Coalinga Municipal Code Ch. 4 Water Services

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(a) "Base rate or fixed component" means the minimum fixed charge per billing period for water service to a user as set by the City Council by resolution.

(b) "Billing period" means the calendar accounting unit for which charges are assessed and imposed for water service.

(c) "City" means the City of Coalinga.

(d) "City Council" means the City Council of the City of Coalinga.

(e) "Connection" refers to the act of linking the service pipe of a house, building, or other property to the City water system, and also to the physical apparatus by which such linking is accomplished.

(f) "Construction meter" means a temporary meter attached to a fire hydrant at a construction site to measure water usage at the site.

(g) "Developer" means a person, natural or otherwise, who divides a tract of land into lots for sale as residential property or who makes improvements to residential, commercial, office or industrial properties.

(h) "House line" means that portion of the water service pipe from the discharge side of the meter to the structure serviced.

(i) "Meter tampering" means cutting water meter locks or alteration or damage of any water meter or any of its components or unauthorized connections to the City water system or the use of straight lines, cheater pipes or bypass hoses or any other means to take water by bypassing the City water meter or prevent water from being properly metered by the City.

(j) "Person" means any person, firm, association of persons or corporation, including public, private or municipal corporation.

(k) "Private fire hydrant" means a discharge pipe with a valve and spout located on private property at which water may be drawn.

(l) "Private fire service main" means a pipe and its appurtenances on private property that is: (1) between a source of water and the base of the riser for water-based fire protection systems; or (2) between a source of water and inlets to fire foam making systems; or (3) between a source of water and base elbow of private fire hydrants or monitor nozzles; or (4) uses a fire pump suction and discharge piping; or (5) beginning at the inlet side of the check valve on a gravity or pressure tank.

(m) "Public fire hydrant" means a discharge pipe with a valve and spout located on public property for use primarily by fire service personnel at which water may be drawn from the water main.

(n) "Roving meter" means a meter attached to a movable vehicle to measure water drawn from a fire hydrant into a tank attached to the vehicle.

(o) "Service line" means that portion of water service pipe from the main line up to and including the discharge side of the water meter.

(p) "Straight line or cheater pipe" means any type of device installed in lieu of a water meter, connecting the City's water service line to a private service line for the purpose of obtaining unmetered water.

(q) "Subdivision" is a tract of land divided by a subdivider, or any lot or lots or tract of real property on which any building is or will be built.

(r) "Usage charge or variable component" means the charge per one thousand (1,000) gallons of water used by a water user established by the City Council by resolution.

(s) "User" means a person, natural or otherwise, who utilizes the water system of the City for any purpose.

(t) "Water main" means the water pipe owned by the City from which water service lines lead.

(u) "Water meter" means the instrument which measures and records the amount of water which flows through it.

(v) "Water service" means the provision of culinary water such that water flows through a plumbing system connected to the City water system.

(w) "Water system" includes pipes, water mains, meters, valves, reservoirs, tanks, wells, springs, hydrants, sources, pumps and all other property and equipment owned by the City of Coalinga and through or from which water flows.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

All provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be incorporated into every service agreement between the City and its water service customer. Each customer shall be charged with knowledge of the provisions of this chapter and, by applying for and accepting water service from the City, to have assented to the provisions of this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The City Manager, or his designee, shall have the authority to draft administrative procedures necessary to effectively implement the provisions of this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The City of Coalinga shall be the only allowed source of municipal, industrial and domestic water supply within the incorporated boundaries of the City, and the only source of domestic water supply outside the incorporated boundary of the City, with the exception of bottled water purchased for consumption from licensed vendors or retail stores.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Public Works Department and the Utilities Director shall have authority to operate and maintain the City water system and furnish water service to the residents of the City for fees set by the City Council by resolution. To accomplish these purposes, the Public Works Department and Utilities Department are empowered to employ persons, purchase real property, acquire equipment and perform all other acts necessary or incidental to the accomplishing of the above described purposes, subject to all applicable ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, policies and directions of the City Manager and the City Council.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Public Works Director and the Utilities Director shall administer and enforce this chapter under the direction of the City Manager and manage the City's water system pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and pursuant to the resolutions, rules, regulations and directives issued by the City Manager or adopted by the City Council prescribing their powers and duties.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Utilities Department shall treat or cause to be treated the water furnished to the water users hereunder using current water treatment methods such that the water shall conform to ordinary and contemporary standards of purity and fitness for culinary use.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Public Works Director and the Utilities Director shall keep the water system in good repair. Any leaks, breaks, or equipment failures shall be promptly repaired.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

