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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
NOTICE TO ALL MARSHFIELD SEASONAL WATER RESIDENTS
If your water line is above the freeze line, you may be at risk of a winter freeze-up. As Summer draws to a close, the Department of Public Works – Water Division wants to remind it’s seasonal water customers that the water meter must be removed to prevent freeze damage over the winter months. The Department of Public Works – Water Division currently charges $20.00 to take your meter out (and another $20.00 to reinstall it in the Spring). Only a licensed plumber or the Water Division, DPW should remove meters. It is extremely important that the WIRES TO THE OUTSIDE AUTOMATIC READING BOX (ARB) BE LEFT INTACT and not disconnected. This permits the meter readers to obtain the last actual reading at the meter before it was removed.
Upon removal of the meter for the winter months, a green “seasonal” card MUST BE FILED with the billing staff of the Water Division, DPW. These cards are available in the Town Hall either downstairs in the front foyer of the main lobby or the Water Division upstairs to homeowners and plumbers. If your meter is removed for the season, please make sure either you or your plumber provides the Water Division with one of these cards in order to ensure your next water bill is based on what you actually used while meter was in place. These cards provide the Billing staff with the date the meter is removed, who handled the meter removal, and most important – the last actual reading from the meter, in case for some reason (i.e. - your plumber disconnected the meter AND WIRES to the outside ARB)
the meter readers are unable to get a reading due to the disconnection.
If our meter readers are unable to obtain a reading when it is time to read your meter for the next billing period following the summer season, and no green card has been provided indicating your last actual usage, you will be assessed the flat charge of $150.00. If you have seasonal water, and your meter is not protected or removed from the freezing temperatures, a freeze-up could occur causing leaking from the bottom of your meter. In most cases the problem is simply a cracked freeze plate, requiring an appointment with our meter technician for a change-out. The cost to replace the freeze plate is no less than $50.00. If the damage is more extensive, it may require an entirely new meter, the charge for the whole new meter replacement is currently $100.00. These rates are billed as service
charges on your next utility bill. If you have any questions, you may call the Water Division, DPW at 781-834-5589.
cc- Marshfield Mariner
Marshfield Reporter
Patriot Ledger
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