Chapter 15.04 RULES AND REGULATIONS

B. “Air gap” means twice the diameter of the supply piping measured vertically from the overflow rim of the receiving vessel, and in no case be less than one inch, when unaffected by vertical surfaces (sidewalls); and three times the diameter of the supply piping, if the horizontal distance between the supply pipe and a vertical surface (sidewall) is less than or equal to three times the diameter of the supply pipe, or if the horizontal distance between the supply pipe and intersecting vertical surfaces (sidewalls) is less than or equal to four times the diameter of the supply pipe and in no case less than one and one-half inches.

C. “Authorized employee” means a city of Centralia employee authorized to access customer’s premises at all reasonable times for the purposes of inspecting water supply, piping and plumbing; inspecting, testing or repairing water department equipment; and for reading water meters.

D. “Backflow” means the undesirable reversal of flow of water or other substances through a cross-connection into the public water system or consumer’s potable water system.

E. “Backflow agreement” means a notarized and recorded legal document containing the legal description of the real property where the well is located. The agreement releases the city from any liability resulting from a backflow incident that might occur as a result of a cross-connection between the well and the city’s water system.

F. “Backflow assembly tester” means a person holding a valid BAT certificate issued in accordance with Chapter 246-292 WAC.

G. “Backflow prevention assembly” means an RPBA, RPDA, DCVA, DCDA, PVBA or SVBA of make, model, and size that is approved by the State Department of Health. Assemblies that appear on the current approved backflow prevention assemblies list developed by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research or other entities acceptable to the department are considered approved by the department.

H. “Backpressure” means a pressure caused by a pump, elevated tank or piping, boiler or other means on the consumer’s side of the service connection that is greater than the pressure provided by the public water system and which may cause backflow.

I. “Backsiphonage” means backflow due to a reduction in system pressure in the city’s distribution system and/or consumer’s water system.

J. “City” means the city of Centralia.

K. “City council” means the governing body of the city of Centralia.

L. “City manager” means the city manager of the city of Centralia or his/her designee.

M. “Combination fire protection system” means a fire sprinkler system that:

1. Is supplied only by city water;

2. Does not have a fire department pumper connection; and

3. Is constructed of approved potable water piping and materials that serve both the fire sprinkler system and the consumer’s potable water system.

N. “Commercial” means any nonresidential customer who engages in business activities or combination of business and residential activities if combined through a single meter service.

O. “County” means Lewis County or any other county in which the city’s water distribution system is located.

P. “Cross connection” means any actual or potential physical connection between a public water system or the consumer’s water system and any source of non-potable liquid, solid, or gas that could contaminate the potable water supply by backflow.

Q. “Cross-connection control program” means the administrative and technical procedures that the city implements to protect the public water system from contamination via cross-connections as required in WAC 246-290-490.

R. “Cross-connection control specialist” means a person holding a valid CCS certificate issued in accordance with Chapter 246-292 WAC.

S. “Customer” means each person, business, property owner, water user or other entity billed by the city for the use or availability of the public water system in the Centralia water system service area.

T. “Double check detector assembly” means an approved assembly consisting of two independently operating check valves, loaded to the closed position by springs or weights, and installed as a unit with, and between, two resilient seated shutoff valves and having suitable connections for testing, and unions at the ends of the assembly, with the addition of a factory installed bypass which includes an approved double check valve assembly, complete with resilient seated shutoff valves and unions at the ends of the assembly and test cocks.

U. “Double check valve assembly” means an approved assembly consisting of two independently operating check valves, loaded to the closed position by springs or weights, and installed as a unit with, and between, two resilient seated shutoff valves and unions at the ends of the assembly and having suitable connections for testing.

V. “Flow-through fire protection system” means a fire sprinkler system that:

1. Is supplied only by city water;

2. Does not have a fire department pumper connection;

3. Is constructed of approved potable water piping and materials to which sprinkler heads are attached; and

4. Terminates at a connection to a toilet or other plumbing fixture to prevent the water from becoming stagnant.

W. “Income” as used herein means gross income as defined in Section 6(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as now in effect or hereafter amended, plus any and all social security retirement and/or disability payments, Veterans Administration retirement and/or disability payments, Railroad Retirement Board pension and/or disability payments, and payments received from any other public or private pension, retirement, profit-sharing and disability plans, and unemployment compensation.

X. “Industrial” means a manufacturing, school, hospital, processing, or similar type enterprise using an average greater than six hundred thousand gallons of water per month.

