Vacaville Municipal Code Ch. 13.12 Water

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For statutory provisions on municipal water systems, see Gov. Code §38730 et seq.

The following terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

"AWWA"

means the American Water Works Association.

"Backflow"

means the undesired reversal of flow of a liquid, gas, or other substance into a public water system's distribution system or approved water supply.

"Backflow prevention assembly" or "BPA"

means a mechanical device designed and constructed to prevent backflow, such that while in-line it can be maintained and its ability to prevent backflow, as designed, can be field tested, inspected and evaluated.

"Backflow prevention assembly tester"

means a person who is certified as a backflow prevention assembly tester by a certifying organization recognized by the State Water Board.

"Back siphonage"

means a type of backflow where the upstream pressure in a piping system is reduced to a sub-atmospheric pressure.

"Commercial office"

means the business office of the water division located at the Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant (EWWTP).

"Cross-connection"

means any actual or potential connection between a public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution.

"Customer"

means any person, firm, corporation, or any public agency (including the state of California, the United States of America, or any public corporation, political subdivision, city, county, district or agency of any thereof, and the city or any agency of the city) receiving or taking water furnished by the water division.

"Distribution mains"

means city water lines in streets and rights-of-way used for general distribution of water from which service is available to the customer.

Emergency.

An emergency can be declared by the City Manager, Director of Utilities or designee, or City Council. For purposes in this chapter; at the direction of the Director of Utilities or their designee, an "emergency" can mean an instance in which there is a potential for the following: jeopardize public health or public safety, environmental damage, extensive property damage, or jeopardize the city's ability to reliably serve water to the community.

"General metered service"

means the furnishing of water for domestic, commercial, industrial and governmental service; excluding industrial service as separately defined.

"Industrial service"

means the furnishing of water to industrial customers who agree to take and/or pay for a contracted maximum rate of flow of not less than 200 gallons per minute.

"Meter rates service"

means the furnishing of water by measured quantities.

"Point of service"

for an unmetered connection means the location where the city's distribution main delivers water to the customer's private water line. For a metered water service connection, the city's point of service generally is located at the downstream side of the meter where it connects to the private water line; provided that in any location where the meter is outside of the city right-of-way containing the city distribution main, the city's point of service is located at the boundary of the city right-of-way.

"Premises"

means any separate identifiable and transferable lot or parcel of real property, including the improvements thereon, excluding those portions thereof having well defined boundaries such as walls, fences or hedges which prevent the common use of the property by all occupants.

"Private fire protection service"

relates to fire hydrants and/or fire sprinkler systems located on private property that are connected to the city's water distribution mains.

"Water division"

means that division of the Utilities Department of the city designated to administer the water system originally acquired from Pacific Gas and Electric Company on March 10, 1959. The term includes the director of utilities and other employees of the city serving in said water division.

"Water system"

means the municipal water system owned and operated by the city, including all infrastructure and facilities acquired or constructed after the system's initial acquisition in 1959.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. All water service shall be provided at metered at meter rates as established by the city in accordance with applicable cost-of-service principles. In limited circumstances, and only where a demonstrable difference in the cost to provide service exists—such as quantity furnished, time-of-use delivery, or other measurable factors—the city council may authorize service under a special contract with rates based on the proportional cost of service, subject to the requirements of Article XIII D of the California Constitution (Proposition 218).

B. The water division will furnish water at consumer service connections at such pressure as may be available from time to time in the normal operation of the water division. Pressure levels are not guaranteed and may vary due to operational conditions.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. For the purpose of providing funds for the acquisition, construction, improvement, financing, maintenance, and operation of the city's water system, and for the payment of the principal and interest on any outstanding or future water revenue bonds issued for such purposes, rates and charges shall be levied and assessed upon all premises connected to the city's water system as follows: There are levied and assessed upon all premises connected with the city water system the water rates and charges set forth in Resolution No. 2025-070 adopted by the City Council in accordance with cost-of-service principles and the procedural requirements of Proposition 218 (California Constitution Article XIII D).

