Woodbine Water Commission 
Version 22-1 

 

The Purpose of the Woodbine Water Commission 

 

The Woodbine Water Commission is a supplier of fresh drinking water to the residents of the Woodbine Subdivision of Farmington Hills, and shall operate and maintain the property of 28381 Briar Hill, Farmington Hills, Michigan, Oakland County and all associated equipment, water supply lines, stop boxes, and hydrants within the subdivision.  The Commission is comprised of resident volunteers and will collect quarterly or yearly fees and special assessments.  The amount is established by the board and is applicable to all residents connected to the water system. 

 

This document indicates the abbreviation WBWC as meaning Woodbine Water Commission. 

 

Sec 1.1   Adoption and Changes to the By-Laws 

 

An executive board meeting is required to create, approve, change, or delete any portion of the by-laws.  A majority vote of all board members voting is required to confirm all changes to these by-laws.   All board members should maintain a current copy of the By-Laws, and a copy will be kept at the pump house.  The version number shown above shall replace all other versions. 

 

Sec 1.2   Temporary Changes to the By-Laws 

 

Temporary changes may be adopted by email, verbal, or phone of each board member voting, but require an executive meeting to confirm changes.  Temporary changes expire at the next board meeting unless added, changed or removed by a majority vote at that time. 

 

Sec 1.3   Copies of the By-Laws 

 

To keep printing costs down, a current copy of these By-Laws are available via the website to all residents.   

 

Sec 1.4   Copies of Woodbine Water System Sanitary Survey report 

 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) inspection is performed twice yearly and provides the WBWC a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report. These reports are made available via the subdivision website (www.woodbinesub.com) as they are received.  

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Sec 1.5   Financial Reports 

 

Any resident may request a copy of the Financial Report not to exceed ONE (1) time per year. Reports are available when they are published.  Financial Reports may be available from time to time on our website. 

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Sec 1.6   Board Membership Requirements    

 

a)  Commissioner and Board member:  The "commissioners", "board members", or "officers" shall mean the same.   
b)  Eligible Resident.   Any resident who lives in the Woodbine subdivision for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months and connected to the Woodbine water system.  A board member must be a current full-time resident of a residential lot which is connected to the community well system and have no outstanding water bills or other issues that violate the rules of these by-laws. Any resident connected to City water supply or any other water source not operated by the 
WBWC is not an eligible resident.

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Any eligible resident may apply for board membership when an opening becomes available or when an individual board member comes up for re-election at the end of their 3 year term.  In the event of a vacancy, all residents will be notified by U.S. Mail.  To ensure candidates are able to perform to the standards required of all board members, all applicants must successfully meet the requirements of the Pre-Screen Application, successfully pass an interview by the Board, and 
receive recommendation by the On-Site Operator to be accepted as a new board member.  If only one eligible candidate is approved by the board, that candidate will be automatically selected by the Board.  If more than one qualified candidate is approved, then an election will be held and the residents shall select from the approved Pre-Screened candidates.   

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 A new board member is subject to training for one (1) year, and becomes eligible for free water at the start of the following calendar year after completing one (1) year of service.  An applicant that is not accepted may not re-apply for 6 months.  All applicants must be an adult over 21 and have lived in the Woodbine Subdivision for 12 consecutive months.  Additional requirements from the Pre-Screen Application may also apply. 

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Sec 1.7   Monthly Operation Reports  (MOR) 

 

Monthly operation reports must be prepared, signed, and submitted to the EGLE by the 10th of the month following the month of record.  EGLE has accepted our Daily Log Sheet as the official MOR report..  The board President must receive a copy of each MOR report within 30 days. 

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Sec 1.8   Certified and On-site Operator 

 

A Certified Operator as assigned by EGLE shall have authority to regulate all water system operations and assign an “on-site operator” in his/her absence.  The On-site operator may be any person with proper credentials as approved by EGLE or the Certified Operator. 

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A Certified Operator as assigned by EGLE shall have authority to regulate all water system operations and assign an “on-site operator” in his/her absence.   

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The Certified Operator: 
1. Must be one person as required by EGLE and certified by Elhorn Engineering company 
or equivalent. 
2. Does not have to be a Woodbine Board member or live in the subdivision. 
3. Must assign an On-site Operator that must live in the subdivision and be available to act in the absence of the Certified Operator. 

