7-03 CITY WATER SYSTEM REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 7-03
CITY WATER SYSTEM REGULATIONS

SECTIONS:

7-03-001-0001 APPLICATION FOR CONNECTION

7-03-001-0002 APPLICATION FOR SERVICE

7-03-001-0003 DEPOSIT REQUIRED

7-03-001-0004 CUSTOMER METER AND WATER TAP FEES

7-03-001-0005 SERVICE CHARGES

7-03-001-0006 AUTHORITY REQUIRED

7-03-001-0007 MALICIOUS DAMAGE

7-03-001-0008 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7-03-001-0009 METERS

7-03-001-0010 WATER RATES

7-03-001-0011 WATER MAIN CAPACITY CHARGES

7-03-001-0012 WATER REVENUE FUND

7-03-001-0013 CITY WATER MAIN EXTENSION POLICY

7-03-001-0014 WATER CONSERVATION

7-03-001-0015 CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

7-03-001-0016 REPEALED

7-03-001-0017 PURCHASED ENERGY COST FOR WATER

7-03-001-0018 RECLAIMED WATER RATE SCHEDULE

7-03-001-0001 APPLICATION FOR CONNECTION

Every person requesting connection to the sewer or water system of the City shall first make application to the Water Services Division on such forms as the City shall prescribe and pay the fees and charges provided for herein. Connection shall be made by a contractor duly licensed by the State of Arizona to perform such work. The work shall be done according to City specifications, and any contractor performing such work shall not cover such connection until the same shall have been inspected and approved by the Water Services Division. (Ord. 800, 5-25-71; Amended, Ord. No. 2010-23 06/01/2010; Amended, Ord. No. 2010-23, 09/07/10; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0002 APPLICATION FOR SERVICE

Every person requesting water service shall make application therefor on such forms as the City may prescribe, and the deposit and charge provided for herein shall be paid before such new service may commence. (Ord. 1073, 3-20-79; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0003 DEPOSIT REQUIRED

A. Deposit Required. There shall be charged all persons applying for residential water service to be provided to any premises a non-interest bearing deposit of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). There shall be charged all persons applying for nonresidential water service to be provided to any premises a noninterest bearing deposit of three hundred dollars ($300.00). The deposit must be paid in full at the time of account setup or, if requested by the customer, in three (3) equal installments. If the deposit is paid in installments, the first installment is due at the time of account setup, the next installment will be billed with the first monthly account bill, and the final installment will be billed with the second monthly account bill. Specific exemption from this provision shall apply to churches, nonprofit community organizations and other utilities. Additionally, persons who have qualified for a deposit refund pursuant to subsection (B) of this section and have no other municipal account delinquency shall be exempt from any deposit requirement or additional or new water service. New customers providing the City with a recent letter from a present or previous utility supplier which shows a good payment history may be exempted from the deposit requirements.

B. Deposit Refund. Except as provided below, a customer shall be entitled to a refund of deposits on hand one (1) year after the required deposit is deposited with the City or when the account is closed. However, in the event a customer fails to make timely payment of a monthly billing, or allows any arrearage to accrue on the customer’s account, then the customer shall not be entitled to a refund until the customer has first established a one (1) year record of timely payments with no arrearage. A deposit on a closed account will be refunded, less any amounts owed. No interest shall be paid by the City upon any deposit refund. (Ord. 1312, 07/03/84; Ord. 1527, 11/03/87; Ord. No. 1944, Amended, 05/20/97; Ord. 2000-03, Amended, 03/07/2000; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 2014-17, Amended, 07/15/2014; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0004 CUSTOMER METER AND WATER TAP FEES

Any person desiring a connection with any main or lateral of the water or reclaimed water system of the City shall first make application to the City Water Services Division, and pay the fees and charges specified for the size of the service desired. All water meters connected to the City water or reclaimed water system are, shall be and shall remain the property of the City. The service to the City’s main is the responsibility of the applicant’s contractor as specified below.

Connections made by a contractor as provided for in this section, where service lines have been previously installed and the City is required only to supply and install the meter, shall be subject to the following fees:

For Meter Size (Cost of Meter, Fittings and Labor, Plus Overhead)
3/4"	$806.00
1"	$972.00
1 1/2"	$1,466.00
2"	$1,703.00
All others	Cost of meter, fittings and labor, plus overhead

For connections and meters larger than two inches (2"), the following deposit must be paid in advance before beginning the connection. Where the deposit is less than the actual cost, the difference will be billed and shall be paid by the applicant prior to service being established for such connection. Where the deposit is more than the actual cost, the difference shall be refunded within a reasonable period of time.

For Meter Size
3"	$3,000.00
4"	$4,000.00
6"	$6,000.00
All others	Cost of meter, fittings and labor, plus overhead

A. Water Tap Fee. Each person, firm or corporation requesting a water tap to be installed by the City shall pay the fee as hereby established:

Three-quarter (3/4) inch to two (2) inch water tap:	$350.00
Three (3) inch to twelve (12) inch:	$702.00
Additional tap, same time, same parcel, same size, three-fourths (3/4) inch to two (2) inch:	$80.00
Additional tap, same time, same parcel, same size, three (3) inch to twelve (12) inch:	$160.00
Additional tap, same time, same parcel, different size, three inch (3) to twelve (12) inch:	$702.00

B. Procedures for Owner/Contractor. Owner/contractor shall pay capacity fees if applicable.

Owner/contractor shall obtain a permit from the Engineering Division and pay a permit fee before starting excavation.

When notified by Arizona 811, Water Services Division personnel will locate the water main for owner/contractor.

Owner/contractor excavates site and shores trench if necessary, shoring shall be determined by Engineering Division personnel. Owner/contractor installs tapping sleeve and corporation stop on water main. Once the trench and tapping saddle are approved by the Engineering Inspector, the Engineering Inspector will schedule a water distribution crew to complete the tap.

Engineering Inspector inspects the owner/contractor’s work and approves if work is completed satisfactorily.

Owner/contractor compacts and backfills trench, replaces pavement if necessary.

Final inspection is done by the Engineering Inspector.

Approval (permit sign-off) is made by the Engineering Inspector.

Owner/contractor shall not tap the water main at any time.

All water taps or connections made outside the corporate limits of the City shall be one hundred ten percent (110%) of the above charges, fees and/or deposits. (Ord. No. 1563, Amended, 05/17/88; Ord. No. 1681, Amended, 12/04/90; Ord. No. 1944, Amended, 05/20/97; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 2006-27, Amended 11/06/2006; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0005 SERVICE CHARGES

In addition to the other charges and fees required by this chapter, the following service charges shall apply:

Description	Service Fee 09/01/2024
Water service establishment fee (next business day)	$45.00
Water service establishment fee (same day surcharge)	$20.00
Collection/nonpayment charge	$45.00
Existing Meter Testing Rate
Accuracy test (at customer’s request) of a meter permanently connected to the water system. The fee is waived if meter testing reveals the meter was reading inaccurately	$74.00
Backflow Prevention Permit Fee
Inspection of backflow assembly whose installation has been authorized by permit.	$87.00
Backflow Compliance Fee
Additional site visit after customer has failed to correct backflow or reclaimed meter-related deficiencies for which they have received prior written notice. This fee recovers the cost of the additional field visit.	$87.00
Unauthorized Connection Fee
For illegal service connections made to the public water main. Payable at the time of violation.	Twice the system capacity and resource fees
Large Meter Vault – Design Fee for Non-Std
City of Flagstaff may provide design and construction documents for the large meter vaults required by the special needs of developer-required facilities.	Billed at cost
Perform ADEQ regulatory engineering review and permitting services. City of Flagstaff may provide engineering review and issue permits on behalf of ADEQ under a delegation agreement with ADEQ for water and sewer facilities.	Billed at Current ADEQ rates in accordance with AAC R18-14-103

(Ord. No. 1849, Amended, 12/06/94; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 1849, 12/06/94; Ord. No. 1849, Amended, 12/06/94; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Amended Ord. No. 2006-27; 11/07/2006; Amended Ord. No. 2010-23, 09/07/2010; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0006 AUTHORITY REQUIRED

It shall be unlawful for any person to turn on and furnish water or sewer service or authorize or direct another to do so without authority from the Water Services Division and/or Customer Service Section; and any person violating the provisions hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and incur a penalty in the sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). (Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Amended Ord. No. 2010-23, 09/07/2010; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0007 MALICIOUS DAMAGE

It shall be unlawful for any person intentionally to break, deface, tamper with or damage any meter, hydrant, valve, pipe or other water system appliance or fixture, or in any other manner interfere with the operation of any part of the water system of the City. It shall be unlawful for any person, with intent to injure or defraud, to connect any pipe, tube or other instrument with any main or service pipe for conducting water belonging to the City, for the purpose of taking water from such main or service pipe without the permission or authority of the Water Services Division and/or Customer Service Section (Ord. 800, 5-25-71). It shall be unlawful to permit any coupling, pipe, fitting, or tank not dedicated for potable water use to come into contact with public water facility dispensing hoses. Any person violating the provisions hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and incur a penalty in the sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). (Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0008 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

A. All water accounts charges for water sold and furnished to customers by the City shall be due and payable to the Customer Service Section during regular business hours as established by the City for the collection of such accounts, Monday through Friday, inclusive, holidays excepted.

