WATER UTILITY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov

Investigator

Water & Sewer BranchDivision of Engineering

Public Service Commission

PSC INSPECTIONS

Jimmy Adcock


Topics

• Regulations– Which regulations affect you!– Why are there regulations?

• PSC Inspection Program– Purpose of inspecting a utility– Five elements of the inspection program


Inspection Program

• To ensure utilities provide customers with safe, adequate, and reliable service at fair, just, and reasonable rates

• To ensure utilities are in compliance with the PSC Statutes and Regulations


Regulations Affecting You• Commissions Statutes & Regulations KRS 74, 278

807 KAR 5:066: Water

807 KAR 5:006: General Rules

807 KAR 5:011: Tariffs


Why Regulations?

• Inspections are reminders of what regulations require

• Aid the utility in its operation• So utilities may provide safe, adequate, and reliable service at fair, just, and reasonable rates

• Serve as guidelines for each utility


or This?This?

Why Regulations?


or This?This?

Why Regulations?


or This?This?

Why Regulations?


or This?This?

Why Regulations?


or This?This?

Why Regulations?


or This?This?

Why Regulations?


or This?This?

Why Regulations?


Elements of Inspection Program

Report

Pre-Inspection

Follow-Up

Inspection

Enforcement


Pre-Inspection


Pre-Inspection

• The Central Files contain:– Last inspection report– Utility’s reply– Last construction project information– Meter testing reports– Accident and boil water advisories


Pre-Inspection

• The Annual Report contains:– Latest gross annual utility revenue– Annual water loss– Average daily consumption– Capacity of water plant– Distribution system statistics


The Inspector Cometh

• Inspection Checklist (13 pages)• Digital Photographs• Is your Utility ready for Review• Is your Utility in Compliance

The Inspector is the eyes and ears of the Public Service Commission


Periodic Inspection• Be Prepared

– Fill out inspection worksheet BEFORE inspector arrives

• Get them in and out– Have records and files ready for inspector

to review• Highlight your accomplishments

– Completed or new projects, no DOW violations


Periodic Inspection

• If the utility discovers a problem or needs assistance, ask inspector for help– Write down any questions you want to ask

• Inspectors look at many areas of the utility, sometimes areas the utility may want to avoid– Leaks at pump stations, rust on tanks


Periodic Inspection

• Office Review (Office Manager)– Posted tariffs, rules, regulations, & statutes– Office personnel security and safety– Office records (new special charges, fees)– Number of customers– Billing cards & Deposit data– Customer complaints & customer service


Periodic Inspection

• Office Review (Utility Manager)– Upcoming construction projects– Rate Issues (proposed increases)– Water purchase contracts– Water loss figures from previous year– New water sales to other utilities


Periodic Inspection

• Office Review (Utility Manager)– Meter testing program– System map– Safety program– Inspection program– Maintenance program and records– Water quality


WD

• Employees should carry current ID’s• Vehicles should be properly marked• Never enter a resident’s home• Employees should be properly trained

– Flagging– Dress (Hard hats, orange vests, boots, etc)– Signs and Cones

• Trenching accidents– 400 deaths, 6,400 serious injuries per year in U.S.

Safety Program


Periodic Inspection

• Office Review (Utility Manager)– Valve program– Accounted-for water loss– Flushing program– Fire protection– Water pressure and hydraulics– Water shortage response plan


Be Proactive, not Inactive or Reactive

• Preventative Maintenance Program• Develop a Systems Management Plan

– Each employee should read and sign• Leak Detection Program• Training, Training, Training

– It’s vital for employees to be properly trained• Keep critical replacement parts available


Be Proactive, not Inactive or Reactive

• Promptly notify DOW, PSC & customers of any BWA’s, NOV’s, etc.

• Promptly notify PSC of substantial property damage or major accidents

• Keep response time to a minimum• Document, Document, Document

– Proper record keeping is crucial– Document “everything”– Back-up your data and files


Periodic Inspection

Record Keeping


Periodic Inspection

• Field Review (Certified Operator)– Utility plant– Distribution system– Inspection and maintenance records– Photographs of water plant, storage tanks,

pump stations, deficient facilities– Customer surveys


Inspection Report• Inspection checklist used to draft report

• Copy sent to utility & Division of Water• Utility has 30 days to respond

• Sites new deficiencies and highlights any repeat deficiencies

• Written report summarizes investigation, includes photographs


Follow-Up Inspection• Typically performed at next yearly

inspection

• Some situations warrant sooner follow-up inspections

• PSC can help with informal follow-up meetings

• Regulatory compliance is principal goal


Enforcement• Deficiencies go uncured, follow-up attempts

are unsuccessful• Show-cause hearing may be pursued

• Order may be issued by PSC

• Franklin Circuit Court may get involved

• Goal is to AVOID this phase


Summary

• Regulations– KRS 278, 74– 807 KAR 5:006, 011, & 066– Serve as guidelines for each utility– Safe, adequate, reliable service– Fair, just, and reasonable rates


Summary

• PSC Inspection Program– Reminder of what the regulations require– Pre-Inspection– Inspection– Report– Follow-up– Enforcement


Questions?


Public Service Commission

Investigator, Water & Sewer BranchDivision of Engineering

Jimmy Adcock

211 Sower Blvd.Frankfort, KY 40602http://psc.ky.gov

Ph: (502) 564-3940 ext 415Fax: (502) 564-1582

[email protected]

Documents

WATER UTILITY INSPECTION CHECKLIST