The On-site Operator: 
1. Must live in the Woodbine subdivision 
2. Does not have voting rights on water board activities. 
3. Is not an elected position of the water board. 
4. Is subject to review by the board to determine if they are fulfilling their duties. 

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Appointments to the Board 

 

Sec 2.1   Board Officers – Number and Terms 

 

The WBWC shall consist of up to 7 full-time voting commissioners.  When a board position becomes vacant, the board shall notify the residents of such opening as soon as possible through U.S. Mail delivery notice.  Terms and requirements are described in Section 1.65. 

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Sec 2.2   President 

 

The WBWC board shall have the option to appoint a President to preside over and conduct business of the Commission.    The President shall be appointed by a majority vote of the current board and his/her commission shall expire only upon dismissal by the board, resignation, or replaced by an appointment.  The board always selects a President from the board officers. 

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Sec 2.3   Vice President 

 

The WBWC board may appoint a Vice President to act when the President is not available.  If both the President and Vice President are unavailable, the board member with the most seniority will assume the President position until or unless another member is appointed by the board. 

 

Sec 2.4   Appointing Temporary Board Members 

 

The Board may, by a majority vote, appoint any eligible resident as defined in Sec 1.6, a Temporary Board member to a) Fill a term of an outgoing board member, or   b) For any reason approved by the Board.  The term for a Temporary Board member shall expire at the end of ONE year from the date of appointment, regardless of when he/she was appointed, and may be extended.   

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Temporary Board members: 

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1.   Must be re-evaluated at the end of one year, and must follow all application procedures as outlined in section 1.6 to be accepted as a Permanent Board member,  
2.   Are NOT exempt from water billing. 
3.   Can vote on official business. 

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Duties and Responsibilities 

 

Sec 3.1   Active (Permanent) Board Members 

 

All board members are expected to participate in activities as created by the WBWC and as outlined in these by-laws.  Board members are expected to, a) attend all scheduled board meetings, b) participate in all scheduled flushing sessions, c) monitor, log and assist with maintaining the level of Chlorine for a minimum of two (2) test days per month, and (d) monitor and report all operating functions of the pump house.   Each board member will be assigned to ONE day of the week as "their" pump house monitor.  An effort must be made by board members to comply with the above participation. If a member can’t perform their duties an alternate should be arranged.  Failure to comply with the requirements as stated above may result in dismissal of the board member from the WBWC.   

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Sec 3.2   Voting Requirements 

 

In-person Attendance – All voting must be done in-person, at the meeting of the vote, unless an issue is specifically accepted in advance. A Live OnLine (example Zoom, Teams etc) or phone meeting may be substituted for an In-person meeting. Email Voting -   When Email voting is recommended and approved, votes shall be accepted if votes are received within 48 hours of calling for a vote.  Votes received after 48 hours will not be accepted. 

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Proxy Voting is not permitted unless specifically approved in advance. 

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Sec 3.3   Training Sessions  

 

All new board applicants are required to attend an operator training session before being accepted to the board.  The training session must be performed and supervised by the On-site Operator who will submit final recommendations for approval to the board.    

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Sec 3.4   Logging and Reporting Pump House Issues 

 

All issues discovered when logging must be written into the daily log sheet AND a call to the President or Vice-president VS acting President or Vice-president VS onsite operator must be made as soon as possible to report the issue(s). 

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Sec 3.5   Photo ID cards 

 

An ID card with a current photo is required for all board members.  The ID card must be renewed each year and display the current date.  At least one Water board commissioner is required to display a photo ID card when visiting a resident at their home.   

 

Sec 3.6   Presidential Authority 

 

The President may suspend or remove any board member which is believed to be in violation of these by-laws.  The suspension or removal becomes immediate and stands until confirmed at the NEXT EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING.   

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Sec 3.6   Secretary/Treasurer 

 

The Secretary and Treasurer may be the same person and appointed by the WBWC.   The Secretary/Treasurer shall attend and keep a record of all scheduled meetings of the board and be responsible for maintaining the financial records of purchases and expenditures of the Commission.   The Secretary/Treasurer must periodically check the USPS PO Box as well as the drop box for payments and deposit those payments.  The Secretary/Treasurer must abide by the rules of these by-laws and make all decisions and actions as approved and directed by the Board.  The Secretary/Treasurer must keep and maintain updated financial records in a database that can be emailed to the board at any time as requested.  A copy of the financial file and including all current credits and expenditures must be emailed or delivered to the board President, if 
requested, near the end of each and every quarter.    