All new buildings or structures located within or outside the corporate City limits, and any additions, modifications, alterations or repairs of existing buildings that use the water facilities of the City shall comply with the requirements of the Coalinga Building Code as amended, including securing all permits and inspections required by such Code.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Public Works Director shall cause to be connected with the City's water system the service line of any property abutting on a City water main after the property owner or his or her agent complies with all of the following provisions of this section:

(a) Water service agreement. The property owner other than a developer, fills out, signs and files with the City Finance Department a water service agreement approved by the City Manager and the City Attorney.

(b) Service line. The property owner or his agents shall install a service line to the property location designated by the City Public Works Department which meets the following requirements:

(1) The service line is of material and quality approved by the Public Works Department.

(2) The service line, when used, be buried at a location, depth and grade approved by the Public Works Department.

(3) The service line does not cross property owned by a person other than the property owner who applied for the connection, unless written permission is obtained from the Public Works Department.

(4) The service line, when connected, will supply water to no more than one (1) building, except that where written permission is obtained from the Public Works Department. Connection of such a service line may be added, if the property owner applying for the connection is the owner of all buildings located to such service line. For the purposes of payment of fees under these ordinances, however, each building which shall receive water service through a common service line shall be deemed to receive said water service through a separate service line for the payment of charges set forth in subsection (f) of this section.

(c) Illegal use of water pressure. The water provided through the connection will not be used for the purpose of driving any motor, siphon, turbine, or other wheel, or any hydraulic engine, or elevator, or for driving or propelling machinery of any kind whatsoever, or for any other purpose which the Public Works Director, City Manager or City Council have not approved in writing.

(d) Inspection. The service line of the building to be connected has been inspected by an officer of the City Public Works Department and found to conform to this chapter and to the provisions of the Coalinga Building Code. The service line and all other underground water lines or connections shall be open and visible to the inspector at the time of the inspection.

(e) Charges current. The user requesting connection has no unpaid delinquent water charge assessed against him by the City for any location within the City's utility services boundary.

(f) Fees due at connection. The user shall pay at the time he files his application for connection all of the following applicable fees:

(1) The connection charge specified by the City Council by resolution.

(2) Water impact fees adopted by the City Council by resolution.

(3) Any other fees adopted by the City Council by resolution or included in any development agreement approved by the City Manager or City Council.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Public Works Director shall have the authority to establish rules, regulations, and specifications regarding new meter sets and meter vaults. Meters may be purchased from the Public Works Department. Installation of new meters and construction of meter vaults shall be at the expense of the contractor or customer. Approval by the Public Works Department shall be required before the water meter set is constructed and service begins.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

In addition to the immediately preceding section, the following provisions shall apply to anyone seeking to connect to the City water system where said system does not extend to such property:

(a) Agreement. Whenever a developer desires or is required to install water connections and extensions for a subdivision or other development, the developer shall enter into a written extension agreement with the City which shall constitute an application for permission to make said extensions and connections that shall be made and the payments that shall be required.

(b) Dedication. Any extension of the City water system granted in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph including all easements necessary to accommodate its installation and maintenance, shall upon completion and acceptance become the property of the City.

(c) Policy providing for the provision of water service outside the City limits. Commencing August 3, 2006, the City Council does hereby establish a policy permitting the provision of water service for domestic and industrial purposes outside the City limits of the City of Coalinga. This amendment to the Municipal Code is intended to and does supersede the existing rules, regulations and policies of the City of Coalinga regarding the extension of domestic and industrial water service beyond the City limits.

(1) Nothing contained in this chapter shall affect either the validity or the terms of any existing written water service contract. City of Coalinga Rural Water Assessment District No. 1 water users with no contracts, continue to be governed by the Rural Water Assessment District Water Policy.

(2) Nothing in this chapter or elsewhere in the Municipal Code shall prevent the City Manager from providing water services to persons or properties outside the City limits in cases of emergency. Provided however the City Manager shall, at the next regular City Council meeting following any such action, bring the matter to the attention of the City Council for its consideration and action.