B. All water service shall be provided at metered rates established by the City Council through a duly noticed public hearing, following the requirements of Proposition 218. These rates shall reflect the proportional cost of service attributable to each parcel or class of customer.

C. In limited circumstances, and only where a demonstrable difference in the cost to provide service exists—such as quantity furnished, time-of-use delivery, or other measurable and documented factors—the City Council may authorize service under a special contract. Any such special rate shall be based on cost-of-service analysis and remain compliant with the provisions of Proposition 218.

D. From time to time as may be necessary, the city council may amend such rates and charges by resolution.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Water service to a residential customer may be discontinued for nonpayment in accordance with the city's Interruption of Residential Water Service Policy, adopted pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 116900 et seq.

B. Water service to a nonresidential customer's water service may be discontinued due to nonpayment if the account remains delinquent for more than 60 days from the bill due date.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. If water service to any premises is disconnected pursuant to any provision of this code, the owner shall be responsible and liable for payment of the fee established by city council resolution to cover the city's costs to turn off the water, and that fee may be added to the regular billing for the water service and be collected in the same manner as other utility service charges pursuant to this chapter.

B. If water service to any premises is disconnected, the owner shall be responsible and liable for payment of the fee established by city council resolution to cover the city's costs to turn the water back on, and water shall not be turned on until any fees established pursuant to, and required to be paid under, subsection A of this section and this subsection are paid in full.

C. No person shall tamper with, remove, cause, permit or allow to be tampered with or removed any meter, lock, or water curb stop where the same has been attached to any service. If any unauthorized person turns on water service or allows or causes it to be turned on, after it has been turned off by the city, the department may turn off the water service and may charge tampering fees and collect other applicable fees each time this occurs, in addition to other amounts due, before water service is restored. The city may remove a water meter from a service location for excessive or abusive tampering or unauthorized use.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

After water service is commenced, the service applicant shall be liable for payment for all water delivered through that particular service and all other charges applicable to said service. Whenever two or more persons jointly make application for service, they shall receive a single periodic bill but shall be jointly and individually liable for payment of all charges appearing on such bills.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Bills for water service provided by the city will be issued to customers at regular intervals and shall be due and payable upon issuance. Bills shall be considered issued to the customer when: (1) delivered personally to the customer; (2) deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the customer at the address provided by the customer during the application process for water service; or (3) sent to the customer's designated email or electronic billing account on file. Non-receipt of a bill does not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay.

B. Charges for water service may be combined with sewer service charges on a single utility bill for properties connected to the city sewer system. The bills shall identify the applicable services (e.g., water and/or sewer); include the name and last known address of the account holder; and itemize charges by service and include the total amount due. All charges on the bill must be paid in full and may not be paid separately. If the premises with water service are not connected with the sewer system, a separate bill shall be rendered for water service.

C. Opening, closing, and other prorated bills shall be calculated based on the number of service days in the billing period, using a 30-day month as the standard. Should the total period of service be less than one month, no proration will be made and no bill shall be less than the specified monthly fixed minimum charge.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Every customer receiving water service from the city shall be considered to have consented to be bound by this chapter and any regulatory requirement. Any violation of the rules or regulations set forth in this chapter may result in the discontinuation of water service in accordance with any applicable city policies and procedures and legal requirements.