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Sec 3.7   Resignations  

 

A board member may resign from the water commission by a written notice to the Secretary.  The resignation becomes effective immediately and does not need approval by the board.  A resigned member loses free or discounted water service at the end of the current billing quarter.  Verbal or email resignations are not acceptable unless such resignation has been approved by the current President or board members.    

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Sec 3.8   Payment of Debts    

 

The Secretary/Treasurer must pay all debts as directed by or approved by the board within 30 days.   If the Water Board bank balance is insufficient to cover any debt, the President must be notified immediately to resolve the debt payment.   

 

Sec 3.9   Deposits 

 

All received money must be deposited within 30 days. 

 

Sec 3.10   Termination 

 

Any board member may be terminated by a majority vote of the board by a determination of a violation of these by-laws, all members voting. The termination is immediate and the member loses free or discounted water service at the end of the current billing quarter.  

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Meetings 

 

Sec 4.1   General Meetings 

A General meeting is not required but may be held or called by a majority of the board members or petition of the residents.  The General meetings are open to the public and notification must be by Website, or email. 

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Sec 4.2   Executive Meetings 

Executive meetings must be held at least 2 times per year in a closed session.  A majority of the board members must be present.  Board members will be notified by phone or email of the date and notification of meetings must be two weeks prior to all board meetings.  Executive meetings are open to the public by appointment only.   

 

Sec 4.3   Meeting Minutes 

The Secretary shall record the minutes of all executive and special meetings called by the board and copies must be provided to all board members within 15 days following the meeting.  Copies of the meeting minutes must be emailed to each board member in addition to any other notification method, and made available to any resident on request. 

 

Sec 4.4   Special Meetings 

A special meeting may be called by any board member.  All members must be notified by phone or email.  A majority of the members must approve the special meeting and set a date for the meeting within three (3) days.  No other business can be transacted except that for which the meeting is called.  All actions taken at a special meeting must be re-approved at the next executive meeting. 

 

Billing 

 

Sec 5.1   Resident responsibility for water payments 

 

All water related bills are sent to the property address unless otherwise agreed in a Lease Agreement with the Property Owner, Management Company, Landlord, or other person.  The WBWC must be notified in writing of any such agreements.  If the WBWC is not notified of changes to payment responsibility, the tenant is assumed to be the responsible person.   

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Sec 5.2   Billing Notification 

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The Secretary must mail billing invoices to residents fifteen (15) days before the due date.  The Water Board may change water rates ONCE per year as necessary.  All eligible residents must receive a sixty (60) day notification on all water rate changes. 

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Sec 5.3   Payments 

 

The WBWC shall collect quarterly or yearly fees, per the amount as established by the board from all residents connected to the water system. 

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This amount may be adjusted annually as costs to maintain the water system changes. 

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Sec 5.4   Yearly payments (Prepaid) 

 

Annual bills will be sent to the residents by the end of the calendar year.  A ten percent (10%) discount is available to all residents that prepay a yearly water payment during the month of January and February only.  After February 28, residents will be billed quarterly or can pay the yearly fee without the discount.  Discounted yearly prepaid payments received after February 28 may be accepted only by special approval of the President or Treasurer.  

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Sec 5.5   Pool Owners 

 

Effective January 1, 2009, the Water Commission has terminated the Pool fee. 

 

Sec 5.6   How to pay water fees 

 

Make checks payable to "Woodbine Water Commission" and drop it in the "Water Drop box" in front of the pump house on Briar Hill, or mail to: 

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Woodbine Water Commission 
P. O. Box 433 
Farmington, MI  48332 

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Residents may also utilize the subdivision website to pay online. There is an additional fee to 
cover the cost of the credit card transaction. 

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Sec 5.7   Special Assessments 

 

A special assessment is a one-time fee "payable when sent", to cover the costs of expenses that could not be collected with the normally collected funds.  Assessments shall apply to all residents including Water Board members.  Unless expenses are an emergency, a notice will be sent to all residents at least sixty (60) days in advance of the due date.  An emergency is 
considered any event that disrupts the delivery of water to residents for more than twenty four (24) hours.  All Special Assessments are billed to the LOT.  New owners are required to pay any assessments that was not paid by the previous owner.  Delinquent bills, penalties, and shutoff procedures are the same as for regular invoices.  At the time the assessment is sent to the residents, the schedule of applicable late fees and/or discounts will be disclosed.  

