Monterey Park Municipal Code Ch. 14.12 Water Rates and Charges

Note: §§ 14.12.010, 14.12.020, 14.12.185, 14.12.210 and 14.12.240 through 14.12.370, derived from Prior code §§ 7312, 7313, 7326, 7329—7332; Ord. 1394; Ord. 1498; Ord. 1639; Ord. 1784; Ord. 1821; Ord. 1849; Ord. 1970; Ord. 2174; and Ord. 2175, were repealed by Ord. 2275, 4/1/2026. See now Ch. 14.14 and Ch. 14.18 for Rates and Billing.

The rates and charges set forth in this section and the succeeding sections are fixed and established and shall be paid by the consumers and shall be collected by the water department.

(Prior code § 7314)

Except where, in the opinion of the city council, it is impractical to do so, all property shall be served with water from a water main installed in a street or right-of-way on which such property fronts or to which it is contiguous. If there is no such main, an extension of an existing water main shall be required as a condition to obtain service.

(Prior code § 7314(A))

If there is an existing water main located within twenty-five feet and from which service may be obtained, property not previously connected to the main may receive water service through such main upon payment of the service connection installation charges provided for in Sections 14.12.100 through 14.12.230 of this code, and upon payment of the water main reimbursement charge provided for in subsection (2) of this section.

(1) Computation of Reimbursement Charge. When a water main reimbursement charge is required to be paid, the amount thereof shall be the percentage of the cost of the construction of the main that is equal to the percentage that the area sought to be connected is of the entire area of all land determined by the city engineer and city manager to be benefitted by the construction of such main. "Cost of construction" as used herein shall include all labor, materials, services, engineering and other incidental costs including overhead but not including any accrued interests thereon, all in the amounts determined by the city engineer and city manager.

(2) Disposition of Charges. Water main reimbursement charges shall be paid to the finance officer and shall be disposed of by him or her as set forth in Section 14.12.060(4).

(Prior code § 7314(B); Ord. 1348 § 1, 1973)

Where a water main extension is required to provide water service, as follows: where it is necessary to extend the main by more than twenty-five feet, such extension shall be made at the expense of the person applying for such service. Such extension shall extend from the nearest adequate water main in place to and for the full length of that portion of the street or right-of-way on which the property to be served fronts or to which it is contiguous.

Such extensions shall be a ductile-iron pipe, or equal approved by the city engineer, of adequate capacity to meet the requirements for a distribution main in the territory to be immediately or ultimately served thereby as determined by the city engineer and city manager in accordance with efficient operating requirements of the water system.

(1) Application—Deposit—Charges.

(a) Upon the receipt of an application for a water main extension to serve property having no available water main, and a deposit in such an amount as the city manager and city engineer shall estimate to be sufficient to pay the cost of making the same, the city manager and city engineer shall cause such extension to be made. The application shall describe the property intended to be benefitted by such extension. The applicant may agree and bond him or herself, in the manner and means approved by the city attorney, to install such extension pursuant to plans approved by the city.

(b) Upon the completion of such extension and the determination of the actual cost thereof, any remaining portion of such deposit in excess of such cost shall be refunded. In case such deposit is insufficient, the applicant shall be liable to the city for such deficiency.

(c) The service connection installation charges provided for in Sections 14.12.100 to 14.12.230 of this code shall be in addition to the amounts herein required to be paid.

(2) Reimbursement of Construction Costs Where Privately Financed. If a water main extension is or has been installed after September 1, 1958, at no expense to the city either from its general fund, municipal water operating fund or from moneys derived from a bond issue authorized, by election, for the benefit of certain property, the water main reimbursement charges thereafter received by the city, within fifteen years from the date of the completion of the installation of such extension, for subsequent connections thereto from all other property in the benefitted area, shall be refunded to the person who paid for such extension or to his or her successors or assigns; provided, that the amount of such refund shall in no case exceed the actual cost of such extension less the amount which would have been required to be paid hereunder as a water main reimbursement charge for service to the property for the benefit of which the extension was originally made.

(3) Determination of Costs. "Costs" as used herein shall include all labor, materials, services, engineering and other incidental costs including overhead but not including any accrued interests thereon, all in the amounts determined by the city engineer and city manager.

(4) Finance Officer Duties. All receipts from water main reimbursement charges shall be designated by the finance officer as payable either to the city or refundable to the private persons entitled thereto as provided herein. All such receipts payable to the city shall be deposited into the water operating fund. All receipts refundable to private persons shall be deposited into a trust fund and shall be paid by the finance officer to the person or persons entitled thereto not less often than semiannually.

