Chapter 13.04 — WATER SERVICE AND RATES

Sections:

• 13.04.010 Definitions.

• 13.04.020 Connection--Permit required.

• 13.04.030 Connection--Application.

• 13.04.040 Deposit or credit required for service.

• 13.04.050 Delinquent applicants.

• 13.04.060 Fees establishment.

• 13.04.070 Meter--City property.

• 13.04.080 Meter--Tampering without permit prohibited.

• 13.04.090 Meter--Failure.

• 13.04.100 Meter--Testing and fee.

• 13.04.110 Meter--Reinstallation fee.

• 13.04.120 Meter--Multiple services prohibited--Exceptions.

• 13.04.130 Rates establishment.

• 13.04.131 Low income water discount.

• 13.04.135 Exemptions.

• 13.04.140 Vacant property rate.

• 13.04.150 Bills--Payment--Delinquencies.

• 13.04.160 Bills--Adjustments by superintendent.

• 13.04.170 Turning water on after shutoff.

• 13.04.200 Bypass connections prohibited.

• 13.04.210 Connections to private sources prohibited--Exception.

• 13.04.220 Shutoff valves.

• 13.04.230 Temporary contractor service.

• 13.04.240 Connections to power devices--Permit required.

• 13.04.250 Supplying others with water prohibited.

• 13.04.260 Plumbing in disrepair prohibited.

• 13.04.270 Water waste prohibited.

• 13.04.280 Water conservation devices.

• 13.04.290 Removal or relocation of mains or fittings.

• 13.04.300 Permit required for water stand use.

• 13.04.310 Permit required for fire hydrant use.

• 13.04.320 Authority to restrict certain uses.

• 13.04.330 Right of entry for inspections.

• 13.04.340 Compliance with chapter required.

• • For provisions regarding the water department, see Ch. 2.48 of this code.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: A. "Consumer" means any person who is a subscriber for water service from the department. B. "Department" means the water department of the city. C. "Front footage" means that footage measured along the side of a lot abutting a public street or easement wherein a water main is or may be installed from which service may be taken. D. "Public service director" means the superintendent of the department. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.010)

It is unlawful for any person to tap, open, or connect to, or cause, permit, or allow to be tapped, opened, or connected to any water main or pipe without first having made application to the department and received a permit therefor. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.180)

Before water is supplied to any consumer he must make written application to the department for the proper service in which he shall designate the premises to be served by the official building number. The service connection shall be made by the department at the nearest distribution main but only after all charges payable to the city therefor have been paid. The building inspector shall approve the size of all new services before installing any such services. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.050)

A. Every applicant for water service must satisfactorily establish his credit with the department or deposit with the department an amount deemed sufficient to guarantee payment of all moneys that it is estimated will become due and payable to it from the applicant during two average billing periods. B. A cash deposit will normally be required as follows:

1. If the applicant is not the owner of the property to be served and the owner does not guarantee payment of all charges and fees of the department; and
2. If the application is for temporary service; and
3. If the applicant is indebted to the city for water department fees or charges or otherwise, which indebtedness has been allowed to become delinquent under circumstances which indicate a lack of financial responsibility.

C. Deposits made with the department as provided in this section shall be refunded upon the termination of service, but only to the extent of the excess remaining after satisfying all amounts owing to the city by the depositor. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.055)

No application for water service shall be approved by the department if, and so long as, the applicant is delinquent in the payment of charges due the department with respect to water service at some other address. Water shall not be turned on at a new location and, if done, will be turned off until full settlement of past charges at the former location is made. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.065)

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the rates the department shall charge for opening and closing a service connection, and for any labor, materials, or service furnished by it, shall be fixed by the council by resolution. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.060)

All service connections and all water meters installed by the department shall at all times remain the property of the city. The expense of maintenance, repair, and renewal of such meters due to the wear of normal service shall be borne by the city. Any expense occasioned by any act, careless or otherwise, on the part of the consumer or any member of his family or any person in his employ shall be charged to and paid by the consumer. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.130)

No person shall tamper with or remove, or cause, permit, or allow to be tampered with or removed, any meter where the same has been attached to any service without first having made application to the meter service clerk of the department and receiving a permit therefor. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.170)

If a meter fails to register during any period, or is known to register inaccurately, the consumer shall be charged with the estimated average daily consumption as determined by the public works director, taking into account the season, and the consumption shown by the meter when in use and registering accurately. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.030)