 

Sec 5.8   Resident Liability  

 

It is the responsibility of a resident to pay all current water bills.  A lien against the property for the purpose of collecting unpaid water bills may be required before any resident may sell or vacate that property.  An affidavit may be filed with the county Register of Deeds office.  Collecting on liens may require a suit in circuit court or small claims court.  To avoid a lien 
attachment, special limited arrangements may be made between the resident, realtor and the Water Commission. 

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Sec 5.9    Woodbine Improvement Association 

 

The Woodbine Improvement Association shall be billed a one-time annual fee.  The billing invoice should be sent before March 31st to the current Secretary or Treasurer of the Association, or placed in the Association’s drop box.  Water valves at each entrance will be turned on May 1st and closed September 30th.  The WBWC shall provide and maintain a 100 foot hose, reel, and connectors for each entrance water connection. 

 

Billing Delinquencies 

 

Sec 6.1   Definition:  Delinquent Bill 

 

A delinquent bill is any bill that is not paid in full by the due date as indicated on the bill.  Penalties are charged on partial or unpaid balances after listed due date.  Late fees are added for each additional quarter payments are late.   All payments received shall be first applied to the balance in the following order:  1) Late fees, 2) Assessments 3) Water bills. 

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Sec 6.2   Delinquency fees are assessed as follows:  

 

1.  No penalty is charged if the agreed or full amount due is paid by the listed due date. 

 

2.  After the due date, a late penalty is added to partial or unpaid balances. 

 

3.  After ninety (90) days an additional late penalty is added to partial or unpaid balances, and turned over to the board President for shutoff procedures.   
 
4.  Water Shutoff Procedure 

• A personal visit or phone call from the President of the Water board or On-site Operator is required for final notification for shutoff and include any agreement offer form to pay the outstanding water bill in full including penalties. Shutoff will be stopped if the owner pays all past due amounts including penalties, anytime before the shutoff is performed.   

• All payments made prior to the shutoff date may be paid with cash, certified check, personal check, money order, or via the website.   Post-dated checks and partial payments are not acceptable unless included in a written agreement. 

• To ensure that the Service Company receives the proper shutoff instructions, a separate form letter is sent to them showing location and date to turn off water. 

• Water will not be restored unless all debt has been collected and the resident is up to date on all current bills, or a written agreement is established between the WBWC and homeowner. 

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Sec 6.3   Medical Emergency 

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1. A resident or business who alleges that a serious illness exists in the house has the right to postpone the scheduled shut off for thirty (30) days.   A medical emergency must be verified by a statement from a doctor. 
2. After thirty (30) days, the WBWC should determine if a shut off should be rescheduled, or discontinued due to the status of the medical emergency.   
3.  The WBWC will NOT shut off or refuse to restore service to a customer if the shut off will aggravate a medical emergency of anyone residing in the home. 
4.  Late fees will still be applied for the unpaid balances. 

Sec 6.4   Turning water back on for CURRENT RESIDENTS: 

 

To restore water to a resident currently occupying the home, ALL OUTSTANDING BILLS MUST BE PAID IN FULL, including: 

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1. All penalties PAID IN FULL, all fees charged by the repair company to restore a water connection, and a re-connect fee may be required.    
     
Sec 6.5    Turning water on for a NEW RESIDENT: 
 
1.   If the water is currently off when a new resident moves in, a new resident may be asked to pay a Connection charge to have the water turned on.  
2.   There is no "Connection charge" if the water to the property is already on. 
3.   Billing for new residents begin on the day the water is turned on. 
4.   Any and all water bills still due when the new owner takes possession must be billed and collected from the previous owner, NOT the new owner. 
5.   Special assessments not paid by the previous owner must be paid by the new owner before water can be turned on.     

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Sec 6.6    Current rates for late fees and other ancillary fees: 
 
For the latest fees and rates, please refer to the Woodbine website 
(www.woodbinesub.com) or your current bill.   