B. All water accounts shall be due and payable upon presentation by the Customer Service Section of invoice statement therefor, and shall become delinquent thirty (30) days thereafter. If such charges are not paid within ten (10) days after such delinquent date, water service may be discontinued without notice and the City may pursue all remedies available at law. The Customer Service Director is hereby authorized to consolidate more than one (1) charge for City services into one (1) itemized statement of charges at appropriate billing levels.

C. Any person found in violation of this section shall be guilty of a civil infraction and shall be fined a sum not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). Any violation which is continuing in nature shall constitute a separate offense on each successive date the violation continues, unless otherwise provided. Any enforcement action is subject to the civil enforcement procedures set forth in Section 1-15-001-0011. (Ord. 1073, 3-20-79; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 2014-17, Amended, 07/15/2014; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0009 METERS

All water furnished or sold by the City shall be delivered or supplied through meter only, and every separate building supplied with City water must have its own separate service connection and meter, except that two (2) or more buildings located on the same lot or on contiguous lots under the same ownership or property known as a court, apartment house or block covering more than one (1) lot, may be supplied through the same connection and meter as long as the single ownership continues. Upon change from such single ownership, a new and separate connection shall be immediately made for the building or premises to replace the indirect connection. No person having a water service connection shall otherwise furnish or deliver water to any other water user, whether gratuitously or for a charge. (Ord. 800, 5-25-71; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0010 WATER RATES

There shall be charged the following rates for all water furnished consumers and measured by meter on any service connection with City water mains for and during each monthly billing period.

The base monthly service charge applies whether the water meter is active or inactive. The monthly service charge is based on the fixed cost of operation and maintaining the water system so that the system is available to provide water to the parcel when water service is activated. Parcels with shutoff water meters will continue to pay base monthly service fee since water service is available and may be activated and used by the property owner at any time.

A. Inside City Limits. The following monthly charges shall be effective with bills rendered on and after January 1, 1991.

Applicable sales taxes will be in addition to these charges.

Charge per one thousand (1,000) gallons of measured or estimated water use per month.

Water Rate Schedule
	Monthly Base Service Charge:
Meter Size	09/01/2024	01/01/2026	01/01/2027	01/01/2028	01/01/2029
3/4"	$14.10	$15.30	$16.60	$18.01	$19.54
1"	$18.35	$19.91	$21.60	$23.44	$25.43
1 1/2"	$28.97	$31.43	$34.10	$37.00	$40.15
2"	$41.72	$45.27	$49.12	$53.30	$57.83
3"	$82.10	$89.08	$96.65	$104.87	$113.78
4"	$113.98	$123.67	$134.18	$145.59	$157.97
6"	$283.98	$308.12	$334.31	$362.73	$393.56
8"	$347.73	$377.29	$409.36	$444.16	$481.91
10"	$900.25	$976.77	$1,059.80	$1,149.88	$1,247.62

Volume Charge – $ Per 1,000 Gallons
Single Family – Block Rate	09/01/2024	01/01/2026	01/01/2027	01/01/2028	01/01/2029
Single Family
Tier 1 (0-3,500)	$4.23	$4.59	$4.98	$5.40	$5.86
Tier 2 (3,501-6,200)	$4.55	$4.94	$5.36	$5.82	$6.31
Tier 3 (6,201-11,500)	$9.10	$9.87	$10.71	$11.62	$12.61
Tier 4 (Over 11,500)	$18.21	$19.76	$21.44	$23.26	$25.24
Multifamily, Apts., mobile home	$4.70	$5.10	$5.53	$6.00	$6.51
Commercial, schools, institutional	$5.61	$6.09	$6.61	$7.17	$7.78
Manufacturing	$5.27	$5.72	$6.21	$6.74	$7.31
Lawn meters	$9.94	$10.78	$11.70	$12.69	$13.77
Hydrant meter	$7.42	$8.05	$8.73	$9.47	$10.27
Standpipe – Water haulers	$7.36	$7.99	$8.67	$9.41	$10.21

Energy Component: Charge per one thousand (1,000) gallons, applied to all customer classes (refer to subsection (D) of this section).

Energy component cost will be calculated annually based on a one (1) year rolling average of water related energy costs as per subsection (D) of this section.

1. Water Resources and Infrastructure Protection Through Wildland Fire Management Component. In addition to all volume charges, each customer shall pay an additional fee based on water consumption as follows:

Effective 8-1-20	$0.52 per 1,000 gallons
Effective 7-1-22	$0.53 per 1,000 gallons

This fee shall be used to protect all Flagstaff water resources and infrastructure from wildland fires including water, wastewater, reclaimed water and stormwater.

Private Fire Protection
	Monthly Charge
Connection Size (Inches)	09/01/2024	01/01/2026	01/01/2027	01/01/2028	01/01/2029
4"	$13.66	$14.82	$16.08	$17.45	$18.93
6"	$39.69	$43.06	$46.72	$50.69	$55.00
8"	$84.59	$91.78	$99.58	$108.04	$117.22

Rates for water sold or furnished to customers for use outside the City limits shall be one hundred ten percent (110%) the rates for water sold or furnished for use inside the City.

B. Special Rates. Special rates for customers who are not included in existing customer classifications and have usage characteristics different from other customers may be negotiated between the City and customer, without requiring an amendment to the City Code.

C. Special Rates. If the initial bill of any new consumer or the final bill of any consumer shall show usage of less than one thousand (1,000) gallons for the initial or final billing period, the consumer shall be billed for the initial or final billing period at the prorated amount based on existing rates for each one hundred (100) gallons or fraction thereof.

Because fire hydrants are not designed to sustain continuous use and because such hydrants are part of the emergency fire protection system of the City, regular use of fire hydrants for water supply is discouraged. When an applicant for water to be delivered from a hydrant can show hardship if forced to obtain water from another source, and the request has been approved in writing by the City’s Water Services Director, the Division may install a meter on a fire hydrant for the use of such applicant, following payment of the required fee for such installation and use. The applicant shall be and remain responsible for payment to the City for all water used through such hydrant meter, and for the purpose of protecting themselves, may place a lock upon said meter.

The fee for installation and use of such hydrant meter shall be $356.00. The rate of water delivered through a hydrant meter shall be at existing standpipe rate. In addition, a deposit may be required to assure repair work on the meters and associated parts if needed. The deposit for a three-quarter (3/4) inch meter is one thousand two hundred forty-five dollars ($1,245.00) and the deposit for a three (3) inch meter is three thousand seven hundred eighty dollars ($3,780.00). Exceptions to the deposit will be determined by the Customer Service Director. The deposits will be refunded if there is no damage sustained when the meter and/or backflow device is returned to the City.

D. Automatic Rate Adjustments. The City agrees to adopt a rate schedule which provides for automatic adjustments to pass along increases in energy-related operating costs for delivering water service based on the current electrical and gas tariff rates on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Automatic adjustments to the energy surcharge shall be calculated on an annual basis using the past twelve (12) months rolling average of water-related energy charges.

1. Energy Cost Adjustment. City reserves the right to automatically pass along future increases in electrical and natural gas energy-related charges imposed on City by another agency. These automatic adjustments may be made whenever the other agency: (1) increases the standard cost of energy beyond the current energy cost assumed by City in the proposed rate structure described in this section.

