Corcoran Municipal Code Ch. 1 Water Use and Service

It is the purpose and intent of this Chapter to minimize outdoor water use and to control unnecessary consumption of the available potable water supply of the City. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable provisions of this Chapter upon his determination that such implementation is necessary to protect the public welfare and safety. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all persons, customers and properties within the service area of the City domestic water system. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

It shall be unlawful for any person to, in any manner, waste water supplied by the City. If the City Manager determines a water user receiving water from the City domestic water system is permitting water to be wasted, the City Manager may require the property owner and/or water user, at their own expense, to install a water meter and backflow prevention device upon the premises occupied by the water user and thereafter charge the property for water service at the rate established. The following uses of water are defined as a waste of water and are thereby prohibited:

A. Irrigation: The use of domestic water which allows water to run off the premises or onto other areas of the premises not requiring irrigation. Every water user is deemed to have his/her water distribution lines and facilities under control at all times and know the manner and extent of his/her water use and excess runoff.

B. Leaks: Excessive use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or malfunctions in the water user's plumbing or distribution facilities for any period of time after such escaped water should reasonably have been discovered and corrected. It shall be presumed that a period of forty eight (48) hours after discovery is a reasonable time within which to correct such leak or break. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

No one within the domestic water system of the City shall knowingly make, cause, use or permit the use of domestic water for residential, commercial, industrial, governmental or any other purpose in a manner contrary to the provisions of this Chapter or in an amount in excess of that use permitted by the water conservation stage in effect pursuant to action taken by the City Manager in accordance with provisions of this Chapter:

A. Water Conservation Stage 1: Voluntary Compliance-Water Alert. The following restrictions shall apply to all persons year-round unless and until public notification of implementation of Water Conservation Stage 2 or Water Conservation Stage 3 is made. Upon public notification of termination of Water Conservation Stage 3, then Water Conservation Stage 2 shall be in effect. On public notification of termination of Water Conservation Stage 2, then Water Conservation Stage 1 shall be in effect.

1. All outdoor irrigation of lawn, gardens, landscaped areas, plants, trees, shrubs or other greenscape areas is prohibited between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) A.M. and six o'clock (6:00) P.M. from April 1 through September 30 and then from ten o'clock (10:00) A.M. to two o'clock (2:00) P.M. from October 1 through March 31. Irrigation of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, plants, trees, shrubs or other greenscape areas is permitted at any time if:

a. A hand held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle is used, or

b. A drip irrigation system is used.

Exception: Commercial nurseries, and public parks are exempt from Stage 1 irrigation restrictions but will be requested to curtail all nonessential water use.

2. The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes and other types of vehicles, building exteriors, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, courts, patios and other paved areas is permitted only when using a hand held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle for quick rinses.

3. The operation of any ornamental fountain or other structure making similar use of water is prohibited unless the fountain uses a recycling system.

4. All restaurants are requested to serve water to customers only when specifically requested by customers.

B. Water Conservation Stage 2: Mandatory Compliance-Water Warning. Upon implementation by the City Manager, and publication of notice, the following restrictions shall apply to all persons: All elements of Water Conservation Stage 1 shall remain in effect in Water Conservation Stage 2 except that: (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

1. All outdoor irrigation of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, plants, trees, shrubs or other greenscape areas shall occur only between the hours of twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight to ten o'clock (10:00) A.M. and eight o'clock (8:00) P.M. to twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight on designated days. Dwellings or establishments with even numbered street addresses shall water only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, subject to the time restrictions set forth above. Dwellings or establishments with odd numbered street addresses shall water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, subject to the time restrictions set forth above. Anyone may water on Sundays subject to the time restrictions set forth above. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991; 1996 Code)

2. The washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, courts, patios and other paved areas is absolutely prohibited.