 

Water Main Easements 

 

Sec 7.1   Definitions: 

 

Easement - the area that contains the main water lines that run alongside the street.  For more 
information about a resident’s specific easement, please visit the City of Farmington Hills for 
more information.  
Service Lines (also known as Main Lines) - the main water line that runs from the pump house to 
the Curb Stop box. 
Home Line - the water line that runs from the Curb Stop box to the residents home.   
Curb Box - The pipe extending above the ground and connected to the Curb Stop. 
Curb Stop (also known as Street Valve) - The valve connecting the Home Line to the Service line.  Usually connected within fifteen (15) feet of the street. The purpose of the Curb Stop is to control the flow of water from the Service line to the home. 

 

Sec 7.2   Responsibility of the Water Commission: 

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The WBWC is responsible for the installation, repair, maintenance and operation of Service lines and connections up to and including 50% of the Curb Stop.  (Homeowner is responsible for 50% of the Curb Stop and Curb Box. If the Homeowner damages the Curb Stop or Curb Box , ex: lawnmower, the homeowner is 100% responsible for the repair costs) 

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Sec 7.3   Responsibility of the Homeowner: 

 

The “home line”, as defined above in section 6.1, is the responsibility of the homeowner. Each homeowner is responsible for the repair or replacement of the water lines between the owners’ home and the Curb Stop, but not including the Curb Stop.  If the homeowner damages, replaces, repairs, or attempts to adjust any portion of a water line including the Curb Stop on the residential property, they will be responsible for all costs relative to the repair and replacement of such line or valve.  If the damaged area interferes with the Woodbine Water system operation, water may be shut off at the damaged lot until the repairs are satisfactorily completed. 

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Sec 7.4   Tampering with Woodbine Water Equipment 

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No person other than WBWC members or authorized representatives must at any time or in any manner operate or cause to be operated any valve in or connected with a service line, fire hydrant, or tamper with or otherwise interfere with any other part of the water system.  Violators will be prosecuted under Michigan Law.  This includes the Curb Box and Curb Valve.  

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Sec 7.5   Cross Connections 

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The WBWC shall periodically inspect resident’s water connections to determine if a cross connection exists and instruct the homeowner to purchase an appropriate anti-siphon device to eliminate all cross connections as required by the rules of EGLE.  Failure to install or have installed an anti-siphon device may result in the water shut off until the repairs have been made.  Some devices may require an official Tester approved by EGLE to install and/or test devices.  The annual Cross Connection report must be completed and sent to EGLE each year before March 31st. 

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Visitors to Pump House 

 

Sec 8.1   Visitor Definition

 

Visitors are all persons who visit the pump house for the purpose of conducting 
business as scheduled, or permitted by the WBWC. 

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Sec 8.2   Log

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All visitors are required to sign in, logging the date, time, and reason for visit.  

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Sec 8.3   Guests

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A guest invited by a board member does not have to sign in for visits.  Guests are not permitted to operate any equipment or modify any documents associated with the pump house.  All guests must be accompanied by a current board member.  Assisting with picking up signs, or cleaning the area are permitted. 

 

Sec 8.4   Sign-In

 

Signing-in shall verify all visits to the pump house by all contractors.  The WBWC may 
delay payment for unverified visits. 

 

Sec 8.5   Contractor Work

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All work performed by authorized contractors must notify the board President or lead 
contact (another board member) assigned by the President when any work to be done may 
involve an interruption of water to residents.   

 

Interruptions include: 

 

1. Lowering water pressure below fifty (50) psi as recorded at the pump house. 
2. Complete shutdown of pumps for any length of time. 
3. Work that may cause fluctuations of voltage or water pressure. 

 

Flushing 

 

Sec 9.1   Purpose 

 

Water system flushing is required in order to remove sediment that builds up since the last 
flushing.  Usually, there will be two (2) flushings per year, occurring on a Saturday, between the 
months of April and November.  Dates will be published on the website 
(www.woodbinesub.com)    

 

Sec 9.2   Notification of flushing to residents: 

 

1.   Notification must be sent to all residents via an email two (2) weeks before the scheduled 
flushing. 

2.   Five (5) days before the flushing, signs are put up at each Ten mile rd entrance to the subdivision announcing that Saturday from 8am to 12pm  is the scheduled flushing. 

3. Two (2) days before the flushing, an email is sent out to board members as a reminder.

4.   President or On-Site Operator shall notify the Farmington Hills Fire department of the flushing date, time, and location.  Call 248-871-2800 or email the current Fire Chief. 

