§ 143-355.4. Water system efficiency.
§ 143‑355.4. Watersystem efficiency.
(a) Local governmentwater systems and large community water systems shall require separate metersfor new in‑ground irrigation systems that are connected to their systems.
(b) To be eligible forState water infrastructure funds from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund or theDrinking Water Reserve Fund or any other grant or loan of funds allocated bythe General Assembly whether the allocation of funds is to a State agency or toa nonprofit organization for the purpose of extending waterlines or expandingwater treatment capacity, a local government or large community water systemmust demonstrate that the system:
(1) Has established awater rate structure that is adequate to pay the cost of maintaining,repairing, and operating the system, including reserves for payment ofprincipal and interest on indebtedness incurred for maintenance or improvementof the water system during periods of normal use and periods of reduced wateruse due to implementation of water conservation measures. The funding agencyshall apply guidelines developed by the State Water Infrastructure Commissionin determining the adequacy of the water rate structure to support operationand maintenance of the system.
(2) Has implemented aleak detection and repair program.
(3) Has an approvedwater supply plan pursuant to G.S. 143‑355.
(4) Meters all water useexcept for water use that is impractical to meter, including, but not limitedto, use of water for firefighting and to flush waterlines.
(5) Does not use a ratestructure that gives residential water customers a lower per‑unit waterrate as water use increases.
(6) Has evaluated theextent to which the future water needs of the water system can be met byreclaimed water.
(7) Has implemented aconsumer education program that emphasizes the importance of waterconservation. (2008‑143,s. 9.)