South Pasadena Municipal Code Art. I General Regulations

No person shall tap, open or connect with any water main or pipe which forms any part of the city water system without obtaining written permission to do so from the water department of the public works department. The department will issue no such permit to or for any person whose indebtedness to the department for water or damage to fire hydrants is delinquent, or who has on one or more occasions taken water from the distribution system without having received the permission required, even though such person has paid for water so taken. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

Before water is supplied to any premises, the owner or user shall make application to the department. The department, as a condition to granting such application and furnishing water to the premises, is authorized to and shall require a payment therefor at the following rates:

One-inch service or larger, cost plus twenty percent.

Installing a meter on an existing service lateral which has already been paid for by a subdivider or a customer, the following rates shall apply:

One-inch meter or larger, cost plus twenty percent.

Size of service shall be determined by the department in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the city and with the approval of the superintendent. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

All water supplied for domestic use inside the city shall be subject to such rates as may be from time to time established by resolution. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1685, § 1.)

All water supplied for domestic use outside the city shall be subject to such rates as may be from time to time established by resolution. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1685, § 1.)

All water for industrial use shall be subject to the monthly charge prescribed by Section 35.3. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

Any person using, wasting or permitting water to run from any water main, tap, fire hydrant or other connection in a manner not authorized by this chapter shall pay to the city for all such water at the rates fixed in Section 35.3 for domestic use of water, notwithstanding the fact that such water is not metered. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

The regular minimum monthly rate for all classes of service listed in this chapter shall be charged, unless the customer specifically requests the department to discontinue service. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 2066, § 1.)

No charge shall be made by the department if a customer requests water service to be shut off or turned on during regular working hours. During other hours, water will not be shut off or turned on except in case of emergency or upon the customer’s payment of the city’s extra costs, including overtime, which result from the off-hours activity. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 2066, § 2.)

Every customer shall be held responsible and charged for all water passing through the meter supplying his or her premises. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

Subject to the exercise of reasonable discretion, the city manager, or designee, is authorized to resolve complaints concerning water charges and disputes regarding the rate imposed. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 93; Ord. No. 2066, § 3.)

To obtain water service, a customer shall submit a:

(a) Written application on a form furnished by the department and signed by the applicant; or

(b) Telephonic application, including submission of valid credit card account information, acceptable to the director of finance, or designee; and

(c) Deposit for each water service meter in an amount reasonably determined by the director of finance; provided that the deposit may be waived if the customer has established credit with the city or provides a letter of credit reasonably acceptable to the director of finance or designee. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 93; Ord. No. 2066, § 4.)

Bills for municipal service (water meter service charge, sewer, rubbish, waste and applicable taxes) furnished by the city are due and payable when transmitted and shall become delinquent thirty days after that date. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1858, § 1; Ord. No. 2066, § 5.)

If a customer fails to pay for water service within 30 days after the date the bill is due and payable, pursuant to SPMC 35.12, water service may be discontinued (1) for nonresidential customers with 24-hour prior written notice delivered to the premises where the bill for water service was provided; and (2) for residential customers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the water system’s policy on discontinuation of residential water service adopted by the city council. Service will not be resumed unless a fee established by resolution is paid by the customer for the expense of turning the water off and on, subject to limitations set forth in the policy on discontinuation of residential water service. Except for residential service, the department shall resume service on weekdays during regular working hours. The policy on discontinuation of residential water service and applicable state law shall control over any conflicting provisions of this chapter. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1858, § 2; Ord. No. 1983, § 94; Ord. No. 2066, § 6; Ord. No. 2268, § 2, 2014; Ord. No. 2411, § 1, 2026.)

Discontinuance of service for a fourth or subsequent violation of this chapter may only occur following a hearing held in accordance with SPMC Section 35.93. Any disconnected service may be restored upon application of the customer evidencing that the customer is ready, willing and able to comply with the provisions of this chapter and department rules and regulations regarding water service. Service will not be resumed unless a fee established by resolution of the city council is paid by the customer for the expense of turning the water off and on. Resumption of service shall be accomplished by the department on weekdays during regular working hours. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 94; Ord. No. 2066, § 7; Ord. No. 2268, § 3, 2014.)

Should the occupant of any premises or any person for him or her or on his or her behalf turn on water or suffer or cause it to be turned on after it has been shut off by the department, the service lateral will be plugged and a charge as established by resolution of the city council shall be paid by occupant. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 94.)

