§ 407-2. Definitions.

As used in this Part 1, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

ABUTTER

One whose property abuts, is contiguous to or joins at the border or boundary of a right-of-way and/or easement in which a main pipe is to be or has been installed.

BACKFLOW

The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the municipal water system from any source other than the municipal source.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE

A Water Department approved device which operates as a check valve on the service pipe to prevent any material from being forced or drawn into the municipal water system, thereby contaminating the potable water supply.

BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS

Elected officials who have exclusive charge and control of the Water Department and water system, subject to all lawful bylaws and to such instructions, rules and regulations as the Town may from time to time impose by its vote. They regulate the use of the water and fix and collect just and equitable prices and rates for the use thereof. They develop and oversee the budget and finances of the Department.

CONSUMER

The individual, firm or corporation whose name the Water Department has on its books as the party who has applied for water service, or any individual, firm or corporation who, in fact, uses the water services of the Town of Groton.

CROSS-CONNECTION

Any actual or potential physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate systems, one of which contains potable water and the other of which contains material of unknown or questionable safety, including water containing any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter.

CORPORATION STOP

The valve located at the main which the Water Department alone may use to turn on or shut off service to the premises.

CURB STOP

The valve located at or adjacent to the consumer's property line, which the Water Department alone may use to turn on or shut off service to the premises.

DEP

The Department of Environmental Protection.

GROTON WATER

Herein referred to as the "Department," shall be the Town of Groton Water Department, Board of Water Commissioners and Water Superintendent, who has exclusive control of the water system and financial well being.

MAIN

The supply pipe laid underground from which house connections are made.

METER

A device to be used for the measuring of the quantity of water supplied to the consumer.

OUTSIDE READER

The device placed by the Water Department on the outside surface of the consumer's premises permitting the Water Department to determine water consumption based on a meter reading without entering the premises.

PREMISES

The consumer's property or building(s) thereon to which service is provided.

PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY

The full strip of land designated as a way, consisting of the roadway and any planting strips and sidewalks. A way so designated shall not be available for any private construction.

RECORD DRAWINGS

Drawings, "as builts," which show size and location of water main installation, including mains, service lines, tees, elbows, plugs, caps, stubs, hydrants etc., with triangulation ties noted.

SERVICE

A separate household of one or more people, stores, garages, laundries, manufacturing establishments or, in the opinion of the Board of Water Commissioners, whatever constitutes a service shall pay a minimum charge per quarter and/or monthly.

SERVICE PIPE

The pipe running from the main in the street to include a curb stop and curb box at the property line, a shut-off valve, meter and meter connection, usually inside the cellar wall.

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FEE

A one-time assessment for connecting to the municipal water system. It does not cover the actual cost of tapping into the water system, but reflects the capital costs of current and anticipated expansion of the water system.

UTILITY EASEMENT

A right acquired by a public authority or other person for use or control of property for utility or other designated public purpose.

WATER SUPERINTENDENT

The person responsible for the operation of Groton's municipal water supply. He or she: administers and manages the Department and water system infrastructure using policies of the Board of Water Commissioners, the municipal water supply laws of the commonwealth and the regulations of the commonwealth's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Office of the Inspector General (Chapter 30B); reports to the Board of Water Commissioners every two weeks on average; at all other times, acts under his or her own judgment and develops and implements strategy for emergency situations as well as day-to-day operations.