions, the installation of the AMR unit will take about 20 minutes. If a problem is encountered by installers, you will be notified and an appointment will be set up to meet an adult at the building.

What will the installers do at my house?

The AMR unit will be mounted on the exterior of the building near the existing touch pad. The unit is four inches square and requires two mounting screws to attach it to the building. If you would like the unit mounted on the interior of the building, contact the Department of Public Services at 248-656-4685 to make an appointment for an adult to meet the installers and to accommodate them into the building.

Is there a hazard from the radio transmitter on my home?

No, the radio signal is only transmitted for less than one second when the meter is being read. The transmitting unit meets all FCC requirements and the power level is far below any risk factors.

Is their anything hazardous inside the equipment?

No, only ordinary electronics and batteries are inside the equipment.

Will the radio interfere with my television, cordless phone, pacemaker or other electronic device? 

No, the radio transmissions occur on a licensed frequency very different from those used by television signals, cordless phones or other electronic equipment.

How will I know if the installers work for the City of Rochester Hills?

All installers will be wearing uniform shirts and will be driving a City of Rochester Hills vehicle. Installers also carry picture identification. If you are unsure about the installers identity call City of Rochester Hills, Department of Public Services at 248-656-4685.

Whom should I call if I would like more information about the AMR program?

Contact the City of Rochester Hills Department of Public Services at 248-656-4685 between 8:00 AM. and 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday.

Once the AMR system is installed are there any other problems that can occur?

The new system will identify any problems that may have occurred during installation. If a problem occurred, you will be notified. A service visit may be needed. A visit will be arranged at a time that is convenient for you. We simply ask that this be done as soon as possible so that the problem can be resolved quickly.

I have an area maintenance meter.  Do I need two AMR units to read both meters?

No, only one AMR unit is needed to read both meters.

  WATER AND SEWER

How many miles of Sanitary Sewer and Water Main does the City of Rochester Hills manage?

The City of Rochester Hills manages approximately 315 Miles of Sanitary Sewer and 408 miles of water main, more than 2,000 isolation valves, four master meter facilities and more than 24,000 water meters to serve our 22,000 residential and business customers.

My water bill is much higher than normal.  Why?

A majority of high water bills are due to leaking toilets.  Other things to check for are leaks in sprinkler systems, sump pumps that have water back-up systems,  and dripping faucets.

 Can the City test my water?  (Resident is connected to City water)

The City of Rochester Hills purchases water from the Detroit Water Sewerage Department (DWSD).  DWSD filters and treats the lake water at its plant in Port Huron before releasing it into the pipes that deliver it to us. 

 Where does my water come from?

Rochester Hills gets its water from the greatest freshwater supply in the world-the Great Lakes. Specifically, our water source is Lake Huron, the second largest of the Great Lakes.

WELL AND SEPTIC SYSTEM INFORMTION
(PROCESSED THROUGH THE OAKLAND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT)

I do not have City water, I have a well, where would I go to get my well-water tested?

The Oakland County Health Division Laboratory conducts free bacteriological analysis of water. Sample bottles and instructions can be obtained at the Department of Public Service, 2nd floor at City Hall 248-656-4685.

I have a Septic System, how do I maintain it?

Septic System Maintenance

This section has been adapted from materials developed by the Rouge RAP Advisory Council On-site Septic Subcommittee, which included representatives from Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw County Health Departments.

Septic systems are waste water treatment systems that use septic tanks and drainfields to dispose of sewage in soil. They are typically used in rural or large lot settings where a sanitary sewer is not available.  According to the Michigan State University Extension Service and local health departments, when a septic system is correctly located, adequately designed, carefully installed and properly managed, you will have a waste disposal system that is simple, economical, effective, safe and environmentally sensitive.

A septic system usually is made up of a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank is usually made of reinforced concrete, is buried and watertight. This tank receives untreated household waste. The drain field usually consists of a series of perforated pipes (pipes with holes in them), which distribute the liquid from the septic tank to the surrounding soil.  Although even the best designed and installed system eventually fail, proper maintenance will ensure a longer lasting waste disposal system.

A failure of a septic system can cause serious problems. Sewage can pond on the ground near the drainfield or back up into buildings. Animals and people may become ill from contact with these discharges. Pollution from failing septic systems of contaminate ditches, creeks and shallow drinking water supplies. In addition to public health concerns, there are costly repair bills to repair or replace the system. Normal use of the system is interrupted while the system is uncovered for repairs or replacement.

How the septic system works

Waste material from the house enters the septic tank where:

• Heavier solids settle to the bottom and form a sludge layer.

• Lighter wastes such as oil and grease rise to the top and form a scum layer.

• Between these two layers is liquid wastewater.

