Q: How long is an income survey good for?
A: Most agencies will accept surveys for up to three years.
Q: Do we have to do an income survey in order to get a grant?
A: No. Income surveys are used to help the system qualify for additional grant dollars and/or lower interest rates.
Q: Can systems apply for more than one grant for the same project?
A: Yes, we encourage systems to apply for as many grants as possible.
Q: Can a water or sewer district apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?
A: No, a Town must apply for the grant on the district’s behalf.
Q: How long does it take for new rates to go into effect?
A: Provided the new rate structure is not petitioned, it takes a total of 74 days.
Q: How often should a utility have a rate case?
A: Most systems should look into a rate increase every three to five years.
Q: Do we need to do a budget before we set new rates?
A: Absolutely. New rates are based on your new budget.
Q: How often can we raise the rates?
A: You have to wait one year for the next rate case, unless the PUC finds extenuating circumstances.
Q: Do we have to do a Vulnerability Assessment/Emergency Response Plan before receiving USDA Rural Development loans/grants?
A: Yes, this is a new requirement of the Rural Development program.
Q: Do we have to use any specific format for the Vulnerability Assessment/Emergency Response Plan?
A: No, although MRWA presently uses the SEMS software.
Q: Can a water system turn off a customer’s water for non-payment?
A: Yes, PUC regulated water utilities are allowed to disconnect a customer’s water for non-payment of water service following the guidelines set forth in Chapters 81 and 86 of the PUC’s Rules. For copies of disconnect forms and any help in deciphering the disconnect rules please contact MRWA.
Other water utilities (home associations, trailer parks, condo associations, etc.) will need to check their By-Laws and other governing documents for guidance on disconnections.
Q: Can a water or wastewater system lien its customers for non-payment.
A: In 2005 a law was passed allowing all consumer-owned water utilities to lien customers for non-payment of water service using steps outlined in Title 38, Section 1208.
Non-consumer owned water utilities have the ability to lien for non-payment of single metered residential property customers such as duplexes, apartment buildings, trailer parks.
Wastewater systems have had the ability to lien for non-payment for many years. Often a wastewater system’s charter establishes how the lien process will work and sets out a step by step process as to how to perfect liens. For those systems with charters that do not provide this information, we recommend using the steps in Title 38, Section 1208.
For copies of the laws, sample lien documents or any questions about how the laws work please contact MRWA.
Q: What are Terms and Conditions?
A: All PUC regulated water utilities are required to keep their Terms & Conditions on file. Your current Terms & Conditions can be viewed and printed from the PUC’s website at mpuc.informe.org. MRWA recommends systems review their Terms and Conditions every three to five years. Need an update of your Terms and Conditions? Contact MRWA for assistance.
Q: How long does my system need to keep records?
A: The Maine State Archives sets the standards for record retention. Chapter 10: Rules for Disposition of Local Government Records and Disposition Schedule A: General Disposition Schedule for Local Government Records provides guidance on such issues as financial documents, minute meetings, etc.
The DEP, EPA, DWP, PUC, and others all have guidelines for specific items such as sampling schedules and test results, rate cases, and CCR’s, just to name a few. If you are unable to access the Maine State Archives Webpage MRWA can provide you with copies.
Q: What is a Chart of Accounts?
A: PUC regulated water systems are required to use the Uniformed Chart of Accounts for their finances. If you need help deciphering the accounts or would like to obtain a copy of the Chart, call our office.
In 1994 MRWA worked with several wastewater utilities to develop a Uniform System of Accounts for Wastewater Systems. To receive your copy, contact MRWA.