C. Water Conservation Stage 3: Mandatory Compliance-Water Emergency. Upon implementation by the City Manager and publication of notice, the following restrictions shall apply to all persons: All elements of Water Conservation Stage 2 shall remain in effect in Water Conservation Stage 3 except that: (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

1. All outdoor irrigation of lawns, gardens, landscape areas, plants, trees, shrubs or other greenscape areas shall be allowed only between the hours of twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight to seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. and eight o'clock (8:00) P.M. to twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight on designated days. Exception; City Parks may water during the hours of eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. to six o'clock (6:00) P.M. to protect the investment in public parks. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991; 1996 Code)

2. The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other vehicles not occurring upon the immediate premises of car washing and commercial service stations and not in the immediate interest of public health, safety and welfare shall be prohibited.

3. Use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and/or other activities when necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the customers of the domestic water service area of the City.

4. Commercial nurseries and similar establishments shall water only on designated days and shall use only hand held hose, drip irrigation systems and hand held buckets.

5. The operation of any ornamental fountain or similar structure is prohibited. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

The City Public Works Department shall monitor the projected supply and demand for water within the City domestic water system and shall recommend to the City Manager the extent of the conservation requirements necessary. In order to ensure the water supply, the City Manager shall implement and/or terminate the particular Water Conservation Stage necessary. Thereafter, the City Manager may order that the appropriate phase or stage of conservation be implemented or terminated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Chapter. Said notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City at least once prior to its effective date. Said Water Conservation Stage shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the City Manager finds or determines that the condition which generated the need for the declaration of the Water Conservation Stage in effect is no longer in existence. At that time, the City Manager shall terminate the prevailing Water Conservation Stage in effect with an effective date identified. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

In accordance with section 836.5 of the Penal Code of the State of California, the City Manager, the Finance Director, and the Public Works Director, all of the City, are hereby authorized to make arrests without warrants and issue citations for violation of this Chapter. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991; 1996 Code)

Consideration of written application for exceptions regarding the regulations and restrictions on water use, not otherwise set forth in this Chapter, shall be as follows:

A. Written application for exception may be granted by the City Manager, upon recommendation of the Public Works Department.

B. Exceptions may be granted if:

1. Compliance with this Chapter would cause unnecessary and undue hardship to the applicant, including but not limited to adverse economic impacts such as loss of production or jobs; or,

2. Compliance with this Chapter would cause a condition adversely affecting the health, sanitation, fire protection or safety of the applicant or the public. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

The rates for all charges for the use of water supplied by the City shall be set by the Council by resolution and shall include such charges as the Council shall deem proper and shall include, along with rates for current service, deposit requirements, connection fees, capacity charges, late charges and any other applicable fees and charges. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

A. Delinquency: All bills for water shall be paid when rendered, and all water bills shall be delinquent on the fifteenth day of the month rendered. Any consumer remaining delinquent on the first of the succeeding month shall be subject to having water service discontinued until the consumer pays all delinquent water charges and any applicable penalties.

B. Allowance Or Rebate: No allowance or rebate shall be made for water service charged against any land or premises except when vacant, so long as the water remains connected therewith. A written notice must be filed with the Clerk to discontinue the service. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

The size of connections for service shall be minimum one inch (1"). For those services that require larger connections, application therefor shall be made to the Public Works Director and the granting thereof and fees therefor shall be discretionary with the City. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

A water meter and an approved backflow prevention device may be installed at existing properties found to be in violation of this Chapter and as directed by the City Council at the sole cost and expense of the property owner. All newly developed and/or occupied properties shall be required to have a meter and approved backflow prevention device installed at the sole cost and expense of the property owner and/or developer. Buildings of four (4) or less units shall have a separate meter for each unit. (Ord. 495, 8-17-1992)

No person shall tap any main, and no additions or alterations whatsoever shall be made in or about any tap, pipe, main or service pipe, either upon public or private property without the written permission of the City, and any plumbing or water service connections contemplated shall be first reported to the Clerk for proper checking by the Public Works Department. (Ord. 487, 4-1-1991)

A. City Officials: Employees of the Public Works Department shall have access to all parts of any premises for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the pipes and fixtures and the manner in which the water is used.

