Chapter 13.05 WATER USE REGULATIONS

Definitions for the terms utilized in this chapter are set forth within Chapter 13.01 JCMC, Public Utilities and Services Definitions. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.020 Connection required.

All residences, commercial buildings, and structures located within 300 feet of a city water line shall connect to the city water system. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.030 Rates.

The rates to be charged to all person, firms, or corporations shall be reasonable and uniform, taking into consideration the service rendered, as established by resolution of the city council. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.040 New installations.

A. The schedule for base fees for installation of water meters shall be established by resolution of the city council.

B. Should the actual cost for time and materials exceed the base fee, an additional charge shall be assessed based on the city’s actual cost of the materials and labor for the installation. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.050 User fees.

User fees applicable to the use of city water facilities, damage thereto, disconnection, reconnection, tampering charges, and all cost and fees associated with city’s provision of water service shall be established by resolution of the city council. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.060 Bulk rates.

Bulk rates shall apply to all apartments, rooming houses, condominiums, duplexes, PUDs and other noncommercial multiple-unit users where served by one meter, as established by resolution of the city council. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.070 Responsibility for payment.

The user of water system shall be responsible for the utility payments prescribed in this chapter. Where the user has a delinquent bill for one premises, the delinquency shall be charged against the user for water services obtained at any other premises within the city. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.080 Billing procedures.

Billing procedures and delinquent charge collection efforts are governed by city’s utility billing code provisions, as set forth in Chapter 13.60 JCMC. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.090 Mainline extensions.

Extensions to the main will be allowed by the city only along streets, county roads or highways, or satisfactory rights-of-way or easements; provided, that pressure conditions permit and the city has sufficient water developed to supply the additional demands without detriment to those already being serviced; and that the following provisions governing service shall apply: the city shall specify size, character and location of pipes and appurtenances and all construction work shall conform to recognized standards. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.100 Ownership of lines.

Following acceptance of an application for service the city will furnish and install the service line from the main to the property line, or to and including the meter and meter box and thereafter will own, maintain and replace such line when necessary.

All customer lines between the property line, or the meter and the customer’s outlets in his or her premises shall be the customer’s property and his or her responsibility to maintain, unless by agreement in special instances a customer’s line may be used as a main extension. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.110 Connection permit required.

No plumber or other unauthorized person will be allowed to make connections with the mains, or to make any alterations in any conduit pipe or other fixture connecting therewith, or to connect pipes when they have been disconnected, or to turn off or on any premises, without permission of the city. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.120 Unauthorized turn-on.

After the water has been shut off by the city at the stopcock at the curb or meter, if it should be turned on by any person except an authorized representative of the city, an excavation may be made in the street, the water shut off at the tap in the main, and not turned on again until all arrears, the cost of cutting and replacing the street, and the expense of shutting off the water and turning it on are paid. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.130 Service controls.

A separate service line direct to the tap in the main will be required for each residence or commercial premises that is supplied with water, and service pipes must be so placed that the supply to each residential or commercial premises may be controlled by a separate stopcock placed within the property being served. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.140 Repairs.

Should the water at any time be shut off from the mains without notice, for repairs or other necessary purposes, the city will not be responsible for any consequential damages to boilers, other equipment, or personal and real property. The city will, however, give notice when possible. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.150 Waste.

Water must not be allowed to run to waste through any faucet or fixture in order to prevent freezing, or kept running at any time longer than necessary for its proper use. No reduction will be made in the charges for water for want of supply or wastage caused by freezing or leakage. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.160 Fire hydrants operation.

No person or person other than those designated and authorized by Public Works shall open any fire hydrant or standpipe belonging to the city, attempt to draw water from it or in any manner damage or tamper with it. Any violation of this regulation will be prosecuted according to law. No tool other than special hydrant wrenches shall be used to operate a hydrant valve. In cases where a temporary service has been granted and water is received through a fire hydrant, an auxiliary external valve will be provided to control the flow of water. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.170 Moving a fire hydrant.

When a fire hydrant has been installed in the locations specified by the proper authority, the city has fulfilled its obligation. If a property owner or other party desires to change the size, type, or location of the hydrant, he/she shall bear all costs of such changes. Any change in the location of a fire hydrant must be approved by public works. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.180 Mainline valves ownership.

The city will own and maintain all water mainline valves. The public works department will not pay rent or any other charge for a valve or other water facilities, including housing and connections, located on a customer’s premises. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.190 Mainline valves operation.

No person or person other than those designated and authorized by public works shall open any mainline valve belonging to the city, or in any manner damage or tamper with it. Any violation of this regulation will be prosecuted according to law. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.200 Water meter ownership.

The city will own and maintain all water meters. The city will not pay rent or any other charge for a meter or other water facilities, including housing and connections, located on a customer’s premises. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.210 Water meter installation.

Installation of water meters shall be performed only by authorized employees or under the direct supervision of the public works department. All meters shall be sealed by the public works department at the time of installation, and no seal shall be altered or broken except by one of its authorized employees. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.220 Water meter size and type.

Applicants may request any size meter, provided the request is reasonable, and further provided that the meter is not greatly oversized or undersized, as determined by the public works department. The city reserves the right to determine the type and size of the meter to be installed. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.230 Water meter location.

Meters shall normally be placed at or near the curb or property lines; the meter will be installed wherever the applicant desires within reason, but the location must be approved by the public works department and owner shall grant city easements as needed for city access. The meters will not be located in driveways or other locations where damage to the meter or its related parts may occur. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.240 Joint use water meters.

The joining of several customers to take advantage of the single minimum charges and large quantity rates shall be prohibited. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.250 Changes in water meter size or location.

If, for any reason, a change in size of a meter and service is required, the installation will be accomplished on the basis of a new connection, and the customer’s application shall be amended. Meters or services moved for the convenience of the customer will be relocated only at the customer’s expense. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.260 Resale policy.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the city not to furnish water to any person, partnership, association or corporation for resale of that water outside of the city. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]

13.05.270 Penalties.

Any person violating any provisions of this chapter upon conviction shall be penalized by a fine of not more than $500.00 per violation. In the case of a continuing violation, every day’s continuance of the violation is a separate violation. [Ord. 1258 § 3 (Exh. C), 2019.]