B. Unless otherwise provided, and in accordance with applicable city policies and procedures and legal requirements, the Utilities Department may discontinue water service if the customer fails to remedy the violation within five calendar days following the issuance of written notice. If such noncompliance affects matters of environmental compliance, health or safety, or affects the operation, maintenance or other costs of the Utilities Department, water service may be discontinued immediately and without notice.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

All persons or entities desiring water service from the city's water system shall make application therefor in the manner prescribed by the Director of Finance or their designee. Submission of an application does not guarantee provision of service. Water service shall not be initiated until the application has been reviewed and approved by the Director of Finance or an authorized representative. The application, a request for water service, shall not obligate the applicant to take such service for any period of time in excess of that upon which the minimum charges for such account are based.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

All applications for water service shall set forth:

A. The definite boundaries of the premises to be served water;

B. The intended purpose and type of use for the requested water service (e.g., residential, commercial, irrigation, industrial);

C. An estimate of the maximum instantaneous and average daily water demand; and

D. Any additional information as may be required by the Director of Utilities to evaluate system capacity, service impacts, or compliance with applicable codes and policies.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A person or firm taking possession of premises and using water without having made application for water service shall be held liable for all the water delivered from the date of the last recorded meter reading. If proper application for service is not made within two business days after notification to do so, the water service shall be interrupted without further notice.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

When an application for water service is made by a former customer who has failed to pay all bills for water service previously received or charges in relation to any other service received from the water system, the Director of Utilities shall refuse to furnish water service to said applicant until the outstanding bills and/or charges are paid, and shall also require a cash deposit as a guarantee for the payment of future bills.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Deposits shall be required when a customer is unable to establish a satisfactory credit history as set forth in subsection E of this section.

B. Amount of Deposit to Establish Service.

1. The minimum required deposit amount shall be set by the Director of Finance or their designee in accordance with rules established by the Finance Department.

2. The Director of Finance or their designee may reduce the deposit amount if, at the time of application, the applicant agrees to participate in the city's automatic electronic payment program. If the applicant subsequently terminates participation in the program or if the applicant's payment to the city is rejected or not otherwise honored by the applicant's financial institution, the applicant shall, within 15 days of receipt of notice from the city, increase the deposit by the amount of the reduction previously allowed.

C. Payment of Deposit. Deposits are due upon application for service and are delinquent 14 days thereafter. If not received within that time period, the city may suspend or refuse to initiate service until the deposit is paid in full.

D. Refund or Credit of Deposit.

1. Upon discontinuance of service, the city shall refund all deposits to the customer without interest, less any charges then unpaid, provided the refund is more than $10.00 or, if less than $10.00, the customer requests a refund. If the remaining balance due to the city is less than $10.00, the city may waive collection of the amount owed.

2. After a customer has maintained a good payment record for 12 consecutive months, the city shall apply the customer's deposit without interest to the customer's account balance.

E. Establishment of Credit. No deposit shall be required for customers having a satisfactory credit history, which shall include all of the following:

1. Having been a customer of record for city-provided water or sewer service for one year or more within the past two years without a history of delinquent payments in such customer's name;

2. Having no history of service disconnection for nonpayment of a bill or deposit within the past 12 months; and

3. Having no history of a returned check or failed electronic fund transfer to the city within the past 12 months.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

The Director of Utilities shall have the right to refuse to furnish water or may discontinue water service to any premises for the following reasons:

A. To protect the city and/or the water system from fraud and abuse;

B. The requested water service demand would impair water quality, system performance, or the ability to serve existing customers;

C. The existing distribution infrastructure is insufficient to meet the proposed water demand, or the necessary improvements have not been constructed at the applicant's expense.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

The director of Utilities shall have the right to limit the total quantity of water furnished to any premises or to establish the times and the rates of draft at which water may be taken or will be furnished to any premises, although a limit or maximum use may or may not appear on the application or permit for the water service. Should conditions seem to warrant the limiting of water service, the director of Utilities shall be guided by but not restricted to:

A. The past seasonal water use at the premises;

B. The effect of current use on other customers;

C. The effect of current use on the water system facilities;

D. Water use limitations may also be imposed pursuant to the city's adopted Urban Water Management Plan, Water Shortage Contingency Plan, or any applicable emergency water conservation regulations in accordance with state law (e.g., California Water Code §§ 350—359, SB 606, and AB 1668); and

E. All water service limitations shall be implemented in accordance with applicable state and local drought-related regulations and shall follow required public notice and due process procedures prior to enforcement, except in cases of imminent threat to public health or safety.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. The Utilities Department may interrupt service without notice to any premises where the use of water thereon by apparatus, appliances or equipment or otherwise is found by the Department to be detrimental or injurious to water service furnished to other customers.

