Hemet Municipal Code Div. 1 Generally

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

Service connection means the pipe, valves and other facilities laid or to be laid across any street, alley or right-of-way from the water main to the curbline or property line for the distribution of water from the water main to an individual consumer.

Water main means the pipeline laid or to be laid along any street, alley or right-of-way for the distribution or transmission of water to serve the general public, excepting therefrom service connections.

(Ord. No. 309; Code 1984, § 14200)

Cross reference— Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.

The city council reserves the right to determine the size of service connections and their location with respect to the boundaries of the premises to be served. The laying of consumer's pipe to the service connection shall not be done until the location of the service connection has been approved by the water superintendent.

(Ord. No. 309; Code 1984, § 14201)

(a) The owner of any property in the city who desires his property to be connected with any existing water main of the city for the purpose of obtaining water therefrom, for the use upon such property, shall fill out and sign an application therefor upon a form provided by the city.

(b) The application shall set forth the following information:

(1) The date, and the name and address of the applicant.

(2) A description of the land upon which the water is to be furnished.

(3) The nature of the applicant's interest therein.

(4) The purpose for which the water is to be used.

(5) The size, number and location of service connections desired to be installed.

(6) Such other information as the city may reasonably request.

(c) The application shall contain an agreement on behalf of the owner of the land to well and truly pay all charges for water furnished to such land, at the time and place and in the amounts from time to time fixed by the city council.

(d) The city shall have and reserves the right, prior to the transfer of any account upon which payment is due, to demand payment of all charges due the city as a condition precedent to the transfer of any such account.

(Ord. No. 309; Code 1984, § 14202)

Where a regular charge has been fixed for the type of water connection desired, such regular charges shall be paid by the applicant at the time the application is filed. Where there is no regular charge, the city reserves the right to require the applicant to deposit an amount equal to the estimated cost of such connection, including all expenses incidental thereto. The amount of such service connection charges shall be set from time to time by the council, and a schedule of such charges is on file in the city clerk's office.

(Code 1984, § 14203)

For delivery of water to and through a regular water service connection, the city shall levy and the consumer shall pay such charges as shall be established from time to time by the city council.

(Ord. No. 319; Code 1984, § 14204)

The city council may provide water service by special contracts setting forth rate schedules and conditions of service under the following special instances:

(1) When construction of special extension facilities is necessary.

(2) For temporary service, standby service or fire service.

(3) For service to areas outside the city limits.

(4) For connections or service to other public agencies or qualified utilities.

(Code 1984, § 14205)

(a) Charges for water service are due and payable at the office of the city water department on the date of mailing the bill to the property owner or his agent, and shall be delinquent 15 days thereafter. Water service may be discontinued without further notice if payment is not made prior to the date such charges become delinquent. Service will not be turned on again except upon payment of all amounts due, together with a charge in the amount established by the city council from time to time for turning on the water.

(b) Failure to receive bill does not relieve the consumer of liability. Any amount due shall be deemed a debt to the city. Any person failing, neglecting or refusing to pay such indebtedness shall be liable to a civil action in the name of the city, in any court of competent jurisdiction, for the amount thereof.

(c) The city manager shall promulgate a residential water discontinuation policy in compliance with Health and Safety Code § 116902 et seq. Residential water service may be discontinued for non-payment of bills in a manner as set forth in the city's residential water discontinuation policy. Fees for reconnection of residential water service after disconnection for non-payment of bills may be charged as set forth in the city's residential water discontinuation policy.

(Ord. No. 309; Code 1984, § 14206; Ord. No. 2026, § 3, 3-12-24)

No one except an employee or representative of the city shall at any time, in any manner, operate the curb cocks or valves, main valves or gates of the city water system, or interfere with meters or their connections, street mains or other parts of the water system.

(Ord. No. 309; Code 1984, § 14207)

No person other than the city shall install or maintain any physical connection between any private source of water supply and the city water supply, or use any apparatus, appliance or equipment which may endanger the safety of the city water system or supply. Backflow valves may be required, at the owner's expense, whenever required by law or otherwise.

(Ord. No. 309; Code 1984, § 14208)