Chapter 13.04 REGULATIONS AND RATES

All persons or property owners wishing to connect to the city of Colville water system must first contact the city of Colville water department to initiate the preapproval application process. Once the size, location and means of connection are agreed upon, the preapproval application will be formalized and signed by the municipal services administrator. The signed preapproval application for water services shall then be paid in full to the city of Colville treasurer’s department.

No connection shall be scheduled or made until such time the city of Colville water department receives the preapproval application stamped “paid in full” by the city of Colville treasurer’s department. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.010).

13.04.020 Service pipes – Installation – Fee.

All service pipes from the main or from other service pipes to the property line, including meter setter and meter to be placed one foot inside the curb line, will be put in by the city at a cost which will be set by the city of Colville water department from time to time, which charge will be payable at the time the application for permit is presented by the property owner or lessee, and no water will be furnished to the property until all charges have been paid to the city of Colville; provided, that when areas have been excavated under the sidewalk, the service pipes will be laid by the city only to the inside of the area wall. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.020).

13.04.030 Service pipes – Two or more – Stopcock requirement – Defective pipes.

A. When any property owner or lessee desires two or more service pipes on the same property he shall so state in his application for a permit to connect, and separate service pipes will be run from a connection to be made inside the curb line and stopcocks shall be put upon each of the separate services. Property owners will not be allowed to connect the water service of different properties together.

B. The property owner or lessee must put in and maintain at his own expense all plumbing within his premises and put in a stopcock by which the water may be shut off within his premises for the purpose of repairs. The city will not be liable for any damages that occur within the premises on account of any defective pipes or fixtures. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.030).

13.04.040 Service pipes – Depth – Material required.

All service pipes shall be HDPE 200 psi 3408 poly or copper and laid to a depth of not less than three feet below the established grade of the street. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.040).

13.04.050 Water meters – Size and design.

All meters shall be of standard size and design, approved and supplied by the city of Colville water department, and each meter, before it is installed, shall be separately examined and tested, and approved by the city of Colville water department. Meters must at all times be accessible to the city of Colville water department, and where it is necessary for the property owner or lessee to place a meter under lock and key, a key shall be furnished to the city of Colville water department. Meters installed on any property will be examined and tested by the city of Colville water department at any time at the request of the property owner or lessee, on his paying the charges thereof. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.070. Formerly 13.04.070).

13.04.060 Water meters – Right of entry.

The city, through its proper officer or officers, may enter upon any premises where city water is used, at any reasonable time, for the purpose of making an examination of the premises, or a test of the meter; and it also reserves the right to remove the meter from the premises for examination and test whenever deemed necessary. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.090. Formerly 13.04.090).

13.04.070 Water rates and costs and installation of water meters charged to owner.

All rates for water, supplied to any property connected with the city water system, shall be charged to the owner, tenant or lessee of the property so supplied. All charges for meters supplied, installed, or repaired by the city of Colville water department, and all charges on account of labor furnished, or material supplied in the installation of any service connection with the city water system, and all fines and penalties assessed or imposed under the provisions of this chapter, shall be charged to the property owner on whose premises the service was rendered, or the fine or penalty imposed. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.100. Formerly 13.04.100).

13.04.080 Delinquent charges – Interest on.

When any of the charges mentioned in CMC 13.04.070 become delinquent, they shall bear interest at the rate of eight percent per year from date of delinquency until paid, and the charges and interest shall be and remain a permanent charge against the property owner, notwithstanding the fact that such premises may be occupied by a tenant at that time. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.110. Formerly 13.04.110).

13.04.090 Water meters – Property of city.

The water meter and other equipment delivered by the city of Colville water department to the customer is the property of the city of Colville water department. The water meter supplied may be new and/or reconditioned. The customer will not tamper with or make any alterations to the water supplied to the water meter unless authorized by the city of Colville water department. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.120. Formerly 13.04.120).

13.04.100 Construction meters.

Contractors may request a temporary connection to the city’s water system to obtain water for construction purposes. The charge for a temporary and/or construction service shall be the cost of installation, removal and materials. The amount of water so consumed during construction shall be paid for by the contractor or owner at the applicable metered rate. The city does provide construction meters to contractors for a deposit of $100.00 which is refundable upon return of meter in good shape and the water consumption is paid for. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.130).

13.04.110 Water rates.

The city of Colville shall charge and collect from every property owner or lessee upon whose premises a meter or meters are installed the following rates:

A. Single Residential Unit. A “single residential unit” is defined as one residential living quarters served by one water meter.

