Chapter PSC 185

PSC 185.751(3) (3) A random-selected sample of 4 meters from each lot shall be selected and tested.

PSC 185.751(4) (4) If any of the tested meters in a given lot fail to meet the accuracy requirements of s. PSC 185.65 (2) for new meters, either the entire lot shall be rejected, or the utility shall test all meters in the lot, rejecting or correcting those found to be inaccurate.

PSC 185.751(5) (5) Records shall be maintained showing the identification numbers of all meters in each lot and the test results for the meters tested per s. PSC 185.19.

PSC 185.751 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

PSC 185.76 PSC 185.76 Periodic tests.

PSC 185.76(1) (1) Customer meters (“in-use” meters) shall be tested as frequently as is necessary to maintain their accuracies within requirements set forth in s. PSC 185.65. Unless otherwise authorized by the commission, each utility shall observe a test schedule such that the intervals between tests do not exceed the following:

PSC 185.76(2) (2) Where local water conditions are such that meters shall not retain the required accuracy for the periods indicated, appropriate shorter test intervals shall be observed and may be specifically required by the commission.

PSC 185.76(3) (3) Where local water conditions permit and with specific commission approval, the test interval for 5/8-, 3/4-, and 1-inch meters may be extended. This contemplates that the utility shall demonstrate that the accuracy of its meters shall be retained for such period.

PSC 185.76(4) (4) For 3- and 4-inch meters, the above test interval may be extended to 4 years where the utility shall demonstrate that the accuracy of its meters shall be retained for this period.

PSC 185.76(5) (5) In lieu of testing every meter as required under sub. (1), a utility may satisfy the requirements of this section by testing meters according to s. PSC 185.761.

PSC 185.76(6) (6) When system losses are less than the prescribed percentages under s. PSC 185.85 (4), a utility in lieu of testing every meter as required under sub. (1), may satisfy the requirements of this section for 5/8, 3/4, and 1-inch meters by adopting a new meter replacement program that results in each meter being replaced within 20 years of the original date of installation.

PSC 185.76 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97; CR 01-033: cr. (6), Register October 2001 No. 550, eff. 11-1-01.

PSC 185.761 PSC 185.761 Alternative sample-testing plan for in-use meters.

PSC 185.761(1) (1) As an alternative to testing 100% of meters that require testing under s. PSC 185.76, a utility may test a population sample equal to 25% of the total to be tested of each meter size. This test sample shall be a random selection of the total to be tested and each meter size test shall be conducted independently. If 10% or more of the test sample does not meet the accuracy requirements of s. PSC 185.35, the utility shall test all meters of that size in accordance with s. PSC 185.76.

PSC 185.761(2) (2) Meters testing inaccurately under sub. (1) shall be repaired prior to being returned to service. The test sample selected shall be rescheduled for testing under the intervals set forth in s. PSC 185.76 (1). The meters not selected shall be rescheduled for testing at an interval not exceeding one-half the test intervals set forth in s. PSC 185.76 (1).

PSC 185.761 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

PSC 185.77 PSC 185.77 Request and referee tests.

PSC 185.77(1) (1) Request tests. Each utility shall promptly make an accuracy test without charge of any metering installation upon request of the customer if 24 months or more have elapsed since the last customer requested test of the meter in the same location. If less than 24 months have elapsed, an amount equal to one-half the estimated cost of the meter test shall be advanced to the utility by the customer. The amount shall be refunded if the test shows the meter to be over- or under-registering by more than 2%. A report giving the results of the test shall be made to the customer and a complete original test record shall be kept on file in the office of the utility. Upon request, the test shall be made in the presence of the customer during normal business hours.

PSC 185.77(2) (2) Referee tests. Any customer may request to have an official test of the meter observed by the commission.

PSC 185.77(3) (3) Meter retention.

PSC 185.77(3)(a) (a) Definitions. For purposes of this subsection, “as found” means retained, filled with water and capped without any other adjustments being made since the last test was performed.

PSC 185.77(3)(b) (b) After a customer requested test. When a utility performs a customer requested test on a customer’s meter under sub. (1) or when the commission requests that a meter be tested, the utility shall keep the tested meter, in “as found” condition, at a designated location on the utility’s premises for at least one full billing period plus four weeks after the test result report is issued so that the meter is available should another meter test be requested. If the meter tests as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer’s premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility’s premises.

PSC 185.77(3)(c) (c) After a referee test. When a utility or third party retests a customer’s meter under sub. (2), the utility shall keep the tested meter, in “as found” condition, at a designated location on the utility’s premises for at least 10 business days after the test result report is issued so that the meter is available should further testing or review be needed. If the meter tests as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer’s premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility’s premises.