Y. “Local administrative authority” means the local official, board, department, or agency authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted under Chapter 19.27 RCW.

Z. “Low income senior citizen” shall be defined as sixty-two years of age or older and whose total income, including that of his or her spouse or cotenant, does not exceed the amount specified in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b)(ii) as the same now exists or is hereafter amended.

AA. “Low income totally disabled” shall be defined as any person who has been classified as totally disabled by the Social Security Administration and whose total income does not exceed the amount provided for low income senior citizen customers.

BB. “Multiple dwelling” means residential duplexes, apartment buildings, condominiums, mobile home parks, trailer courts or similar types of multiple dwelling arrangements.

CC. “Multiple family residential” means a building or portion thereof designed or used as a residence by two or more families and containing two or more dwellings.

DD. “Overhead” means all costs and expenses, including administrative overhead and equipment replacement, chargeable directly to the operation and maintenance of the water facility.

EE. “Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, company, corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, estate, any federal, state, or local governmental agency or entity, or any other entity whatsoever, or their legal representatives, agents, or assigns.

FF. “Premises” means public or private property, home, building, apartment house, condominium, trailer court, or mobile home park utilized under one ownership on one parcel of property and under a single control with respect to use of water and responsibility for payment therefor.

GG. “Pressure vacuum breaker assembly” means an approved assembly consisting of a spring loaded check valve loaded to the closed position, an independently operating air inlet valve loaded to the open position and installed as a unit with a union and between two resilient seated shutoff valves and with suitable connections for testing. It is designed to protect against back-siphonage only.

HH. “Public sewer” means a common sewer system directly controlled by public authority.

II. “Public water” means a common water system directly controlled by public authority.

JJ. “Reduced pressure backflow assembly” shall mean an approved assembly containing two independently acting approved check valves together with a hydraulically operated, 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, resilient seated shut-off valves at the ends of the assembly, and unions at the ends of the assembly.

KK. “Residential service” means water service to a single-family or multifamily dwelling using water for domestic use.

LL. “Single-family residential” means a building designed or used for only residence purposes and containing one dwelling only, including mobile homes when not located in a mobile home park, condominiums, and excluding multiple family dwellings, apartments, and motels.

MM. “State” means the state of Washington.

NN. “Unapproved auxiliary water supply” means a water supply (other than the city’s water supply) on or available to the consumer’s premises that is either not approved for human consumption by the health agency having jurisdiction or is not otherwise acceptable to the city.

OO. “Uniform Plumbing Code” means the code adopted under RCW 19.27.031(4) and amended under Chapter 51-46 WAC. This code establishes statewide minimum plumbing standards applicable within the property lines of the consumer’s premises.

PP. “Utilities director” means the utilities director of the city of Centralia or his/her designee.

QQ. “Water main” means the pipe laid in a public right-of-way, street, alley, or easement owned by the city, and used or intended for the distribution of water to customers through service lines, and may also be referred to as “main.”

RR. “Water meter” means any device used for the measurement of water delivered to an individual location, customer or user.

SS. “Water system” means all water source, supply and quality facilities, transmission pipelines and storage facilities, pumping plants, distribution mains and appurtenances, vehicles and materials storage facilities.

TT. “Water utility” means the entity which is responsible for the operation, maintenance, upgrade, and improvement of the water system serving the city of Centralia and surrounding areas. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.030 Application for service.

A person desiring the installation of a water service line to a building or property shall submit an application therefor upon a form provided by the city. If such building or property is located outside the city limits, the applicant must provide written confirmation from the county that the building or property conforms to applicable county zoning and land use requirements. However, where the city and county have an interlocal agreement regarding zoning, the requirements of that document shall prevail. Application must be submitted, approved, and appropriate fees paid at least sixty days prior to the applicant’s requested meter installation date. Whether such water service is inside or outside the city limits, the applicant by applying therefor and accepting such service shall be deemed bound by the current and future ordinances of the city affecting such water service. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.040 Availability of service.

The installation of any water service line is dependent on the available water distribution facilities. The city is not required to install a water service line in areas not within the city’s designated service territory, or areas not served by the existing water distribution system, or where the system is inadequate to handle the increased demand that would result from the applicant’s proposed use or for such other reasons as deemed appropriate by the utilities director. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.050 Connection to public sanitary sewer system required.

The city of Centralia will not provide city water hookups and services to any real property located within a designated critical aquifer area which is not served by and connected to a public sewer system. Areas not in designated critical aquifer areas, located within the urban growth area or land adjacent, may have water service provided without a requirement for sanitary sewer service. The utilities director may review individual cases for exception to this restriction. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.060 Capital facilities charge.