A monthly base rate of $30.38, which includes the six percent utility tax, and an additional charge for each 1,000 gallons thereafter shall be charged as outlined below, which includes the six percent utility tax:

QUANTITY IN 1,000-GALLON UNITS
0 to 20,000 gallons	$0.77 per 1,000 gallons
Over 20,000 gallons	$1.17 per 1,000 gallons
Flat rate for all water used November 1st – April billing cycle	$0.77 per 1,000 gallons

B. Multi-Unit Residential. “Multi-unit residential” is defined as a building having two or more dwelling units served by one water meter. This includes apartments, assisted living facilities and mobile home parks.

A monthly base rate of $24.80, which includes the six percent utility tax, for multi-unit residential, per unit, and an additional charge for each 1,000 gallons thereafter shall be charged as outlined below, which includes the six percent utility tax:

QUANTITY IN 1,000-GALLON UNITS
0 to 27,000 gallons	$0.77 per 1,000 gallons
Over 27,000 gallons	$1.22 per 1,000 gallons

C. Commercial Units. A “commercial unit” is defined as all other units not containing residential living quarters served by one water meter. This includes firms, businesses, corporations, hotels, motels and industrial water consumption users. All units that obtain water through the city water system shall receive a water base rate as stated per ordinance.

A monthly base rate of $31.62, which includes the six percent utility tax, for each commercial unit and an additional charge for each 1,000 gallons used thereafter shall be charged as outlined below, which includes the six percent utility tax:

QUANTITY IN 1,000-GALLON UNITS
0 to 27,000 gallons	$0.90 per 1,000 gallons
27,001 to 100,000 gallons	$1.48 per 1,000 gallons
Over 100,000 gallons	$1.74 per 1,000 gallons

D. Combination Accounts. Where more than one usage exists, such as a combination of residential/multifamily and commercial, within the commercial 2 and commercial 3 zones, the city treasurer will calculate a combination rate as necessary. See the zoning map located at the office of building and planning.

E. Irrigation Unit. An “irrigation unit” is defined as water use by residential, multi-residential, commercial or non-sewer related use customers who choose to have a separate meter to irrigate lawns, gardens, other landscape items, or for other non-sewer related uses. Irrigation meters turned off during winter months for winterizing shall not be assessed charges for services while the water is off. These accounts will be billed the months of May through October of each year. Any meters left on will be assessed the irrigation base rate and will receive charges for water used.

A “501(c)(3) irrigation unit” is defined as water use by a nonprofit corporation who chooses to have a separate meter to irrigate lawns, gardens, other landscape items, or for other non-sewer related uses.

An irrigation unit monthly base rate of $31.62, which includes the six percent utility tax, per irrigation meter and an additional commodity charge per irrigation meter for each 1,000 gallons shall be charged as outlined below, which includes the six percent utility tax:

QUANTITY IN 1,000-GALLON UNITS
0 to 27,000 gallons	$0.90 per 1,000 gallons
27,001 to 100,000 gallons	$1.48 per 1,000 gallons
Over 100,000 gallons	$1.74 per 1,000 gallons

A 501(c)(3) irrigation unit monthly base rate of $31.62, which includes the six percent utility tax, per irrigation meter and an additional commodity charge per irrigation meter of $0.90 per 1,000 gallons shall be charged up to 27,092,000 gallons. If that amount is exceeded in any given season, then the rate shall be $1.74 per 1,000 gallons for the balance of that year.

F. Taxes. Any state and/or city utility tax charges shall be included in the charges as set forth above. (Ord. 1697 NS § 1, 2022; Ord. 1561 NS § 1, 2016; Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.150).

13.04.115 Payments applied.

Payments received by the city for utility services shall be applied in the following order:

A. Administrative fees.

B. All late fees.

C. All utility taxes.

D. Sewer charges.

E. Water charges.

F. Storm water utility charges. (Ord. 1544 NS § 1, 2015).

13.04.120 Delinquent accounts – Late charges.

A. All utility bills shall be due immediately upon billing and be delinquent if not paid in full on or before the fifteenth day following the month in which services are rendered.

B. Utility bills are mailed by the last working day of each month for which the services were rendered and are due on or before the fifteenth day of the following month and will be delinquent if payment is not received in the city treasurer’s office by 3:00 p.m. on that day or the first business day thereafter. A $5.00 per month late charge will be added to all past due accounts with balances over $5.00.