(d) Service provided outside the City limits shall be limited to those properties determined by the City to be of value to the City in accomplishing certain City and State goals and objectives, including but not limited to housing for persons and families of all income levels; diversity of housing types; support for community institutions and values; economic development; jobs/housing balance; intergovernmental relations and tax sharing, and/or other matters of concern and importance to the City.

(1) Persons desiring out of City water service shall comply submit a development plan for the property in order for the City to determine if the property complies with the following requirements:

(i) Pay in advance the whole expense of planning and extending the water system to his or her property;

(ii) Enter into a City of Coalinga water service contract or agreement, the terms and conditions of which shall be subject to the sole discretion and approval of the City Council;

(iii) Enter into an annexation agreement(s) which shall be subject to the approval of the City Council and the Local Agency Formation Commission; and

(iv) Any other requirements that may from time to time be established by the City.

(2) If, at the time of the initial request for annexation is submitted, the area within which the property is located, is not contiguous to the City limits, or otherwise not legally available for annexation, the property owner shall enter into an agreement with the City that the written request for annexation shall not be withdrawn and shall remain in full force and effect until the property becomes legally available for annexation and is in fact annexed to the City. In the event the annexation request is withdrawn prior to the property being annexed, the City may in its sole discretion discontinue water service to the property.

(3) Neither the water service contract, or any other contract or agreement regarding out of City water service, shall create any vested right to water to be provided or that actually is provided; nor any interest(s) that runs with the land or any other vested interests or rights for any person(s) other than, the property owner entering into the agreement and receiving water in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

(4) Water users outside the City shall abide the terms and conditions of this chapter, and use of City water shall constitute acceptance of the terms and conditions of any and all terms of the agreement entered into with the City as well as acceptance and agreement by the water user to abide by all applicable City ordinances, policies, rules and regulations governing the provision of water services by the City. In addition, all water service contracts shall be subject to the following provisions:

(i) A covenant that such water service is intended to serve only the domestic or industrial purpose specified in the water service contract. In the event the City, in its sole discretion, determines that the water is being used for other than the purpose specified by the water service contract, it may at any time discontinue providing water service to the property without liability to the City.

(ii) Water users shall file with the City copies of any permits required by the County of Fresno regarding the use of the subject property.

(iii) Water users shall follow and abide by all rules and/or regulations of any kind adopted by the City Council, which may from time to time be modified by subsequent City Council action, that apply to water users, unless out of City water users are specifically exempt from the application of such rule or regulation by the terms thereof.

(iv) Any water furnished to a property under the terms of any water service contract shall not be transported off the subject property, nor shall the water user resell the water so furnished, nor allow its use by any other person.

(v) Water users shall execute water line easements to the City or the City's nominee, at no cost to the City, for the purpose of the extensions of water service by the City through and past the property owned by the water user.

(vi) Water users shall agree that, as a condition of water service, the water user understands and consents to any disruption of water service on behalf of the City. It is clearly understood between the parties that the City has no obligation to supply water to the subject property, either by law or otherwise except by the express terms of any water service agreement.

(vii) In obtaining water from the City, the water user does recognize and agrees that the City is in no way responsible for the effects of the close proximity of the water users property to the oil fields, agricultural uses, and feed yard, all of which are recognized by the water user to materially affect the environment of the water users property. The water user shall, as a condition of receiving water service, to save and hold harmless the City and all of its elected and non-elected officers and employees from any and all liability by reason of supplying water under any water service contract or agreement.

(5) In addition to the water requirements set forth in this section, any contract or agreement shall contain a certified acknowledgement that the applicant understands that the City in granting the application for water service need only supply such water to the applicant which from time to time may be determined to be beyond the requirements of water use within the City limits and the provision of water service may be curtailed or terminated by the City at any time. If the City Council grants the application, the City and the applicant shall enter into a written water service agreement, which agreement shall be executed prior to the commencement of any work upon said water extension.

(6) Existing property owners outside the City limits that do not have signed water service agreements, other contractual arrangement, or participate in a City assessment district may have water service curtailed or be disconnected from the City water system at the discretion of City upon a finding by the City Council that requirements of providing water to users within the City limits will be impaired by the continued service.

(7) If any property outside the City limits, with or without a water service agreement, is acquired by a new owner, in order to continue water service the new owner shall, within ten (10) working days of acquiring the property, submit a written request for annexations of the area and property to the City and execute a water service contract and such other agreements as specified in this section. If no such request for annexation and application for water service are received within the time frame specified in this section, the property shall be disconnected from the City water service. Reconnection, if any, shall be at the sole discretion and under such terms as may be determined by the City.