A. So that the property owners shall bear their equitable share of the cost of the water system as authorized in RCW 35.92.025, there shall be paid a capital facilities charge at the time of approval for all new water service connections as follows:

Non-Pressure Zone
	Capital Facilities Charge Effective January 1:
Meter Size	2009	2010	2011
3/4 inch	$2,330	$3,141	$3,953
1 inch	$3,890	$5,246	$6,601
1-1/2 inch	$7,758	$10,460	$13,163
2 inch	$12,417	$16,743	$21,069
3 inch	$24,857	$33,517	$42,177
4 inch	$38,835	$52,365	$65,895
6 inch	$77,647	$104,698	$131,750
8 inch	$124,239	$167,523	$210,808

Pressure Zone
Meter Size	Capital Facilities Charge Effective July 1, 2000:
3/4 inch	$ 6,004
1 inch	15,011
1-1/2 inch	30,022
2 inch	48,035
3 inch	96,070
4 inch	150,110
6 inch	300,220
8 inch	480,352

On January 1st of each year beginning in 2012, capital facility charges shall be adjusted to reflect the annual percentage increase of the Engineering News-Record Construction Cost Index as published for November of the preceding year. Calculation of the change in the index is made by dividing the current index for November by the preceding index for November and subtracting one. Effective January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, the capital facility charge rate shall be capped at a two percent increase based on the adversely high rate of the Engineering News-Record Construction Cost Index.

B. The charge set forth in this section shall be in addition to and separate from the standard service installation fees and other charges as set forth in the following sections of this chapter.

C. When a request or requirement for a larger meter is made, credit for the old meter shall be based on the current capital facilities charge.

D. For projects not completed within one hundred eighty days after applicable fees are paid, the capital facilities charge shall be refunded to the applicant subject to a five percent processing fee. The one hundred eighty days will be extended for the same period as any building permit extension. Applicant shall be charged fee rates in effect at time of payment. Latecomer fees are nonrefundable.

E. Connection application approval and payment of all connection charges, including capital facilities charges, permit fees, and latecomer fees, shall attach to the parcel indicated on the application and shall be construed as running with the land.

F. All capital facility fees collected shall be classified as restricted funds for capital system additions and improvements. (Ord. 2523 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2379 § 1, 2016: Ord. 2224 § 1, 2008: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.070 Meters required—Commercial and residential.

All new connections, whether inside or outside the city limits shall be metered.

A. Commercial. One meter may serve more than one business if in the same building, if separate buildings, separate meters are required.

B. Residential. Separate meters shall be required for all single-family residences. All motels, hotels, trailer courts, recreational vehicle parks, multidwellings, condominiums, planned unit developments, and apartments may be served by one meter. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.080 Standard service line installation fee.

A. Installations three-fourth inch and larger shall be charged for the cost of labor, equipment and materials, plus overhead. The construction of a new standard service installation by the city of Centralia for water shall include all labor, equipment, pipe and fittings from the water main to the meter, including parts for setting the meter and the meter box or vault. Any payment or partial payment that may be made by the applicant according to the rates herein shall not in any manner affect the city’s ownership to the pipe, fittings, and meter, or its right to handle the same in any manner deemed advisable. Charges for such services beyond the initial estimate shall be billed to the customer and, if unpaid sixty days thereafter, shall be turned over to a collection agency as designated by the city. As well, the city may use other legal remedies including but not limited to lien and discontinuation of service.

B. Irrigation meters shall be allowed for all water customers who are also connected to the city sewer system. However, no connections which return water to the sewer are permitted. The city will provide the irrigation meter and installation of the meter without cost to all new irrigation meter customers who document that they have installed a water conserving irrigation system or water conserving landscaping. This category of service would not require payment of capital facilities charge.

C. Capital facilities charges are set forth in CMC 15.04.060 based on the size of the meter. Capital facilities charges for fire protection services shall be based on the size of the detector meter placed in the fire protection service vault. Refer to the capital facilities charges set forth in CMC 15.04.060.

D. Installation of fire service lines may be installed by a private contractor as pre-approved by the city water utility. (Ord. 2149 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.090 Establishment of service account and request for turn on.

Refer to Chapter 13.02 CMC for establishment of service account and request for turn on. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.100 Billing—Combined with other utilities.