Upon the written request of a consumer, accompanied by a deposit of two dollars, the department shall cause the meter serving the customer's premises to be tested. If it is determined that the meter registers less than three percent over the correct value, the deposit shall be forfeited, no adjustment shall be made in water bills theretofore presented, and the meter need not be repaired or replaced. However, should the meter over-register by three percent or more, the deposit shall be returned and a proportional deduction made in the current bill, and another meter shall be substituted for the existing meter. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.075)

If it becomes necessary to remove any water meter of a customer for violation of any city ordinance or nonpayment of water bill or for noncompliance with the cross connection regulations, the following fees shall be paid before the water meter will be reinstalled: Meter Size in Inches Fee 5/8, 3/4, 1 $15.00 1-1/2 25.00 2 35.00 (Ord. 68-1-613 § 2: prior code § 21.04.062)

Service of water shall not be made through a single meter on a common service to two or more parcels of property, whether or not they are separately owned; provided, however that in the event there is no main contiguous to the property for which service may be requested, the department may grant a consumer a permit authorizing him to supply water to the parcel for which service is requested. The consumer holding the permit shall be solely responsible to the city for payment of all the department's charges and any such permit may be revoked by the public works director upon thirty days' written notice. Charges for water used through such a common service shall be based on a monthly block rate for a single meter rate equal to the monthly block rate for a single meter multiplied by the number of parcels served. For example, a meter serving two parcels would be charged two minimums, and be allowed twice the consumption allowance under the minimum charge. Contiguous lots or parcels which are owned by the same consumer shall be deemed to be one parcel if all are occupied by him for business, industrial or horticultural uses. Each lot which is separately occupied for residential purposes shall be deemed a separate parcel even though owned by the same person. (Ord. 94-10-1189 § 1: Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.090)

The city council establishes the following rates for water delivered through the city's distribution system. After July 1, 2016, water service rates may be established by resolution of the city council. A. Service Charge For Residential Single Family, Residential Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Irrigation, and Fire Meters. A monthly service charge according to the size of the subscriber’s meter, as follows: Residential Single Family, Residential Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Irrigation, and Fire Service Monthly Service Charge Current 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Proposed Revenue Adjustments 15% 15% 12% 7.5% 7.5% Effective Date 1/1/2019 3/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2022 1/1/2023 1/1/2024 Current 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Proposed Revenue Adjustments 15% 15% 12% 7.5% 7.5% Effective Date 1/1/2019 3/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2022 1/1/2023 1/1/2024 Fixed Meter Monthly Service Charge by Meter Size and Customer Type Residential Single Family, Residential Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Irrigation 5/8 $15.05 $17.30 $19.90 $22.29 $23.96 $25.76 3/4 $15.05 $17.30 $19.90 $22.29 $23.96 $25.76 1 $38.73 $44.54 $51.23 $57.37 $61.68 $66.30 1-1/2 $85.38 $98.19 $112.92 $126.47 $135.96 $146.15 2 $147.95 $170.15 $195.67 $219.15 $235.58 $253.25 3"-9" $331.48 $381.20 $438.39 $490.99 $527.82 $567.40 10" $1,057.45 $1,216.07 $1,398.48 $1,566.30 $1,683.77 $1,810.06 Residential Fire Service Meters 2" $71.15 $81.83 $94.10 $105.39 $113.30 $121.79 4" $140.66 $161.76 $186.02 $208.35 $223.97 $240.77 6" $211.49 $243.21 $279.69 $313.26 $336.75 $362.01 8" $267.00 $307.04 $353.10 $395.47 $425.13 $457.02 10" $267.00 $307.04 $353.10 $395.47 $425.13 $457.02 Business Fire Service Meters 2" $120.32 $138.37 $159.12 $178.22 $191.59 $205.95 4" $267.00 $307.04 $353.10 $395.47 $425.13 $457.02 6" $267.00 $307.04 $353.10 $395.47 $425.13 $457.02 8" $267.00 $307.04 $353.10 $395.47 $425.13 $457.02 10" $267.00 $307.04 $353.10 $395.47 $425.13 $457.02