C. If the utility account has an unpaid balance 30 days past the due date, a shut-off notice will be mailed on the thirty-first day stating services will be terminated in seven calendar days. If a utility account is a rental and the bill is addressed to the landlord only, and the city has not been notified of the tenant’s name and mailing address, a shut-off notice will be attached to the front door of the residence stating water services will be terminated for nonpay in seven calendar days from date posted on the door.

Before water service will be reinstated, the account holder must pay the full amount in utility charges in arrears and all assessments before service is restored to the premises.

Whenever a water service is in the name of a renter, tenant or lessee, and is subject to turn-off for delinquency, the utility billing department shall send a duplicate notice of delinquency to the owner of record.

Failure to receive mail will not be recognized as a valid reason for failure to pay rates when due.

If a multiple residential rental unit has an unpaid balance of 30 days past the due date, a shut-off notice will be mailed to the owner and individual notices of the shut off will be attached to the front door of each unit stating water services will be terminated for nonpay in seven calendar days from date posted on doors.

If a landlord fails to pay for water services, any tenant who requests that the services be placed in his/her name may deduct from their rent due all reasonable charges paid by the tenant to the city for such services. See RCW 59.18.240.

D. In case of nonpayment of fees and charges for water within seven days after the date such fees and charges become delinquent and after compliance with the city’s notice procedures, the water shall be shut off. A one-time charge of $50.00 shall be added to cover administrative, clerical and other employee or employee-related expenses. The water shall remain shut off until the account is paid in full.

E. Reconnect a Utility Service That Has Been Disconnected for Nonpayment. When a utility service has been disconnected for nonpayment the payments must be received before 2:30 p.m. for same-day reconnections, and must include all of the charges stated in subsection (C) of this section.

There will be an additional fee of $100.00 for any same-day connections on payments received after 2:30 p.m.

There will be no reconnections for nonpay utility accounts over a weekend or holiday.

F. Water Shut-Off Notice – Appeal Process. Pursuant to state law (RCW 35.21.290 through 35.21.300), the city may terminate water utility service to a customer who is delinquent in paying the water bill. Prior to termination of service, the city shall send the customer, at least seven days prior to disconnection, a water shut-off notice, stating the customer may dispute the correctness of that billing by contacting the city treasurer’s office.

1. Customer Dispute.

a. At any time before the date of termination of water service for nonpayment of the amount shown on a utility bill, or a notice of termination, a customer may dispute the correctness of all or part of the amount shown in accordance with the provisions of this section.

b. The procedure for customer disputes shall be as follows:

i. Before the date of termination, the customer shall notify the city treasurer’s office in writing that the customer disputes all or part of the amount shown on a utility bill or a notice of termination, stating as completely as possible the basis for the dispute.

ii. If the city treasurer, or the city treasurer’s designee, determines that the present dispute is untimely or that the customer previously disputed the correctness of all or part of the amount shown, the city treasurer’s office shall mail to the customer a notice stating that the present dispute is untimely or invalid. The city shall then proceed as if the customer had not notified the city of the present dispute.

iii. If the city treasurer determines that the present dispute is not untimely or invalid under this section, the city, within three days after receipt of the customer’s notice, shall arrange an informal meeting between the customer and the treasurer.

iv. Based on the city’s records, the customer’s allegations and all other relevant materials available to the city treasurer, the city treasurer shall resolve the dispute, attempting to do so in a manner satisfactory to both the city and the customer.

v. Within five days of completion of the meeting, the city treasurer’s office shall mail to the customer a copy of its decision resolving the dispute.

vi. That decision shall be final and binding on the customer.

c. Utilization of this dispute procedure shall not relieve a customer of his obligations to timely and completely pay all other undisputed charges and/or installments, and the undisputed portion of the amount which is the subject of the present dispute. Notwithstanding this section, failure to timely and completely pay all such undisputed amounts shall subject the customer to termination of water service in accordance with the provisions of this section.

d. Until the date of the decision of the city treasurer’s office, the city shall not terminate the water service of this customer and shall not issue a notice of termination to this customer solely for nonpayment of the disputed amount. If it is determined that the customer must pay some or all of the disputed amount, the city shall promptly mail to, or personally serve upon, the customer a notice of termination, which shall contain the following:

i. The amount to be paid;

ii. The date of the notice of termination;

iii. The date of termination, which shall be at least 10 days after the date of the notice of termination is issued;

iv. Notice that unless the city receives complete payment of the past due amount shown prior to the date of termination, water service shall be terminated;

v. An informational telephone number. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.152).