(8) Properties outside the City limits ceasing to use water from the City water system for a period of sixty (60) days shall be disconnected from the City water system. Reconnection, if any, shall be at the sole discretion and under terms as may be determined by the City.

(9) Any agreement or contract required by this section must be approved by the City Council, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.

(§ 1, Ord. 714, eff. September 3, 2006)

The replacement of a previously used service line shall be deemed a connection and the provisions of Sections 6-4.11 and 6-4.12 shall apply to said replacement.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

In connecting to a water main, the Public Works Department shall install or cause to be installed a service line of suitable quality under the street and a meter box, meter, and property stop at a location determined by the Public Works Department. Said connection pipe, meter box, meter and property stop are and shall be the property of the City, which retains the sole right to maintain, repair and service said facilities.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

It shall be unlawful for any person, to open, alter, repair or connect to any existing water main or service line without it first having received a permit from the Public Works Department or other authorized City department. No permit authorizing such alternation, repair, connection or opening shall be issued if said alteration or connection results in water service to a building to which such service was not previously furnished, unless such building is owned by the owner of all other buildings connected to said service line. Any connection from an existing service line to a building to which water service was not furnished before the connection is made shall need to be a new, original service line connection and the property owner shall pay the fees set by resolution of the City Council before receiving the permit referred to above.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person by himself directly or indirectly through family, servants or agents to connect to, disconnect, repair or alter the City water system or any part thereof, including but not limited to any water line or water meter, except as provided in this chapter, or, to open any fire hydrant, property stop, valve, or other fixtures attached to the system of water supply unless it is done pursuant to a City-approved application, agreement or resolution.

(b) Licensed utility contractor. A licensed utility contractor approved by the City or a licensed utility contractor under contract with the City may tap a City water line or water main in accordance with the following:

(1) The utility contractor shall be responsible for any damage to the water main or water line where the tap is being made. All repairs to the water main or water line where damage has occurred shall be made by an authorized employee of the Public Works Department or authorized licensed utility contractor. The utility contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the tap to an existing water main or water line.

(2) The licensed utility contractor shall be responsible for any repairs to the tap or service line extension due to any defects of materials or workmanship for one year after the tap has been completed.

(3) The licensed utility contractor shall use all his or her professional skills to ensure that there is no contamination of city water mains. Any contamination of City water mains shall be reported immediately to the Public Works Department. Employees of the department will take corrective measures and fees will be assessed to the person responsible for the damage for all repair work accomplished.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Inspection and adjustment. Meters may be checked, inspected or adjusted at the discretion of the City, and they shall not be adjusted or tampered with in any manner or removed by the user or any other person.

(b) Opening boxes. Meter boxes shall not be opened for the purpose of turning on or off the water except by an authorized representative of the City unless special permission is given by the Public Works Department, except in an emergency.

(c) Meter interference. No person shall: (1) prevent water from passing through any meter connected directly or indirectly with the public water mains; (2) prevent any meter from accurately registering the amount of water passing through such meter; or (3) prevent or obstruct a meter from accurately registering the quantity of water supplied, or in any way interfere with the purpose, action or just registration of a meter.

(d) Responsibility to prevent. A user shall prevent any damage to the water meter used by such user and shall pay the cost of repairing any damage to the water meter other than normal wear and tear. Any amounts due by reason of this section may be added to a user's bill for water service, and any amount received from such user thereafter shall be applied first against the amount due pursuant to this subsection and thereafter to any other amount(s) due from such user for other purposes.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

It shall be unlawful to misrepresent a material fact in applying for a water connection or in a water service agreement. Material facts shall include the identity of the applicant as the owner of the property to be connected, and the purpose for which the water service provided will be used.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

Any user desiring to discontinue water service shall notify the Finance Department. Any credit balance in favor of the user, as a result of a deposit or advance payment, shall be refunded promptly after receipt of the notice of discontinuance, except that an amount to be set by the City Council by resolution shall be retained by the Finance Department as a fee for turning off water service.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Water fees. The City Council shall by resolution set the amount of the following:

(1) Base rate or fixed component service charges.

(2) Usage charge or variable component charges per one thousand (1,000) gallons used.

(3) Service charges other than the base rate.

(4) Late fees.

(5) Return check fees.

(6) Development water impact fees.

(7) Water connection fees.

