§ 46-78. Connection to public water lines.

(a)

If county or municipal water lines are located within one-half mile of a subdivision of ten to 39 lots, or one mile of a subdivision of 40 lots or more, where the distances are measured along the roadway to the nearest edge of the property, then the developer must connect to these lines to provide water service and fire protection for the subdivision. Extensions to the county water system shall be made in conformance with the policies and procedures set forth in the current Union County Water and Sewer Extension Policy as approved by the board of county commissioners and Town of Weddington.

(b)

There may be times when the county cannot issue new water permits due to lack of available capacity. If a developer is denied permits for this reason, the town may allow the use of individual domestic wells to serve a proposed development provided that the developer still installs water lines to county specifications as initially approved for fire flow only. The developer shall be responsible for proving to the town that capacity is not available. A determination of what capacity is available and whether to allow the use of individual domestic wells shall lie within the sole discretion of the town.

(c)

The proposed water lines must still meet all the requirements of the Union County Water and Sewer Extension Policy, including providing fire flow protection to the development and taps and meter boxes for each developable lot. If the county and town approve these plans then the use of wells may be approved as an interim measure until such time as water capacity becomes available. The developer will be required to provide written proof that Union County will charge the lines for fire hydrant use.

(d)

As a condition of approval of the proposed development, the developer or property owner shall require these lots with domestic use wells connect to the county system at such time as the county indicates water capacity is available. Individual wells may be converted to irrigation use at the property owners expense provided such conversion is in conformance with the Union County Building Code and Union County Water and Sewer Specifications. The developer and/or property owner shall be responsible for any fees and charges from the county as a condition of connection to the county water system.

(e)

The use of community wells for domestic needs is discouraged and will only be allowed if the water system is built to Union County Water and Sewer Specifications. The system must be capable of meeting the water needs of the community including domestic, irrigation and fire flow requirements and an agreement exists with the county for: 1) the conditions under which the system becomes part of the county system; and 2) an arrangement is made with the county to tap into the county system for working fire hydrants according to the county specifications.

(Ord. No. O-2010-14, 9-13-2010; Ord. No. O-2012-02, 1-9-2012)