PSC 185.77(3)(d) (d) When a complaint or dispute occurs. When a utility receives a complaint under s. PSC 185.42 or is notified about a dispute under s. PSC 185.39 involving a meter-related issue, the utility shall keep the meter, in “as tested” condition, at a designated location on the utility’s premises for at least one full billing period plus four weeks after the complaint or dispute and any appeal of that dispute is resolved so that the meter is available should testing be requested. If the meter was tested during the complaint or dispute process, and it tested as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer’s premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility’s premises.

PSC 185.77 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97; CR 13-033: am. (title), renum. 185.77 to (1) and am., cr. (1) (title), renum. 185.78 to (2), cr. (3) Register July 2015 No. 715, eff. 8-1-15; correct numbering of (3) (c), (d) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register July 2015 No. 715.

PSC 185.79 PSC 185.79 Remote outside meter (ROM) and automatic meter reading (AMR) system tests.

PSC 185.79(1) (1) The ROM and AMR systems shall be tested each time the associated meter is tested. If the total recorded consumption of the ROM agrees with that of the base meter or the AMR system read and the base meter read are the same, no further testing of the ROM or AMR systems is needed.

PSC 185.79(2) (2) The test of metering installations with remotes shall be sufficient to demonstrate that the accuracy of the meter-remote combination meets the requirements of s. PSC 185.65.

PSC 185.79(3) (3) As an alternative to subs. (1) and (2), a utility may receive approval and place on file with the commission a remote testing schedule which is specifically designed to meet the needs of the remote metering system used by the utility.

PSC 185.79 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

PSC 185.795 PSC 185.795 Electrical safety. Jumpering meter settings. Under certain abnormal conditions, a dangerous voltage may appear across the meter setting when the water line is electrically opened as by removal of the meter. Before a water meter is removed (or the interior piping leading to the service otherwise opened), an appropriate electrical jumper shall be connected across the meter setting or proposed opening in the piping to maintain electrical continuity. If the water supply piping is used as a ground for the building’s electrical service, the electrical jumper shall not be removed until a meter is again set or the piping closed. The utility shall inform the customer that the electrical jumper shall not be removed until a meter is again set or the piping closed.

PSC 185.795 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

subch. VIII of ch. PSC 185 Subchapter VIII — Operating Requirements

PSC 185.81 PSC 185.81 Quality of water.

PSC 185.81(1) (1) Every water public utility shall provide water of such quality that it complies with state and federal requirements for drinking water.

PSC 185.81(2) (2) Each water utility system shall be designed and operated so that the water supplied to all customers is reasonably free from objectionable taste, color, odor, and sand or other sediment.

PSC 185.81 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

PSC 185.82 PSC 185.82 Pressure standards.

PSC 185.82(1) (1) Under conditions of normal heavy system demand the residual pressure at the meter outlet shall not be less than 20 p.s.i.g. For typical residential customers, normal conditions of use shall mean a flow rate of not less than 12 gallons per minute. This standard assumes that the customer’s portion of the service lateral is of normal, adequate design, and in good condition. This standard shall ordinarily require that the distribution main pressure at the corporation stop connection be at least 35 p.s.i.g. The utility is to establish minimum specifications for the service lateral to assure that excessive pressure drop does not occur in the lateral because of its length or for other cause.

PSC 185.82(2) (2) The maximum pressure at the meter shall not exceed 125 p.s.i.g. The maximum pressure at the meter shall not exceed 100 p.s.i.g. for new systems and, to the extent practical, major additions to existing systems.

PSC 185.82(3) (3) Each utility shall have at least one permanently installed pressure gauge on its system and shall have access to indicating and recording pressure gauges to check pressure levels.

PSC 185.82(4) (4) Each utility shall make such pressure tests or surveys as to assure that the pressure limitations of subs. (1) and (2) are being met.

PSC 185.82 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

PSC 185.83 PSC 185.83 Station meters.

PSC 185.83(1) (1) Each pumping station shall be provided with station metering to accurately measure the water pumped into the distribution system. (See s. PSC 185.45.)

PSC 185.83(2) (2) Station meters shall be maintained to ensure reasonable accuracy and shall have the accuracy checked at least once every 2 years.

PSC 185.83(3) (3) Station meters shall be selected so that the actual flow rates are entirely within the normal flow range for the particular meter. These meters shall ordinarily be installed in the inlet rather than outlet line of pressure tank storage reservoirs.

PSC 185.83 History History: Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

PSC 185.85 PSC 185.85 Water audits and water loss control.

PSC 185.85(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

PSC 185.85(1)(a) (a) “Apparent loss” means the volume of water attributable to customer and station meter inaccuracies, billing and data transfer errors, unauthorized consumption, and theft.