B. Hindering City Employees: It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder, delay or molest or attempt to hinder, delay or molest any employee of the City in the course of his employment in the installation, repair, inspection or reading of any meter. (Ord. 487, 4-1-1991)

No person shall place near any fire hydrant, or other facility intended for firefighting purposes and connected with the water system, any obstruction of any kind or nature, including all kinds of vehicles, that would prevent free access to the same at all times. Compliance with section 22514 of the California Vehicle Code is required. (Ord. 487, 4-1-1991; amd. 1996 Code)

No person, other than a firefighter in the discharge of his/her duty or an employee of the Public Works Department in the discharge of his/her duty, shall, without written permit from the proper authorities, open or in any way tamper with any fire hydrant or other facility intended for firefighting purposes and connected with the water system of the City. (Ord. 487, 4-1-1991)

Any plumber or other person desiring to connect an individual property service pipe with the City water system must, in all cases, contact the City whereby water will then be supplied or discontinued by an authorized employee of the City. It shall be unlawful for any person to attempt to operate a meter stop, curb stop, or other such supply valve to supply or discontinue water service to any property. This Section shall not apply to the operation of a water valve specifically installed and intended for a plumber or other person to temporarily interrupt the water supply to a property. (Ord. 487, 4-1-1991)

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or cause to be driven any kind of vehicle or machine over any fire hose stretched across any street, alley or lot or to any way interfere or obstruct the work of the Fire Department. (Ord. 487, 4-1-1991)

All water meters, two inches (2") and smaller, meter boxes, valve boxes, and covers installed by the City shall be and remain at all times the property of the City, and shall be maintained and repaired when rendered unserviceable by reasonable wear and usage and renewed by the City; provided, where replacements, repairs, or adjustments of such equipment are rendered necessary through the carelessness or negligence of the consumer any expense caused to the City thereby shall be charged and collected from the owner or consumer responsible therefor. (Ord. 529, 10-6-1997)

A. Application Required: Any consumer shall be authorized to request that the meter, through which water is being furnished, be examined and tested by the Public Works Department for the purpose of ascertaining whether it is registering correctly the amount of water being delivered through it; provided, that when any consumer shall desire to have any meter tested, the consumer shall make application therefor in writing to the Public Works Department. Upon such application being made, it shall be the duty of the Department to cause such meter to be examined and tested for correct measurements, and if upon such examination such meter is found to be registering over three percent (3%) more water than actually passes through it, another meter will be substituted therefor at the sole cost of the City.

B. Incorrect Reading: Whenever a meter is found to be registering incorrectly, the consumer shall be charged with an average consumption, as determined by the Finance Director based on meter readings from the six (6) months prior to replacement. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

The City shall have the right to demand and require that upon making application for water service said consumer shall deposit an amount of money, as established by Council resolution, as security for payment of any charge for water furnished, the payment of which is in arrears. No connection shall be made or service provided until such demand has been complied with. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

Water mains and sewers shall be separated by one foot (1') vertical and ten foot (10') horizontal directions with the sanitary sewer main always lower than the water main.

A. Parallel Construction: The horizontal distance between pressure water mains and sanitary sewer mains shall be at least ten feet (10').

B. Perpendicular Construction (Crossing): Pressure water mains shall be at least three feet (3') above sanitary sewer mains where these lines must cross. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991; 1996 Code)

A. Sewer Force Mains: Sanitary sewer force mains are not permitted to be constructed over water mains. Force mains constructed parallel to water mains must have the required separation as given in Section 8-1-22 regardless of construction. When sanitary sewer force mains must cross under water mains, special approval of the County Health Department is required in advance. (Ord. 487 N. S., 4-1-1991; 1996 Code)

B. Sewer Main Crossing Water Main: Where a sanitary sewer main must cross over a water main, it should cross at a ninety degree (90o) angle, if possible, and the length of sewer pipe shall be centered on the water pipe so the sewer joints are the maximum distance from the water pipe.