5.   All residents are welcome to assist in flushing procedures without monetary compensation. 

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Sec 9.3   Flushing Procedure 

 

Follow the flushing procedure as outlined in the Flushing document. 

 

Some pressure should be continuous and water running in one direction, towards the blowout valve during flushing.  Booster pump #3 (15hp) should be turned off during the flushing, unless required. 
As valves are closed, the caps should be turned 90 degrees and placed back over the pipe. 

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Sec 9.4   Flushing Completion Checklist 

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1.    Make sure all valves are open and the caps are fully seated. 
2.    Drive through subdivision checking for any breaks or leaks.  A consistently low pressure reading lasting more than 30 minutes may indicate a break or other problem. 
3.    Check for normal pressure at the pump house.  Low pressure immediately following the flushing is normal as it takes time for the pressure to return to normal (60-70 psi). 

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When flushing is completed and the pressure is normal, recheck that all pumps are in their normal AUTO position and Booster pump #3 is turned back on to AUTO. 

 

Sec 9.5   Hydrant Winterizing 

 

The fall flushing requires the hydrants to be drained to prevent winter freezing.  The draining does not have to be done on the same day of the flushing, but should be done by at least one person within one week following the flushing. 

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Water Breaks and Repairs 

 

Sec 10.1   When a Break Occurs: 

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All Breaks or leaks must be verified by a Board Member or On site Operator by visiting the break site before calling for a repair.  Taking someone’s word for it is not verification of a break or leak. 

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1.    Call our Service Provider’s emergency number, provide the provider the best location address of the break as well as any pertinent info about the break, including what valves may have been closed. 
2.    If the break causes the overall water pressure to drop below fifty (50) psi, isolation may be necessary.  The break area may be isolated by shutting off main stop valves to stop water flow to the break.  Shutting off valves may not be necessary if the break is minor and water pressure is high enough to supply water to surrounding homes. 
        2a. If isolation is necessary, WBWC shall provide a hose at the pump house to allow residents access to clean water,  
3.    The Service Provider must be informed which valves have been turned off by us. 
4.    Put up the "break" or "repairs" signs at each entrance or on both sides of the repair area. 
5.    Send email to residents to inform them of the issue.   
6.    President shall notify the local fire department the system is compromised. 

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Sec 10.2   When a Break Repair is Completed: 

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The Service Provider shall notify the water board as soon as possible upon completion of a repair so signs can be removed, and email messages sent out.  Acceptable notification is by calling a board member. 

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1.    Check each valve that was shutoff to make sure it is back on. 
2.    Remove the "break" or "repair" signs. 
3.    Send email to residents to announce the completed status. 
4.    As a partial flushing, open the nearest hydrant until the water runs clear.  The contractor will do this normally. 
5.    Notify the fire department or fire chief the system is back to normal operation. 

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Sec 10.3   Landscaping service Area for Completed Repairs. 

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The WBWC shall restore the easement area only of service within eight (8) months of the completion of repairs.  Restoration does not include replacing shrubs, trees, flowers, sod, or anything that was previously placed in the easement area before the  repair was made.  The WBWC may add dirt, seed and level the area to blend in with the existing lawn.  Maintenance, watering, fertilizing, cutting, or reseeding shall be the responsibility of the property owner.  Repairs to or replacing driveways within the easement area are limited only to the portion of the driveway that was damaged by the water repair and found by the Commission to be a hazard to persons or vehicles. 

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Underground Sprinklers, Pools, Lawn Watering 

 

Sec 11.1   Installation and operation of In-ground Lawn Sprinkler systems 

 

The Woodbine Water Commission permits the use of underground lawn sprinkler systems with the following restrictions: 

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1.   Use is limited to the summer months of June, July, August, and can only be used on ODD/EVEN days corresponding to the residential address.   Manual or automatic operation is limited to the hours of 12 am to 6 am on scheduled days. 
2.    Residents may not use sprinklers during flushing, water breaks, or by request of the Water Board during service operations. 
3.    The use or connections of additional pipes, valves, or booster pumps are prohibited. 
4.    All cross-connections must be recorded and may require ‘anti-siphon’ devices as required by EGLE and are subject to inspection by the WBWC, EGLE or designated contractor. 
 
Sec 11.2    Lawn Watering 

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All residents must limit lawn watering to Odd and Even days corresponding to their address during the summer months of July and August or by special notice by the WBWC.  Notices may be emailed or hand delivered to resident(s).  Addresses ending with '0' are considered an EVEN number. 