B. The Utilities Department may interrupt water service without notice to any customer when it is discovered the customer has obtained water service by fraudulent means or has diverted the water service for unauthorized use.

C. In the event subsection A or B of this section applies, water service shall not be restored until the customer has:

1. Complied with all applicable rules and regulations;

2. Reimbursed the Utilities Department for the full amount of services rendered;

3. Paid all actual costs incurred by the Department as a result of the fraudulent or unauthorized use, which may include investigation, enforcement, administrative, and restoration expenses; and

4. Paid any applicable penalties as defined in the city's schedule of fees and charges.

D. A customer may have his water service voluntarily discontinued by giving notice to the Utilities Department not less than two business days before its effective date. The customer remains responsible for water charges until the effective date stated in the notice. If notice is not provided, the customer will be liable for charges until either a Disconnect and Final Bill Request is submitted or a new customer assumes service responsibility.

E. Water services may be interrupted without notice during emergencies, protection of public health or in cases of imminent property or environmental damage occurring.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Standard Size Water Service Connection. The standard water service connection shall be a one-inch service pipe and one-inch meter, and the same shall be the minimum required to provide service to a single-family dwelling. If a larger connection is requested, the same may be installed provided other customers are not thereby deprived of adequate service.

B. Size for Other than Single-Family Dwellings. Whenever a water service connection or revision is requested for other than a single-family dwelling, the Director of Utilities shall determine the minimum size of the service pipe and meter to be installed. Such determination shall be based on the applicable sections of the city's plumbing and building codes, fire ordinances and requirements of the State Department of Public Health and/or other authorities having jurisdiction.

C. Critical facilities where water supply is crucial for patient care and operations, including but not limited to acute care medical facilities, hospitals, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities, in-patient medical clinics, manufacturing process, and biotechnology/pharmaceutical plants shall require a secondary water connection for redundancy to avoid loss of water supply during water main break emergencies or required preventive maintenance activities. If there is a conflict with this requirement and the most recently adopted California Plumbing Code, other applicable state law or regulation, or the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)/California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), the latter shall govern over this requirement.

D. Prior to installation of a new water service, all applicable charges and fees shall be paid pursuant to Title 11.

E. Changes in Service Size. Requests to change the size of an existing meter, service line or both shall be subject to approval by the city and completed at the expense of the customer. The total cost to the customer shall be based on the applicable fee for a new service installation, minus the depreciated value of the existing meter as determined by the city.

F. Changes in Location. When a customer requests the relocation of an existing water meter or service connection for their own convenience, the full cost of relocation shall be borne by the customer and will be based on the actual cost incurred by the city. However, if the relocation is initiated by the city to protect water system infrastructure or to serve the city's operational interests, the work shall be performed at no cost to the customer.

G. Charges Payable in Advance. Charges for new service connections, changes in size and changes in location for customer's benefit shall be due and actually paid for before any work is commenced or material ordered. Whenever the charges are to be the actual costs, the estimated cost shall be deposited with the Finance Department before any work is commenced or material ordered, and upon completion of the work, the actual cost shall be compiled and any difference between the actual and the estimated cost shall be billed or refunded to the customer's account.

H. Title to Water Service Connections. Title to all meters, service lines and appurtenances used in providing a water service connection shall remain the property of the water system and the charges set forth in this section are for connection and do not convey any right of title to the facilities.

1. The water service connection is for a water supply to the premises stipulated on the application and is not transferable to any other properties or premises.