The billings for water services of the city of Centralia will be combined with the billings for all other municipal utility services of the city of Centralia as set forth in Chapter 13.02 CMC. Delinquency or nonpayment of all or any portion of said billing shall subject the consumer of such services from the city of Centralia to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.110 Water rates.

A. All customers served by the city of Centralia water system shall be charged at the rates listed in CMC 15.04.120 through 15.04.210.

B. On January 1st of each year beginning in 2014, the rates shall be adjusted to reflect the annual percentage increase in the United States Consumer Price Index, All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for November of the preceding year as shown in the release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Calculation of the change in the index is made by dividing the current index for November by the preceding index for November and subtracting one. The minimum annual rate increase shall be zero percent.

C. Effective January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the water rates shall remain at the 2021 rates due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

D. Effective January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, the water rates shall be capped at a two percent increase based on the adversely high rate of the current CPI-U. (Ord. 2523 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2513 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2485 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2224 § 2, 2008: Ord. 2145 § 1, 2004: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.120 Minimum monthly charges.

Minimum monthly charges are as listed below. The rates listed below are for 2022. Annually the rates shall increase as stated in CMC 15.04.110. The city council of the city of Centralia shall have the discretion to lower the rate of increase established by the CPI when the rates for that year are adversely high. The rate shall be lowered by ordinance. The current annual rates shall be posted on the city of Centralia website no later than January 1st of each year. For service less than thirty days, a minimum of one month shall be charged.

Inside City Limits—Single-Family Residential
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$21.53
1 inch	$29.27
1 and 1/2 inch	$45.60
2 inch	$68.24

Inside City Limits—Multiple-Family Residential
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$24.15
1 inch	$33.65
1 and 1/2 inch	$54.35
2 inch	$82.26
3 inch	$181.51
4 inch	$263.80
6 inch	$485.85

Inside City Limits—Commercial/Industrial
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$23.52
1 inch	$32.59
1 and 1/2 inch	$52.23
2 inch	$78.86
3 inch	$174.68
4 inch	$253.13
6 inch	$464.55

Inside City Limits—Irrigation
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$22.30
1 inch	$30.57
1 and 1/2 inch	$48.21
2 inch	$72.43
3 inch	$161.83
4 inch	$233.05
6 inch	$424.40

Outside City Limits—Single-Family Residential
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$32.30
1 inch	$43.89
1 and 1/2 inch	$68.42
2 inch	$102.37

Outside City Limits—Multiple-Family Residential
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$36.21
1 inch	$50.49
1 and 1/2 inch	$81.54
2 inch	$123.40
3 inch	$272.26
4 inch	$395.67
6 inch	$728.77

Outside City Limits—Commercial/Industrial
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$35.27
1 inch	$48.88
1 and 1/2 inch	$78.33
2 inch	$118.27
3 inch	$262.04
4 inch	$379.69
6 inch	$696.81

Outside City Limits—Irrigation
Meter Size	2022
3/4 inch	$33.47
1 inch	$45.87
1 and 1/2 inch	$72.33
2 inch	$108.63
3 inch	$242.76
4 inch	$349.55
6 inch	$636.61

(Ord. 2513 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2224 § 3, 2008: Ord. 2212 § 2, 2008: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.130 Low-income senior citizen customers and low-income totally disabled customers.

A. Low-income senior citizen customers and low-income totally disabled customers may qualify for the following residential minimum monthly meter charge. The following rates do not apply to multiple-family structures:

Low-Income (Less Than One-Inch Meter)
	2022
Inside City Limits	$18.07
Outside City Limits	$27.13

B. All low-income senior citizen customers and low-income totally disabled customers applying for low-income senior citizen customer or low-income totally disabled customer exemptions herein provided shall furnish to the customer service center of the city of Centralia, Washington, a claim for exemption. Should the financial status of the customer no longer exempt them as outlined in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b)(ii), the customer shall notify the customer service center within thirty days of the change in their income status. (Ord. 2513 § 3, 2022; Ord. 2224 § 4, 2008: Ord. 2212 § 3, 2008: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.140 Charge for use of water.

Water used in increments of one hundred ccf or portions thereof shall be in addition to the monthly service charge and will be charged as follows:

Inside City Limits—Single-Family Residential and Low-Income
	2022
Block One (0—5 ccf)	$3.21
Block Two (6—15 ccf)	$4.30
Block Three (Over 15 ccf)	$5.33

Inside City Limits—All Other Customer Classes—All Usage
	2022
Multifamily Residential	$3.49
Commercial/Industrial	$3.57
Irrigation	$5.33

Outside City Limits—Single-Family Residential and Low-Income
	2022
Block One (0—5 ccf)	$4.82
Block Two (6—15 ccf)	$6.42
Block Three (Over 15 ccf)	$8.02

Outside City Limits—All Other Customer Classes—All Usage
	2022
Multifamily Residential	$5.25
Commercial/Industrial	$5.35
Irrigation	$8.02

(Ord. 2513 § 4, 2022; Ord. 2224 § 5, 2008: Ord. 2212 § 4, 2008: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.150 Minimum monthly charges—Multiple dwellings.