The department shall have the power to turn off water from mains and pipes of the city’s water system without notice. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

The department may attach a meter to any service or service pipe or replace the same at any time it is deemed expedient to do so, and render a corrected bill from the date of installation of such meter according to the meter rates set forth in this chapter. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

After a meter is so attached in accord with Section 35.17, any damage to such meter resulting from malice, carelessness or neglect of the customer or any member of his family, or anyone employed by him, and any damages which may result from hot water or steam from a boiler or otherwise, shall be paid for by the customer to the department on presentation of a bill therefor. In case such bill is not paid, the water shall be shut off from the premises and shall not be turned on until all charges are paid.

It is unlawful to interfere with or remove a water meter from any service where it has been attached without receiving permission from the department. Such permission shall be granted only in case of emergency. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

All services and water meters installed by the department shall remain at all times the property of the department and shall be maintained, repaired and renewed by the department when rendered unserviceable through fair wear and tear. Where replacement, repairs or adjustments of any meter or service are rendered necessary by the act, negligence or carelessness of the customer or any member of his family or person in his employ any expense caused to the department thereby shall be charged against and collected from the customer. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

All shut-off valves installed in the meter box by the department are for the use of the department. Such shut-off valves shall not be used or in any way molested or manipulated by a water customer, except in case of emergency. For ordinary usage, all customers shall

provide their own valves. Such shut-off valves shall not be installed within the meter boxes or within six inches of the meter boxes. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

(a) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation at any time to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by the city and any other source of water supply or to maintain any sanitary fixture or other appurtenances or fixtures which by reason of their construction may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the city and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any consumer of the city.

(b) Definitions.

(1) Air-Gap Separation. The term “air-gap separation” means a physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The airgap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, in no case less than one inch.

(2) Approved Backflow Prevention Device. The term “Approved backflow prevention device” shall mean devices which have passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated their competency to perform such tests to the California Department of Health Service.

(3) Approved Water Supply. The term “approved water supply” means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a state or local health agency.

(4) Auxiliary Supply. The term “auxiliary supply” means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the approved water supply.

(5) AWWA Standard. The term “AWWA standard” means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

(6) Backflow. The term “backflow” shall mean a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source. Backsiphonage is one cause of backflow; backpressure is the other cause.

(7) Contamination. The term “contamination” means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.

(8) Cross-Connection. The term “cross-connection” as used in this chapter, means any unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome, and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be crossconnections.

(9) Designated Agent. The term “designated agent” shall mean the person appointed by the public works director to represent the city and shall act on the behalf of the public works director in all aspects and duties of this chapter.

(10) Double Check Valve Assembly. The term “double check valve assembly” means an assembly of at least two independently acting check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the watertightness of each check valve.

(11) Health agency. The term “health agency” means the California Department of Health Services, or the local health agency with respect to a small water system.

(12) Person. The term “person” means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.

(13) Premise. The term “premise” means any and all areas on a customer’s property which are served or have the potential to be served by the public water system.

(14) Public Water System. The term “public water system” means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption which has five or more service connections or regularly serves an average of twenty-five individuals daily at least sixty days out of the year.

(15) Public Works Director. The public works director in charge of the water division of the city is vested with the authority and responsibility for the implementation of an effective cross-connection control program and for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

(16) Reclaimed Water. The term “reclaimed water” means a wastewater which as a result of treatment is suitable for uses other than potable use.

(17) Service Connection. The term “service connection” refers to the point of connection of a user’s piping to the water supplier’s facilities.

(18) Water Supplier. The term “water supplier” means the person who owns or operates the approved water supply system.

(19) Water User. The term “water user” means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system.

• (c) Cross-Connection Protection Requirements.

• (1) General Provisions.

• (A) Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.

(B) Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the city water division, will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention device by and at his/her expense for continued services or before a new service will be granted.

(C) Wherever backflow protection has been found necessary on a water supply line entering a water user’s premises, then any and all water supply lines from the city’s mains entering such premises, buildings, or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention device. The type of device to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

(2) Where Protection is Required.

(A) Each service connection from the city’s water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the city, and is approved by the public health agency having jurisdiction.

