East Palo Alto Municipal Code Art. I General Provisions

As used in this chapter:

"Annular space" means the space between two objects, one of which is surrounded by the other, including the space between an excavation and the wall of a pit or the curbing of a well, or between two casings.

"Approved check valve" means a check valve that seats readily and completely. It must be carefully machined to have free moving parts and assured watertightness. The face of the closure element and valve seat must be bronze, composition, or other noncorrodible material which will seat tightly under all prevailing conditions of field use. Pins and bushings shall be of bronze or other noncorrodible, non-sticking material, machined for easy dependable operation. The closure element (e.g., clapper) shall be internally weighted or otherwise internally equipped to promote rapid and positive closure.

"Health officer" means the health officer of the city of East Palo Alto or his/her authorized representative.

"Property line" means the surveyed line separating one piece of property from another or separating public right-of-way from private properties.

"Sewage disposal system" means a system of septic tank and drainage field and possibly a seepage pit, handling the waste from any structure not served by a community sewerage system.

"Sewer" means a pipe carrying waste matter from any structure or being a part of any community sewerage system.

"Water superintendent" means the designated official in charge of a water distribution system serving water to two or more families.

(Prior code § 6-5.101)

In any area subject to flooding, or runoff from higher ground, or in any area where the method of sewage disposal is by the septic tank and seepage methods the following construction must be provided:

A. The annular space between two casings or between the drilled hole and a casing is to be filled with cement having a minimum thickness of two inches. Example: annular space between an eight inch and twelve (12) inch casing or a twelve (12) inch drill hole and an eight inch casing;

B. The cement shall extend to a sufficient depth to penetrate an impervious stratum below the first pervious or possible water bearing stratum, and in no event less than ten feet;

C. The cement shall be introduced into the hold by pouring through a pipe, using either gravity or group pump, and commencing at the bottom of the hold and working up to the top;

D. These standards may be required any time or place when, in the opinion of the health officer, the protection of the underground water against pollution or contamination, or the protection of the public health may demand;

E. No well shall be located any closer than the following distances unless circumstances are such that in the opinion of the health officer no danger to public health or safety will develop or the above standards are adhered to:

(Prior code § 6-5.102)

There shall be installed between the house or structure being served water and the meter box or distribution system a double check valve arrangement approved jointly by the health officer and water superintendent.

(Prior code § 6-5.103)

Permit fees in the amount of sixty-eight dollars and seventy-five cents ($68.75) shall be charged for each well permit to cover the costs of inspection and enforcement pursuant to this chapter.

(Prior code § 6-5.104)