Where water from one meter serves more than one building housing separate residences, housekeeping rooms, apartments, condominiums, or multiplex structures, the minimum monthly billing shall be based on the meter size. (Ord. 2513 § 4, 2022; Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.160 Minimum monthly charges—Fire protection services.

Monthly charges for fire protection services shall be based on the size of the service line from the city water main as outlined in CMC 15.04.180. (Ord. 2513 § 4, 2022; Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.170 Booster surcharges.

Where, due to high elevation of property served, it is necessary for extra pumping units to be installed to raise the water pressure beyond the normal operating pressure in the distribution system, a per month charge shall be made to offset the extra pump operating and maintenance costs.

Booster Surcharges
	2022
Inside City Limits	$20.85
Outside City Limits	$20.85

(Ord. 2513 § 5, 2022; Ord. 2224 § 6, 2008: Ord. 2212 § 5, 2008: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.180 Fire service line rate.

A. On fire protection services only where detector-type meters are installed and where no consumption is to be allowed except for fires or testing, the monthly charge shall be as follows:

Inside City Limits—Fire Service Line Rate
Line Size	2022
1 and 1/2 inch	$17.10
2 inch	$17.10
4 inch	$69.74
6 inch	$100.56
8 inch	$138.11

Outside City Limits—Fire Service Line Rate
Line Size	2022
1 and 1/2 inch	$26.15
2 inch	$26.15
4 inch	$104.61
6 inch	$150.74
8 inch	$207.07

B. If water is used through fire protection services for fires, no charge will be made if the consumer gives notice to the city utilities within ten days after the use of such water. In the event the consumer does not give notice to the city utilities within ten days after the use of such water, the consumer shall be charged ten times the amount registered on the meter.

C. Deliberate misuse of a detector-type meter shall be a violation of CMC 15.04.460. (Ord. 2513 § 6, 2022; Ord. 2224 § 7, 2008: Ord. 2212 § 6, 2008: Ord. 2159 § 1, 2005: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.190 Fire hydrants—Installation and relocation.

Fire hydrant installation and relocation shall be performed by the water utility or by a contractor approved by the city. The customer shall be charged the cost of labor, equipment and materials, plus overhead. If unpaid sixty days thereafter, shall be turned over to a collection agency as designated by the city. As well, the city may use other legal remedies including but not limited to lien and discontinuation of service. (Ord. 2513 § 6, 2022; Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.200 Fire hydrants—Charges for service—Firefighting only.

All public fire hydrants installed outside the corporate city limits under special agreement with the city shall be charged to the appropriate fire district or agency at the rate of eight dollars per hydrant per month. (Ord. 2513 § 6, 2022; Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.210 Fire hydrants—Charges for service—Water use.

A. Use of city water through fire hydrants for all public and private agencies, excepting fire departments and districts, shall be metered by an approved fire hydrant meter. Billing shall be as follows:

1. Based on minimum monthly charges as outlined in CMC 15.04.120 and 15.04.140, and based on outside city rates.

2. Hydrant meter rental at ten dollars per day.

3. Overhead.

4. Lost or damaged meters shall be billed at the current cost of replacement or repair.

B. Any party failing to comply with payment requirements under subsection (A)(4) of this section shall be required to pay a one thousand five hundred dollar deposit for any future use of a city owned fire hydrant meter.

Requests for water through fire hydrants must be approved by the water department prior to use of the hydrant. An approved backflow assembly may be required. (Ord. 2513 § 6, 2022; Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.220 Fire hydrants—Tampering with.

It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person other than an authorized employee of the city of Centralia to operate, alter, change, remove, disconnect, connect with, or interfere or attempt to interfere in any manner with any fire hydrant owned or used by the city without first obtaining permission from the utilities department. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.230 Rates—Industrial, schools, and hospitals.

Repealed by Ord. 2224. (Ord. 2212 § 7, 2008: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.240 Temporary shutoff service charge.

