A service connection is the pipes, valves, and fittings between the water company's distribution system and the customer's service line. The customer's service line is the water line from the customer's points of usage to the water company's service connection.

(1) Service connection charge and service connection length. The length of a service connection can vary depending on where the customer's service line is or will be located. A tariffed service connection charge may be assessed for the cost of a new service connection. However, if the service connection is longer than the distance from the water distribution main to the outside edge of the right of way or easement that runs along or parallel to the water distribution main and closest to the customer's property line, the cost of such an extension may be financed as line extension, at the option of the company. The related line extension contract is subject to approval by the commission under WAC 480-110-435 (Extension contracts).

(2) Service connections may be installed when the system is built or at a later date, after the system is operational. A service connection charge may be based on the average installation cost for new service connections in subsection (3)(a) and (b) of this section. The service connection must be owned and maintained by the water company.

(3) A water company may assess a service connection charge, if named in its tariff, to recover the cost of the service connection:

(a) Installed by the water company during construction of the water system; or

(b) Installed after the distribution system had been buried and in service; or

(c) When the service connection has been previously removed for good cause and must be reinstalled to provide water service.

(4) A service connection charge must not be assessed if:

(a) The water company did not incur any cost to install the service connection (e.g., the service connection is a contribution in aid of construction);

(b) The water company is just installing a meter; or

(c) The water company is merely opening a valve to connect the company's distribution system to the customer's service line.

(5) The company may install the service connection to the property line, property corner, or to a location on the property mutually agreed upon. The company may install a meter or valve at any point along the service connection line or at a different mutually agreed location provided that in such event the property line will nevertheless be deemed the point of delivery.

(6) The customer's service line must be installed to provide easy access to the water company's distribution system. If there is doubt as to where the proper location should be, the customer must consult with the water company and agree on a location.

(7) The water company may request that the trench be left open and customer's service line exposed in order to inspect the connection for potential problems. The water company must complete the inspection within two business days after notification that the trench is open.