2. Adjustments shall begin on January 1st of each calendar year and continue through the end of year. (Ord. 1235, 11/29/82; Ord. 1681, 12/04/90; Ord. 1727, Amended, 12/03/91; Ord. 1796, Amended, 03/16/93; Ord. 1809, Amended, 06/15/93; Ord. 1825, Amended, 12/07/93; Ord. 1874, Amended, 06/20/95; Ord. 1944, Amended, 05/20/97; Ord. 1972, Amended, 04/21/98; Ord. 1999, Amended, 07/06/99; Ord. 2000-03, Amended, 03/07/00; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/02; Ord. 2002-07, Amended, 07/16/02; Ord. 2006-27, Amended, 11/05/06; Ord. 2010-23, Amended, 09/07/10; Ord. 2016-23, Amended, 04/19/16; Ord. 2020-13, Amended, 06/16/2020; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0011 WATER MAIN CAPACITY CHARGES

The water main capacity charges for all new service connections to be charged by the Customer Service Section is presented in the following schedule:

A. A capacity charge, as prescribed below, shall be assessed upon:

1. Initial connection to the municipal water system; or

2. Any increase in meter size.

B. The capacity charges for the various types of users are as follows:

Schedule for Capacity Charges
Minimum Capacity Charge
Meter Size	Effective 09/01/2024	Maximum Flow Rate (gpm)
3/4"	$8,146	30
1"	$13,604	50
1-1/2"	$27,126	100
2"	$43,418	160
3"	$81,456	350
4"	$84,459	500
6"	$271,500	1,000
8"	$434,417	1,600
10"	$624,541	4,200

Meters will be sized using the American Water Works Association Manual, AWWA No. M22. Sizing will be submitted to the City Water Services Division by the developer or owner for City review.

When the fee schedule references “call,” capacity charges are based on a proration of maximum flow gallons per minute (gpm) of a three-fourths (3/4) inch meter divided into the maximum flow of the meter to be evaluated. The resulting number shall be used as a multiplier times the capacity fee for a three-fourths (3/4) inch meter to determine the large meter capacity fee. Meters will be sized using American Water Works Association Manual, AWWA No. M22. Sizing will be submitted to the City by the developer or owner for City review.

When the capacity charge results from an increase in meter size the charge shall be adjusted to the difference between the charge for the new size meter and the previous size meter based on the current capacity fees. No refund shall be made in the case of reduced volume of discharge from a change of use.

C. Capacity Fee Installment Payments. Capacity fees may be paid for by installment payments in accordance with the following conditions:

1. A capacity fee that totals an amount greater than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) may be paid as follows:

a. No less than one-third (1/3) of the total capacity fee due is to be paid upon receipt of the application for connection to the water system.

b. The balance due of the capacity fee is to be paid in equal monthly installments over no more than thirty-six (36) months to include an interest rate calculated to be the prime rate plus one-half percent (1/2%) at the time of the application.

c. The customer may be required to secure the balance due to the city by a letter of credit drawn in favor of the City, or in any other form of security satisfactory to the City Manager, City Attorney and Management Services Director. (Ord. 1681, Amended, 12/04/90; Ord. 1944, Amended, 05/20/97; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/02; Ord. 2006-27, Amended, 11/05/06; Ord. 2010-23, Amended; 09/07/10; Ord. 2016-23, Amended, 04/19/16; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0012 WATER REVENUE FUND

There is hereby created a fund to be known and kept as the "water fund." Said fund shall be applied exclusively to the payment of the expense of operating, maintaining and keeping in repair the said water system, the payment of interest of any bonds issued for the purpose of construction of waterworks, and the establishment and continuance of a sinking fund. (Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0013 CITY WATER MAIN EXTENSION POLICY

A. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them herein, unless the text clearly indicates otherwise:

DEVELOPER and OWNER: Any person or persons engaged in the requesting and financing of a water main extension beyond the present City water mains to one (1) or more parcels of land. The term includes subdividers, industrial developers, private property owners and companies, who improve platted or unplatted property.

CITY: The word "City" shall mean the City of Flagstaff in the County of Coconino, State of Arizona, except as otherwise indicated.

MAIN: Any water line which constitutes or will constitute part of the City water system.

B. Size of Water Main Extensions. No water main will be installed with less than the minimum pipe size dictated by good engineering practice, and adopted standards set forth in the Uniform Building Code (current adopted edition), Uniform Fire Code (current adopted edition), General Construction Standards and Specifications of the City, current subdivision regulations, or the general land use plan currently adopted. In no case shall any water main be of a size less than six inches (6") for residential areas and eight inches (8") for commercial and industrial areas.

C. Replacement or Repair. All persons or other entities who create, cause to be built or build any such extensions of any services as contemplated herein, shall also pay for any and all such replacements as becomes necessary as a direct or indirect result of the creation, building or construction of such extensions. For example, repairs or replacement of sidewalks, paving or other utilities damaged or disturbed during the building of water line extensions.

D. Agreement Between City and Developer-Owner. Before the extension of any water main shall be made to serve a subdivision, platted or unplatted property, or any existing main tapped to provide service for any individual or unplatted property, the developer-owner desiring such service shall execute an agreement with the City which shall include in the following:

1. A warrant of quality and material for mains and facilities installed which shall run to the benefit of the City for a period of at least one (1) year, from the date of acceptance by the City.

2. A diagram of all property which may be served by any main and appurtenances upon completion and acceptance of the work by the City.

3. A statement that the City acquires ownership of any main and appurtenances upon completion and acceptance of the work by the City.

4. A statement of the developer-owner’s proportionate share of the cost for previously installed mains, if any reimbursement agreements are in existence concerning the line.

E. Costs of Extension. The developer causing an extension of water mains shall pay in full for the rights of way and easements, the purchase, construction and installation of the lines, pipes, mains, fire hydrants and all other extension costs. However, the City reserves the right to increase the diameter of the main extension if it is deemed advisable, but under the condition that the laid cost of the main extension of the larger diameter pipe to the developer will not exceed the laid cost of the same extension of a size necessary to serve solely the proposed development.

F. Penalty. Any person who excavates or causes an excavation to be made for the purpose of laying any water lines or pipes in the public streets, alleyways or other property of the City without first complying with the provisions hereof, shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. (Ord. 1157, 6-16-81; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0014 WATER CONSERVATION

A. Definitions.

1. COMMERCIAL PROVISION: An agreement between the Water Services Division and a commercial customer where compliance with the Strategy Level may cause unreasonable economic hardship. A commercial provision may be applied for by a business that requires a water use for its day-to-day business operation to succeed. There is no fee associated with obtaining a commercial provision. Commercial provisions shall not be considered for aesthetic landscaping purposes. Examples of businesses that may request a commercial provision include, but are not limited to, landscapers and nurseries. A request for a commercial provision shall be made in writing to the Water Services Director and shall include the nature of the business, the anticipated water usage per day, and what steps are being taken to conserve water at the business location. Approval and denial commercial provision letters shall be copied to the City Manager and City Council for informational purposes.

2. EMERGENCY AUTHORITY: Authority to make operational adjustments and/or changes to the potable water and reclaimed water system for the purpose of protecting the system from damage, maintaining water supply, or restoring the system to operation after a system failure. This includes authority to mix potable water with reclaimed water for the purpose of protecting the system from imminent system damage.

3. EVEN-NUMBERED ADDRESS: Any street address ending in zero (0), two (2), four (4), six (6), or eight (8).

4. IRRIGATE: To supply land or crops with water by means of pipes or hoses.

5. ODD-NUMBERED ADDRESS: Any street address ending in one (1), three (3), five (5), seven (7), or nine (9).

6. POTABLE WATER: Water that is safe and satisfactory for drinking and cooking.¹

7. RECLAIMED WATER: Water that has been treated or processed by a wastewater treatment plant or an on-site treatment facility (ARS 49-201.31).

8. RESOURCE STATUS I: When water demand is equal to or less than safe production capability.

9. RESOURCE STATUS II: When water demand exceeds safe production capability for five (5) consecutive days.

10. RESOURCE STATUS III: When water demand exceeds total production capability and the amount of water in storage may impair fire protection for the City.

11. SAFE PRODUCTION CAPABILITY: Ninety percent (90%) of total water resources available measured in million gallons per day (MGD), based on potable water production and distribution components.

12. SPECIAL PROVISION: An agreement between the Water Services Division and a large-volume irrigator allowing special hours of irrigation due to public access concerns or hydraulic constraints.

13. SURCHARGE: To charge an additional fee, cost, or levy.

14. TOTAL PRODUCTION CAPABILITY: The total water resources available measured in million gallons per day (MGD), based on potable water production and distribution components.

15. UNREASONABLE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: A hardship where a business’s ability to operate using normally accepted practices is adversely affected by the water restriction.

