Chapter 5.20
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Sections:
5.20.020 Customer’s pressure control devices.
5.20.030 Service interruption.
5.20.045 Water system flushing program.
5.20.050 Potable water conditions.
5.20.010 Pressure conditions.
The district provides no guarantee of pressure or ranges in the operation of its water system. It is the intent of the district to provide pressures within the range of 30 psi (pounds per square inch) to 125 psi. However, in some areas pressure in the water main may vary from as low as “no pressure” to as high as 270 psi. The district will notify a customer of probable pressure conditions by letter confirming request for water service which contains a pressure statement. The district assumes no responsibility for damages or liability due to pressure or lack thereof. When appropriate, the customer will be required to sign pressure agreements as determined by the district. The types of water pressures, ranges in water system operation, and the facilities which may be required of the customer include the following:
A. High Pressure Water Service. The water service to the premises may be subject to periodic high pressure in excess of 80 psi. To be able to have satisfactory pressure, it may be necessary for the customer to purchase, install and maintain a pressure reducing control device to maintain satisfactory pressure.
B. Variable Pressure Water Service. Water service to the premises may be subject to water pressure below 30 psi. To be able to obtain satisfactory pressure, it may be necessary for the customer to purchase, install and maintain a hydro-pneumatic pressure pump, or other device, to provide adequate pressure. Also, because of the location of the premises, water service may be subject to periodic high pressure in excess of 80 psi. To ensure satisfactory pressure, it may be necessary for the customer to purchase, install and maintain a pressure reducing control device to maintain satisfactory pressure.
C. Low Pressure Water Service. Water service to the premises may be subject to water pressure below 30 psi. To obtain satisfactory pressure, it may be necessary for the customer to purchase, install and maintain a hydro-pneumatic pressure pump or other device to provide adequate pressure.
D. No Pressure Water Service. Water service to the premises may be subject to periods of no pressure. To obtain satisfactory water service, it may be necessary for the customer to purchase, install and maintain off-site and on-site water lines and a hydro-pneumatic pressure pump, or other device, at the location designated by the district, in order to be able to obtain water service. (Ord. 392 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020)
5.20.020 Customer’s pressure control devices.
The customer shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for determining whether there is a need for a pressure regulator or pressure pump for the purchase, installation, maintenance, operation and repair of any such pressure control device assembly. In the event the customer elects to install a pressure regulator or pump, such assemblies shall meet the requirements of the latest Uniform Plumbing Code accepted by the county of Riverside or the applicable local jurisdiction’s plumbing code. A backflow prevention assembly is required on any site with a booster pump. (Ord. 392 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020)
5.20.030 Service interruption.
The district shall not be liable for damage which may result from reduced flow, interruption in service, or from a cause beyond the control of the district. (Ord. 392 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020)
5.20.040 System outages.
The district shall not be responsible for damages caused by disruptions of service which are necessary for system operations, including system repairs and connections to the water system. Whenever possible prior to such outages, the district will provide notice to each affected customer. (See WMWDC 5.05.050.) (Ord. 392 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020)
5.20.045 Water system flushing program.
It is the district’s responsibility to flush fire hydrants on a regular basis, which is required by the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, in order to maintain high-quality water throughout the district’s service area. In certain areas of the district, water is drawn from natural underwater springs and sediment is naturally occurring. Flushing removes sediment and other materials that can affect water’s taste and odor.
During the flushing process, customers may see discoloration or an increase in sediment in the water. Additionally, the district is not responsible for sediment found in the water during regular daily use or an unforeseen disturbance such as a leak, broken hydrant or water line and will take reasonable measures to eliminate it through the flushing program.
The district assumes no responsibility for loss of water pressure during the flushing process and suggests that customers keep the water in their home off during the process as the water quality may be temporarily reduced.
Once the water flushing process is complete, the water quality should be unaffected and customers may return to normal use of the water. It is the customer’s responsibility to allow access to fire hydrants and blow-offs and comply with the flushing program. (Ord. 392 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020)
5.20.050 Potable water conditions.
Potable water has been treated to meet the requirements of the California Safe Drinking Water Act. Disinfection is a required step in the treatment of potable water. The type of disinfection may vary because of source and system requirements. Western will attempt to provide customers notice should disinfection type change. However, emergency conditions may necessitate unannounced changes to the disinfection process to ensure compliance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act. (Ord. 392 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020)
5.20.060 Recycled water.
In the Riverside service area, recycled water served may include a mixture of recycled water with untreated groundwater or surface water. The delivered recycled water may contain materials such as algae. It is the customer’s responsibility to provide control systems for such materials. The recycled water distribution system is a pressurized system. However, the pressure at the individual delivery locations may vary. It is the customer’s responsibility to provide or control pressures as required for their specific uses. (Ord. 392 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020)