Harwich Water Department - Customer Services

How to Activate Water Services

& Municipal Water System Connection

WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY:

1. Town water must be available on the road where lot is located.

2. Lot must have sufficient frontage on road in order to install water service.

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS :

1. Completed Service Application.

2. Copy of certified plan of site showing proposed structure location, septic location, other utilities and proposed water service location must accompany completed application. This copy will be retained by the Water Department.

3. In the case of service installation or service renewal at an existing structure, a signed drawing shall show the location of existing septic, location of any private well on site and other utilities, as well as proposed location of water service.

ESTIMATE FOR INSTALLATION:

1. Service Application fee must be paid in full prior to receiving estimate for service installation.
2. Estimate will be provided in approximately 5 business days. (Emergency installations will be handled accordingly).
3. Estimate will require a signature of “Acceptance of Estimate and Terms” and a 50% deposit will be required prior to installation.  The remainder will be billed upon completion and due 30 days from bill date.
4. Estimate Terms:

ESTIMATE DETAILS:  All material estimated will be guaranteed to be as specified.  All work to be completed in a substantial workmanlike manner according to specifications submitted, per standard practices.  Any alteration or deviation from above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders, and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate.  All agreements contingent upon strikes, accidents or delays beyond our control.  Owner to carry fire, tornado and other necessary insurance.  Our workers are fully covered by Workman's Compensation insurance.

RESTORATION:  The disturbed work area of existing services will be loamed and seeded.  The disturbed asphalt is to be cut and patched.  Restoration excludes replacement of cobblestone, shell, stone, ornamentation, plantings, shrubs or trees placed in areas requiring restoration.  Nor is Harwich Water Department responsible for the cost of replacing such exclusions.

IRRIGATION LINES:  Harwich Water Department will not be responsible for any underground irrigation lines on site.  Conservation order of Conditions, if required, is to be given to the Harwich Water Department prior to the start of work. 

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES:  Private underground utilities not marked by Dig Safe will be marked as needed by a private locator at an hourly rate. 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY:  New and replacement water service and repairs are installed using PE (polyethylene) pipe.  This material is non-conductive.  Many older homes have their electrical service grounded to the iron service pipe.  When a repair is made, or replacement service is installed, the electrical ground is interrupted.  Water customers are requested to have a licensed electrician install a new electrical ground before work is done to the water service so as to protect the electric service, heating system, and any appliances which may be in the dwelling.  Harwich Water Department cannot accept responsibility for any damages which might occur if this provision is not adhered to.  If you would like to use our Master Electrician, please call for a price quote.

INSTALLATION:

1. Service Application fees(s) and Estimate deposit must be paid in full prior to service installation.

2. Installation expense is the responsibility of the applicant. 

3. The Water Department will provide you with an installation estimate in approximately 5 business days.  Emergency installations will be handled accordingly.    

4. By legislation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, no physical connection shall be made between the Town water system and any other source(s) of water supply. 

5. Once the water meter is installed at property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to protect the meter from freezing.  All charges for replacement and estimated use of unmetered water will be billed to the property owner.  Weather conditions during construction should be considered during the months when cold temperatures predominate.

6. A $500 charge will be levied for tampering or removing water meter.  No one other than the water department personnel shall disconnect the water meter from the service line for any purpose.  All charges are the responsibility of the property owner.