Service calls for temporary shutoff may be charged the cost of labor, equipment, materials, plus overhead, which billing, if unpaid, sixty days thereafter, shall be turned over to a collection agency as designated by the city. As well, the city may use other legal remedies including but not limited to lien and discontinuation of service. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.250 Termination of service—Nonpayment.

Delinquency and nonpayment of one or more water service charges shall be sufficient cause for termination of service. If a customer account does not have electric service, then termination shall be by cessation of water service. Water service shall not be restored until the delinquent utility bill and a fifty-dollar service fee have been paid. Water service restored after standard hours of work shall be charged a one-hundred-fifty-dollar service fee. The standard hours of work are defined as Monday through Friday eight a.m. to five p.m., excluding holidays. (Ord. 2409 § 1, 2018: Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.260 Termination of service—Condemned buildings.

Whenever a premise supplied with water has been found by the appropriate authorities to be unsafe, dangerous to human life or unfit for human habitation, and notice of such finding has been received by the water utility from said authorities, the utilities director shall direct the domestic water service to be discontinued at such premises. Water service to such premises shall not be restored until the owner and/or agent has secured a release or clearance from said authorities. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.270 Termination of service—Backflow.

Continued use of non-approved cross connections or failure to repair or replace inadequate or faulty assemblies, or not allow testing or access to premises, except in accordance with this chapter, shall be a violation of this chapter and may result in penalties as outlined in CMC 15.04.460, and shall also be sufficient cause for the immediate discontinuance of public water service to the premises. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.280 Lien for delinquent and unpaid charges.

A. The city shall have a lien for delinquent and unpaid charges against the premises for which the water has been furnished; provided, that the owners of, or the owners of a delinquent mortgage on, the premises may give written notice to the city in accordance with RCW 35.21.290 to cut off services to the premises. From and after the giving of such notice and the payment or tender of the then delinquent and unpaid charges against the premises for such services and cutoff charge, the city shall have no lien on the premises for such services thereafter furnished, nor shall the owner of or the owner of the delinquent mortgage on the premises be held for the payment thereof. Nothing herein, however, shall be construed as impairing any vested rights or liens which have accrued to the city prior to the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

B. The lien as provided in this section may be enforced by terminating the service until the delinquent and unpaid charges are paid. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.290 Liability for damage.

In the event damage is caused by any person, firm or corporation to the city’s water system, the city reserves the right to repair same and charge such responsible party the cost of labor, equipment, material, plus overhead, which billing, if unpaid, sixty days thereafter, shall be turned over to a collection agency as designated by the city. As well, the city may use other legal remedies including but not limited to lien and discontinuation of service. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.300 Fluoridation authorized.

A source of fluoridation shall be added to the city of Centralia water supply as codified by the city in CMC 6.04.010 (Ordinance 1066), under the rules and regulations of the Washington State Department of Public Health. Such addition shall be administered in a manner approved by the state director of public health, and in accordance with the laws of the state of Washington. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.310 Meters—Installation and placement.

The city shall have the right to place or replace a meter on a service and to remove the same at any time, and when so doing, the meter shall remain the property of the city of Centralia. Final meter placement shall be determined by city water utility staff.

If a service line and meter are requested to be placed on private property, a signed and recorded agreement or easement indicating an approved alternative location for placement of a backflow assembly, double detector-check, and/or fire service meter is required prior to placement of services. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.320 Water shut-off—Customer requested.

Customers shall not use the city’s valve for purposes of shutting off the water. In the event the customer finds it necessary to shut water off the customer shall contact the city. Charges as outlined in CMC 15.04.240 may apply. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.330 Meters—Replacement and testing.

If any meter is out of order or in for repair, an average charge based on the previous four months use shall be charged. If a water consumer questions the accuracy of a meter, and requests that it be tested, such consumer shall contact the city and the city will contact a certified vendor to test the meter. If the test on the meter indicates that the meter is recording the water in an amount in excess of one hundred three percent of the water actually delivered to the consumer, the excess charge of the previous three readings shall be credited to the consumer’s account. If the meter test shows the meter to be accurate within one hundred three percent of the water actually delivered to the consumer, the consumer shall be responsible for all charges including the cost of labor, equipment, testing, and material, plus overhead, which billing, if unpaid, sixty days thereafter, shall be turned over to a collection agency as designated by the city. As well, the city may use other legal remedies including but not limited to lien and discontinuation of service. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.340 Meters—Reimbursement for destruction.