(B) Each service connection from the city’s water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion as may allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against back-flow of the water from the premises into the public system. This shall include the handling of process waters and waters originating from the city’s water system which have been subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.

(C) Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having (i) internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the state or local health department and the city water division, or (ii) intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist.

(3) Type of Protection Required.

(A) The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer’s premises. The type of protective device that may be required (listing in an increasing level of protection) includes: double check vale assembly (DC), reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RP), and an air-gap separation (AG). The water user may choose a higher level of protection than required by the city. The minimum types of backflow protection required to protect the approved water supply, at the user’s water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard are given in table 1. Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the city, water division or health agency.

(B) Two or more services supplying water from different street mains to the same building, structure, or premises through which an interstreet main flow may occur, shall have at least a standard check valve or each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side of the respective meters. Such check valve shall not be considered adequate if backflow protection is deemed necessary to protect the city’s mains from pollution or contamination; in such cases the installation of approved backflow devices at such service connections shall be required.

(d) Backflow Prevention Devices.

(1) Approved Backflow Prevention Devices.

(A) Only backflow prevention devices which have been approved by the city water division, shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the city’s potable water system.

(B) The city water division will provide, upon request, to an affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention devices.

(2) Backflow Prevention Device Installation.

(A) Backflow prevention devices shall be installed as close as possible to the water user’s building or structure. The city water division shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention device.

i. Air-gap Separation (AG). The air-gap separation shall be located on the user’s side of and as close to the user’s building or structure is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank.

ii. Reduced Pressure Principle (RP). The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be located as close as practical to the user’s connection. The device shall be installed a minimum of twelve inches above grade and not more than thirty-six inches above grade measured from the bottom of the device and with a minimum of twelve inches side clearance. The device shall be installed so that it is readily accessible for maintenance and testing. Water supplied from any point between the service connection and the RP device shall be protected in a manner approved by the city.

iii. Double Check valve Assembly (DC). The approved double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user’s connection and be installed above grade, if possible and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double check valve assembly is put below grade, it must be installed in a vault such that there is a minimum of six inches between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the device, so that the top of the device is no more than a maximum of eight inches below grade, so there is a minimum of six inches of clearance between the side of the device with the test cocks and the side of the vault. Special consideration must be given to double check valve assemblies of the “Y” type. These devices must be installed on their “side” with the test cocks in a vertical position so that either check valve may be removed for service without removing the device. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed on a three-inch layer of gravel.

• (3) Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.

(A) The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow prevention devices are installed, shall have the devices tested by a person who has demonstrated their competency in testing of these individuals to the city. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation, or repair. The city may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is determined to be necessary. No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the city shall be filed with the city water division each time a device is tested, relocated, or repaired whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing, repairs, and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.

(B) The city will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the city to test backflow prevention devices. The city will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and also supply users with necessary forms which must be filled out each time a device is tested or repaired

(4) Backflow Prevention Device Removal.

(A) Approval must be obtained from the city water division before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated, or repaired.

i. Removal. The use of a device may be discontinued and the device removed from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the city water division to verify that a hazard no longer exists or is not likely to be created in the future.

ii. Relocation. A device may be relocated following confirmation by the city water division that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements. A retest will be required following the relocation of the device.

iii. Repair. A device may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued until the repair is completed and the device is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the city. A retest will be required following the repair of the device.

iv. Replacement. A device may be removed for repair and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All replacement devices must be approved by the city water division. and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.

(e) User Supervisor. At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the public works director, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring of the backflow prevention devices and for avoidance of cross-connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking water system due to cross-connection on the premises, the public works director shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the public works director of the user supervisor’s identity on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.

(f) Administrative Procedures.

(1) Water System Survey.

(A) The city water division shall review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the water division upon request for review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention device is necessary to protect the public water system, the required device must be installed before service will be granted.

(B) The city water division, may require an on-premises inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The water division will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer which cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the city deems necessary.

(C) The water division, at its discretion, may require a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premise to which it serves water. The water division will transmit a written notice requesting inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer which cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the city considers necessary.

(2) Customer Notification—Device Installation.

(A) The water division will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of sixty days will be given to complete all corrective action required including installation of backflow prevention devices.

(B) A second notice will be sent to each water user which does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within the sixty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the two-week period, the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken.

(3) Customer Notification Testing and Maintenance.