2. Credits for development impact fees shall be granted in accordance with Title 11.

I. Location of Service Connections. Water service connections shall be installed only in public streets and/or easements or rights-of-way under the control of the water system. No service connection shall be made in any location that is not accessible to the water system for operation, maintenance, and replacement.

1. Where the premises to be served front on more than one street, the Director of Utilities (or designee) shall determine the street frontage on which the service connection shall be installed. The decision shall consider accessibility, operational needs, and the long-term maintenance of the water system.

2. New or relocated meters shall be installed in the publicly owned and controlled right-of-way either in the public sidewalk near the street curb or behind and adjacent to the public sidewalk as determined by the water system.

3. It is unlawful for anyone to enclose a water meter, water meter box, fire hydrant, backflow preventer, air valve, or any appurtenance of the water system with a fence, wall, concrete impediment, hedge, or in any manner that otherwise obstructs access. Upon the failure or refusal of the owner or customer to remove any such unlawful obstruction within a reasonable time after written request to do so, the Director of Utilities (or designee) may order one of the following:

a. The discontinuance of water service to the premises until the obstruction is removed; or

b. The customer to pay an additional charge as approved by City Council or City Manager, as penalty, for each meter reading taken until the obstruction is removed.

J. Service Connection to Separate Premises. A single service connection shall not serve more than one premises. Separate premises under a single ownership, control or management shall only be supplied water through separate service connections unless the Director of Utilities (or designee), for good and sufficient reasons, determines otherwise.

K. Service Connections to Separate Consumers. Each separate consumer shall only be supplied water through a separate service connection unless the Director of Utilities (or designee) determines otherwise.

1. Where more than one consumer is supplied through a single service connection, the owner of the property, or other person agreed upon, shall be liable for payment for all water furnished through the single service connection.

2. Wherever it is practical to serve separate customers through separate service connections, the Director of Utilities (or designee) shall require separate service connections for each separate customer.

L. Premises Outside City. Applications for new or revised water service connections to supply water to premises which are located wholly or partly outside the corporate limits of the city shall not be accepted or approved, nor shall the service connection be ordered installed, until the owner of the premises has executed and delivered to the Director of Utilities (or designee) a recordable agreement running with the land, whereby as a condition of water service the premises will be annexed to the city. The agreement shall be in the form prepared by the Director of Utilities (or designee) and approved by the City Attorney.

M. Service Connections Requiring Main Extension. No water service connection shall be installed unless a water main of adequate capacity and delivery pressure extends within a public street or right-of-way across the entire frontage of the property to be served. Where a water main is required as a condition of service of such extension, it shall be installed in compliance with the provisions set forth in this chapter.

N. Group Water Service Connection in Subdivisions. In any subdivision where and when the person, firm or corporation so subdividing a complete subdivision, or complete unit thereof, is installing water mains, such person, firm or corporation, hereinafter designated as "subdivider," shall install the water service connections to such mains under the following rules and regulations:

1. Definition of Installation. The term "water service connection" means the installation of all necessary pipe, fittings, hydrants, valves, and devices from the water main to and including any angle meter valve, curb stop or, and in a condition suitable for setting of the meter, including the meter box.

2. Construction Standards. All water service connections shall be installed in accordance with the city's standard plans and specifications, subject to inspection and approval by the Director of Utilities (or designee).

3. Exclusion from Reimbursement. In the event that, pursuant to any rules or regulations adopted under this chapter, the city agrees to reimburse a subdivider for the cost of water mains, the cost of water service connections shall not be included in such reimbursement.

4. City-Supplied Materials. Upon request of the subdivider, the city may furnish materials for the installation of water service connections at actual cost, plus applicable taxes and freight, and an additional 5%.