16. WATER AVAILABILITY STRATEGY: An effort initiated to ensure the availability of adequate water resources for the future, and in times of emergency.

17. WASTING WATER: To use or expend water thoughtlessly or carelessly. Examples include, but are not limited to, allowing water to run into the street/gutter, allowing water to pool, irrigating during precipitation events, and failing to repair water leaks. The determination of wasting water shall be made by a representative of the City of Flagstaff.

B. The City Manager, upon the recommendation of the Water Services Director, after notification to the City Council is hereby authorized to declare and suspend water availability strategies and elements of strategies. The strategies may be initiated and suspended based upon resource status levels, or other pertinent information, which evaluate the relationship between water demand and municipal safe production capability.

C. The Water Services Division has emergency authority to take operational measures deemed necessary to protect the potable and reclaimed water systems.

D. Augmentation of the reclaimed water system with potable water except as referenced in subsection (C) of this section shall require prior approval of the City Manager, upon the recommendation of the Water Services Director and after notification to the City Council.

E. The following water availability strategies shall govern the use of City water by any user of the City potable water system, as prescribed below:

1. Strategy I, water awareness (may implement with resource status I). Conserve water, in and outside of the home, using the best practices available to minimize waste. Water users are specifically encouraged to landscape with plant materials requiring little or no supplemental irrigation water. The following uses are restricted or prohibited.

No person shall:

a. Irrigate between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Even-numbered street addresses shall irrigate Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Odd-numbered street addresses shall irrigate Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. No irrigation shall be allowed on Monday. Daily hand watering with a hose or watering can is allowed. Strategy I irrigation hours shall apply to hand watering. Water use for maintenance of irrigation systems is permitted during all times of the day.

b. Use water from a fire hydrant unless for public health or safety, or with the authorization of the Water Services Division.

c. Waste water, as defined in subsection (A) of this section.

d. Irrigate golf courses with potable water.

New Landscape Permits. Daily irrigation of new landscape may be allowed for elective landscaping and will be allowed for required landscaping by obtaining a permit from the Water Conservation Office. The permit shall be good for a maximum of thirty (30) days. The fee for the permit shall be ten dollars ($10.00) to cover administration and printing, and shall be adjusted to cover changing costs. The permit shall be obtained prior to landscape installation and prominently posted at the irrigation site. The determination of provision of an elective landscaping permit shall be made by a representative of the Water Services Division and may be appealed by the applicant to the Flagstaff Water Commission if thought to be unreasonably denied. The decision of the Water Commission shall be final. Strategy I irrigation hours shall apply to irrigation permits.

2. Strategy II, water emergency (may implement with resource status II). In addition to the requirements of Strategy I, the following uses are restricted or prohibited.

No person shall:

a. Irrigate or wash vehicles, except as provided. Even-numbered street addresses are restricted to said uses on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Odd-numbered street addresses are restricted to said uses on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. No outdoor watering activity shall be allowed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Vehicle washing for public health and safety shall be exempt. This restriction shall not apply to commercial car washes.

b. Wash paved areas such as drives, sidewalks and tennis courts, or buildings, except for health or safety. Restriction shall not apply to commercial high pressure water blasting for maintenance or construction purposes during Strategy II. The use of reclaimed water for said uses shall not be restricted.

c. Use potable water for filling ornamental fountains, artificial ponds or streams.

d. Fill recreational swimming pools, spas, or wading pools holding more than one hundred (100) gallons.

e. Use potable water for major construction activity, such as dust control, soil compaction, or street cleaning. Major construction activity shall be considered that activity requiring the use of a hydrant meter for the dispensing of potable water or obtaining the water from City of Flagstaff standpipes.

Single-family residential and all lawn meter rates shall increase to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the established rate for any water consumption between six thousand two hundred one (6,201) and eleven thousand five hundred (11,500) gallons. Rates shall increase to two hundred percent (200%) of the established rate for any water consumption greater than eleven thousand five hundred one (11,501) gallons per billing cycle. Rate increases shall take effect with the billing cycle(s) following the implementation of Strategy II.

Multifamily, commercial, industrial, and institutional water rates shall increase to one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the established rate. The rate increase shall take effect with the billing cycle(s) following the implementation of Strategy II.

Potable water standpipe rates shall increase to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of the established rate. The rate increase shall take effect upon implementation of Strategy II. Standpipe water shall be limited to uses within a twenty-five (25) mile radius of City Hall. Standpipe water shall not be used for major construction activity, dust control, irrigation of decorative landscaping and/or turf.

No new elective or required landscaping permits shall be issued. Landscaping not installed and required by the City of Flagstaff to meet the Land Development Code will not delay a certificate of occupancy to be issued providing its installation is delayed as a result of a suspension of new landscaping permits and a surety is provided acceptable to the Community Development Division.

Upon suspension of Strategy II, rates shall return to their respective level with the billing cycle(s) following the date of the suspension, or in the case of standpipe rates, upon suspension.

3. Strategy III, water crises (may implement with resource status III). In addition to the requirements of Strategy I and Strategy II, the following uses are restricted or prohibited:

No person shall:

a. Use any potable water for outside use.

b. Use fire hydrants, unless for public health, safety, and welfare by authorized government agencies only.

c. Waste water intentionally or unintentionally. Specifically applies to all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional use.

d. Use potable water in violation of any other restriction deemed necessary by the City Council for the purpose of protecting the welfare of the citizens of Flagstaff.

No new special or commercial provisions shall be allowed unless approved by the Flagstaff City Council or the Water Commission.

D. Surcharges/Appeals.

1. A surcharge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed to the account of record for a violation of Strategy I.

2. A surcharge of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be assessed to the account of record for a violation of Strategy II.

3. A surcharge of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be assessed to the account of record for a violation of Strategy III.

4. Surcharges shall double for every repeat violation. Each succeeding surcharge under the prevailing strategy level may be twice the previous surcharge assessed for the previous violation.

5. A commercial water hauler determined to be violating the standpipe restrictions shall pay a surcharge equal to that for the appropriate strategy level prior to the receipt of additional water.

6. The assessment of the surcharge may be informally appealed, in writing, within fourteen (14) calendar days of the notice of the surcharge assessment. The written appeal shall be received by the City of Flagstaff Water Services Division within said fourteen (14) day time limit or the right to such appeal shall be permanently waived. Address all surcharge-related correspondence to:

City of Flagstaff Water Services Division

Water Conservation Program Manager

2323 N. Walgreens St., Suite 1

Flagstaff, AZ 86004

(Ord. 1568, Enacted, 07/05/88; Ord. 2003-06, Enacted, 04/01/03; Ord. 2004-23, Enacted, 12/07/04; Ord. 2010-15, Amended; 09/07/10; Ord. 2016-23, Amended, 04/19/16; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0015 CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

A. Definitions.

APPROVED: The term "approved" as herein used in reference to a water supply shall mean a water supply that has been approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the City of Flagstaff.

The term "approved" as herein used in reference to backflow prevention assemblies or methods shall mean an approval by the City of Flagstaff, Water Services Division based on a favorable laboratory and field evaluation report by a testing laboratory recognized by the Division.

ASSEMBLY: Any system for backflow protection consisting of more than one (1) component and having been tested as one (1) unit, and approved as one (1) unit by the Division.

AWWA: American Water Works Association.

BACKFLOW: The undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases, or other substances into the distribution pipes of the potable water supply from any source or sources. Backflow is caused by either backpressure or backsiphonage.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY APPROVAL: Any backflow prevention assembly equipped with test cocks shall have been issued a certificate of approval by the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. Any backflow prevention assembly not equipped with test cocks shall be certified by a third-party entity unrelated to the product’s manufacturer or vendor and approved by the Arizona Department Of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). A backflow prevention assembly not listed by USC-FCCCHR cannot be used for containment, fire line or landscape protection.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION METHOD: A backflow prevention method may be approved by the City of Flagstaff if it is contained in the most current edition of the USC-FCCCHR Manual of Cross-Connection Control.

BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER (REGISTERED): A person who is currently certified by an authority recognized in the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations and is approved and registered with the City of Flagstaff to test, repair, and maintain backflow prevention assemblies.

BACKPRESSURE: Any elevation of pressure in the customer’s water distribution system (by pump, elevation of piping, or steam and/or air pressure) above the public potable water supply pressure which could cause a reversal of the normal direction of water flow from the consumer’s water supply system into the public potable water supply system.