(A) The city will notify each affected water user when it is time for the backflow prevention device installed on their premises to be tested. This written notice shall be give the water user thirty days to have the device tested and supply the water user with the necessary form to be completed and resubmitted to the city.

(B) A second notice shall be sent to each water user which does not have his/her backflow prevention device tested as prescribed in the first notice within thirty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to have his/her backflow prevention device tested. If no action is taken within the two week period, the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject device is tested.

(g) Water Service Termination.

(1) General. When the city encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the city shall institute the procedure for discontinuing the city’s water service.

(2) Basis for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following items:

(A) Refusal of entry to premises for the purpose of inspections, examinations and tests of the pipes, fixtures, or attachments used in connection with the water supply;

• (B) Refusal to install a required backflow prevention device;

• (C) Refusal to test a backflow prevention device;

• (D) Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device;

• (E) Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention device;

• (F) Direct or indirect connection between the public waste system and a sewer line;

• (G) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants;

• (H) Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants;

• (I) A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.

• (3) Water Service Termination Procedures.

(A) For condition (A) above, the city will terminate service to a customer’s premises after giving a twenty-four hours’ notice to the owner or occupant of said premises of his intention to do so.

(B) For conditions (B), (C), (D) or (E) above, the city will terminate service to a customer’s premise after two written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done. If no action is taken within the allowed time period, water service may be terminated.

• (C) For conditions (F), (G), (H) or (I) above, will take the following steps:

• (1) Make reasonable effort to advise water user of intent to terminate water service;

• (2) Terminate water supply and lock service valve. The water service will remain inactive until correction of violations has been approved by the public works director or his designated agent.

(D) Notice of termination shall include time and place of hearing to allow the customer to provide proof that the violation has been cured or evidence that the termination is based on erroneous information. (Ord. No. 1964, § 2.)

All city water used on any premises where a meter is installed must pass through the meter, except as provided in case of private fire services. No bypass or connection between the meter and the main shall be made or maintained by the customer. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

Any customer may demand that the meter through which water is being furnished be examined and tested by the department for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not it is correctly registering the amount of water which is being delivered through it. Such demand shall be made in writing to the department and shall be accompanied by a deposit in an amount established by resolution of the city council. Upon receipt of such demand, it shall be the duty of the department to cause the meter to be examined and tested for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not it is correctly registering the water being delivered through it. If, on such examination and test, the meter is found to register over three percent more water than what actually passes through it, another meter shall be substituted therefor and a fee as established by resolution of the city council shall be repaid by the person making the application, and the water bill for the current period adjusted in such a manner as the city engineer may deem fair and just. If the meter is found to register not over three percent fact, the deposit shall be forfeited to the department and the water bill paid as rendered. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 95.)

Fire hydrants are provided for the purpose of extinguishing fires, and shall be opened and used only by the department and the fire department or such persons as may be authorized to do so by the chief of the fire department and the city engineer. Persons using water, for purposes other than extinguishing fires, through fire hydrants or other hydrants owned or controlled by the city shall be required to obtain a permit to do so from the department, who shall issue no such permit to any person who has violated any of the provisions of this chapter or whose indebtedness to the city of water used or damage to hydrants is delinquent. Every person authorized to open fire hydrants will be required to replace the caps on the outlets when the same are not in use. Failure to do so will

be sufficient cause to prohibit further use of the hydrants and the refusal to grant subsequent permission for the use of such fire hydrants. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 96.)

Where a service is provided for private fire protection, a charge shall be made of time and material as established by resolution of the city council, which charge shall include the cost of installing a proportional meter. Such service shall be used only in case of fire. If any person uses such fire service for other than fire purposes, the department is authorized to collect a fee as established by resolution for each such use, and to enforce this provision by cutting of all water from the property whereon such use occurs until such fee is paid.

Fire service rates. The city council shall establish rates by resolution to apply to those requiring service, for private fire lines used exclusively for fire protection, whether the lines are connected to an automatic sprinkling system or to a hose attachment. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 96.)

