Chapter 13.16
WATER SYSTEM
Sections:
13.16.020 Superintendent – Appointed.
13.16.030 Superintendent – Duties.
13.16.040 Superintendent – Compensation.
13.16.050 Water use – Applications.
13.16.080 Use – Discontinuance – Special purpose.
13.16.090 Use – Discontinuance – Temporary.
13.16.100 Stop cocks – Arrangement.
13.16.110 Sprinkling – Street/sidewalk.
13.16.120 Sprinkling/irrigation.
13.16.121 Outside water use – Purpose of provisions.
13.16.122 Outside water use – Effective dates.
13.16.123 Outside water use – Rules.
13.16.124 Outside water use – Days and hours.
13.16.125 Outside water use – Violation and penalties.
13.16.130 Use – Single outlet.
13.16.140 Use – Premises only.
13.16.150 Shut-off – Without notice.
13.16.160 Leaking fixtures – Shut off.
13.16.170 Maintenance – Service pipes.
13.16.180 Stop cock – Protected.
13.16.190 Service pipes – Within premises.
13.16.210 Connection – Permission required.
13.16.220 Plumbers – Competent.
13.16.230 Plumbers – Standards.
13.16.240 Superintendent – Access.
13.16.242 Classification, rates, charges, and rules for water services.
13.16.246 Rates and charges – Designated.
13.16.250 Delinquency charges.
13.16.254 Rates and charges – Water connection charge – Collection – Credit.
13.16.255 Water utility local facility charge.
13.16.257 Rates and charges – Meters – Plan.
13.16.258 Low-income senior citizens or disabled persons discount.
13.16.259 Rates and charges – Adjustments.
13.16.260 Shut-off – Failure to comply.
13.16.270 Unauthorized reconnect.
13.16.310 Use – Hose diameter.
13.16.320 Black iron – Prohibited.
13.16.360 Cross connection control.
13.16.010 Created.
There is created the office of water superintendent of the city of Granite Falls. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 1, 1912.]
13.16.020 Superintendent – Appointed.
The water superintendent shall be appointed by the city manager and shall hold office during the pleasure of the city manager. [Ord. 904 § 19, 2015; Ord. 65 § 2, 1912.]
13.16.030 Superintendent – Duties.
It shall be the duty of the water superintendent to have general charge and supervision of the municipal water system; to supervise the installation of and to inspect all service pipes fixtures and plumbing connected with the city mains, and to see that the same are installed and maintained in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed therefor, to issue permits for tapping the municipal water mains; to turn water on and off; to impose and notify the city treasurer of all fines or penalties for violations of the provisions of this chapter; the superintendent shall each month file with the council a full and complete report for the preceding month. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 3, 1912.]
13.16.040 Superintendent – Compensation.
The water superintendent shall be paid such compensation as shall be provided by special ordinance. The superintendent may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the discharge of official duties upon presentation of a claim therefor and its allowance and approval by resolution of the council. [Ord. 317 § 1, 1980.]
13.16.050 Water use – Applications.
All applications for the use of water must be made to the water superintendent on printed forms to be furnished for that purpose. Every such application must be signed by the owner of the property to be served or an authorized agent and the applicant must state fully and truly all the purposes for which the water may be required and must agree to conform to the rules and regulations established from time to time for the use of water. [Ord. 65 § 5, 1912.]
13.16.060 Use – Purposes.
No person, firm or corporation supplied with water from the municipal mains shall be entitled to use it for any purpose other than these stated in the application or to supply other persons therewith. [Ord. 65 § 6, 1912.]
13.16.070 Use – Additional.
Should the applicant or occupant of the premises desire an additional service or fixture for which extra charge is provided hereby or to apply the water for a purpose not stated in the original application, a new application must be made and a permit obtained at the office of the water superintendent. When such additional fixtures are added without permit being first obtained, the same shall be charged for at double the usual rate for such time as such fixture is in use prior to the granting of a permit therefor in addition to a penalty of $1.00. [Ord. 65 § 7, 1912.]
13.16.080 Use – Discontinuance – Special purpose.
Should it be desired to discontinue the use of water for any special purpose for which an extra charge is herein provided, the faucet or other fixture must be removed, the pipe supplying such service plugged and notice given in writing at the office of the water superintendent before any reduction of rates will be made. [Ord. 65 § 8, 1912.]
13.16.090 Use – Discontinuance – Temporary.
Should it be desired to discontinue the use of all waters supplied to the premises for a period of not less than one month, written notice must be fixed at the office of the water superintendent, which notice shall be on printed forms provided for that purpose, and payment in full of all arrearage must first be made. The water will then be turned off and turned on again on application without charge, but no remission of rates will be made for a period of less than 30 days or without the notice prescribed in this section. All notices of vacancy must be filed on or before the tenth day of each month otherwise no allowance will be granted. [Ord. 65 § 9, 1912.]