Whenever any meter is lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen, the responsible party shall reimburse to the city of Centralia water department for meter replacement, the cost of labor, equipment and material, plus overhead, which billing, if unpaid, sixty days thereafter, shall be turned over to a collection agency as designated by the city. As well, the city may use other legal remedies including but not limited to lien and discontinuation of service. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.350 Meters—Sizing.

Water meters shall be of a size large enough to register the quantity of water used without overloading the rated capacity of the meter. If, on review of the water use records, the water meter of any customer exceeds the rates recommended in the Uniform Plumbing Code, the city may replace the meter with an appropriate size as outlined in the AWWA Standards. When there is a requirement for a larger size meter, the capital facilities charge will be the difference between the old meter size and the new meter size plus the cost of labor, equipment, material, and overhead, which billing, if unpaid, sixty days thereafter, shall be turned over to a collection agency as designated by the city. As well, the city may use other legal remedies including but not limited to lien and discontinuation of service. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.360 Access to premises.

Authorized employees of the city, with proper identification, shall have access during reasonable hours to all parts of a premises and within the building to which water is supplied. If city employees are refused access to premises supplied by city water, after reasonable notice has been given, it shall constitute a violation of this chapter and may result in penalties as outlined in CMC 15.04.460.

If any water user refuses access to a premise or to the interior of a structure at reasonable times and on reasonable notice for inspection by a cross-connection specialist appointed by the city, a reduced pressure backflow assembly may be installed, at the customer’s expense, at the service connection to the premise. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.370 Unlawful water connections.

Unless authorized by the city water utility, it is unlawful for any person:

A. To make any connection with any city water reservoir, well, main, pipe, storm sewer or other transmission line in such a manner as to take water from same without its passage through a meter or other instrument installed for the purpose of registering the quantity of water so obtained;

B. To make any connection or reconnection with a city water main or pipe on property where the city is rendering service or to turn on or off or in any manner interfere with any valves, stop cock, or other appliances connected therewith;

C. To supply water through an existing meter or service to additional dwelling units without city authorization.

Any customer having had an unauthorized water supply through the city’s distribution system, shall pay on an estimated basis, for the water used for the period during which such unauthorized service may have been obtained.

The customer shall be required, at their own expense, to disconnect the unauthorized service in accordance with the provisions of this chapter within twenty-four hours after the date of the receipt of a notice in writing issued by the administrative authority.

If the customer fails to repair or replace such connection within the time provided, the administrative authority is authorized to disconnect the unauthorized service. All expenses incurred, together with applicable interest, in accordance with state law, shall be assessed against the property upon which the said building or structure is situated and shall become a lien thereon. Such lien may be enforced by termination of some or all of the utility services provided to the property or in any other manner authorized by law. Such total amount, when collected, shall be paid into the proper utility fund.

Violation of any provisions of this section and failure to pay for all costs incurred may constitute a violation of this chapter and may result in penalties as outlined in CMC 15.04.460. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.380 Nonliability of city for service interruptions or variances.

A. The city will use all reasonable means to provide an adequate and continuous water service for all customers, but in case the water service is interrupted or reduced, for any cause, the city shall not be liable for any injuries or damages resulting therefrom, and such interruption or reduction in service shall not give rise to any cause of action as for a breach of agreement for service.

B. The city makes no commitment as to the volume of water available, pressure per square inch or continuity of service, and will not be liable for injuries or damages due to insufficient volume, inadequate pressure, water quality, or interruption of service.

C. The city is not responsible for damage to premises beyond the meter when a request for water turn on or turn off has been initiated by the customer. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.390 City to control connection.

The city shall own, operate, control, and maintain all pipe, fittings, and connections from the water main up to and including the meter. This includes water meters regardless if on private property, in a vault, in a building, or in the public right-of-way. The property owner shall be responsible for maintenance of all pipe and fittings from the meter to their premise. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.400 Backflow and cross connections—Purpose.

The purpose of these regulations is to protect the water supply of the city from contamination or pollution due to any existing or potential cross-connections. Cross connections are prohibited and shall not be created, installed, used or maintained within the city’s water distribution system, except in accordance with this chapter, and shall meet the requirements as set forth in WAC 246-290-490, and WAC 51-46-0603 of the UPC as they presently exist or hereafter amended. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.410 Cross connection control program—Adoption of state regulations.

The CCS shall develop the city’s cross-connection control program following the rules and regulations of WAC 246-290-490. The CCS may refer to the current Manual of Cross-Connection Control (USC Manual) or the current Cross-Connection Control Manual Accepted Procedure and Practice (PNWS—AWWA Manual), or such other current references approved by the Department of Health as they presently exist or hereafter amended. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.420 Backflow prevention assembly requirement.