(Prior code § 7314(C); Ord. 1970 § 3, 2000)

When application for a major water main extension is made, the applicant, in addition to all other charges herein provided for, may be required to pay an "additional supply installations charge." Such additional charge shall be made if expansion of the existing water system wells, storage tanks, booster stations or transmission mains is necessary to meet the applicant's water and fire flow demands. The need for the expansion and amount of charges shall be determined by the city engineer, subject to the appeal under Chapter 1.10. The charge shall include all labor, materials, services, engineering, administration and other incidental costs of the needed expansion and shall be deposited in the water operating fund.

(Prior code § 7314(D); Ord. 1348 § 2, 1973; Ord. 1498 § 1, 1979; Ord. 2132 § 1, 2016)

(a) Where a water main extension is required to serve property in a new subdivision, the provisions of Sections 14.12.060 and 14.12.070 shall apply. If there is an existing water main from which such property or any portion thereof may be served, water main reimbursement charges as provided for by Sections 14.12.050 and 14.12.070 shall be paid by the subdivider.

(b) Where it is necessary to install pumping and reservoir equipment to establish and maintain adequate water pressure for service to new subdivisions, as determined by the city engineer and city manager, the applicant shall deed to the city permanent sites for such equipment and pay the cost of furnishing and installing such appurtenances as may be necessary to connect such appurtenances to the water main extension.

(c) If the applicant is unable to immediately furnish such permanent sites and until he or she is able to do so, he or she shall provide, without expense to the city, a temporary reservoir, booster, or other appurtenance and temporary sites therefor, together with adequate assurance and bond for the permanent installation thereof.

(d) Where it is necessary to install pumping and reservoir equipment to establish and maintain adequate water pressure for service to new subdivisions, as determined by the city engineer and city manager, the applicant shall finance such construction and thereafter be entitled to reimbursement in the same manner as set forth in Sections 14.12.060 and 14.12.070 whenever such installations shall serve an area larger than the proposed subdivision.

(Prior code § 7314(E))

(a) When calculating the charges for water, the city will not charge for water use that is less than one hundred cubic feet per billing period. Water meters will ordinarily be checked approximately every thirty days except for holidays and weekends. Meter readings may also be taken for any reasonable purpose, as determined by the director or designee including, without limitation, change of customer or changes of meter size. If a meter cannot be read or if a meter has not registered or has registered incorrectly, the quantity of water used will be estimated based on the average consumption at the property or substantially similar property during a like period of time.

(b) Computations of the flat rate portion of any monthly service charges for less than a full billing cycle is based on a daily rate. The daily rate will be determined by taking the monthly rate and dividing it by thirty. The daily rate is carried to four decimal places. If a customer discontinues service and closes the customer's account, service charges will be computed at the applicable daily rate from the last billing date to the account closing date. Service charges for a new customer will commence on the account opening date. No proration will be made on short term utility service where such service is required for total periods of less than two months. These customers will be charged for two months service.

(Prior code § 7315; Ord. 1192 § 2, 1967; Ord. 1342 § 1, 1973; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1446 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1502 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1537 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1621 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1639 § 2, 1985; Ord. 1737 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1784 § 1, 1989; Ord. 1810 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1821 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1849 § 4, 1993; Ord. 2175 § 2, 2020)

For installation of water services, or enlargement of any service, a charge shall be made for cost of materials and labor; and in addition thereto, a charge of thirty percent of material and labor charges for supervision and overhead. Seventy-five percent of the estimated total cost shall be paid at time of application; the balance shall be paid within ten days of completion of installation.

(Prior code § 7316; Ord. 1192 § 2, 1967; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1446 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1502 § 1, 1979)

(a) In addition to any deposit and charges established by city council resolution pursuant to this chapter, a metered water service impact fee shall be paid for the use of water meters before they are installed in an amount established by city council resolution.

(b) If a service is enlarged, the charge made for the meter shall be reduced by the amount previously paid under this section.

(Ord. 1626 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1639 § 4, 1985; Ord. 1736 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1784 § 1, 1989; Ord. 1810 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1821 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1849 § 5, 1993)

(a) Rates and charges for metered water sold outside the city limits for all uses shall be as set by city council resolution.

(b) Where the period of service is less than one full month, the charge shall be prorated based upon a daily basis, or on the monthly basis set by city council resolution, whichever is lower.

(Prior code § 7317; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1446 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1502 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1537 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1621 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1639 § 3, 1985; Ord. 1737 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1784 § 1, 1989; Ord. 1810 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1821 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1849 § 5, 1993)

For installation of water services, a charge shall be made for cost of materials and labor; and in addition thereto, a charge of thirty percent of material and labor charges for supervision and overhead. Seventy-five percent of the established total cost shall be paid at time of application.