PSC 185.85(1)(b) (b) “Authorized consumption” means the volume of water used by metered and unmetered customers and the volume of water used for other purposes that is implicitly or explicitly authorized by the utility, including water used for flushing water mains and sewers, fire protection and training, street cleaning, public fountains, freeze prevention, and other municipal purposes regardless of whether the use is metered.

PSC 185.85(1)(c) (c) “Non-revenue water” means the volume of water equal to the difference between the volume of water entering the distribution system and the volume of water that is sold.

PSC 185.85(1)(d) (d) “Real loss” means the volume of water attributable to leaks and losses in the pressurized distribution system up to the customer meter, including water lost due to main breaks, service breaks, and tank and reservoir overflows.

PSC 185.85(1)(e) (e) “Revenue water” means the volume of water entering the distribution system that is billed and for which the utility receives revenue.

PSC 185.85(1)(f) (f) “Unaccounted-for water” means the volume of water entering the distribution system for which a specific use or purpose cannot be determined.

PSC 185.85(1)(g) (g) “Water loss” means the difference between the volume of water entering the distribution system and authorized consumption.

PSC 185.85 Note Note: Water loss equals the sum of real and apparent losses that are caused by unauthorized consumption, meter inaccuracies, accounting errors, data processing errors, leaks in transmission and distribution mains, leaks in service connections up to the customer meter, seepage, overflow, evaporation, theft, malfunctioning distribution system controls, and other unaccounted-for water, as described in the American Water Works Association M36 manual – Water Audits and Water Loss Control Programs.

PSC 185.85(2) (2) Utility practices. A public utility shall do all of the following:

PSC 185.85(2)(a) (a) Meter all water uses and sales, where practicable.

PSC 185.85(2)(b) (b) Maintain and verify the accuracy of customer meters.

PSC 185.85(2)(c) (c) Maintain and verify the accuracy of station meters.

PSC 185.85(2)(d) (d) Identify and repair leaks in its distribution system to the extent that it is reasonable for the public utility to do so.

PSC 185.85(2)(e) (e) Control water usage from hydrants.

PSC 185.85(2)(f) (f) Maintain a continuing record of system pumpage and metered consumption.

PSC 185.85(2)(g) (g) Conduct an annual water audit under sub. (3).

PSC 185.85(3) (3) Water audits.

PSC 185.85(3)(a) (a) A public utility shall conduct an annual water audit on a calendar year basis and submit the results of the audit to the commission no later than April 1 of the subsequent year.

PSC 185.85(3)(b) (b) A public utility water audit shall include the measured or estimated volume of all of the following:

PSC 185.85(3)(b)1. 1. Water purchased or pumped from all sources.

PSC 185.85(3)(b)2. 2. Water used in treatment or production processes.

PSC 185.85(3)(b)3. 3. Water entering the distribution system.

PSC 185.85(3)(b)4. 4. Water sold, including both metered and unmetered sales.

PSC 185.85(3)(b)5. 5. Water not sold but used for utility-authorized purposes, including flushing mains, fire protection, freeze prevention, and other authorized system uses.

PSC 185.85(3)(b)6. 6. Water loss.

PSC 185.85(3)(b)7. 7. Unknown or unaccounted-for water.

PSC 185.85(3)(c) (c) The components of a water audit are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Water Audit Components

PSC 185.85(4) (4) Water loss control.

PSC 185.85(4)(a) (a) Each public utility shall calculate its annual percentage of non-revenue water and its percentage of water loss, based on the volume of water entering its distribution system.

PSC 185.85(4)(b) (b) A public utility shall submit to the commission a water loss control plan if a water audit shows the public utility has any of the following:

PSC 185.85(4)(b)1. 1. A percentage of non-revenue water that exceeds 30 percent.

PSC 185.85(4)(b)2. 2. A percentage of water loss that exceeds 15 percent for a Class AB or Class C utility or 25 percent for a Class D utility.

PSC 185.85(4)(c) (c) A water loss control plan under par. (b) shall include all of the following:

PSC 185.85(4)(c)1. 1. The reasons for the excessive non-revenue water or water loss.

PSC 185.85(4)(c)2. 2. A description of the measures that the utility plans to undertake to reduce water loss to acceptable levels within a reasonable time period.

PSC 185.85(4)(c)3. 3. An analysis of the costs of implementing a water loss control program, including a comparison of lost sales revenue and the costs that would be avoided by reducing leaks and losses.

PSC 185.85(4)(c)4. 4. Any additional information required by the commission.

PSC 185.85(4)(d) (d) The commission may require a public utility to conduct a leak detection survey of its distribution system if for three consecutive years the public utility’s percentage of water loss exceeds 15 percent for a Class AB or Class C utility or 25 percent for a Class D utility.