O. Duties of Director of Utilities. All sums required to be paid under these rules shall be paid to the Director of Utilities (or designee). The Director shall issue a receipt therefor and pay the money into the city's Water Enterprise Fund and he shall thereupon procure all materials required for the installation of water service connections. From time to time as may be necessary, the city council may amend such charges by resolution.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Fire Service Connections. When an application is made for fire service connections, such sprinkler and fire service installation shall not be less than four inches in size and shall be approved by the fire chief and by the inspection bureau of the Board of Fire Underwriters of the Pacific before water service is commenced. Installations are at applicant's expense.

B. Each fire service shall have installed therein a minimum of a double check valve detector assembly and design as approved by the Director Utilities (or designee).

C. Water furnished through fire services shall be used only for extinguishing fires or for authorized testing of the firefighting system. Consumers shall notify the Utilities Department at least two working days in advance of any scheduled system test.

D. Unauthorized Use. Where an existing fire service connection is not equipped with an adequate cross connection control device, the following applies: if it is found an unauthorized connection has been made or that an unauthorized use has been made of the fire service connection, the consumer shall be notified to discontinue such unauthorized connection or use, and if such consumer fails or refuses to do so, the water to said service shall be shut off, and not turned on again until a proper cross connection control device has been installed.

E. Water for Fire Storage Tanks. Water may be obtained through a fire service connection for filling a storage tank for fire protection purposes, but only if written permission is secured from the Fire Department in advance, and if an approved means of measurement is available. The standard water rates set forth in this chapter shall be applied to the quantity of water so furnished.

F. Temporary Service. Temporary water service may be obtained through a fire hydrant or existing water service and shall be metered for the purpose of providing water for construction projects or other temporary water use. Fire hydrant meters or service connection meters can be obtained from the water utility. Each temporary water service shall be protected from potential cross-connection. The rates charged for water service through a fire hydrant meter or temporary water service connection shall be determined by City Council resolution. Fire hydrant meters shall be turned in and replaced on an annual basis, for maintenance, calibration, and repairs or as determined by the Director of Utilities.

1. Deposits. The applicant shall make a cash deposit with the Finance Department prior to issuance of a permit for a temporary service connection. The amount of the deposit shall not exceed the estimated costs of installing and removing the facilities necessary to provide such service including the value of materials.

2. Refund of Deposit. Upon discontinuance of the temporary service and upon the completion of dismantling of the connections, the deposit shall be refunded without interest (upon application therefor) less any charges then unpaid, including the value of materials used (less salvage value) and materials lost or damaged.

G. Street Construction Water Services. Unless otherwise provided, contractors engaged in street construction work shall not take water from the water system except under the terms and conditions above set forth for temporary service connections.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

Private water main extensions shall be constructed to meet the standards for construction of public water mains set forth in the most current city Standard Specifications and Standard Drawings.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Application. Applications for water main extensions shall be made at the Utilities Department and shall be accompanied by a deposit of $2,000 or as otherwise set by City Council resolution. The Director of Utilities shall require the applicant to determine the adequacy of existing mains, if any, to serve the property of applicant by a California licensed professional engineer. Water mains shall be sized by the applicant's engineer, who will be granted the necessary access to the city's most up to date water model. Water main sizing determinations shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Utilities.

B. Fire Hydrants. In preparing plans to extend water mains to serve property within the city, the Director of Utilities or city Fire Marshal may require the design and installation of fire hydrants. The cost of such hydrants shall be included as a part of the water main extension and shall be paid for by applicant.

C. Estimate of Cost. The Director of Utilities shall cause an estimate of costs to be prepared including therein costs of plan review, inspection, and administrative costs.

D. Installation at Applicant's Cost and Expense. In the case applicant elects to proceed with the water main installation, he shall install the same at his own cost and expense. Applicant to receive credit against said costs to the extent of deposits made under subsection A of this section. However, when the water main extension will be of benefit to properties other than that owned by the applicant and therefore the cost of the main extension will be the basis for calculating charges to other customers and for calculating refunds, if any, to any applicant, the applicant shall obtain not less than two bids for the work and the director of Utilities shall approve the cost prior to the beginning of any construction.

