Fullerton Municipal Code Ch. 12.04 Water Regulations

(A) General definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

CUSTOMER. The person in whose name then city renders service as evidenced by the signature on the application, contract or agreement from that service; or, in the absence of a signed instrument, by receipt and payment of bills regularly issued in his or her name, regardless of the identity of the actual user of the service.

FIXED METER CHARGE. A minimum charge paid by the customer regardless of the amount of water consumed.

PREMISES. The integral property or area, including improvements thereon, to which the city provides water service or for which the customer files an application for water service.

SERVICE CONNECTION. The pipe or tubing, fittings and valves necessary to conduct water from the distribution main to and through the meter.

THEFT OF WATER. The taking of water from any city water main, fire hydrant, service or facility without a meter, permit or application as provided for in the rates, rules and regulations, or with the intent to avoid payment therefor.

WATER RATES, RULES AND REGULATIONS. The rate structure of the utility and any rules and regulations as approved by City Council.

(B) Other definitions. See Rule No. 1 of the city’s water rates, rules and regulations for other definitions pertinent to the operations of the utility.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

The function of providing water and metering the water system of the city shall be known as the “Fullerton Municipal Water Utility of the City of Fullerton, California” and hereinafter shall be referred to as the “utility.”

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

The utility is divided among several operating departments of the city. It is the responsibility of these department directors subject to the general supervision of the City Manager, to enforce the provisions of this chapter and the water rates, rules and regulations of the utility, as they imply to their assigned responsibilities.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

(A) There is adopted for the purpose of controlling the construction, reconstruction, abandon- ment and destruction of wells within the city that certain ordinance of the county, and as amended from time-to-time, known as Ordinance No. 2607. Three copies of said ordinance are on file with the City Clerk and are open to inspection. The same is adopted herein as though fully set forth herein.

(B) (1) Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, the city retains authority to approve well construction permits issued by the County Health Officer in the city.

(2) This approval will be made by the Director of Public Works or his or her designee and will be specified in an agreement between the city and the County Health Officer. If said agreement is terminated, all the terms and conditions of the county ordinance will be enforced by the city.

(C) The utility shall have first rights of negotiation with any owner of a well located within city limits that is planned for abandonment or deconstruction to assume the well at its expense for the use and benefit of the utility.

(Ord. 2648, passed - -1988; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

Fire hydrants connected to the city water system shall be operated only by the utility, Fire Department or a person who has obtained a permit from the utility. Any person desiring to use water through any city fire hydrant must comply with the water rates, rules and regulations. Any person using a fire hydrant without a permit may be charged with theft of water.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

The City Council shall, by resolution, establish water rates, rules and regulations that include all the installation charges for water installations, all the rates to be charged for water furnished to customers, all the charges for services rendered in conjunction therewith, including fixed meter charges, and all the rules, regulations and policies for operation of the utility.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

Any bypass or connection around the meter between the service and the main shall be prohibited. All water use, except as provided in case of private fire service, shall pass through the meter.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

All shut-off valves installed by the utility are for the use of the utility. Such shut-off valves shall not be used or manipulated by the customer. For ordinary usage or emergency needs, all customers shall provide and install a utility approved valve immediately after the water meter.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

Replaced by Chapter 12.06 (Water Supply Shortage Conservation Plan).

No person, firm or corporation shall tamper with, remove, cause, permit or allow to be tampered with or removed, any meter where the same has been attached to any service.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

No person, firm or corporation shall tap, open or connect to or cause, permit or allow any water to be turned on in any way after the same has been turned off by the utility.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

No person, firm or corporation shall tap, open or connect to, cause, permit or allow to be tapped, opened or connected to any water main or pipe without first having made application to the utility and receiving a permit therefor.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

No unauthorized person shall possess, carry, wear or exhibit any badge and/or other official identification of the utility; nor shall any person, whether or not possession is authorized, display, exhibit or cause to be exhibited any badge or other official identification of the utility at any time, place or in any manner, or for any purpose which is not authorized by the utility.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)

The Director of Public Works or his or her designee of the city may, from time-to-time, make reasonable interim rules and regulations not in conflict with this chapter and subject to the approval of the City Council, and these rules and regulations shall be observed by all customers to the same extent as though set forth in the City Council-approved water rates, rules and regulations.

(Ord. 2436, passed - -1982; Ord. 3303, passed - -2021)