NEW METER & SERVICE CONNECTIONS:
Service Feasibility & Site Assessment: Before purchasing a Tap or starting excavation, our operations team must verify that an existing water main is accessible and has sufficient flow/pressure capacity to serve your property location.
Application & Fee Submission: Complete the New Service Application, submit proof of property ownership (deed or tax record), and pay the established Tap Fee.
Property Line & Easement Clearance: Ensure clear access to the property line for meter installation. If the main line requires crossing adjacent land, a recorded Utility Easement Agreement must be finalized prior to installation.
Meter Installation & Customer Side Prep: Our distribution team installs the meter setter, box, and main line connection up to the property boundary. The customer is responsible for plumbing from the meter box to the structure.
Key Customer Requirements & Rules:
To ensure system safety and reliable operation, all new connections must adhere to the following guidelines:
Point of Delivery: The meter box marks the official point of delivery. Oswego Rural Water Co. maintains all lines up to and including the meter box. All piping, valves, and fixtures past the meter outlet are the sole responsibility of the property owner.
Customer Cut-Off Valve: Customers are required to install their own main shut-off valve on the customer side of the meter box. Operating or tampering with the official utility shut-off inside the meter box is strictly prohibited.
Backflow Prevention: To protect the public water supply, backflow prevention devices (such as dual check valves or reduced pressure zone assemblies) are required on all agricultural, commercial, or high-risk residential connections (e.g., properties with private wells or auxiliary water systems).
Cross-Connection Prohibitions: Private water wells, cisterns, or rainwater collection systems must never be physically interconnected with the Oswego Rural Water system piping.