BACKSIPHONAGE: A form of backflow due to a reduction in the public water supply system pressure which causes a negative or sub-atmospheric pressure to exist at a site in the water system. A reversal in the normal flow of water results.

CHECK VALVE: A valve that allows free flow in one direction and stops flow in the other direction.

CLOSE AS PRACTICABLE: Is the point nearest the service connection where the assembly can be installed. Where the assembly installation location may interfere with obstacles such as driveways and sidewalks, then close as practicable is the nearest point after the obstacle, but in no event beyond the first tap.

COMPLIANCE DATE: The annual date by which the annual backflow prevention assembly compliance test report must be received by the City of Flagstaff Cross Connection Control office.

CONSUMER or CUSTOMER: The owner, official custodian or person in control of any premises or any property supplied by or in any manner connected to the City of Flagstaff public water supply system.

CONTAMINATION: An impairment of the quality of the water which creates an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease by sewage, industrial fluids, waste, etc.

CROSS-CONNECTION: Any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer’s potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water, industrial fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system is supplied. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or change-over devices and other temporary or permanent devices through which or because of which "backflow" can or may occur are considered to be cross-connections.

DIVISION: The City of Flagstaff, Water Services Division.

HAZARD: A cross connection or potential cross connection between the public water supply and a private plumbing system involving any substance that could, if introduced into the public water supplies, be aesthetically objectionable or a nuisance (pollution), cause severe damage to the physical facilities of the public water supply systems, cause death, illness, or spread disease (contamination), or have a high probability of causing such effects.

HAZARD, DEGREE OF: Evaluation of the potential risk to the public health and/or adverse effects upon the potable water supply system. Health hazards shall be classified as contamination while non-health hazards shall be classified as pollution.

HEALTH HAZARD: Any condition, device or practice in a water system or its operation resulting from a real or potential danger to the health and well-being of consumers. The word "severe" as used to qualify "health hazard" means a hazard to the health of the user that could be expected to result in death or significant reduction in the quality of life.

IMPROPER: Not functioning within the manufacturer’s or City of Flagstaff’s specifications or the requirements of this section.

INSPECTION: A visual examination of a premise or any backflow protection equipment, materials, quality of work and operational performance.

MAINTENANCE: Work performed or repairs made to keep backflow prevention assemblies operable and in compliance.

O.S. & Y. VALVE: Outside screw and yoke control valve for fire sprinkler systems.

POLLUTION: An impairment of the quality of the water to a degree which does not create a hazard to the public health but which does adversely and unreasonably affect the aesthetic qualities of such waters for domestic use.

PROPER: Functioning within the parameters of the manufacturer’s and City of Flagstaff’s specifications and the requirements of this chapter.

PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM: All mains, pipes and structures owned and/or maintained by the City of Flagstaff, through which water is obtained and distributed to the public, including wells and well structures, intakes and cribs, pumping stations, treatment plant reservoirs, storage tanks and appurtenances, collectively or separate, actually used or intended for use for the purpose of furnishing potable water.

RECLAIMED WATER: Wastewater that has been sufficiently treated by the City of Flagstaff’s water reclamation plants for approved use, and is provided through the City of Flagstaff’s reclaimed water system.

RETROFIT: Furnish new parts, equipment, or method of installation, to any existing assembly that does not meet the requirements of this chapter in such a way that will bring the assembly into compliance with this chapter.

SERVICE CONNECTION: The terminal end of a water tap from the public potable water system (i.e., where the water purveyor may lose jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water at its point of delivery to the consumer’s water system). If a City-owned meter is installed at the end of the service connection, then the service connection shall mean the discharge end of the meter.

SERVICE PROTECTION: The acceptable backflow prevention method installed between a City of Flagstaff’s water meter and a customer’s private plumbing system.

TESTING: An authorized procedure to determine the operational and functional status of a backflow prevention assembly.

B. Purpose and Application.

1. To protect the public water supplies of the City of Flagstaff from the possibility of contamination or pollution by preventing the backflow of contaminants and pollutants into the public water supply systems.

2. To promote the elimination or control of cross-connections, actual or potential, between a customer’s internal water systems, plumbing fixtures, industrial piping systems, and the public water supply.

3. To provide for a continuing program of cross-connection control which will prevent the contamination or pollution of the public water supply systems.

4. To implement the requirements of the most current AAC pertaining to the cross-connection control program requiring public water systems to protect against backflow, and to this end, this chapter shall be construed and applied consistently with the requirements of the most current AAC.

C. General Requirements.

1. Cross-Connections Prohibited. Connections between the public water supply system and other systems or equipment containing water or other substances of unknown or questionable quality are prohibited except when and where approved backflow prevention assemblies or methods are installed or implemented, tested and maintained to Division specifications to ensure proper operation on a continuing basis.

2. Rights and Responsibilities of the Division. It shall be the right and responsibility of the Division to evaluate and investigate as deemed necessary, industrial and commercial properties served by the public water supply to determine whether actual or potential hazards to the public water supply exist. Such evaluations and investigations shall be repeated as often as the Division deems necessary.

It shall also be the right and responsibility of the Division to require the installation and annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies at any premises or property where such potential or actual hazards are found to exist.

3. Responsibility of the Consumer. The consumer, as defined by subsection (A) of this section, shall be responsible and financially obligated for the protection of the public water supply system from the possibility of contamination or pollution due to backflow or backsiphonage of contaminants through the customer’s water service connection into the public potable water system.

4. Existing Facilities.

a. All presently installed backflow prevention assemblies, devices, or methods which do not meet the requirements of the Division and/or applicable State or Federal regulations but were approved for the purposes described herein at the time of installation shall be evaluated for their ability to efficiently and satisfactorily protect the public water system from potential or existing cross connections with the private water supply. If, upon such evaluation, the Division determines that an existing device, method or assembly does not meet existing requirements, the customer shall at their own expense, upon due written notice and within the prescribed time indicated on the notice; retrofit, replace or modify the installation of such to meet current standards or show just cause for noncompliance.

b. Whenever an existing device, method or assembly is removed or moved from the present location, requires more than minimum maintenance, or when the Division finds that the maintenance constitutes a hazard to health, the unit shall be replaced by an approved backflow prevention assembly meeting the requirements of these regulations.

c. If an existing facility undergoes construction for improvements or change of use, the installed backflow assemblies will be evaluated for hazard. If it is found the current backflow assembly(ies) is inadequate protection, the customer will be required to replace with a device suited for the hazard.

5. New Facilities.

a. New facilities shall present their plans for review by an authorized representative of the Division for determination of cross-connection hazards.

b. All backflow prevention assemblies to be installed shall be shown on all required building and engineering plans. No installation of assemblies shall be made unless these plans are reviewed and approved by an authorized representative of the Division.

c. During construction of new facilities, water shall not be used for construction purposes until the containment backflow assembly has been tested.

d. All assemblies shall be inspected by an authorized representative of the Division upon installation and the consumer shall provide written verification that the assembly has been successfully tested as described in subsection (K) of this section, prior to issuance of certification of occupancy. Water service may be withheld if the assembly is not installed and tested in accordance with this chapter and Division requirements.

6. Backflow prevention assemblies shall meet the laboratory and field performance standard of the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research of the University of Southern California (USC FCCCHR), the most current edition of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control.

D. List of Backflow Prevention Methods. A backflow prevention method shall be any assembly or other means designed to prevent backflow. The following are the recognized backflow prevention methods which the City of Flagstaff may require (in order of degree of protection):

1. AIR GAP (AG): The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the opening of the pipe or faucet supplying potable water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device. An approved air gap shall be at least double the effective opening of the supply pipe or faucet and in no case less than one (1) inch above the flood rim.

2. REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE ASSEMBLY (RPA OR RP): An assembly containing two (2) independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves, and at the same time, below the first check valve. The assembly shall include properly located test cocks and tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly.

3. REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE DETECTOR ASSEMBLY (RPDA): An assembly composed of a line sized approved reduced pressure principle assembly with a bypass containing a specific water meter and an approved reduced pressure principle assembly.

4. DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY (DCVA or DC): An assembly composed of two (2) independently acting, approved check valves, including tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly located test cocks.

5. DOUBLE CHECK DETECTOR ASSEMBLY (DCDA OR DDCVA): An assembly composed of a line size approved double check valve assembly with a bypass containing a specific water meter and an approved double check valve assembly.

6. PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER ASSEMBLY (PVB): An assembly containing an independently operating, loaded check valve and an independently operating, loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve. The assembly shall be equipped with properly located test cocks and tightly closing shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly.