13.04.130 Person billed.

The utilities shall stay in the property owner’s name, and the city shall bill the owner of the served property for the payment of utility rates and charges specified in this title; however, the owner may have the bills mailed in care of a tenant, or agent with a signed utility update form, but this shall not relieve the owner from liability for utility rates and charges. When a utility account is in a tenant’s name, the owner or the owner’s designee shall notify the city in writing within 14 days of the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.154).

13.04.140 Charge for water passing through meter.

All water passing through a meter shall be charged for and no deductions will be made for water lost beyond the meter through leaks or open outlets. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.155).

13.04.150 Meter reading when.

Meters shall be read commencing April 1st through October 31st. The billing during the winter months will be on the minimum basis. At the April reading, consumption shall be computed retroactive to the last preceding meter reading for residential accounts. All multi-unit residential, commercial and combination accounts shall be read monthly throughout the year. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.156).

13.04.160 Violation – Returned check – Water shut-off.

In the event the city receives notice from the bank of nonsufficient funds or other reason for returned check which was tendered to the city of Colville for utility payment, the city shall notify the owner or tenant of the premises of such violation. The owner or tenant shall be required to provide sufficient funds to the city of Colville for the amount of the returned check plus a return check fee of $30.00, in the form of cash, cashier’s check or money order, within 48 hours of notification. In the event the owner or tenant of the premises does not respond, the city may turn off water to such premises and shall in no case be turned on until the charges have been paid in full. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.157).

13.04.170 Shut-off.

Should it be desired to have the water service turned on or off at an existing city meter during weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a written order or telephone request by the owner or his authorized agent must be given to the utility billing department after which the water will be turned on or off by the city of Colville water department at no charge. If an emergency request to turn on or off a water service is made on a weekend, holiday or after weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a fee of $100.00 for each emergency request shall be added to the next utility bill. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.158).

13.04.180 Temporary service interruptions, intermittent service and extended service interruption.

A. Temporary Service Interruption. Any request to inactivate water service for a period of less than 30 days shall be a temporary service interruption. Any customer who wishes to inactivate water service shall give at least three days’ notice to the utility. Should it be desired to have the water service turned on or off at an existing city meter during weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a written order or telephone request by the owner or his authorized agent must be given to the utility billing department after which the water will be turned on or off by the city of Colville water department at no charge. If the request to have the water turned on or off is during a weekend, holiday or after weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a fee of $100.00 for each emergency request shall be added to the next utility bill.

B. Intermittent Service. Any request to inactivate water service for a period of two through five months shall be an intermittent service. Any customer who wishes to inactivate water service shall give at least three days’ notice to the utility. Any customer who requests a service be inactivated will be billed $10.00 plus utility tax per month for water service and $10.00 plus utility tax per month for sewer service during the period of intermittent service. If at the time of activation there is any water usage during the time the customer claims to be using intermittent service, the customer will be billed the current monthly water and sewer base rates during that entire period along with any water consumption. Should it be desired to have the water service turned on or off at an existing city meter during weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a written order or telephone request by the owner or his authorized agent must be given to the utility billing department after which the water will be turned on or off by the city of Colville water department at no charge. If the request to have the water turned on or off is during a weekend, holiday or after weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a fee of $100.00 for each emergency request shall be added to the next utility bill. The customer is solely responsible for the renewal of agreements. The expiration date is located at the top of each agreement. The city will not notify the customer when their intermittent service agreement is due to expire or has expired. Prorating of the bill will not be allowed.

C. Extended Service Interruption. Any request to inactivate water service for a period of six months or longer shall be an extended service interruption. Any customer who wishes to inactivate water service when possible shall give at least three days’ notice to the utility. Should it be desired to have the water service turned on or off at an existing city meter during weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a written order or telephone request by the owner or his authorized agent must be given to the utility billing department after which the water will be turned on or off by the city of Colville water department at no charge. If the request to have the water turned on or off is during a weekend, holiday or after weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a fee of $100.00 for each emergency request shall be added to the next utility bill. Prorating of the bill will not be allowed.

D. Loss of Structure. Any request to inactivate water service for a period of six months or longer due to unforeseen loss of structure shall be considered under subsection (C) of this section, Extended Service Interruption. Water will be turned off at the time of structure loss by emergency services, city of Colville water department, or at the request of the customer. The city of Colville will determine if the structure meets the definition of loss of structure, meaning the structure would have to be uninhabitable or unable to be used for its intended purposes, due to fire, flood or other disaster. For billing purposes, the base rate for water, sewer, and storm will be prorated to the date of structure loss. Should it be desired to have the water service turned back on at an existing city meter during weekday working hours or 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a written or telephone request by the owner or his authorized representative must be given to the utility billing department after which water will be turned on by the city of Colville water department at no charge. If the request to have the water turned on is during a weekend, holiday or after weekday working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a fee of $100.00 shall be added to the next utility bill. (Ord. 1708 NS § 1, 2023; Ord. 1630 NS § 1, 2018; Ord. 1561 NS § 2, 2016; Ord. 1544 NS § 2, 2015; Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.159).

