THE LAWRENCE LIFT
September 2016
UTILITY TO FLUSH MAINS
The City of Lawrence Utilities will flush water mains west of Post Road from Sunday, September 25, 2016 through Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. We will begin flushing water mains east of Post Road during normal business hours from Monday, September 26th through Friday, October 14, 2016.
As a result of this activity, some customers may experience a temporary discoloration of their water and/or a low water pressure condition. Color can range from a light yellow to an orange-red. If this occurs, the customer should run a medium stream of cold water until the water clears. If a customer experiences this problem, the customer should not run hot water or wash clothes until the water clears up. The City does not reimburse customers for water used to flush their service lines due to iron discoloration. Main flushing is necessary in order to properly maintain the water distribution system and helps to improve water quality and maintain adequate disinfectant levels per regulatory requirements.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact City of Lawrence Utilities at (317) 542-0511, press 0 to speak with a Customer Service representative.
Do you know which portion of your water and sanitary sewer service lines are your responsibility to maintain, repair and/or replace? This responsibility is different for residential customers versus commercial customers.
Generally speaking, a commercial entity is responsible for the water and sanitary sewer lines from the structure served all the way to the point of connection with the public main, including the shut off valve (for water lines). The only part of the service the Utility is responsible is the meter. For residential customers with the meter inside, the utility is responsible for the water service line from the main to the curb stop (shut off valve, usually a small diameter metal box in the yard at the property line), including the curb stop box. If the meter is outside in a meter pit (larger diameter lid, usually marked “water meter”), the utility is responsible for the service line from the main up to the shut off valve on the supply side of the meter, the meter, and meter setter itself.
The Utility does not flush private water mains in apartment complexes, mobile home parks and certain commercial developments. It is the responsibility of the property owner to not only repair and maintain their water and sewer systems, but to also perform routine preventive maintenance such as sewer cleaning and CCTV inspection, as well as water main flushing to help prevent discolored water complaints for their residents.
For sanitary sewer service laterals, whether commercial or residential, the property owner is responsible for the lateral from the structure served all the way to the point of connection with the public main in accordance with Ordinance No. 4, 1999. The Utility recommends property owners to contact the Utility first before calling a plumber, if they experience poor sewer performance, or if sewage is backing up on their property from the cleanout cap or inside the basement. This allows the Utility to check the public main first, and if the problem is in the main, fix it without the property owner incurring a repair bill or service call charges from a plumber. The Utility does not reimburse these costs if the Utility was not contacted in order to check the mains first. If the problem is not in the main, the property owner will be advised at the time the investigation is made so that the property owner may contact a plumber.
Please note that if you are a customer with a backflow device you must have the device tested annually. This is anIndiana law, as well as a local requirement. You will receive notification when tests are due. If you fail to comply, the Utility is authorized to test the device and place the $80 testing fee on your regular bill per the Utility Service Board-approved policy. You may not avoid testing by calling the Utility and stating you are “not going to use the system” or something to that effect. If you have a device, it must be tested. If you no longer wish to use your system, it has to be physically disconnected from the water supply and this work has to be inspected by a Utility inspector. Failure to comply may result in the disconnection of water service.
The above by no means covers all the aspects of customer and utility areas of responsibility. For more information regarding Utility policies and procedures, please check the City’s website at: Navigate to “CITY GOVERNMENT”> Lawrence Utilities” > Water & Sewer Information > Policy and Procedure Manual.You may also get answers by emailing: . Depending on the nature of the question or concern, your email may be forwarded to another person in the Utility who is specialized in that area (i.e. billing, backflow, grease trap/FOG program, irrigation systems, etc.)
Calendar/Events
September 21 Common Council Mid-month Government Center/6:30 p.m.
October 1-2 FC Pride Soccer Tournament Lawrence Community Park
October 3 Common Council meeting Government Center/6:30 p.m.
October 8 Indy Half Marathon Ft. Harrison State Park/8 a.m.
October 10 Columbus Day/City offices closed
October 10-15 LFD Neighborhood Walks & City neighborhoods
Smoke Detector Distribution
October 19 Common Council Mid-month Government Center/6:30 p.m.
October 22 Crime Stoppers Shred it Day Government Center/10 a.m.
October 26 Mayor’s Roundtable The Garrison/10 a.m.
October 29 Fall Festival Lawrence Community Center
October 29 Lawrence Township 5k Run Lawrence Community Park
November 7 Common Council meeting Government Center/6:30 p.m.
November 6 Election Day/City offices closed
November 11 Veteran’s Day/City offices closed
November 16 Common Council Mid-month Government Center/6:30 p.m.
November 18 Blue Star Banner Dinner & RecognitionThe Garrison/6 p.m.
November 24 Thanksgiving/City offices closed
November 26 Christmas Tree Lighting & Celebration Sterrett Center/5 p.m.