City of Corona Utilities Department • 755 Public Safety Way, Corona, CA 92878 • (951) 736-2234 JAMIER\06100.16002\10324005.2
DATE
Customer Name
Address
Corona, CA 92XXX
Subject: Important Notice – Upcoming Water Meter Replacement and Private Service Line Condition Dear [Customer Name],
As part of the City of Corona's ongoing water meter replacement program, your property is scheduled to have its water meter replaced. We will notify you in advance of the scheduled work, provide an estimated duration, and keep you informed throughout the process. Water service to your property may need to be temporarily shut off during this time.
Please be advised that during a recent site inspection of your property, the City’s authorized installation contractor, Professional Meters, Inc. (PMI), discovered that the private service line on your side of the meter is composed of galvanized material and is showing significant signs of corrosion and deterioration.
Due to the aged condition of this line, there is an elevated risk that it may fail or develop a leak during or following the meter replacement process.
Your Responsibility Under City Municipal Code
In accordance with City of Corona Municipal Code Section 13.14.090, you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the service line located beyond the meter valve leading to your residence in a manner that ensures the safe and reliable delivery of potable water.
Recommended Action Before Meter Replacement
To minimize disruption and avoid potential damage to your property, we strongly encourage you to have the deteriorated private service line inspected and replaced by a licensed contractor prior to your scheduled meter replacement. Should you choose to do so, repairs must be completed within 30 days of the date of this letter. If additional time is needed, please contact us via email to request an extension before the deadline.
Available Options
If you are unable to complete repairs within this time frame, the City is pleased to offer the following alternatives:
1. Waiver for Minor Repairs Near the Meter Box – You may sign a waiver authorizing the City to proceed with the meter replacement. As part of this waiver, the City will agree to perform any necessary repairs should a leak occur in your private service line within the first 24 inches of the meter connection provided that you notify the City of such leak within seven (7) calendar days of the completion of the meter replacement work.
City of Corona Utilities Department • 755 Public Safety Way, Corona, CA 92878 • (951) 736-2234 JAMIER\06100.16002\10324005.2
2. Larger Repairs Extending Beyond 24 inches from the Meter Connection – Should a more significant leak or failure occur in your private service line that extends beyond the 24 inches from the meter connection, you have two options:
Complete the repairs yourself using a licensed contractor of your choice at your own expense; or
Authorize the City to perform the repairs on your behalf. This option only applies to failures or leaks discovered and reported to the City at the time of meter installation or within seven (7) calendar days following the installation date. Leaks or failures discovered outside of this window are solely the responsibility of the property owner. Please be aware of the following important conditions if you choose this option:
o Prevailing Wages: All repair work performed by the City is subject to prevailing wage requirements, which may result in higher labor costs than those charged by a private contractor.
o Agreement Required for a payment Plan: The City may offer a payment plan for the cost of repairs if certain eligibility criteria are met; however, please note that interest will be charged on the outstanding balance for the duration of the repayment period, which shall not exceed 24 months. Prior to any work being initiated by the City or its contractors, you must notify the City of your decision and execute a written agreement outlining the scope of work, total estimated costs, payment terms, and interest rate. Estimated costs may be provided but you are responsible for the full final cost. This agreement would create a lien against your property for the term of the agreement. No repairs will commence until this agreement has been signed by all parties. o If you wish to authorize the City to perform repairs on your private service line, your decision must be communicated to Jacqueline Zukeran via email at [email protected] before the meter replacement takes place, or within seven (7) calendar days from the day of meter installation, so that the necessary agreement can be prepared and executed without delay to your water service.
We understand this is an unexpected matter and appreciate your prompt attention. If you have any questions regarding your service line condition or the options outlined in this letter, please contact Jacqueline Zukeran at 951-739-4983 or via email [email protected]. For questions specific to the meter replacement scheduling, please contact PMI at 866-965-0658.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of water service to your property.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Zukeran
Utility Billing and Administration Manager