(8) Reconnection fees during regular business hours after water shut off.

(9) Reconnection fees after regular business hours after water shut off.

(10) Fire hydrant water use fees from construction or roving meters.

(11) Fee for water used by contractors in new construction.

(12) Meter tampering fee.

(13) Missed appointment fee after second missed appointment.

(14) Fee for unauthorized water connections and use of City water by the use of cheater pipes, straight lines, hoses or other means.

(b) Water bi1ling duration. The City Manager shall determine the duration of the billing period and may change the duration of the billing period from time to time.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

Any payments received by the City for the payment of utility bills shall be applied to the outstanding balances of services charges in the following order: (1) street light assessments; (2) garbage charges; (3) sewer charges; (4) natural gas charges; and (5) water charges.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

If payment is not received within the billing period in which the charge is made, the Finance Department may charge a late fee as determined by resolution of the City Council. A dishonored check shall not be considered payment received.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

If a service charge remains unpaid for one (1) complete billing period, the Finance Department shall notify in writing by mail the occupant of the premises that the water service will be discontinued if payment is not made within ten (10) calendar days after the date on the notice. A shut-off notice processing fee as determined by resolution of the City Council shall be charged at the time that the notice is sent.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001, as amended by § 1, Ord. 689, eff. March 27, 2004)

In addition to the ten-day termination notice, a final twenty-four-hour termination notice shall be given to the property owner if a water service charge remains unpaid. No service shall be disconnected on a Friday or the day before a holiday. However, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, Finance Department authorized personnel under the direction of the City Manager may, at their discretion, agree to forbear discontinuance of water service for a limited period of time and by special, written agreement with the water user in arrears. Failure of the water recipient to keep future charges current and fulfill all the terms of the agreement may make the agreement null and void and make all charges in arrears due immediately. Failure to pay immediately all charges in arrears will result in discontinuance of water service.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful to provide oneself or others with (or make use of) water service from the City water system without authorization from the City. When water service has been discontinued by the Public Works Department for nonpayment of water charges, noncompliance with this chapter, or for any other reason, it shall be unlawful to restore water service or receive water service by any means without authorization by the City. The presence at any time on or about any meter, water line or water main of the City (whether such meter is owned or operated by the City or others) of a pipe or any other device which diverts water or results in taking of any water except through an authorized meter shall constitute prima facie evidence on the part of the person owning or having custody or control of the premises (where such a device or pipe is located) of the knowledge of the existence thereof. The knowledge of such existence by the person who would benefit by the failure of the water to be accurately metered shall further constitute prima facie evidence of intention on the part of such person to violate this section.

(b) Meter removal. If water service has been discontinued by the Public Works Department due to nonpayment or for any other reason, and the customer turns the service back on or otherwise restores service without approval, the Public Works Department may remove the meter and plug the service.

(c) Unauthorized water use charges. In addition to any criminal penalties, the City may assess charges and fees established by resolution for meter tampering, meter removal or unauthorized use of the City water service. Such charges may be collected as provided by this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The City Manager is hereby authorized to hear appeals regarding water service and make any corrections of any assessments or charges that he believes is just and appropriate under the circumstances.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Finance Director, Public Works Director and City Manager are hereby authorized and empowered to enforce the payment of all delinquent water charges whether for water connection or for water service, by any action at law in the corporate name of the City if the amount paid in advance or in deposit, if any, by the defaulting water user is not sufficient to fully extinguish the liability of said user to the City for the water connection or water service.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

All property owners, or their agents and tenants, shall be held responsible as consumers for loss of water due to leakage in the pipe or plumbing beyond the discharge side of the meter or on the property. If lost water is not paid in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with rates established by resolution by the City Council, the water service may be discontinued until all amounts due are paid. Water service will not be restored until all leaks have been repaired to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Water metering required. All water delivered by the City to its customers shall be metered through water meters owned by the City. However, the Public Works Department Director may authorize unmetered water use for temporary special purposes, and enter into agreements for the assessment of charges thereof.

(b) Submetering. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, occupy or allow to be occupied any structure in which the construction plan provides for a master meter and submetering of water consumption of one (1) or more owners or tenants, unless the plan has been approved by the Public Works Director.

(c) Meters to be approved by City. The size, type and right to own and control all meters installed or used by consumers of its water shall be determined by the Public Works Department.