1. All bids, contractors, and costs shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Utilities (or designee) prior to commencement of construction.

2. All such work shall comply with the California Public Contract Code and Labor Code § 1720 et seq. regarding public works, including but not limited to competitive bidding requirements, contractor qualifications, and payment of prevailing wages where applicable. The city shall retain authority over design, inspection, and acceptance of the facilities.

E. Standard Specifications. The Director of Utilities shall prepare specifications for the construction of water system facilities. A copy of the standard specifications shall be filed with the city clerk and after their approval and adoption by resolution of the city council, they shall govern all extension, additions and revisions of the water distribution system.

F. Surety Bonds. In the event applicant installs water main extension facilities, they shall furnish the city all surety bonds required in the Standard Specifications and Standard Drawings adopted by the city.

G. Acceptance. When water main extension facilities are installed, tested, and accepted in accordance with city standards and all city requirements are met, water shall be furnished to applicant's property.

H. Refunding Procedure. The Utilities Department may adopt, with the approval of the city council, rules and regulations providing for refunds to applicants who have, with approval of the water division, paid for a water main extension, all or any portion of said cost as subsequent applicants are permitted to connect thereto. Current copies of any such rules and regulations so adopted will be kept in the Utilities Department and shall be made available to applicants for water service.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Purpose. Fire hydrants are provided for the sole purpose of extinguishing fires and are to be opened and used only by the Utilities Department and fire department or such persons as may officially be authorized to do so.

B. Operation. To ensure the safety of fire hydrants for fire protection, authorized personnel, including firefighters, water utility staff, and approved contractors, must receive proper training to operate fire hydrants, specifically focusing on opening and closing them slowly to prevent water hammer. Water hammer is a pressure surge caused by sudden changes in fluid velocity, which can lead to severe noise, vibration, pipe damage, unplanned outages, and system contamination. Authorized personnel shall use only an approved spanner wrench and shall replace the caps on the outlets when not in use. The use of pipe wrenches to operate hydrants is forbidden. Hydrants shall be opened and closed in a slow manner to not inflict water hammer conditions on the distribution system. For example: counting "one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand" between full 360-degree revolutions of the operating nut.

C. Temporary Service. If temporary service is to be supplied through a fire hydrant, a hydrant meter permit must be obtained from the city's Utilities Department webpage or commercial office.

D. Relocation. Property owners and/or others desiring the removal or change in location of a fire hydrant or hydrants shall first make a request, in writing, of the Utilities Department. After obtaining the approval of the city Fire Marshal of the proposed removal or relocation, the Director of Utilities shall prepare an estimate of cost of the proposed work. Before the water division can proceed with the work or order materials for same, the person or persons requesting the removal or relocation must deposit an amount equal to the estimated cost with the city's Finance Department. Upon completion of the work the actual cost shall be compiled and any difference between the actual and the estimated cost shall be billed or refunded for the applicant's account.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

The director of Utilities (or designee) or his duly authorized agents shall at all reasonable times have the right to enter or leave the customer's premises for any purpose properly connected with service to the customer.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

All persons engaged in construction or street work shall give at least 10 days' written notice to the Utilities Department for the removal or displacement of water system facilities that may interfere or conflict with street work, and any damage resulting to said facilities from such failure to give notice shall be charged against the person engaged in such work. All costs involved in the removal or displacing of water facilities shall be paid by the person engaged in such work, except where provisions of county or state encroachment permits or city permits or contracts state otherwise.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

In case of fire, alarm of fire, excessive leakage, making repairs, or constructing new work, the Utilities Department shall have the right to shut off water from any customer or number of customers without notice and to keep it shut off as long as it may be necessary. In case of fire, or alarm of fire, the use of fountains or yard sprinklers is prohibited, should circumstances warrant.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