7. SPILL-RESISTANT PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER (SVB): An assembly containing an independently operating internally loaded check valve and an independently operating loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check valve. The assembly shall be equipped with a properly located resilient seated test cock, properly located bleed/vent valve and tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valves located at each end of the assembly.

8. Repealed by Ord. 2021-09.

9. Repealed by Ord. 2021-09.

E. Backflow Prevention Methods Required.

1. The following conditions shall warrant the installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly:

a. When the City of Flagstaff determines that the water supplied by the public water systems may be subject to contamination or pollution, an approved backflow prevention method shall be required at every service connection to a customer’s water system. The customer shall install the required backflow protection within the time specified by the City of Flagstaff. In determining the time in which backflow protection shall be installed, the City of Flagstaff shall consider the degree of hazard potential to the public water supplies.

b. The backflow prevention method required shall be determined by the City of Flagstaff. The method required by the City of Flagstaff shall be sufficient to protect against the hazard potential as stated in the most current edition of the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC-FCCCHR) Manual of Cross-Connection Control.

c. Premises with internal cross-connections which the division determines to be noncorrectable, or premises with plumbing systems so intricate that a cross-connection inspection is impossible or impractical.

d. Premises with security restrictions or other access prohibitions which make cross-connection inspections impossible or impractical.

e. Premises with an existing unprotected cross-connection or with a history of cross-connection violations.

2. Whenever the following items exist or activities are conducted on premises served by the public water systems, a potential hazard to the public water supplies shall be presumed, and a backflow prevention method of the type specified herein for that item or activity must be utilized or installed at each service connection for that premises. If an activity or item is not on the following list, it shall be evaluated by the City of Flagstaff and a method of backflow prevention will be determined.

a. Cooling tower, boiler, condenser, chiller, and other cooling systems: RP.

b. Tank, vessel, receptacle, and all other water connections, including mobile units, except emergency vehicles and private swimming pools: RP.

c. Ice maker (other than a residential service): RP.

d. Water-cooled equipment, boosters, pumps or autoclaves: RP.

e. Water treatment facilities and all water processing equipment (other than residential water softeners): RP.

f. Bottle washer, bedpan washer, garbage can washer: RP.

g. Pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, and chemical applicators (other than typical in-home use): RP.

h. Aspirator: RP.

i. Commercial dishwashers, food processing and/or preparation equipment, carbonation equipment or other food service processes: RP.

j. Decorative fountain, baptismal, nonresidential swimming pool or spa, or any location water is exposed to atmosphere: RP.

k. X-ray equipment, plating equipment, or any other photographic processing equipment: RP.

l. Auxiliary water supply and/or connections to unapproved water supply systems: RP.

m. Reclaimed water sites with potable water connections: RP on the potable meter, AG between feed line from supplemental domestic water supply to a holding tank to reclaim water lines.

n. Recreational vehicle dump stations (sewer), or any other location where water may be exposed to bacteria, virus or gas: RP.

o. Any premises on which chemicals, oils, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants, cleaning agents, acids or other pollutants and/or contaminants are handled in a manner by which they may come in direct contact with water, or there is evidence of the potential to contact water: RP.

p. Materials and piping systems unapproved by the currently adopted City of Flagstaff Plumbing Code or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for potable water usage: RP.

q. Separately metered or unprotected irrigation systems, and construction water services: RP or PVB/SVB as allowed.

r. Any premises where a cross-connection is maintained or where internal backflow protection is required pursuant to the City of Flagstaff adopted plumbing code: RP.

s. Multimetered properties with more than one (1) meter connected to another or any building three (3) stories or greater than thirty-four (34) feet in height from service level: RP.

t. Fire Systems. AWWA Classes 1 and 2 and all systems constructed of a piping material not approved for potable water pursuant to the City of Flagstaff Plumbing Code: DCVA (DC) or Double Detector CVA (DCDVA): DC residential fire sprinklers shall be exempt from this requirement.

u. Fire Systems. AWWA Class 3, 4, 5, 6: RP or RP with detector.

v. Fire systems which require backflow protection and where backflow protection is required on the industrial/domestic service connection that is located on the same premises, both service connections will have adequate backflow protection for the highest degree of hazard affecting either system: RP.

w. Any premises which has a source of water supply that is not accepted by the public water system or not approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: RP or AG as determined by the City of Flagstaff.

x. Any premises where an unprotected cross-connection exists or where there has previously occurred a cross-connection problem within the premises: AG or RP as determined by the City of Flagstaff.

y. Any premises where there is a significant possibility that a cross-connection problem will occur and entry onto the premises is restricted to the extent that cross-connection inspections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or on sufficiently short notice to assure that unprotected cross-connections do not exist: RP or AG as determined by the City of Flagstaff.

z. Multiuse commercial property: RP.

aa. Properties with active private wells: RP.

bb. Consecutive systems, when required by the City of Flagstaff: RP.

cc. Fire hydrant/construction water: RP.

dd. Jumper connection to new water mains: RP.

ee. Post mix soda machine with a carbonator: ASSE 1022.

ff. Shampoo sink: RP.

gg. Brewery, distillery, meadery, or alcohol making process: RP OR AG.

hh. Hospitals and medical offices: RP.

F. Installation Requirements.

1. The Division shall use the most current edition of the USC-FCCCHR Manual of Cross-Connection Control for list of approved assemblies.

2. Backflow prevention assemblies shall have a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the service connection.

3. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed and maintained by the customer, at the customer’s expense and in compliance with the standards and specifications adopted by the City of Flagstaff at each service connection. The customer is responsible for notifying the City of Flagstaff industrial pretreatment section of any installation, repair, relocation, removal, or replacement.

4. The approved assembly shall be installed above ground, as close as practicable, to the service connection before the first branch line leading off the service line, and in a hot box with electricity for heat. The heated enclosure must be ASSE 1060 certified or similar. The electrical for the heat must be installed in accordance with City-approved building code and City Engineer standard drawing 19-02-025. Assemblies shall be installed per manufacturer’s specifications with adequate clearances for testing and maintenance, and not installed in a meter box, pit or vault.

a. Where containment at the property line cannot be achieved or is waived based on extenuating circumstances, installation within a building can be completed, provided a City of Flagstaff Attorney-approved "Backflow Prevention Assembly Hold Harmless Agreement" is signed by the property owner and notarized. This document must be received and approved by the City of Flagstaff Industrial Pretreatment Supervisor prior to the installation of the backflow prevention assembly. The interior installation of a backflow assembly must be done as close as practicable to the incoming water line.

b. Internal installations shall have clearance on all sides and ends for testing and maintenance. RP and DC assemblies must have twelve (12) inch bottom clearance from lowest point on the assembly (i.e., relief valve on RP style).

5. When a customer requires a continuous water supply, two (2) backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed parallel to one another at the service connection to allow a continuous water supply during testing, repair and/or maintenance of the backflow prevention assemblies. When backflow prevention assemblies are installed parallel to one another, the sum of the cross-sectional diameters of the assemblies shall be at least equal to the cross-sectional diameter of the service connection or service line piping at the point of installation and the assemblies shall be of the same type.

6. For an AG installation all piping installed between the user’s connection and the receiving tank shall be entirely visible unless otherwise approved in writing by the City of Flagstaff Industrial Pretreatment Section.

7. Any property with more than one (1) water service connection shall install backflow prevention assemblies on each service connection to the property, unless otherwise designated by the Division.

8. Fiberglass insulation cannot be wrapped or otherwise placed around a backflow prevention assembly as a form of freeze protection as it allows condensation to occur and subsequent degradation of the backflow prevention assembly. There must be adequate air flow around the backflow prevention assembly to prevent the formation of condensation on the assembly or for a purge event by a RP relief valve.

9. All test cocks and relief ports on a backflow prevention assembly must be accessible for testing and for release of water from the relief port during a discharge event.

10. PVB, AVB, or RP backflow assemblies are approved for irrigation systems. Valves shall not be installed downstream from an AVB. If chemicals will be used, a RP assembly is required.

11. If a customer fails to install a backflow prevention assembly pursuant to this chapter, the City of Flagstaff shall discontinue water service and assess a compliance fee pursuant to this chapter.