(d) Testing. If a user submits a written request for a test of his water meter, the Public Works Director may, if the circumstances deems it advisable, order a test of the meter measuring the water delivered to such user. If such request to test the meter is made within twelve months after the date of the last previous test, the user will be required to pay the costs of such test if the meter is found in such test to record from ninety-seven (97) percent to one hundred three (103) percent of accuracy under testing methods satisfactory to the Public Works Director. In the event that the meter is found to be recording less than ninety-seven (97) percent or more than one hundred three (103) percent of accuracy, the City shall make such adjustments in the user's bill as are just and fair under the circumstances.

(e) Stopped meters. If meters fail to register at any time, the water delivered during this period shall be estimated on the basis of previous consumption. If the user has no previous consumption then a reasonable estimate may be made by the Finance Department and Public Works Department based on historical information maintained by the City.

(f) Construction meters and roving meters. Construction meters are allowed for use with the City of Coalinga Water Service area. Use outside of the water service area will only be permitted in special circumstances defined in the construction meter policy. Construction meter policy and related fees are to be adopted by resolution.

(g) Loaned meters. No person shall refuse to deliver any meter or other appliance loaned to him by the Public Works Department for the purpose of furnishing water through the meter and registering the quantity thereof.

(h) Plumbers. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, in the case of leaks or other accidents damaging service lines or other apparatus connected with the water system, plumbers or other qualified persons may shut off the water at the water box to make necessary repairs and turn on the water upon completion of such repairs without obtaining authorization.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001; Ord. No. 845, § 1, eff. 1-2-2021)

The City reserves the right to temporarily discontinue and to reconnect water service without notice to all users for the purpose of making repairs, connections, extensions and cleaning of mains, machinery, storage reservoirs or any other appurtenances to the water supply and distribution system. All users having boilers, air conditioning equipment or other water-consuming devices which may become damaged due to interruption of water service, and which are supplied directly with City water, do so at their own risk. The City shall not be liable for any damage that may occur on account of the water being cut off for any purpose. The City further shall not be liable for any damage to plumbing, pipes or fixtures on premises caused by pressure from the City water system.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

It shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property to make all repairs and replacements of house lines from the discharge side of the water meter to the structure. A permit is required for the replacement of a house line.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

Free access at ordinary hours shall be granted to the Public Works Director and his or her authorized representatives to any place supplied with water service from the municipal system for the purpose of examining the apparatus, the amounts of water used, manner of its use, and to make any and all necessary adjustments to said system.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Permanent abandonment. All service lines and house lines which are permanently abandoned shall be securely capped or plugged at a location designated by the City Public Works Department.

(b) Temporary abandonment. Water service lines which will be abandoned temporarily shall be cut and plugged at the property line leaving the meter installation and meter box intact.

(c) Inspection. Any water service pipe temporarily abandoned for more than two (2) years must be inspected by the Public Works Department before that pipe can be placed into operation. If the service line or house line does not conform to minimum standards, the service pipe shall not be used and shall be abandoned permanently by the owner.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Water pressure. It shall be unlawful for any person to use such number of outdoor water sprinkler outlets simultaneously or to use such sprinklers or combinations of sprinklers or outlets as will, in the opinion of the Public Works Director, materially affect the pressure or water supply of the City water system or any part thereof. The Public Works Director may specify by regulation combinations or number of sprinkler and outlets which may have such effect.

(b) Notice. The Public Works Director shall, after determination that such improper sprinkler use exists, notify the offending water user, or the owner of the premises whereon such use occurs, of such determination in writing and order such use discontinued.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

In time of water scarcity, whenever it shall in the judgment of the City Council be necessary, by resolution, to limit the use of water, it shall be unlawful for any person by himself, family, servants or agents to violate any resolution made by the City Council pursuant to this section. If any violation shall occur, then in addition to any other penalty, the water service to the premises upon which such violation occurs may be shut off. If shut off for this reason, it shall not be turned on again until the payment of an amount set by the City Council for each violation of the said resolution is received.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to destroy, deface, damage, injure, tamper or interfere with the operation of any part, pipe, fixture, appliance, appurtenance or property of the City water system, or shall place or cause to be placed, or induced into the City water system or any source of water supplying said system, any substance poisonous to human life or harmful to human health or detrimentally affecting the taste, small, color, odor, or other aesthetic characteristic of the water.