B. Not used. C. Usage Charges. Water charges are grouped by amount used during each monthly billing period. Usage rates are based on the amount of water used as measured in "Billing Units". Each Billing Unit is 100 cubic feet. The lowest usage level is 0 - 15 Billing Units, which correlates to 0 to 1,500 cubic feet of water. Residential, Multi-family and Irrigation accounts are charged at two usage levels: 0 - 15 Billing Units and 16+ Billing Units. Commercial, Industrial and Institutional accounts are charged at three usage levels: 0 - 15 Billing Units and 16 - 150 Billing Units and 151+ Billing Units. Temporary meters attached to hydrants shall pay for water consumed at commercial rate levels. Current 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Proposed Revenue Adjustments 15% 15% 12% 7.5% 7.5% Effective Date 1/1/2019 3/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2022 1/1/2023 1/1/2024 Current 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Proposed Revenue Adjustments 15% 15% 12% 7.5% 7.5% Effective Date 1/1/2019 3/1/2020 1/1/2021 1/1/2022 1/1/2023 1/1/2024 Water Usage Consumption Charge per Billing Unit by Tier and Customer Type Residential - Single Family and Multi-Family Tier 1 0-15 Units $2.56 $2.94 $3.38 $3.79 $4.07 $4.38 Tier 2

16 Units $4.08 $4.69 $5.40 $6.05 $6.50 $6.99 Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Tier 1 0-15 Units $2.56 $2.94 $3.38 $3.79 $4.07 $4.38 Tier 2 16-150 Units $4.08 $4.69 $5.40 $6.05 $6.50 $6.99 Tier 3 151 Units $6.01 $6.92 $7.95 $8.91 $9.58 $10.29 Irrigation Tier 1 0-15 Units $2.56 $2.94 $3.38 $3.79 $4.07 $4.38 Tier 2 16 Units $3.89 $4.47 $5.15 $5.76 $6.20 $6.66

D. Customer Deposits and Charges.

1. Customer Deposits. Payment of a cash deposit or some other means of securing credit established by the finance director will be required under the following conditions: a. At the time of meter installation. b. When a meter is turned on under the name of a new water user, regardless of property ownership. If a water user has had service discontinued for failure to pay, the water user shall be required to make a cash deposit in accordance with the following schedule: Meter Size Owner Deposit Renter or Lessee Deposit Meter Size Owner Deposit Renter or Lessee Deposit Separately metered apartment or condominium $40 $80 Single-family detached residence or other building: 5/8" and 3/4" $40 $80 1" $50 $100

1 1/2" and 2" $60 $120 3" and larger $80 $160 Temporary meters $600

The deposit will be refunded when a customer closes the account. Interest earned will be utilized in the water fund's operations to reduce rates. 2. Delinquent Service Charges. All water bills shall become due and payable on the twentieth day of the month, provided the water bills are mailed the last working day of the prior month. Upon failure of a water user to pay the water bill in full on the twentieth day of the month, the bill shall be deemed delinquent and a delinquent service charge shall be added to the bill. Delinquent service charges are applied to cover a portion of the city's costs caused by such delinquencies. It is found and determined that the charges are as follows: a. Ten percent of the outstanding balance over: ten dollars. b. Minimum delinquent service charge: one dollar. c. Maximum delinquent service charge: one hundred dollars. 3. Returned Check Charge. A service charge will be made whenever a check is returned by the bank, whether it is for insufficient funds or any other reason. Returned check charges are applied to cover a portion of the city's administrative costs caused by returned checks. It is found and determined that the charge does not exceed the administrative costs incurred. Returned check charge: twenty dollars. 4. Meter Re-reads and Efficiency Checks. A service charge will be made whenever a customer requests that their meter be re-read or checked for efficiency resulting in a bench test of the meter. If the city is in error due to the meter read being incorrect, the water billing will be adjusted and the meter re-read. The service charge will be refunded. Meter re-read and efficiency check service charges are applied to cover a portion of the city's administrative costs associated with such meter re-reads and efficiency checks. It is found and determined that the charge does not exceed the administrative costs incurred. Meter re-read/efficiency check charge: twenty-five dollars. 5. Discontinued Service and Turn-On Charges. Upon failure of a water user to pay the bill in full no later than twenty days following date of delinquency, the city may, after complying with the state law on discontinuance of utility service for nonpayment, discontinue the water service and shall not again furnish water service to such a user until all previous water charges, delinquent service charges, a customer deposit, and a disconnection/reconnection service charge are paid in full. The disconnection/reconnection service charge shall apply whenever water service is discontinued for nonpayment. This disconnection/reconnection service charge is applied to cover a portion of the city's administrative costs caused by discontinuing service for nonpayment of water billings. It is found and determined that the charge does not exceed the administrative costs incurred. Disconnection/reconnection charge: twenty- five dollars. Water service will not be withheld from a new residential user because of outstanding charges on the account of the preceding residential lessee or renter. 6. Hang Tag Charges for Last Notification Before Shut-Off. A service charge will be made whenever a customer has been determined to be so delinquent that a water shut-off notice must be hand delivered to the customer. Hang tag charges are applied to cover the city's administrative costs associated with the shut-off notices. It is hereby found and determined that the charge does not exceed the administrative costs incurred. Hang tag charge: ten dollars. 7. Applications for Service. Applications for water connections or water service of any and all types shall be on a form provided by the city and shall be signed by the applicant, and shall include the following provision: Applicant understands and agrees that water supplies and pressures are subject to interruption and variation. Applicant releases city and its officers, agents and employees from, and agrees that they shall not be liable with respect to any injury or damage, whether to person or property, sustained by applicant by reason of any interruption in or variation of water supplies or pressures, whether occurring at the location for which connection or service is being applied for, or at any other location, and whether occurring with or without the fault or negligence of city officers, agents or employees. (Ord. 2021-07-1525 § 3 (part), 2021: Ord. 2020-01-1512 § 2: Ord. 2016-05-1486 § 2: Ord. 2008-10-1390 § 1: Ord. 2006-11- 1366 § 1: Ord. 2001-07-1290 § 1: Ord. 98-07-1236 § 1: Ord. 97-11-1222 § 1: Ord. 96-08-1207 § 1: Ord. 95-10-1199 § 1: Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.020)