(Prior code § 7318; Ord. 1192 § 2, 1967; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1446 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1502 § 1, 1979)

No person shall draw or use water from any city fire hydrant, risers or water main except through a meter:

(a) A permit and meter for use of water through fire hydrants will be issued by the water department upon receipt of a meter installation fee and a deposit, as established by city council resolution, to cover the cost of the water used and any damage to city equipment or facilities that result from the use of the fire hydrant.

(b) Rates for the water will be the same as domestic rates.

(c) The permit shall be located at the job site where the water is being drawn and shall be available for inspection by city personnel.

(d) If a water truck is to be used, the truck license number and equipment number will appear on the permit. If more than one truck is used, a permit for each truck will be issued and is good only for that truck and expires when the meter is returned to the city.

(e) All meters are to be returned at the end of the job designated on the permit.

(Prior code § 7319; Ord. 1498 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1970 § 4, 2000)

(a) Fire services in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes may be combined with the domestic meter service. These installations shall meet the requirements and standards of the city of Monterey Park water system and fire department.

(b) All other fire services shall be equipped with detector checks with meter and check valves of the proper size attached. These fires services shall be a separate installation, and not be interconnected to the domestic service, and shall be two inches or larger.

(c) The monthly service charges for fire services and the size of the meter for each, within or outside city limits, shall be as established by city council resolution.

(Prior code § 7321; Ord. 1192 § 2, 1967; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1446 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1502 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1537 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1621 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1639 § 5, 1985; Ord. 1737 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1784 § 1, 1989; Ord. 1810 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1821 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1849 § 6, 1993; Ord. 1970 § 4, 2000)

(a) Any water service through a one-inch water meter which serves a combined fire sprinkler/domestic system for a residential development or manufactured homes of two units or less on a single parcel will be subject to the same monthly service charges as that for a three-fourths-inch meter without a combined fire service system.

(b) Any water service through a one and one-half-inch water meter which serves a combined fire sprinkler/domestic system for a residential development or manufactured homes of two units or less on a single parcel will be subject to the same monthly service charges as that for a one-inch meter without a combined fire service system.

(Ord. 1970 § 4, 2000)

(a) In addition to any other deposit and charges established in the chapter, a fire service impact fee shall be assessed in an amount established by city council resolution.

(1) Any water service through a one-inch water meter which serves a combined fire sprinkler/domestic system for a residential development or manufactured homes of two units or less on a single parcel will be subject to the same fire service impact fee as that for a three-fourths-inch meter without a combined fire service system.

(2) Any water service through a one and one-half-inch water meter which serves a combined fire sprinkler/domestic system for a residential development or manufactured homes of two units or less on a single parcel will be subject to the same fire service impact fee as that for a one-inch meter without a combined fire service system.

(Ord. 1626 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1639 § 6, 1985; Ord. 1736 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1784 § 1, 1989; Ord. 1821 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1849 § 6, 1993; Ord. 1970 § 4, 2000)

Rates, for all uses in sections of the city where service from the city is not available and where water is purchased by the city from another company, shall be the same as those charged by that company from whom the water is purchased.

(Prior code § 7322)

Where more than one dwelling, apartment, shop, office or similar addition are connected to one meter, each such additional unit shall be charged for water service at a rate set by city council resolution which shall be known as an extra rate.

(Prior code § 7323; Ord. 1192 § 2, 1967; Ord. 1342 § 1, 1973; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1446 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1502 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1537 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1621 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1737 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1784 § 1, 1989; Ord. 1810 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1821 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1849 § 7, 1993)

If, during any period, a meter fails to register or is known to register inaccurately, the consumer shall be charged with the minimum rate for such meter of the period during which such meter failed to register or registered inaccurately.

(Prior code § 7324)

In case a house, or other building or part of building where water is furnished, becomes vacant, the regular rate shall be charged and collected from the owner thereof whether water is used or not, unless the water department is notified thereof in writing, requesting discontinuance of service.

(Prior code § 7325)

Where fire hydrants, meters, pipes or other fixtures, any of which being the property of the city, are broken off or damaged, the total cost of damage and labor, in addition to the loss of water, shall be paid by the person responsible for such damage and loss. The charge for loss of water shall be at a rate established by resolution of the city council.

(Prior code § 7327; Ord. 1394 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1446 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1502 § 1, 1979; Ord. 1537 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1621 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1737 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1784 § 1, 1989; Ord. 1810 § 1, 1990; Ord. 1821 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1849 § 8, 1993)

Where building construction requires water and the meter is liable to be damaged, thereby causing unnecessary expense to the city, the meter may be omitted from the installation and the charge for water shall be the minimum for that size service. When construction is completed a meter of proper size shall be installed and the charge shall be as specified for metered services.

(Prior code § 7328)