Introduce Ordinance Amending Section 58-113 (Water Connections) of the  Ramsey City Code and Call for Public Hearing

Since 1985 the City of Ramsey has required all private water services hooked to the municipal water supply be one (1) inch soft copper line. The Minnesota Plumbing Code Section 4715.0420 allows the use of many different types of service lines, including High Density Polyethelyne (HDPE). HDPE is a quality, acceptable plastic pipe for water service. However, a municipality can require a certain type of material, and further restrict the use of others. 

In 1985 the City of Ramsey chose to require soft copper for all service connections.The City currently has 4,100+ of these privately owned service lines that connect homes to the municipal water system.  In contrast, homes on private well systems have been allowed to use HDPE for many years. 

All materials used would be required to meet current standards as described by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D2239) and be installed in accordance with ASTM D 2774 as listed in The Minnesota Plumbing Code.  

One of the disadvantages of plastic pipe is that it is harder to locate these underground services.  Consequently, the installer would also be required to include a twelve (12) gauge, direct bury tracer wire from the curb stop to the water meter.  This wire would be used for locating purposes. 

Finally, the city would still require one (1) inch copper pipe from the water main to the curb stop.  This allows the utility department to positively locate our underground utilities.

If introduced, a Public Hearing Notification will be posted in the Anoka County Union prior to adopting the ordinance.

Alternative #1. Adopt the Ordinance as drafted. This would be the preferred option.There are several advantages to allowing poly pipe for water service use and cost is major consideration.  A 100 foot roll of one (1) inch Class C soft copper is approximately $541.51 depending on the market.  The same 100 foot roll of one (1) inch HDPE is approximately $52.65. This factor saves the homebuyer/contractor in construction costs and also reduces the theft of copper at construction sites.  As somewhat of a side issue, our police department would save staff time spent on responding to copper thefts and the follow up investigation. HDPE also comes in lengths up to 300 feet, where as copper comes in 100 foot lengths. As a result, the need for splices on longer runs would also be eliminated with the use of HDPE.

Alternative #2.  Do not adopt the ordinance change and continue to require one (1) inch soft copper as the only material allowed for water service lines on the municipal water system.

Staff recommends that the City council introduce Ordinance #13-18 and call for a Public Hearing at the October 22, 2013 City Council meeting

Preparation of the Ordinance is being handled as part of normal staff duties

Motion to introduce Ordinance #13-18 amending the Ramsey City Code