Parlier Municipal Code Ch. 13.20 Water Conservation

The purpose of this chapter is to minimize outdoor water use and reduce unnecessary consumption of the potable water supply of the city.

(Ord. 98-07 §3(part), 1998).

Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction punishable in accordance with Chapter 1.16 of this code. For violations of this chapter by persons using city water outside the limits of the city, city water service to such properties may also be disconnected. Prior to disconnection of such service, the city shall give notice and an opportunity for a hearing before the city manager.

(Ord. 98-07 §3(part), 1998).

The following uses of water are deemed a waste of water and are prohibited:

A. Excess Runoff.

1. The use of water which allows substantial amounts of city-supplied water to run onto a street, gutter, ditch or drain. Every water user is deemed to have his/her water distribution lines and facilities under his/her control at all times and to know the manner and extent of his/her water use and excess runoff.

2. The director of public works and the chief of the Fresno County fire protection district in Parlier may authorize the use of city water which runs onto a street, gutter or ditch where the runoff of water is necessary to further an important public interest, such as the cleaning, testing, replacing, installing or repairing water lines and facilities, including fire hydrants; and firefighting and emergency response activities, including training.

B. The excessive use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or malfunctions in the water user's plumbing or distribution facilities for any period of time after such escape of water should reasonably have been discovered and corrected. It shall be presumed that a period of forty-eight hours after discovery is a reasonable time within which to correct a leak or break in a water line.

C. The washing of vehicles, building exteriors, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas without the use of a positive shut-off nozzle on the hose which results in excessive runoff; except where necessary to dispose of liquids or substances that could endanger the public health or safety. Washing must be done using a bucket, with the hose to be used only for rinsing. The washing of vehicles on the premises of a commercial car wash or motor vehicle dealership, and the washing to garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables are exempt from this restriction.

D. All new construction shall utilize faucets, toilets and shower heads with low-flow devices. All new evaporative coolers shall have recirculating pumps.

(Ord. 98-07 §3(part), 1998).