Commencing October 1, 2021, a discount of seven dollars and seventy-five cents monthly shall be applied to the residents

whose monthly income meets the current standards, using the State Department of Housing and Community Development – State Income Limits posted on the city’s website and effective beginning of each fiscal year. The discount will be increased annually by the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers – Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (“CPI”) provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, measured from June to June. Should such index be discontinued, the city may rely on a similar index as determined by the city’s finance director. If there is a negative change in the CPI, the discount will remain unchanged from the prior year. The low income discount shall be funded exclusively from unrestricted, non-rate revenue, and the city may discontinue the low income discount if unrestricted, non-rate revenue is not available. Under no circumstances shall the city use rate revenue from water service fees or charges to fund the low income discount. An approved application must be on file with the finance department prior to the billing. Individuals shall be required to make annual application and provide proof of income and residence. (Ord. 2021-07-1525 § 3 (part), 2021)

Residential Fire Sprinkler and Submeter Exemptions. Where the installation of a fire sprinkler system or a water submeter in a residential use causes an increase in the monthly water service charge, the following exemptions shall apply to Section 13.04.130(A), solely for the purposes of calculating applicable fees: A. Where fire sprinklers are required by the California Building Code for new single family dwellings and duplexes, the water monthly service charge shall be based on the meter size determined by the fixture count instead of the meter size required due to the additional fire sprinkler flow. B. Where the installation of submeters alone causes head losses that increases the water meter size, the monthly water service charge listed in Section 13.04.130(A) shall be based on sizing without the submeter losses. This exemption shall not reduce the fee where other factors, other than the submeter losses, cause a larger meter size to be required. (Ord. 2012-08-1450, § 2, 2012)

The minimum monthly rate shall be charged and collected from a subscriber notwithstanding that his property is vacant and no water is delivered through his meter. If a property serviced through a meter becomes vacant, the subscriber may in writing request the department to shut off the meter, in which event the minimum charge shall not be payable until the meter is reopened. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.025)

A. The department's charges for labor and materials furnished in installing or altering a service connection shall be paid in advance or, in those instances where the cost thereof cannot be determined in advance, upon presentation of a statement after the cost is determined. B. Water bills and other service charges shall be due and payable upon presentation and shall become delinquent twenty days thereafter. C. If a statement of a customer’s account is not paid on or before the expiration of sixty days after the date of delinquency, the department shall turn off the service and it shall not be turned on again until all delinquent items in the account have been fully paid, together with a service charge to cover the cost of closing and opening the service. In addition to such action, the city may bring suit for any amount due for labor or materials or water servicefurnished to any customer by the department, and any such demand may be assigned for collection upon the order of the council upon such terms as it shall determine to be proper. (Ord. 2020-12-1517 § 1: Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.045)

A. The public works director may serve water to indigent persons without charge but all such instances shall be promptly reported to the council, which may authorize the continuance of free service upon such terms and conditions as it shall deem proper. B. Disputes involving the accuracy of meters or their reading or the computation of charges for water or services may be adjusted and settled by the public works director. C. If a consumer is dissatisfied with any decision of the public works director respecting the service of water to him or the amount of the department's charges for water or services furnished, he may appeal such decision to the city council whose determination shall be final. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.040)

g After any water service has been turned off, it shall be unlawful for any person other than an authorized employee of the department to tap, open, and connect to, or cause, permit or allow to be turned on, in any way, the water supply to such service. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.175)