12. If, in the judgment of the Division, an approved backflow prevention assembly is necessary for the protection of the public water system, the Division shall give notice to the consumer to install such. The consumer, after due written notice and within the prescribed time indicated on the notice, shall install such approved assembly(ies) at their own expense. Installation of such assembly(ies) shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and the Division’s installation requirements. Installation of the backflow prevention assembly must be completed within the time specified in the notice to install or within forty-five (45) days of the water meter installation. A time extension may be granted by the City of Flagstaff provided no cross-connection hazards exist at the site.

13. A backflow prevention assembly for containment or landscape may need to have a pressure reducing valve upstream of it if the water line pressure is higher than eighty (80) psi. This does not apply to fire lines.

G. Installation of Backflow Prevention Assemblies for Fire Systems.

1. Fire protection systems may consist of sprinklers, hose connections, and hydrants for commercial, industrial or residential structures and services. Sprinkler systems may be dry or wet, open or closed. Systems consisting of fixed-spray nozzles may be used indoors or outdoors for protection of flammable-liquid and other hazardous processes. It is standard practice, especially in cities, to equip automatic sprinkler systems with fire department pumper connections.

2. A meter (compound, detector check) should not be permitted as part of a backflow prevention assembly. An exception may be made if the meter and backflow prevention assembly are specifically designed for that purpose.

3. For cross-connection control, fire protection systems shall be classified based on water source and arrangement of supplies as follows:

a. Class 1: Direct connections from public water mains only; no pumps, tanks or reservoirs; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or other additives of any kind; all sprinkler drains discharging to atmosphere, dry wells or other safe outlets.

b. Class 2: Same as class 1, except that booster pumps may be installed in the connections from the street mains. It is necessary to avoid drafting so much water that pressure in the water main is reduced below twenty (20) psi.

c. Class 3: Direct connection from public water supply main plus one (1) or more of the following: elevated storage tanks; fire pumps taking suction from above-ground covered reservoirs or tanks; and pressure tanks (all storage facilities are filled or connected to public water only, the water in the tanks to be maintained in a potable condition). Class 3 systems will require minimum protection (approved double check valves) to prevent stagnant waters from backflowing into the public potable water system.

d. Class 4: Directly supplied from public mains like classes 1 and 2, and with an auxiliary water supply on or available to the premises; or an auxiliary supply may be located within one thousand seven hundred (1,700) feet of the pumper connection. Class 4 systems will require backflow protection at the service connection. The type (air gap or reduced pressure) will depend on the quality of the auxiliary supply.

e. Class 5: Directly supplied from public mains, and interconnected with auxiliary supplies, such as: pumps taking suction from reservoirs exposed to contamination, or rivers and ponds; driven wells, mills or other industrial water systems; or where antifreeze or other additives are used. Class 4 and 5 systems will need maximum protection (air gap or reduced pressure) to protect the public water system.

f. Class 6: Combined industrial and fire protection systems supplied from the public water mains only, with or without gravity storage or pump suction tanks. Class 6 system protection would depend on the requirements of both industry and fire protection and could only be determined by a survey of the premises.

4. Installation of Assembly.

a. When a backflow assembly is required for a water service connection supplying water only to a fire system, the assembly shall be installed on the service line in compliance with standard specifications adopted by the City. Installation of DC or DCDVA may be allowed on fire systems with the City of Flagstaff approval provided both the manufacturer’s specifications and U.S.C. approval allow such an installation.

b. RPs for fire line assemblies may be installed inside a fire riser room, provided they have an adequate drain for a full port discharge for the size of the assembly per the manufacturer’s specifications into the sanitary sewer system, not the storm water system. If a drain cannot be provided that can contain a full port discharge to the sanitary sewer system from a fire line with chemical additives such as anti-freeze or glycerin, the assembly must be installed outside the building in an insulated enclosure with electricity for a heat source for freeze protection and a check valve must be installed in the system to prevent the discharge of antifreeze onto the ground.

5. All backflow assemblies installed on fire sprinkler systems shall have a chain with a padlock from the first O.S. & Y. valve to the second O.S. & Y. valve, or an operable alarm system or both.

6. For looped fire lines, a DC or RP backflow prevention assembly is required on both ends of a private water main that is connected to the public water services at two (2) or more locations.

H. Removal Requirement.

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to alter, modify, bypass or remove a backflow prevention method without the written approval of the division.

2. If a device is removed without the approval of the City, the City reserves the right to visually inspect the piping to verify there is a physical separation and/or no piping is connected before an existing backflow assembly.

3. The device and piping shall be removed as close as possible to the main service connection and any property connections to mitigate the possibility of stagnating water in the piping.

4. A device will not be deactivated in the City’s records unless there is a physical separation between the piping and no possibility of connecting the two (2) ends. An inspection of the removal by the City will need to be completed before removal from the records.

I. Inspections.

1. A customer’s water system shall always be available during business operations for premises inspection by City of Flagstaff personnel and backflow prevention assembly testing, if necessary. The inspection shall be conducted to determine whether any cross-connection or other hazard potentials exist and to determine compliance with this chapter and modifications.

2. City of Flagstaff shall inspect all new sites, assembly installations, assembly relocations, assembly removal and assemblies that have been repaired for compliance.

3. A waived premises is a property for which the City of Flagstaff has determined there are currently no hazard potentials. All waived premises shall be inspected periodically or when there has been a change in owner/tenant or there has been a use change.

4. If a customer refuses entry to a premises for inspection during business operations, the City of Flagstaff may discontinue water service, require backflow prevention or take any steps allowed by law to gain entry to the premises.

J. Authorization.

1. Installation authorizations for the installation of all backflow prevention assemblies required by the City of Flagstaff shall be obtained from the City of Flagstaff prior to installation.

2. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work to notify the City of Flagstaff, in writing, that the work is ready for inspection. Such notification shall be given not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the work is to be inspected and shall be given only if there is reason to believe that the work done will meet current City codes and regulations.

3. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of the City’s adopted plumbing code or this chapter, the City of Flagstaff or an authorized representative may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done; and any such person shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by City of Flagstaff to proceed with the work.

K. Maintenance and Testing.

1. The annual test compliance date shall be set by the City of Flagstaff Industrial Waste Section. The consumer shall have backflow prevention assemblies tested upon installation and at least once per year, or more frequently if deemed necessary by the Division, at the consumer’s expense. If the Division determines that a health hazard exists, they may specify a more restrictive testing schedule.

2. The customer may request in writing a change of the annual test compliance date for any assembly. No compliance date may be changed to be more than twelve (12) months after the most recent test.

3. The consumer shall be responsible for maintenance of all backflow assemblies at his/her expense. If the Division or customer learns or discovers, during the interim period between tests that an assembly is defective or in unsatisfactory operating condition, the customer shall arrange for repairs. The customer shall have any necessary repairs performed by an appropriately licensed contractor, including replacement or overhaul of the assembly, if necessary, which will return the assembly to satisfactory operating condition within thirty (30) days of discovery. Such assembly shall be retested within thirty (30) days following repairs, until testing reveals no defects or unsatisfactory operating conditions.

4. All testing shall be performed by an individual who holds a valid "general" tester certification issued by the California-Nevada American Water Works Association (Cal-Nev AWWA), the Arizona State Environmental Technical Training (ASETT) Center, or other certifying authority approved by the Division. A list of certified testers registered with the City of Flagstaff shall be available upon request to all persons required to install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly. Test procedures shall be performed as required by the ADEQ as set forth in the most current edition of the USC-FCCCHR Manual of Cross-Connection Control. The tester shall provide a copy of the test report to the customer and to the City of Flagstaff Industrial Pretreatment Section within five (5) working days from the date of the test and shall maintain a copy for their records for at least three (3) years.

5. No existing backflow prevention assembly shall be altered, disconnected or replaced without prior approval of the Division.

6. During construction, any new backflow assemblies must be tested before the water is used for any purpose, including construction uses.

7. Test cocks are to be used for testing only and shall be installed in accordance with Division requirements. Any unauthorized use of these test cocks is a violation of this code.

8. Each backflow prevention assembly shall be easily identified by displaying the following in a conspicuous manner on the assembly:

a. Manufacturer.

b. Model number.

c. Serial number.

This information must also be provided to the Division by the consumer promptly upon installation.

9. The customer shall maintain records of the results of all tests and all servicing, repairs, or replacements of the backflow prevention assembly. A copy of the records shall be provided to the City of Flagstaff within five (5) days after completion of the activity for which the record is made.

10. The consumer shall notify and receive approval from the City of Flagstaff Fire Marshal, at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, of any maintenance or testing performed upon assemblies installed upon fire sprinkler systems which requires discontinuance of water supply to that system. Fire systems shall not be out of service for more than eight (8) consecutive hours due to testing, maintenance or repairs. The Fire Department shall be notified immediately of any changes in fire service status.

