Chapter 13.20
WATER
Sections:
13.20.010 Water connection charges.
13.20.015 Water meter charges and associated connection costs.
13.20.020 Waste, damage or contamination of water prohibited.
13.20.030 Waste of water defined.
13.20.040 Maintenance required.
13.20.050 Waste to be abated – Notices – Termination.
13.20.060 Requests for adjustment.
13.20.010 Water connection charges.
The following connection charges shall be collected by the City of Everson prior to providing the service or permitting the premises or improvement to be connected to the water distribution system of the City of Everson:
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A. |
Single-family residential unit: |
$4,000 |
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B. |
Multiple-family residential structure: |
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Regardless of the size of water meter serving the structure |
$4,000 per dwelling unit |
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C. |
Nonresidential use: |
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3/4-inch meter |
$4,000 |
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D. |
Nonresidential use: |
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Larger than 3/4-inch meter |
$4,000 per ERU*; provided, that the minimum charge shall be $4,000 |
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E. |
Expansion/redevelopment: |
$4,000 per ERU based on the net increase in ERUs |
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*The number of equivalent residential units (ERUs) shall be based on engineering calculations submitted by the proponent and accepted by the City Engineer. Said calculations shall be based on the average daily flow during the maximum flow month and the average daily demand per ERU utilized in the most recent update of the City’s water system plan. |
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[Ord. 780 § 1, 2017; Ord. 625 § 1, 2004; Ord. 600 § 1, 2003; Ord. 467 § 1, 1994; Ord. 397 § 1, 1990; Ord. 326 § 1, 1986; Ord. 274 § 4, 1982; Ord. 178 § 1, 1976; Ord. 120 § 1, 1971; Ord. 95 § 1, 1966; Ord. 27 § 1, 1950.]
13.20.015 Water meter charges and associated connection costs.
A. This section shall apply when installation of a new water meter is required in conjunction with establishing a new connection to the City’s water distribution system. In addition to the connection charges set forth under EMC 13.20.010, the City’s actual cost to purchase the water meter serving the new connection shall be collected by the City prior to providing the service or permitting the premises or improvement to be connected to the water distribution system of the City of Everson.
B. In those situations where the water meter box and/or meter setter needed to house and support a new water meter are not already in place, the party proposing to connect to the City’s water distribution system shall also be responsible for installing the meter box and meter setter and for paying all costs associated with private purchase and installation of such equipment meeting City specifications.
C. In addition, where the establishment of a new connection to the City’s water distribution system requires the extension of or tapping of a City water main, the proponent shall be responsible for all costs, whether private or public, of making such connection, including, but not limited to, all costs associated with piping, trench installation or boring under City streets or state highways.
D. The Public Works Director shall compile and update on an annual basis a schedule of City fees and charges related to the purchase of water meters and the establishment of connections to the City’s water distribution system. Said schedule of fees and charges shall be made available to the public and to those interested in connecting to the City’s water distribution system. [Ord. 780 § 2, 2017.]
13.20.020 Waste, damage or contamination of water prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person:
A. To open, close, or interfere with any fire hydrant, stop valve or stopcock belonging to the City unless authorized to do so by a Public Works official. Whatcom County Fire Protection District No. 1 serving the City is exempt from this subsection when engaged in training and fire suppression activities;
B. To disturb or damage any pipe, machinery, or other property of the City’s water system;
C. To introduce any unauthorized substance into any City reservoir or any other part of the City’s water distribution system;
D. To cause, permit or allow water from the City water system to be wasted; or
E. To apply water to purposes other than that for which the original application for service was made, unless a new application has been approved in the same manner as an original application. [Ord. 591 § 1, 2002.]
13.20.030 Waste of water defined.
Waste of water includes, but is not limited to, continuous application of water to lawns or landscaping which results in excessive puddling or runoff of water, failure to repair leaking water service lines, fixtures and irrigation systems, application of water to impervious surfaces other than for cleaning purposes, the use toilets without self-closing valves, allowing any pipes or faucets to run open for more than 12 hours to prevent the water service from freezing, and all other applications of domestic water which do not result in a beneficial use of the City’s public water supply. [Ord. 591 § 2, 2002.]
13.20.040 Maintenance required.
Owners of premises receiving water service from the City’s water system shall be responsible for maintaining all piping, fixtures and appurtenances on the customer’s side of the meter or service cock in a satisfactory state of repair and adequately protected from freezing so that no water will be wasted, and shall be responsible for all damages resulting from leaks and breaks. [Ord. 591 § 3, 2002.]
13.20.050 Waste to be abated – Notices – Termination.
In the event the City discovers that water is being wasted on a serviced premises:
A. If the owner or occupant is not at the premises and cannot be contacted with reasonable effort, the City may at its option if it deems the wastage sufficiently emergent terminate the water service and post written notice as to such action and the reason or reasons therefor.
B. The City may post and/or mail a notice requiring the owner or occupant to take corrective action. The City may discontinue service to any premises if the owner or occupant refuses to make repairs necessary to avoid waste of water.
C. If water service to any premises is discontinued until proper corrective action has been taken under subsection B of this section, the cut-off charge of EMC 13.10.080 shall be assessed against the account and shall be paid before water service is restored.
D. In lieu of termination of service upon the neglect of an owner or occupant to promptly abate any waste, the City shall have authority, when deemed necessary, to enter the premises and make or cause to be made such changes, alterations or repairs as are necessary to abate the waste, and to charge the same against the account and the owner thereof. [Ord. 591 § 4, 2002.]
13.20.060 Requests for adjustment.
In the event that in any given billing period any water customer is billed for a metered amount of water more than double the average volume of water which had been used on such premises in a similar period or periods in prior years on account of a broken or leaking water pipe that was promptly repaired upon discovery, he or she may apply in writing to the City within 30 days of the end of the affected billing period to request an adjustment under this section. The consideration of any such application shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures for hearings and appeals under EMC 13.10.072. [Ord. 591 § 5, 2002.]