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Water Department

The Department of Public Works maintains a potable water distribution system supplied specifically around the community of Hemlock. There is no public water supply to the outlying areas of the Township. The Township's distribution system was inventoried in a 2017 water system asset management plan. The distribution system is composed of approximately 12 miles of water main primarily composed of 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch mains and a 250,000-gallon elevated water storage tank. The system contains 115 hydrants and 118 main-line valves.

The Township has two operating wells. The wells are typically operated individually but have the capability to operate simultaneously. Well #1 is located at the southwest corner of the distribution system off of Sproll Street, while Well #2 is located on the west side of the distribution system off of M-46.

The Township has 565 traditional water customers with 219 customers connected to sprinklers only.

Commercial connections range in size from 3/4-inch to 4-inch.

Water/Sewer Service: A form must be completed for all new and/or changes to the water and sewer accounts at the Richland Township Administration Building, 1180 North Hemlock Road. Water and sewer is billed quarterly based on usage due by the 20th with late fees added after the due date.

Effective April 1, 2023 - For residential customers water is $2.75 per thousand gallons.

Connection Fee / System Development Fee

3/4-inch	$1,700
1-inch	$2,000
Over 1"	$2,000 Plus Time & Material

Water Meters

Water Meter 5/8-inch	$400
Water Meter 1-inch	$450

Ready to Serve Fees (Ordinance 1997-2 Adopted September 8, 1997

5/8-inch Meter	$41.12 per quarter
3/4-inch Meter	$46.90 per quarter
1-inch meter	$61.60 per quarter
1 1/2-inch meter	$103.60 per quarter
2-inch meter	$162.40 per quarter
3-inch meter	$330.40 per quarter
4-inch meter	$565.60 per quarter

Frost Plate Replacement	$20.00
On/Off Charges	$20.00

Water Conservation

1/16" leak at 60 PSI wastes about 24,600 gallons a month (1/16" is about the size of a ballpoint pin tip)
1/8" leak is not two times more, it is four times more, about 98,600 gallons in a month
1/4" leak will waste almost 394,000 gallons in a month

The following reflects the average water usage:

Toilet, per flush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       5-7 gal.
Shower, per minute . . . . . . . . . . . .       2.5 gal.
Bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        40 gal.
Brush teeth, tap running . . . . . . . . .     10 gal.
Shaving with tap running . . . . . . . . .      20 gal.
Wash hands with tap running . . . . . .        2 gal.
Dishwashing by hand, tap running . .       30 gal.
Automatic dishwasher . . . . . . . . . . .       16 gal.
Washing Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     40 - 50 gal.
Leaky faucet, per hour  . . . . . . . . . .        2 - 10 gal.
Leaky toilet, per hour . . . . . . . . . . .         1 - 5 gal.
Outdoor watering, per minute . . . . .     10 gal.

Richland Township Water Quality Report

Dear Customer: We are pleased to provide you with the 2021 Consumer Confidence Report. The purpose of this report is to provide you with some details on where our water comes from, what it contains, and any risks that may be associated with drinking the water. The Richland Township Department of Public Works is committed to providing you with the safest and most reliable water supply.
2020 Water Quality Report

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding this report or general questions on water supply and distribution.