(b) Trespassing upon water works. It shall be unlawful to trespass inside the fenced enclosure of any City-owned water or Public Works Department facility or in any other manner to interfere with or prevent the operation of such systems and the water supply therefore, or any portion thereof.

(c) Restitution. All damages or injury to the lines, meters or other materials of the City on or near a user's premises caused by any act or neglect of the user or his agents shall, in the discretion of the City, be repaired by or at the expense of the user. The user shall pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, which may arise or accrue to the City through its efforts to repair or recover expenses for the repair of the damage to the lines, meters or other equipment of the City water system or Public Works or Utilities Departments.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

The Public Works Department may permit use of water from fire hydrants by contractors of public work, or by public utilities that are engaged in work on public streets, subject to the conditions of this chapter. A charge shall be paid in advance for use of water from fire hydrants which shall be set by the City Council by resolution.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

Public fire hydrants are the property of the City and are under the control of and shall be kept in repair by the Public Works Department. Private fire hydrants on private property shall be kept in repair by the private property owner.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

It shall be unlawful for any person, except a member of the Fire Department, Utilities Department, Public Works Department or other authorized City employee in the scope of employment, to open or use water from a fire hydrant, or to take off the cap without permission from the Public Works Department, or to remove the cap by using any wrench other than the wrench made specifically for that purpose.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

In the event of a fire within the City, a Fireman or employee of the Public Works Department may order that all valves, taps and property stops connected to the plumbing systems of any property supplied with water service be closed and remain closed until the fire is extinguished.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

Every customer receiving water from the Public Works Department through a fire sprinkler system for the purpose of fire protection which is not metered shall at all reasonable times permit the Public Works Department, Fire Department or other authorized employee to enter the premises and building for examination of pipes and fixtures to ensure that the system is maintained only for fire protection. Refusal by such customer shall result in refusal of water supply from the Public Works Department until such permission is granted.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

(a) Sprinkler and fire service connections. No connection for a sprinkler or private fire service main shall be permitted unless application therefor has been made to and granted by the Public Works Department and approved by the Fire Department and City Building Inspector. In no instance shall any connection be made with any sprinkler or private fire service main without the written consent of the Public Works Department. Should it be found that any unauthorized connection has been made, or that any water has been used from a sprinkler or private fire service main for any other purpose than extinguishing a fire, or that a waste of water is permitted from such connection through leaks in the pipes of fixtures, the water service may be discontinued until a meter prescribed by the Public Works Department has been installed at the expense of the customer.

(b) Financial responsibility. The furnishing, installation, maintenance and inspection of all meters and services, checks, bypasses, valves, piping, etc., necessary for the installation and operation of sprinkler systems and fire services shall be at the expense of the customer.

(c) Ground storage reservoirs or fire pumps. When ground storage reservoirs or fire pumps are installed on private property, such pumps shall discharge into a fire system approved by the Public Works Department, Fire Department and City building inspector. An approved check valve shall be installed in the owner's fire service between the point where the pump discharges into such service and the connection of such fire service to the City water mains to prevent backflow from the fire pump into the City distribution system. The water in such fire storage tanks will be maintained in a potable condition and subject to periodic inspection by Public Works Department personnel. Such tanks and water quality shall be maintained in compliance with the standards and requirements of the State Department of Health and the City. Such tanks shall not be of the pressure type. The delivery of City water to the tank shall be above the tank flow line with a one-foot air gap. The supply line to this tank shall not be controlled by a quick-acting valve which will cause water hammer in the distribution system. Water tanks shall be equipped with an overflow pipe at least twelve (12) inches below the City inlet pipe. The overflow pipe shall be protected as to prevent access of insects, birds, or animal life into the reservoir. The pipe shall be at least two (2) inches in diameter larger than the inlet supply line from the City distribution system. Such storage tank shall be provided with a drainpipe and valve for easy drainage of the tank. The drainpipe may not be connected to the City sanitary sewer system.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

Upon adoption of this ordinance, Resolution 2135 adopted by the City Council on February 21, 1991 and Resolution 2342 adopted by the City Council on February 4, 1993, and Sections 6-4.08, 6-4.10, 6-4.11, 6.4-12, 6-4.13, 6-4.14, 6-4.15 and 6-4.16 of the Coalinga Municipal Code are hereby repealed.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)

If any section, subsection, sentence or clause or phrase of this chapter is, for any reason held to be unconstitutional, void or unlawful, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 657, eff. October 20, 2001)