Backflow prevention assemblies approved for use by the Washington State Department of Health shall be installed at the service connection, or a location acceptable to the city, in each of the following circumstances:

A. Those premises and services identified by WAC 246-290-490 as high hazards;

B. On premises having any one or more cross-connections as that term is defined in CMC 15.04.020(P);

C. Internal cross-connections that are not correctable, or intricate plumbing arrangements which make it impractical to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist;

D. Unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or with sufficient notice to assure that cross-connections do not exist;

E. Materials of a toxic or hazardous nature being used such that, if backsiphonage or backpressure should occur, a health hazard could result;

F. Fire protection systems other than flow-through or combinations systems require RPDA for systems with chemical addition or using unapproved auxiliary water supply and DCDA for all other fire protection systems, and shall be consistent with WAC 51-46-0603 of the UPC as now exists or hereafter amended;

G. Irrigation systems with chemical injection require RPBA. All other irrigation systems require a DCVA;

H. All properties having an unapproved auxiliary water supply interconnected with the city’s water supply shall install a reduced pressure backflow assembly at the service connection or have the option to abandon the well as prescribed in WAC 173-160-415. Backflow agreements shall be executed and recorded for all wells on sites that have not been legally abandoned and are not connected directly to the city’s water system;

I. The choice and application of backflow assemblies in specific circumstances shall comply with WAC 246-290-490;

J. Installation of backflow prevention assemblies will be approved by the city’s CCS as deemed to be necessary. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.430 Backflow—Installation requirements—Adoption of state regulations as they now exist or hereafter amended.

All installers of backflow assemblies (includes plumbing contractors, landscape contractors, or private citizens) shall obtain a plumbing permit prior to installation of a backflow assembly. All inspections of the installation shall be conducted as required in CMC 15.04.440.

To ensure proper operation and accessibility of all backflow prevention assemblies, the following requirements shall apply to the installation of these assemblies:

A. Procedures for installing and testing backflow assemblies shall be in accordance with WAC 246-290-490 and the city of Centralia Development Standards as presently exist or hereafter amended;

B. Assemblies must be installed at the point of delivery of the water supply, before any branch in the line, on private property located just inside of the property line, or a location acceptable to the city;

C. Assemblies must be protected from freezing and other severe weather conditions;

D. All backflow assemblies to be installed shall be of a type and model approved for use in Washington State by the Department of Health. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.440 Backflow—Testing and repairs.

All backflow assemblies installed, relocated or repaired within the territory served by the city water system shall be tested immediately upon installation and at least annually thereafter by a state-certified tester. Test results shall be immediately reported to the city’s CCS. All BATs who test within the city’s distribution system must be registered with the city’s CCS by supplying a copy of their BAT certification and an annual copy of their test kit calibration certification.

All such assemblies found not functioning properly shall be immediately repaired or replaced by the water user. If any such assembly is not immediately repaired or replaced, the city may deny or discontinue water to the premises. All testing and repairs are the financial responsibility of the property owner.

Failure to do so shall be a violation of this chapter and may result in penalties as outlined in CMC 15.04.460. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.450 Backflow—Costs of compliance.

All costs associated with purchase, installation, inspections, testing, replacement, maintenance, parts, and repairs of the backflow assembly are the financial responsibility of the property owner. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.460 Violation—Penalty.

A. Violations for failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter are declared to be misdemeanors, and conviction therefor shall subject the offender to a fine not to exceed one thousand-nine hundred dollars, plus costs and penalty assessments, or imprisonment in jail for not to exceed ninety days, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

B. In addition to the foregoing criminal sanctions and not in any way a limitation thereof, persons alleged to be violating any provision of this chapter may be subject to termination of water service by the city upon being given ten days written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, directed to such person’s address as last shown on the city records, informing them of the alleged violation and informing them that failure to correct such violation will result in termination of such service at the end of the ten-day period; provided, however, this subsection does not apply to termination of service due to nonpayment of the utility billing. Any work accomplished by customer request and billed for time, materials, equipment and overhead, or to repair damage caused by a customer and so billed, may be added to the customer’s bill and be subject to all applicable penalties including, but not limited to, lien and discontinuance of service. (Ord. 2123 § 3 (part), 2004).

15.04.470 Effective date of charges.

Rates set forth in this chapter shall be in full force and effect with the January 2009 billing. (Ord. 2224 § 9, 2008: Ord. 2212 § 8, 2008).