No person shall draw water from the city pipes directly into any stationary steam boiler, hydraulic elevator, power pump or similar apparatus. Where city water is used to supply a steam boiler, hydraulic elevator or power pump, its owner shall provide a tank of sufficient capacity to afford a supply for at least twelve hours, into which the service pipe shall be discharged. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

It is unlawful for any person to connect, cross-connect, maintain or install any device, receptacle, fixture, tank or any other form of installation in any building or any premises which is connected to any water line, pipe or conduit which conveys or carries any water used for domestic or human consumption, if the plan, arrangement, connection, maintenance or installation is such as to make possible any contamination or pollution of such water supply. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

It is unlawful for any person to install or allow to exist any inlet discharging water supplied by the department in or into any tank, cistern, reservoir or receptacle for storage or use of water on the customer’s water system, unless such inlet discharges such water above the maximum possible high water level of such tank, cistern, reservoir or other receptacle for the storage or use of water on the customer’s system.

Tanks used for the flushing of water closets equipped with an approved automatic check valve shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

Employees of the department whose duty it may be to enter upon private premises to make inspection and examination of the pipes, fixtures or attachments used in connection with the water supply shall be provided with a badge, uniform or other credentials to identify them as authorized agents of the department. Any officer or authorized employee of the department shall, upon presentation of this badge or other credentials provided for in this section, have free access at all reasonable hours to any premises supplied with city water for the purpose of making any inspection of the entire water system upon the premises. In case any authorized employee is refused admittance to any premises, or being admitted is hindered or prevented from making such examination, the city engineer may cause the water to be turned off from the premises after giving twenty-four hours’ notice to the owner or occupant of the premises of his or her intention to do so.

No person not an authorized officer or employee of the department shall have, wear or exhibit any name or credentials of the department. It shall be the duty of each officer and employee of the department, upon resignation or dismissal, forthwith to surrender and deliver at the office of the department all badges, uniforms and credentials of the department. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 97.)

All revenues received by the department under this chapter shall be retained in and used by the department. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

The department shall retain storeroom requisition and computerized records for a period of five years after the date appearing on the face of the records and, thereafter, shall destroy such records in accordance with applicable law. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 2066, § 8.)

When a temporary meter is installed on a service lateral, the customer shall pay the rate established by resolution of the city council. Water rates are the same as listed in Section 35.3. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 98.)

The city engineer shall determine in all cases the credit, if any, to be allowed for an increase or decrease in service size. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 99.)

The customer shall pay to the department all costs incurred in moving the lateral and/or meter. The customer, in addition to the actual costs, shall pay to the department twenty percent of those costs as and for overhead. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

The department will endeavor to maintain above minimum pressure as recommended by the insurance services notice. In event any customer deems that pressures are inadequate, the customer may, with the approval of the department, furnish at his or her own expense whatever devices are necessary to boost the pressure for his or her own premises. The installation of such devices will require the installation of an approved backflow protective device as set forth in Section 35.21. In the event water pressures are in excess of the customer’s normal requirements, it shall be the responsibility of such customer to install such devices on his or her own premises as are necessary to reduce the pressure for his or her normal needs. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

Two or more services supplying water to the same building, structure or premises through which a circulating flow may occur shall have an approved backflow protective device on each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side of the respective meters. The type of devices to be installed will be determined by the department in compliance with the requirements of the county health department as deemed necessary to protect the department’s mains from pollution or contamination. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

All services installed by the department shall be classified in one of the following categories:

(1) Domestic Service. Domestic service means the provision of water to any property for use other than fire protection.

(2) Fire Protection. Fire protection service means the provision of water to any property for standby purposes for fire sprinkler systems or fire hydrants only.

(3) Temporary Service. Temporary service means the installation of a meter on a service lateral or fire hydrant that will not be used permanently. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1.)

Each house or building under separate ownership must be provided with a separate service connection and meter. Two or more houses under one ownership and on the same lot or parcel of land must be supplied by individual or separate service connections and meters except in the case of a court, or in case a house is located on the rear of an inside lot, one service and meter may be installed by the owner to cover more than one house or building.

The department, however, reserves the right to limit the number of houses or the area of land under one ownership to be supplied by one service connection. Not more than one service connection for domestic or commercial supply shall be installed for one building, except under special conditions and with approval of the city engineer.

If property provided with a service connection is subdivided, such service connection shall be considered as belonging to the lot or parcel of land which it directly enters.

A service connection shall not be used to supply property of a different owner, or to supply property of the same owner across a street or alley. (Ord. No. 1680, § 1; Ord. No. 1983, § 100.)