Information
| Staff
| Backflow |
Meter Replacement
Obtain a Meter
| Yard Meters
| Fees
| FAQ
| The starting point is to complete an Application For Municipal Utility Service. The application includes water, sewer, and electric. The application may be obtained from the Utility Customer Service Division or the Inspections Division at City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue. A completed form may be faxed to 515-239-5286. If the applicant is not an active customer of the Ames utility billing system, a separate application may be required and a deposit may also be required. Once the application is received by the Customer Services Office, a service order is sent to the Water Meter Division to install the meter(s). Click here to see the fees and charges associated with the installation of water meters. | |||
Construction Water Meter |
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| A master plumber must obtain a
plumbing permit from the Inspections Division. The Water Meter Division will size the
water meter according to the number of fixture units listed on the plumbing permit.
The meter fee for the permanent meter will be billed when the construction meter is
installed. The construction meter cannot be set until either the contractor or
property owner completes an Application For Municipal Utility Services. All service lines larger than 2" must meet Inspections Division requirements. For questions on the requirements or to schedule an inspection, contact the Inspections Division at 515-239-5153. The inspector will place a lock on the meter valve or curb box when the inspection has been completed. Authorization must be given by the Water Meter Division to remove the lock. All water services must remain off at the curb until a water meter has been installed. Unprotected water meters will be allowed from April 15 through October 15. If the water meter cannot be protected from freezing, contact the Water Meter Division. Contact the Water Meter Division to schedule an appointment to have the water meter installed. Safe access to the water meter location must be provided under all conditions. The meter repair worker will determine if the work area is a safe environment. The meter will be installed within 48 hours from the time of notification. At the time of installation, a valve and hose bibb vacuum breaker will be provided with the construction meter to provide a minimum amount of backflow protection. The valve and vacuum preventer may be removed from the meter coupling when the meter is connected to the plumbing system in the building. |
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Permanent Water Meter |
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| The permanent water meter will
be installed once the construction is near completion (plumbing work, copper ground wire
around meter, drywall, and exterior siding/painting completed, etc.)
An 18/2- or
18/4-gauge bell wire must be installed from the meter setting to within three feet of the
electric meter. The remote read register will be installed when the permanent meter
is installed. Call the Water Meter Division to schedule an appointment to have the permanent meter installed. The meter will be installed within 48 hours from the time of notification. (Note: If a yard meter is to be installed, it will be installed at the same time.) Once the permanent meter(s) has been installed and the project is ready for final inspection, call the Inspection Division. Occupancy is prohibited until a final inspection has been completed. |
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Yard Meter |
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| The yard meter may be included
in the original plumbing permit; if it is not, the
plumber must apply for another permit with the Inspection Division. The contractor
or property owner must also have completed an Application For Municipal Utility
Service. Once the plumbing work has been completed and a separate bell wire for the
remote reading register has been installed, call the Inspection Division to schedule an
inspection. Contact the Water Meter Division to schedule an appointment to have the yard meter installed. A monthly charge is assessed for yard meters. Click here to see the fees associated with minimum monthly fees and usage charges. Click here for an informational sheet with additional information on obtaining a yard meter. Click here for a sample calculation to figure out if a yard meter makes sense for you. |
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Hydrant Meter |
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| NOTE: Unprotected hydrant meters will be allowed from April 15 through October 15. If the hydrant and meter cannot be protected from freezing, contact the Water Meter Division. | |||
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Click
here to view the hydrant meter policy. Apply for the hydrant meter at
the Water Meter Division.
Click here
to print an application. A signature is required by the individual
or contractor's representative who will be responsible for any
damages that may occur to the hydrant, meter, or backflow prevention
device. When the application is completed and submitted to the Water Meter Division, an appointment will be scheduled for a water meter repair worker to meet the individual or contractor's representative at the specified hydrant to install the water meter. It is the responsibility of the individual or company requesting the meter to provide a lock and chain to secure the outlet valve to prevent unauthorized water usage. Contact the Water Meter Division when the hydrant is no longer needed. The lock and chain must be removed from the outlet valve prior to the removal of the meter. Charges will be calculated by the Water Meter Division and billed through the Finance Department. |
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