C. Pressure Testing: In pressure testing new water mains and/or sanitary sewer mains, special attention should be given to those areas where the lines are in close proximity. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991)

D. Special Circumstances; County Review: The basic separation requirements given are for the normal conditions found with sewage collection lines and water distribution mains. More stringent requirements may be necessary for special circumstances such as water mains buried deeper than normal, unstable soil conditions, high ground water, etc. These situations must be reviewed with the County Health Department and the Public Works Director in advance. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991; 1996 Code)

A. Established: Pursuant to title 17, sections 7583-7605, inclusive, of the California Code of Regulations, entitled "Regulations Relating to Cross-Connections", the City hereby establishes a cross-connection control program to protect the public water supply system from contamination due to potential and actual cross-connections.

B. Responsibility: The Building Inspector for the City shall be responsible for implementing and enforcing the cross-connection control program. An appropriate backflow prevention assembly shall be installed by and at the expense of the water user at each user connection where required to prevent backflow from the water user's premises to the domestic water system. It shall be the water user's responsibility to comply with the City's requirements.

C. Affected Services:

1. Premises having services over one inch (1") shall have an approved backflow device installed.

2. Premises where substances harmful to health are handled under pressure in a manner which could permit their entry into public water system shall have an approved backflow device installed.

3. Premises that have internal cross-connections which are not abated to the satisfaction of the City shall have an approved backflow device installed.

4. Premises where cross-connections are likely to occur and entry is restricted so that cross-connection inspection cannot be made with sufficient frequency shall have an approved backflow device installed.

5. Premises having a repeated history of cross-connections being established or re-established, the water user shall have an approved backflow device installed.

D. Cross-Connection Protection Requirements: The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the public water supply system shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard, actual or potential, that exists on the water user's premises. Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited. The type of backflow prevention assembly that may be required (listed in decreasing level of protection) includes: air-gap separation (AG), reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) and a double check valve assembly (DC). The water user may choose a higher level of protection than required by the City. The minimum type of backflow protection required to protect the approved water supply at the user's water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard are listed in Table 1 of section 7605, title 17. Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the water supplier or health agency.

E. Backflow Prevention Assemblies:

1. Only backflow prevention assemblies which have been approved by the City shall be acceptable for installation by a water user. A list of approved backflow prevention assemblies will be provided upon request to any affected customer. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in a manner prescribed in section 7603, title 17. Location of the assemblies shall be as close as practical to the user's connection. The City shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention assembly.

2 Testing of backflow assemblies shall be conducted only by qualified testers, and testing will be the responsibility of the water user. Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. More frequent testing may be required if deemed necessary by the Building Inspector for the City. No assembly shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. Assemblies shall be serviced, overhauled or replaced whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing, repair and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.

3. Approval must be obtained from the City prior to removing, relocating or replacing a backflow prevention assembly.

F. Administration: The cross-connection control program shall be administered by the Building Inspector for the City. The City will establish and maintain a list of approved backflow prevention assemblies as well as a list of approved backflow prevention assembly testers. The City shall conduct necessary surveys of water user premises to evaluate the degree of potential health hazards. The City shall notify user when an assembly needs to be tested. The notice shall contain the date when the test must be completed.

G. Water Service Termination: When the City encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the water service shall be immediately terminated, followed by registered mail of the notice of immediate hazard and of the termination of water service by the City. Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Refusal to install or test a backflow prevention assembly or to repair or replace a faulty backflow prevention assembly (perceived risk).

2. Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer lines (confirmed risk).

3. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants (confirmed risk).

4. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system (private well) (confirmed risk).

For condition 1, the City will terminate service to a water user's premises after proper notification has been sent by registered mail of intent to terminate water service. If no action is taken within the allowed time period, water service shall be terminated.

For condition 2, 3 or 4, the City shall take the following steps:

a. Make reasonable effort to advise the water user of the intent to terminate the water service.

b. Terminate water service and lock service valve. The water service shall remain inactive until correction of violations has been approved by the City. (Ord. 496 N.S., 8-17-1992; 1996 Code)

Any person, violating any provision of this Chapter shall be guilty of an infraction as provided for in section 36900 of the Government Code. Every violation determined to be an infraction is punishable as provided in Section 1-4-1 of this Code. A person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each day during any portion of which a violation of this Chapter is committed, continued or permitted by the person. (Ord. 487 N.S., 4-1-1991; 1996 Code)