11. In lieu of discontinuance of service, City of Flagstaff may take action to install, test, repair, or replace a backflow device at the customer’s point of service and bill the customer for all costs associated with the installation, test, repair, or replacement of a backflow prevention device.

12. The City of Flagstaff will return incomplete and erroneous test forms to the tester and customer for correction and resubmission by the compliance date. Information on submitted test forms can only be changed or modified by the tester who has signed the form and is responsible for that test. Test reports must have a clear description of the location of the backflow device.

13. Test equipment shall be maintained and calibrated annually by an agency approved by the City of Flagstaff as required by the cross-connection manual. A copy of the annual equipment calibration certificates shall be submitted to the City of Flagstaff Industrial Pretreatment Section (or proctor) to maintain equipment registration and certification. Test equipment used on anything other than potable water backflow prevention assemblies shall not be used to test such assemblies and shall be identified as non-potable test equipment.

14. Testers shall register with the City of Flagstaff Industrial Pretreatment Section (or proctor) if they are conducting backflow assembly testing in City of Flagstaff service area. Testers shall submit a current copy of their certification or recertification upon registration. A City of Flagstaff registration issued to a backflow prevention assembly tester for testing backflow prevention assemblies in the City of Flagstaff service area may be revoked or suspended upon certification expiration or for improper testing, maintenance, reporting or other improper practices.

L. Enforcement.

1. This chapter will be enforced pursuant to the general enforcement provisions found in Chapter 7-01, and any additional specific enforcement procedures set forth herein.

2. When convicted of a violation of this chapter, any license previously issued to that person by the City may be revoked by the Flagstaff City Council or any proper court, if there may be reasonable relationship between the activities listed and the offense. Revocation of license shall not be considered a recovery of penalty so as to bar any other penalty being enforced.

3. The Division may deny or discontinue, after reasonable notice to the occupants thereof, the water service to anyone using the City of Flagstaff water distribution system or to any premises wherein any backflow prevention assembly or method required by these regulations is not installed, tested, maintained and repaired in a manner acceptable to the Division, or if required reports and/or records are not properly filed, or if it is found that the backflow prevention assembly or method has been removed or bypassed, or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises. Reasonable notice shall be sent in writing at least two (2) weeks prior to the disconnection, unless the Division determines that a potential for a severe health hazard exists.

4. If the Division determines that a potential for a severe health hazard exists, the Division may immediately discontinue water service without notice. Notice by telephone will be given as soon as possible and written notice will be sent within five (5) days, following discontinuance of water service. Water service to such premises shall not be restored until the consumer has corrected or eliminated such conditions or defects in conformance with these regulations and to the satisfaction of the Division.

5. Fire sprinkler systems shall not be subject to disconnection without the explicit approval of the City Fire Marshal, but will be subject to other penalties as provided for in this chapter. (Amended Ord. No. 2010-06, 04/20/10; Amended Ord. No. 2010-23, 09/07/10; Ord. 2021-09, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0016 REPEALED²

(Ord. 2010-23, Amended, 09/07/2010; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0017 PURCHASED ENERGY COST FOR WATER

Whenever the City of Flagstaff’s purchased power (electric fuel and/or natural gas) expense in any of its Water Systems increases or decreases, or will increase or decrease, from the amount adopted by the City Council in the Water Services last general rate proceeding for that system, the Utility may adopt a new energy charge schedule designed to recover such increased or decreased purchase power expense; provided, that:

A. The total amount of the increase or decrease in purchased power expense will be calculated by comparing the Water Services normalized cost for power during the test year utilized in the last rate case with the Water Services normalized cost of power for the test year computed at the Water Services new increased or decreased cost of power.

B. The total purchased power expense for water will be divided by the total gallonage sold during the test year to determine the water energy cost (WEC) per one thousand (1,000) gallons.

C. The calculated increase or decrease in rates for the system must amount to at least one cent ($0.01) per one thousand (1,000) gallons before an adjustment can be made.

E. Water Services Division staff and the Finance Department will annually calculate the energy charge amount for the water system based on the last twelve (12) month rolling average of water-related power costs.

F. The WEC shall be approved annually prior to November 30th through the City Manager. In the first year of implementation the rate will not be adjusted due to partial fiscal year revenues. Revenues from the WEC fee will be posted to a separate revenue account.

G. The new water energy cost amount will become effective on January 1st of each year.

H. The water energy cost shall be determined by the estimated total energy cost projected for the current fiscal year for water adjusted by actual prior fiscal year WEC account surplus or deficit divided by the current fiscal year projected water sold.

WEC = Total Annual Energy Cost/Total Annual Water Sold

Illustration of the water energy charge calculation assuming the following test year data:

1. Two million, five hundred thousand (2,500,000) TG gallons sold during the past twelve (12) months per one thousand (1,000) gallons.

2. One million, eight hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($1,875,000.00) purchase power expense (gas, fuel, electric).

3. Zero dollar ($0.00) prior fiscal year WEC account end balance.

The water energy charge pass-through calculation steps would be:

WEC = ($1,875,000 -$0)/2,500,000 = $0.75 per TG

(Ord. 2010-23, Amended, 09/07/2010; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

7-03-001-0018 RECLAIMED WATER RATE SCHEDULE

There shall be charged the following rates for all reclaimed water furnished consumers and measured by meter on any service connection with City reclaimed water mains for and during each monthly billing period.

A. The base monthly service charge applies whether the reclaimed water meter is active or inactive. The monthly service charge is based on the fixed cost of operation and maintaining the reclaimed water system so that the system is available to provide water to the parcel when water service is activated. Parcels with shutoff reclaimed water meters will continue to pay base monthly service fee since water service is available and may be activated and used by the property owner at any time. Reclaimed water monthly service charge equal to water monthly service charge, see Section 7-03-001-0011.

B. Automatic Rate Adjustments Effective January 1, 2020. The City agrees to adopt a rate schedule which provides for automatic adjustments to reclaimed water rates based on changes to the potable water rate. Automatic adjustments to the energy surcharge component of potable water rates cause the reclaimed water rate to fluctuate each year.

1. Reclaimed water rates shall be set at thirty-five percent (35%) of potable water rates plus energy cost component for all classes of customers that do not require a main extension after 2020.

2. Reclaimed water rates shall be set at seventy-five percent (75%) of potable water rates plus energy cost component for all classes of customers that require a main extension after 2020.

3. Standpipe-hydrant meter rates shall be set at fifty percent (50%) of the equivalent customer potable water rates plus energy cost component after 2020.

4. Off-peak Tier 1 customer rates shall be set at eighty-seven percent (87%) of commercial reclaimed water rates plus energy cost component.

5. Energy Cost Adjustment. City reserves the right to automatically pass along future increases in reclaimed water rates based on energy cost adjustments to the potable water rate.

6. Adjustments shall begin on January 1st of each calendar year and continue through the end of the year. (Ord. 2010-23, Amended, 09/07/2010; Ord. 2017-28, Amended, 11/21/2017; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))

Symons, James M. et al., The Drinking Water Dictionary (American Water Works Association, 2001), P. 333.

This section expired on July 1, 2012 and was deleted per request of the city.

CHAPTER 7-03CITY WATER SYSTEM REGULATIONS

7-03-001-0001 APPLICATION FOR CONNECTION

7-03-001-0002 APPLICATION FOR SERVICE

7-03-001-0003 DEPOSIT REQUIRED

7-03-001-0004 CUSTOMER METER AND WATER TAP FEES

7-03-001-0005 SERVICE CHARGES

7-03-001-0006 AUTHORITY REQUIRED

7-03-001-0007 MALICIOUS DAMAGE

7-03-001-0008 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

7-03-001-0009 METERS

7-03-001-0010 WATER RATES

7-03-001-0011 WATER MAIN CAPACITY CHARGES

7-03-001-0012 WATER REVENUE FUND

7-03-001-0013 CITY WATER MAIN EXTENSION POLICY

7-03-001-0014 WATER CONSERVATION

7-03-001-0015 CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

7-03-001-0016 REPEALED2

7-03-001-0017 PURCHASED ENERGY COST FOR WATER

7-03-001-0018 RECLAIMED WATER RATE SCHEDULE

CHAPTER 7-03
CITY WATER SYSTEM REGULATIONS

7-03-001-0016 REPEALED²