Any bypass or connection around the meter between the service and the main shall be prohibited. All water used, except as provided in Section 13.04.230 shall pass through the meter. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.115)

Connections of any kind between any private water source and the water system of the city are prohibited; provided, however, that subject to the approval of the proper state authority the city may maintain emergency connections with other public utilities supplying water. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.120)

All shutoff valves are installed by and for the use of the department. Except in cases of emergency, no person other than an authorized city employee shall turn any such valve on or off or molest or tamper with it. Every consumer shall install, for his ordinary usage and at his own expense, a shutoff valve on the property side of the meter. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.125)

A. When temporary water service is required in connection with construction work, the department may sell such water with or without metering it as the public works director shall determine will best serve the city's interests, upon the deposit of a sum fixed by the public works director as security for the department's charges. If the service is furnished through a meter, the rate shall be twenty-five cents per hundred cubic feet of water consumed. B. The minimum charge for a temporary service, whether metered or unmetered, shall be ten dollars and shall be paid before temporary service is completed. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.035)

Any person who supplies or feeds water directly into any stationary boiler, hydraulic elevator, power pump, or any other power device shall first file a written application with the department and be issued a permit therefor. The issuance of said permit shall be conditioned upon a full and continued compliance with any and all safety measures or provisions the department may require. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.080)

A consumer shall not permit water to be drawn from his service for use upon any premises other than the particular parcel for which the service exists, except as follows: A. Water may be so drawn as provided in Section 13.04.120; and B. A consumer who has been granted a permit therefor by the department may supply water for use in construction work or to fill temporary needs. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.085)

Every owner or occupant of any premises shall be under the duty to equip and maintain said premises with plumbing of such character and quality as to prevent the wasting of water. If the plumbing of any consumer becomes in disrepair which results in the wasting of water, the public works director, after reasonable notice to the consumer or occupant of the premises, may cause the service to be shut off pending the making of proper repairs. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.095)

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to cause, permit, or allow any water furnished through the facilities of the department to be wasted in any manner whatsoever. The use of water in any cooling system or ornamental fountain, without an efficient reuse thereof by means of a recirculation system shall constitute the wasting of water. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.155)

A. Any cooling or refrigeration system using water as a condensing medium shall be equipped with a water conservation device conforming to accepted engineering standards to discharge water from the condensing apparatus at the maximum practical temperature. B. On evaporative coolers of 5000 CFM capacity or larger, recirculating pumps will be required to provide for the recirculating of water. C. All precooling coils and water-cooled condensing machines shall be equipped with pressure-actuated water-control valves. D. No discharge of water from any cooling or refrigeration system shall be greater than six gallons per minute. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.160)

If the removal or relocation of any portion of the city's water system is required in connection with any authorized improvement of the city's streets, the department shall, unless otherwise ordered by the council, remove or relocate such portions of said system in the manner the city engineer shall prescribe. In the event that removal or relocation of any portion of the system is desired for the convenience of private enterprise, application therefor must be made to the council who may order the same upon such terms as it considers just. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.105)

The department is empowered to install, or cause or permit to be installed, such water stands as may be necessary or convenient for spraying and for other legitimate purposes. It is unlawful for any person to draw water from any such stand without first obtaining a permit therefor in which the amount of water to be drawn and the purpose for which it is to be used shall be set forth. No such permit shall be granted to any applicant who does not hold a valid business license issued by the city. A minimum charge of fifteen dollars shall be paid in advance for each such permit, and an additional deposit may be required by the department to secure payment of its charges. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.070)

It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to draw, cause to be drawn, or allow to be drawn, for any purpose whatsoever, any water from any fire hydrant in the city without a written permit from the public works director with the approval of the fire department. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.165)

The use of water for sprinkling, wetting, construction or industrial purposes may be restricted by the public works director if and when such use is contrary to the public safety or welfare. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.100)

A. Upon presentation of official identification, any officer, inspector, foreman, or authorized employee of the department on official business shall be allowed free access at all reasonable hours to any premises supplied with city water. B. Any person who, as owner or occupant of any premises, refuses admittance to or hinders or prevents inspection by an authorized employee of the department may, after twenty-four hour written notice, have all water service to the premises cut off. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code §§ 21.04.140, 21.04.145)

It is unlawful for any person to do any act forbidden by the provisions of this chapter or to omit to do any act which he is required to do by provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 596 § 2 (part), 1966: prior code § 21.04.200)