Fairfield Municipal Code Art. 22.15 Water Connections - Generally

Title to a water service connection including all meters, service pipes and appurtenances used in providing a water service connection shall remain with FMU and the charges set forth in this chapter are for connections and do not convey any right of title.

The water service connection is for a water supply to the premises stipulated on the application and is not transferable to any other properties or premises.

If the water service is discontinued or abandoned, no right or refund of connection charges or credit in any manner accrues to the applicant, customer or successor.

(Ord. No. 2025-13, § 1 (Exh. A))

In no event shall a water service connection be installed unless a water main of adequate capacity and delivery pressure extends in a public street or right-of-way across the entire frontage of property to be served.

Wherever, as a condition of service, a water main must be extended, the water main shall be installed by the applicant in compliance with the provisions set forth in this chapter and in the FMU regulations. All costs associated with the extension of the water main shall be the responsibility of the applicant requesting connection to the water system facilities.

(Ord. No. 2025-13, § 1 (Exh. A))

When an application is made for fire service connections, such sprinkler and fire service installation must be approved by the fire chief, by an approved fire rating bureau and by the FMU director.

Water furnished through fire services shall be used only for extinguishing fires or for authorized testing of the fire system. Whenever a consumer wishes to test, he shall notify the FMU director at least three working days in advance.

If it is found that an unauthorized use or connection to a fire service has been made, the consumer shall remove the unauthorized connection and discontinue use. Refusal or failure to disconnect and discontinue use shall result in shut off of water service until the customer makes corrections.

Customers shall be responsible for ensuring all water accounts are active with the city.

(Ord. No. 2025-13, § 1 (Exh. A))

Temporary service is one which, although installed in a fixed location, is not intended for use for longer than one year.

Temporary service connections shall be metered. Temporary connections shall be allowed for an initial sixty-day period and extended by the FMU director up to a maximum of one year from the original connection date on presentation of good and sufficient evidence that such extension is warranted.

While connection fees in accordance with Article IV may not be required for temporary connections, water rates and charges apply under Article IX and, as established by separate resolution duly adopted from time to time by city council.

(Ord. No. 2025-13, § 1 (Exh. A))

Temporary service may be provided through water meter jumpers for lots in single-family residential developments during construction. The developer shall be responsible for the account, until such time that the City’s water meter is installed, and an account has been established by the customer.

Water use through the water meter jumper is limited to:

A. Testing the structure’s interior plumbing prior to the construction of walls.

B. Incidental earthwork on the property including presoak of foundation forms prior to concrete pour and finish grade work within the property.

C. House construction needs, such as painting, plaster work, and plumbing work.

Service through the water meter jumper shall be discontinued and shut off should any FMU personnel observe unauthorized use of water. While connection fees in accordance with Article IV may not be required, water rates and charges apply under Article IX and as established by separate resolution duly adopted from time to time by city council.

(Ord. No. 2025-13, § 1 (Exh. A))

Contractors or developers engaged in construction or site development shall obtain a construction water permit and shall take water at a location specified by the FMU director. All water shall be metered through a hydrant water meter, unless exempted by the FMU director for good and sufficient reason. Hydrant meters will be supplied to the contractor by the FMU. Customer shall not alter or move hydrant meter. The hydrant meter may only be moved by authorized personnel of the FMU.

The contractor or developer shall provide a deposit for the hydrant meter, and shall be responsible for daily service charges and volumetric charges, as established by separate resolution duly adopted from time to time by city council.

(Ord. No. 2025-13, § 1 (Exh. A))