When waste enters the tank, bacteria begin to break down the solid materials. This break down reduces solids, but also leaves a residue behind in the tank. As time passes, this residue builds up, and must be removed to prevent it from entering the drainfield and clogging the system. The center liquid layer flows slowly from the tank into the drainfield. Perforated pipes allow the liquid to be equally distributed in a gravel-filled disposal field. Once the liquid reaches the disposal field, it soaks into the soil. The soil then acts as the final filter for treatment of waste received from the septic system.

Dos and Don'ts if you are on a septic system

Dos

• Connect laundry and kitchen water to septic tank.

• Have your septic tank pumped out by a licensed operator every 2-3 years.

• Have the operator check to be sure there is a tee or baffle on the outlet of the septic tank. The baffle stops the scum from floating into the disposal field.

• Check with the health department if you are having problems. They can assist with operation, maintenance and design questions.

• Learn the location of your septic tank, drainfield and well. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance record for service visits. Obtain a copy of your septic permit and map inspection, if possible.

• Divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps to lawn areas away from the septic system. Excessive water floods the system, keeping the soil in the drainfield saturated and unable to adequately treat the wastewater.

• Take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center for disposal. Use bleach disinfectants, and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels.

• Cut the grass over the disposal field. Shorter grass (around 2-3 inches) increases plant activity called evapotranspiration. This process removes nutrients from the disposal field through the root system, and increases evaporation.

Limit water entering your tank:

• Use water-saving faucets, showers, and toilets.

• Prevent basement sump pump connection to tank.

• Drain appliances one at a time.

• Spread clothes-washing over the entire week and avoid half-loads.

• Prevent roof, foundation, driveway, basement drainage and water softener discharge from entering the tank or disposal field area.

• Minimize amount of water used for bathing and dish washing.

• Fix all faucet and toilet float valve leaks.

• Check toilets for leaks at least once a year by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Without flushing, see if the coloring enters the bowl. This indicates a leak.

Don'ts

• Don't go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill humans in minutes. Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking in the lid opening.

• Don't allow heavy vehicles to drive over or park on the drainfield.

• Don't plant trees or shrubs on the drainfield. The roots from the plants could damage the system.

• Don't cover the drainfield with a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt above ground pools or decks. The area should have only a grass cover.

• Don't repair your septic system without checking with the health department to see if you need a permit.

• Don't overuse a kitchen garbage disposal unit. Heavy use adds large quantities of solids and shortens the time between septic tank pumpings.

• Don't use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run.

• Don't use your toilet like a trash can or poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.

Do Not Flush Or Wash Down The Drain!

 • coffee
• grinds
• dental floss
• fat
• kitty litter
• disposable diapers
• grease or oil
• paper towels
• cigarette butts
• condoms
• sanitary napkins
• tampons
or hazardous chemicals, such as:
• paints
• varnishes
• paint thinners
• pesticides
• waste
• photographic solutions
• oils
• old gasoline
• other chemicals

These items can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place within your system.
Signs that your system is failing.

• Sewage backup in drains or toilets.

• Slow flushing toilets, sinks or drains.

• Visible liquid on the surface of the ground near the septic system. It may or may not have an odor associated with it.

• Lush green grass over the drainfield, even during dry weather. Often, this indicates that an excessive amount of liquid from the system is moving up through the soil, instead of downward, as it should. While some upward movement of liquid from the drainfield is good, too much could indicate major problems.

• Build-up of aquatic weeds or algae in lakes or ponds adjacent to your home. This may indicate that nutrient-rich septic system waste is leaching into the surface water.

• Unpleasant odors around your house.

What to do if your system is failing

If your system exhibits one or more of the failure indicators, contact your county health official for assistance in assessing the situation. Some times the system may be able to be repaired without complete replacement. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, so keep pets and children away from the failure. Limit water use until repairs can be made. If a new system or repairs are needed, a permit is often required from your local health department.

For additional information about your septic system and its condition, contact:
Oakland County Health Division
1200 N. Telegraph Road Pontiac, Michigan 48053 (248) 858-1320
plus offices in Southfield and Walled Lake
Last Updated: 4/25/02
Please refer all comments and suggestions about the contents of this Web page to The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project's web site:  http://www.waynecounty.com/doe/watershed/rougeriver/contact/index.html 

The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.
Septic and Recreational Vehicle Disposal Sites

Septic tank cleaners pump and haul septage from septic tanks in the Rouge Watershed and dispose of the majority of it at five sites. Those sites are located at:

Site Location	Hours and Days of Operation
Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant 9300 West Jefferson Detroit	24 hours/day, all year
Oakland County 22440 Eight Mile Road Southfield	8:30am 4:30pm Mon. Fri. Saturday 9am 4pm Closed Holidays
Oakland Septage Unloading Facility 1155 Cesar Chavez Pontiac	24 hours/day, all year Opened March 15, 2002
Southeastern Oakland County 29132 Stephenson Highway Madison Heights	8:30am 4:30pm Mon. Fri. Closed Saturdays & Holidays
Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA)2777 State Ypsilanti	8am 4pm Mon. Fri. Closed Saturdays & Holidays

Recreational vehicle waste can be taken to the following locations.

1. • Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant, 9300 West Jefferson, Detroit
2. • Southeastern Oakland County, 29132 Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights
3. • Feisters RV, 37401 Ford Road, Westland
4. • A & S RV Center Inc., 2375 Opdyke, Auburn Hills
5. • Walt Michals RV Center, 44700 I-94 Service Drive, Belleville

Water Quality

My water is cloudy. What does that mean?

Normally, cloudy water means that there is air in the line. This can be caused by several things (a power outage, repair to a water main.). Letting your water run in the kitchen sink for a few minutes usually corrects the problem. If not, give Public Service a call at 248-656-4685.

Water Emergency

During a water emergency in which the Mayor has issued, how do I know if it is my day to use my outside faucets?

Homes and Businesses with even numbered addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) may water lawns and gardens, wash cars, fill pools, etc. on dates that also end in even numbers. Homes and businesses with odd numbered addresses (ending in 1,3,5,7, or 9) may water lawns in gardens, wash cars, fill pools, etc., only on dates that also end in odd numbers.

The information below is made available to you in Adobe Acrobat format.  If your browser does not already have the Acrobat Reader plug-in that is required to view these documents,please click here to access a free copy of the software.

ENCLOSING DITCHES

How would I enclose a ditch on my property?

To be able enclose a ditch it needs to be a minimum of 30" below the edge of the road.  This is in order to allow for the proper fill under the 12" culvert and still have room for the proper cover over the pipe.   If it looks as though the ditch is deep enough, someone can come out and measure it for sure.
If it is deep enough the other requirements when enclosing the ditch are:
The placement of a 2' diameter inlet (catch basin)  within the ditch line with grading of the ditch toward this structure so that the surface drainage from the yard that still occurs is able to enter the culvert and drain away.
The installation of 4"-6" edge drain along the length of the culvert on the roadside is also required if the culvert is not perforated so that road runoff can also get into the culvert.
The proper backfill and bedding when placing these pipes and structures will have to be used, as shown on the drawing that is attached. Click here for diagram. 
Before all this is done (as it is not the cheapest or easiest of solutions for a slow running ditch) it is probably best to check and make sure that the problem is not being caused by a blocked culvert downstream from the slow running ditch.  Make sure that there isn't a neighboring culvert with debris blocking the flow and if there is ask neighbors to clean it out or call DPS to see if we can be of help. (248-656-4685)

 Snow Removal

What is the current Winter Maintenance Policy?

The information below is made available to you in Adobe Acrobat format.  If your browser does not already have the Acrobat Reader plug-in that is required to view these documents, please click here to access a free copy of the software.

Click here to view snow plow map & City of Rochester Hills 2005/2006 Winter Maintenance Policy

Why does the snowplow always seem to push snow in my driveway?

With approximately 40,000 to 45,000 residential and industrial driveways in the City, it is impossible to avoid plowing snow into them. The City does not clear snow from driveways. However, we do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. 

When will my street be plowed?

Each street is classified with a level of importance to the community.  Each classification has been assigned a level of maintenance during winter storm conditions.  Major routes will receive a higher priority and will be cleared before resources are diverted to local streets.  The classifications are as follows:

Major Routes

Provide maintenance services as appropriate under prevailing weather conditions with a goal of providing a pavement surface generally cleared of snow and ice.  Winter maintenance crews will blade snow and ice from the roadway surfaces and apply deicing chemicals as needed to provide a reasonably cleared pavements.  It is intended that this work will be accomplished using overtime as needed and within budgeted funds.

Local Routes:

Provide maintenance services as appropriate under prevailing weather conditions with a goal of providing a pavement surface that is passable and possibly snow covered.  Maintenance crews shall blade and plow snow from the traveled portion of the road with a remaining cover of snow.  No general application of deicing chemicals shall be placed except in extreme conditions of sleet and freezing rain conditions.  Hills, curves, and intersections will be spot treated with deicing chemicals or abrasives on an as needed basis and as financial resources permit.  Emergency overtime plowing is being reinstituted on a case-by-case basis after consulatation with public safety agencies and the Public Services Department.

Roads

How many miles of major and local roads does the City of Rochester Hills maintain?

According to Act 51 the City of Rochester Hills maintains 40.93 miles of major roads and 207.00 miles of local roads for snow removal, repairing, etc.

Where do I report potholes?

To report a pothole problem on a city road, please call Department of Public Services (DPS) at 248-656-4685.