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Sec 11.3   Swimming Pools 

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The following rules apply only during summer months. 

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A swimming pool is any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that is capable of containing water over twenty-hour (24) inches deep.  This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. 

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Filling Swimming Pools between the hours of 6 am to 11 pm is prohibited.   Residents must be advised to turn off pool filling during flushings, water breaks, or by request of  the Water Board during service operations.  These rules shall not apply to filling Ice Rinks in winter months. 

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The City of Farmington Hills municipal code states: 

 

Chapter 28, ARTICLE II. PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOLS 

 

Sec. 28-31.  Water supply and waste disposal 

 

     No water system furnished by a community well shall be used for the purpose of filling or replacing the water supply of any swimming pool.        (Code 1981.  23.060) 

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However, as long as the rules in section eleven (11) are followed and the filling of a pool does not interfere with the normal system operation, we will allow filling during the required hours. 

 

Sec 11.4  Enforcing Violations - In-ground sprinklers, Lawn Watering and Pool Filling 

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a.  First notice:  A written notice is sent to the resident informing them of improper use of water restrictions and possible penalties. 
b.  Second Notice:  Not less than 14 days following the first notice, a fine will be added to the next water bill for failure to comply with any water restriction violation. 

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Water Service to Residents 

 

Sec 12.1   Providing Water to Homes 

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It is the responsibility of the WBWC to provide and maintain continuous, normal pressure drinking water to all homes throughout the main water line and curb box and stop valves.   The Curb Stop will be used to shut water off at any resident when repairs are necessary for that resident.   All parts of the water system including the pump house, water mains, stop boxes, hydrants, and curb stop boxes are the property of the Woodbine Water Commission and access to any and all parts is limited to WBWC board members only and any other access either by the homeowner and/or plumbers are prohibited by law without permission from the WBWC.   A licensed plumber may operate the curb valve only for testing the water repairs inside the home.  

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Sec 12.2   Emergency Generator 

 

During power outages, an automatic transfer switch directs power to a Generator to provide continuous water to the residents.  For testing and maintenance requirements, the Generator is designed to automatically start and run for 20 minutes, without a load on a  weekly cycle.  WBWC may solicit an outside contractor to maintain the generator.  

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Sec 12.3   Definitions of valves 

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1.  The Curb Stop Valve is defined as:  the "quarter-turn" valve that turns the water on or off to the owner's home.  This valve is normally located within 15 feet of the easement area of the service line, and accessed with a valve key through a pipe called the "curb box".  Most repairs involve replacing a "bent" or misaligned curb box pipe, preventing access to the curb valve. 
2.  Neighborhood GATE Valve is defined as:  A total of (12),  40 turn gate valves throughout the subdivision to isolate water lines for flushing and certain repairs.  Stop gate valves are used during flushing procedures. 

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Sec 12.4   When water can be turned off 

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A special “keyed lock” may be attached to the Curb Box for extended OFF times. 

 

The WBWC may turn off water to any resident if: 

 

1. Request by a resident for service work. 
2. Non-payment of water usage over 90 days. 
3. Maintenance of the water system. 
4. Curb box valve and curb box repair. 
5. Failure to install or maintain an anti-siphon device when required. 
6. Vacancy of a home. 
7. Electricity is turned off or no heat is ON inside home. 

 

Water may be turned off, by written request, when a home will be vacant for more than 6 months and notification is given to the WBWC in advance.  Billing shall be stopped during the shutoff period.  All other water off periods may be charged a fee to turn off and a fee to turn the water back on when the period of off is less than 6 months. 

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Sec 12.5   Charges for Curb Box valve maintenance 

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1.  NO CHARGE:  When the WBWC can locate AND successfully shut the water off at the curb valve, there will be no charge to the homeowner for turning on or off the water for maintenance.  However, both must apply. 

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2.  CHARGE TO RESIDENT, REQUIRING OUTSIDE CONTRACTOR: 
The amount of the service fee may vary because of additional service or difficulties in locating and/or repairing the curb valve or price changes by the contractor.  The following charges are split 50/50 between the resident and WBWC.  Examples of when a Service Provider may be called: 
   
1.   Curb Stop valve cannot be located by WBWC. 
2.   Curb stop valve is damaged. 
3.   Curb stop valve is frozen and won’t turn. 
4.   Curb box (pipe) is bent. 
5.   Curb Stop and/or box is missing and must be replaced. 