The city's responsibility to operate, maintain, and repair public water mains shall extend only to the point of service. The operation, maintenance, and repair of any private water line connected to the point of service shall be the customer's sole responsibility. The city shall not be responsible for any costs associated with the modification of private plumbing beyond the point of service, and such costs shall be borne by the customer when modifications are necessary to meet legal or regulatory requirements. The customer shall indemnify and hold harmless the city and its officers and employees from any claims, actions, costs (including attorney fees), damages, or other liability resulting or arising from the condition, operation, maintenance, or repair of said private water line.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

The water system shall not be liable for damages resulting from:

A. Any interruption of service or damage caused by spigots, valves, and/or other equipment or fixtures that are open when water is turned on, either when water is turned on originally or when turned on after a temporary shutoff.

B. Any increase or decrease in delivery pressure, as water service is subject to variations in pressure that may occur or be required during the operation of the distribution system.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

No person except an employee of the water system shall tap any of the water pipes of the main line or distribution system or insert tees, stopcocks or ferrules therein. Where service pipes are found disconnected at the water system cock, they shall be reconnected only by an employee of the water system.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

No permanent structure (including without limitation garages, patios, concrete slabs, tool sheds, and similar structures) shall be constructed on top of water equipment or facilities, or sewer equipment or facilities, or anywhere within the associated utility easements, unless approved by the director upon execution of a hold harmless agreement approved by the city attorney. Fiber optic and electrical utilities shall maintain a minimum horizontal clearance of five feet and one foot vertical clearance from the outside of fiber optic or electrical conduit to the outside of any affected water pipe. Electrical crossings shall provide protection from stray current to metallic pipe and fittings.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

It shall be a violation of these regulations if water received from this system is resold or redelivered to premises other than those stipulated in the water service application.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

The city council reserves, pursuant to § 13.12.020, the right to negotiate by contract rates different than those expressed in this chapter, and hereby confirms that said contractual rates shall take preference over any other rate or rates in this chapter.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

Anything in this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, no water or water service shall be sold or furnished in any territory which at the time of the application for such water service or meter installation is annexable under the laws of the state to this city, but is not then within and a part of this city; provided, however, that in any territory outside of the city now served by the water system of this city, extension of such service within such territory as the same is now served may be made only upon express approval by the Council.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

A. Prohibited Conduct. It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with, damage, or bypass any water system facility or equipment, or to take, divert, or use water without authorization from the city.

B. Criminal Penalty. Any violation of this section constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in the county jail for a period of up to six months, or both.

C. Administrative Remedies.

1. Enforcement officers are authorized to issue administrative citations for violations of this section. Civil penalties shall be established by resolution of the City Council.

2. The city may remove or disable any devices or connections used to facilitate water theft or unauthorized use.

D. Non-Exclusive Remedies. The remedies set forth in this section are not exclusive. The city may pursue any combination of remedies available under this code, state law, or common law, including but not limited to:

1. Recovery of the value of water taken;

2. Recovery of costs incurred by the city in responding to and remedying the violation;

3. Prosecution under California Penal Code § 498 (utility theft).

E. Hardship Waiver. A person cited for administrative penalties under this section may, within 10 calendar days of issuance, submit a written request for a waiver, reduction, or payment plan on the basis of financial hardship. The city may grant such relief where appropriate to ensure equitable enforcement.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

Customers may be charged fee(s) for after-hours non-emergency work including water turn offs, turn-ons, pressure checks, trouble shooting, and non-city responsibility leak diagnoses.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)

It is unlawful for residents, customers, contractors, plumbers, the general public, or anyone other than city personnel or authorized representatives to operate any appurtenance of the city's water distribution system. Anyone who damages components of the city's water distribution system, including but not limited to water meters, angle meter valves, curb stops, meter yokes, backflow preventers, system valves, fire hydrants, blow offs, air valves, water mains, or service lines will be held financially liable for reimbursement to the city of costs for time and materials to repair all damages.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)