13.04.190 Outside city limits.

The city shall charge and collect from every property owner or lessee serviced by the city water system outside the city limits of the city of Colville the same rates as established in CMC 13.04.110.

In addition thereto, the city of Colville shall charge and collect from every property owner or lessee serviced by the city water system outside the city limits of the city of Colville a surcharge of $10.00 per month in addition to the rates established in CMC 13.04.110. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.160).

13.04.200 City officers to have access to premises for inspection purposes.

The city, by its corporate officers, shall have access to any and all premises where water is furnished by the city, for the purpose of inspecting pipes and fixtures. Stopcocks and meters must be left accessible. The property owners are to refrain from in any manner interfering with or covering up any meter or meters. The property owner or water user must protect all meter or meters on his premises from freezing, and will be charged for all repairs necessary by the freezing of the meter. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.160. Formerly 13.04.170).

13.04.210 Shutting off water by city.

The water may at any time be shut off from any premises by the city upon reasonable notice to the owner or user of water thereon, for repairs, extensions or other necessary purposes, and persons supplied with city water are cautioned against danger from explosion or collapse. The city will not be responsible for any damages that may occur on account of the shutting off of water for any of the above purposes. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.170. Formerly 13.04.180).

13.04.220 Reduction of water supply – Restriction of use.

A. Whenever it is made to appear to the satisfaction of the city council that by reason of the breakage of machinery used in connection with the furnishing of water by the city to the users thereof, or by reason of the clogging up of the wells, or for any other unavoidable cause, the supply of water capable of being furnished by the city shall be reduced to such an extent that there shall not be an adequate supply for all uses and purposes of the water users of the city, compatible with the maintenance of a sufficient reserve for fire protection purposes, then and in that event the city council may by resolution passed at any regular meeting thereof or at a special meeting called for such purpose restrict the use of the water to certain purposes, or otherwise limit the use thereof until such time as such conditions are corrected or overcome, and until a sufficient supply of water is available for all purposes.

B. Whenever the council passes such resolution the mayor shall give notice thereof by proclamation, to be published in the regular official newspaper of the city, in the first issue thereof, immediately following the passage of such resolution. After the publication of such proclamation it is unlawful for any water user or other person, whether within or without the city, to use any water of the city for any other purpose or in any greater quantity than is designated by such proclamation. Such prohibition on the use of said water shall continue until the city council by resolution removes such restrictions. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.180. Formerly 13.04.190).

13.04.230 Promulgation of rules and regulations.

All necessary rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, regarding the use of water, the making of service connections and the installation of meters, and such changes therein as may from time to time be required shall, subject to the approval of the city council, be made and adopted by the city of Colville water department. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.190. Formerly 13.04.200).

13.04.240 Tampering with water meters – Violation – Penalty.

Every person who, with intent to injure or defraud, shall:

A. Break or deface the seal of any water meter; or

B. Obstruct, alter, injure or prevent the action of any meter, or other instrument used to measure or register the quantity of water supplied to a consumer thereof; or

C. Make any connection by means of a pipe, or otherwise, with any main or pipe used for the delivery of water to a consumer thereof, in such manner as to take water from the main or pipe without its passage through the meter or other instrument provided for registering the amount or quantity consumed, or use any water so obtained; or

D. Make any connection or reconnection with such main or pipe, or turn on or off or in any manner interfere with any valve, stopcock, or other appliance connected therewith; or

E. Prevent by the erection of any device or construction, or by any other means, free access to any meter or other instrument for registering or measuring the amount of water consumed; or interfere with, obstruct or prevent, by any means, the reading or inspection of such meter or instrument, by any of the officers or authorized employees of the city, or violate any other provisions of this chapter; shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days, or by both fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012; prior code § 7.04.200. Formerly 13.04.210).

13.04.250 Tampering with fire hydrant.

It shall be unlawful for any person, except when duly authorized by the city of Colville water department or by a member of the fire department, to open, operate, close, turn on, turn off, interfere, attach any pipe or hose to, or to connect anything with any fire hydrant, stop valve, turn-off valve, check valve or backflow device belonging to the city. Any person violating this provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days, or by both fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 1490 NS § 1, 2012. Formerly 13.04.220).