 

3. When water cannot be shut off at the curb valve and it becomes necessary to shut down any neighborhood main valve, the homeowner may be required to pay the full cost of the repairs.   

4.  Homeowners may not be prohibited from paying any portion of their water bill during any shutoff period.  
5.  Water repairs are limited to areas from the water system source, to the curb stop only.  Breaks or damages between the curb stop and house are owners’ responsibility.  The WBWC may shut water off at the curb stop if necessary. 

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Sec 12.6   Repairs to the East and West Entrance Signs area 

 

Both entrances contain a Curb Box and Curb Stop, and "Frost-free" yard hydrant.  The hydrants are for the exclusive use of the Woodbine Improvement Association during the months of June to September, and turned off at the curb box at other non-use times of the year.   The WBWC may turn the Curb Stop valves on May 1st, and turn it off at September 30th.  The Association shall be billed one (1) annual fee for water use. 

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Sec 12.7   Approval to Proceed with Service 

 

Repairs and equipment necessary to maintain or restore normal water flow or pressure do not need to be first approved by the board.  This includes water breaks, leaks to water mains, stop valves, gate valves, generator service, pump house components, hydrants, and curb boxes, or repair of such equipment.   Repairs that MUST be approved by a vote of the board include installation of new equipment or service not connected to any water line and do not affect operation, safety, quality, or function of the flow of water.   If funds are insufficient to cover the costs of such repairs, up to three (3) bids are required and a special assessment may be charged the residents to cover costs of repairs.  Example of such repairs would include but not be limited to construction projects to the pump house, landscaping, painting, or electrical wiring for lighting or other repairs that do not affect the delivery of water to homes. 

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Sec 12.8   Curb box Locks 

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A curb box lock may be attached to any curb box that is turned off because of a vacancy to the property, delinquency issues, or by order of the WBWC. 

 

Compensation for Services 

 

Sec 13.1   Purchases

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Purchases of equipment and tools necessary to maintain daily operations that total more than $200 must be approved by the board.  Purchases less than $200 may be approved by special approval of the president.   If the president does not approve a purchase of less than $200, then the board must approve it.  Approval for purchases for supplies necessary for use with Commission functions or required by EGLE are excluded from the requirements of this section.  This includes office supplies, stamps, chlorine test supplies and special tools. 

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Sec 13.2   Board Member Work 

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Board members who are qualified to perform such work may have first choice at any service to be performed.  The type of service may include landscaping water break areas, painting, landscaping at the pump house, equipment purchase that would ease an operation or procedure, or other maintenance.  The following shall apply: 

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1. The work must be completed within sixty (60) days, or as agreed to with the WBWC. 
2. Member must notify the board prior to starting any job and keep the board informed of the status of the job. 

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If the work cannot be completed within sixty (60) days as agreed, the board may assign the job to an alternate repair service, when it makes sense. 

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Sec 13.3   Receipts for Compensation 

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A board member must submit an original receipt to receive compensation for services or purchases.   All receipts submitted after ninety (90) days will not be accepted.    

 

Non-Standard Water Lines 

 

Sec 14.1   Lines off Main

 

Each water line to the home must have a curb box stop valve operable by the WBWC. 

 

Sec 14.2   Standard Line

 

The standard water line from the Service main to the house is normally a 1 inch diameter copper line or any industry approved plastic pipe.  Any original water line that is currently in use is considered a Standard line.  All water lines to the home must include a Curb Box Stop Valve to turn on and off the water to the property.  The placement of the curb stop valve is normally 15 feet from the main water line, but may be different as long it is within 6 feet from the main line or found acceptable by the WBWC. Curb Stop boxes installed or serviced by WBWC must be visible above ground level for 
servicing. 

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Sec 14.3   Non-Standard Line

 

A non-standard line may be installed, with a curb stop valve that is no more than 2 inches in diameter.  The resident assumes all costs for installing and repair of a non-standard line to the home.  Failure of the resident to maintain a non-standard line may result in shut-off to the resident until repairs are satisfactorily repaired. 

 

Sec 14.4   Shut-offs

 

The Woodbine Water Commission may shutoff the water to any home if it is determined that the non-standard installation interferes with the normal pressure of the water system or creates a cross connection. 

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