13.16.100 Stop cocks – Arrangement.
The service pipes must be so arranged that the supply to each separate house and premises may be controlled by a separate stop cock placed within and near the line of the street curb and one person, firm or corporation must pay for all water used through said service for its or their own use, or for the use of others to whom it may be accessible or who may be supplied therefrom. All service pipes now in use having no separate stop cock as above provided shall be provided with the same within 30 days from the publication of this title. [Ord. 65 § 10, 1912.]
13.16.110 Sprinkling – Street/sidewalk.
Street and sidewalk sprinkling must be confined to the limits of the front of the property for which payment has been made. [Ord. 65 § 11, 1912.]
13.16.120 Sprinkling/irrigation.
The use of water for irrigation or sprinkling is prohibited except between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; provided, that street sprinkling may be done at any hour. For violation of this regulation a penalty of $2.00 shall be imposed and taxed against the person supplied with the service used in such irrigation or sprinkling and the water shall be turned off until the same is paid. Not more than one faucet or hose shall be used for irrigation at the same time from the same service or for the same premises, unless payment for such additional faucet or hose shall have been made in advance and for violation of this regulation a fine or penalty of $2.50 shall be imposed and taxed as above provided. When the water shall have been off for violation of this section it shall under no circumstances be turned on to the same property until such penalty has been paid. Permission for the use of more than one faucet or set of hose for irrigation on the same premises shall be granted only in the discretion of the water superintendent. The irrigation season shall include only the months of May 15th to September 15th. [Ord. 65 § 12, 1912.]
13.16.121 Outside water use – Purpose of provisions.
In order to ensure an adequate water reserve to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the city of Granite Falls and in order to protect the property of the residents of the city of Granite Falls, the city council does enact the following rules regulating outside water use during summer months. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 481 § 1, 1992.]
13.16.122 Outside water use – Effective dates.
On and after June 1st through September 30th of each year the outside water use rules shall be in effect. [Ord. 481 § 2, 1992.]
13.16.123 Outside water use – Rules.
(A) Not more than one faucet or hose shall be used for outside water usage at the same time on the same premises.
(B) In the event of a working fire, all water users are directed to immediately shut off their taps during the progress of the fire because of the pressure.
(C) In the event of unusually dry weather conditions, this schedule may be revised. [Ord. 481 § 3, 1992.]
13.16.124 Outside water use – Days and hours.
(A) All water customers with street addresses which end in an even number, such as 404 S. Indiana, shall water on the even days of the month. All water customers with street addresses which end in an odd number, such as 405 S. Indiana, shall water on the odd days of the month.
(B) Sprinkling hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. [Ord. 481 § 4, 1992.]
13.16.125 Outside water use – Violation and penalties.
(A) Failure to comply on any rule of GFMC 13.16.121 through 13.16.124 is designated as a violation and shall constitute a criminal offense, the penalties for which are established in subsection (B) of this section.
(B) Any violation of this section shall be punished by the imposition of a monetary penalty as follows, following one written warning:
|
Violation notice |
$50.00 |
|
First citation |
$75.00 |
|
Second citation |
$100.00 |
|
Third citation |
Water shutoff |
[Ord. 481 §§ 5, 6, 1992.]
13.16.130 Use – Single outlet.
Not more than one water outlet utilizing water supplied by the municipal water system of the city of Granite Falls shall be open and allowed to conduct water for irrigation purposes at the same time on the same premises. For the purpose hereof, the term “irrigation” shall include the use of water for irrigating or watering lawns, gardens, orchards, vineyards, shrubs, beds, pastures, fields, soil or vegetation of any nature; and the word “premises” shall refer to the land appurtenant to a water connection with the municipal water system of the city of Granite Falls. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 254 § 2, 1973.]
13.16.140 Use – Premises only.
No water supplied by a connection with the municipal water system of the city of Granite Falls shall be used on any premises other than those premises appurtenant to said water connection, whether or not such other premises are adjacent to the appurtenant premises, and whether or not such other premises are appurtenant to another such water connection. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 254 § 3, 1973.]
13.16.150 Shut-off – Without notice.
The water may at any time be shut off from the mains without notice for repairs, extensions or other necessary purposes, and persons having boilers supplied by direct pressure from the mains shall have no action for damages against the city by reason therefor in case of collapse or explosion of the same. The city will not be responsible for the safety of boilers on the premises of any water consumer. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 13, 1912.]
13.16.160 Leaking fixtures – Shut off.
Water will not be furnished where there are defective or leaking faucets, closet, or other fixtures and when same may be discovered the water will be shut off until the proper repairs have been made. [Ord. 65 § 14, 1912.]
13.16.170 Maintenance – Service pipes.
When a permit has been obtained for tapping the municipal mains, the service pipes and connections from the mains to and including the stop cock to be placed one foot within the line of the street curb will be put in and maintained by the city and kept within its exclusive control. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 15, 1912.]
13.16.180 Stop cock – Protected.
Within the property line a stop and waste cock protected from frost must in all places be placed by means of which the service pipes on the property may be drained. The superintendent shall refuse to turn on the water until the provisions of this section are complied with. [Ord. 65 § 16, 1912.]
13.16.190 Service pipes – Within premises.
The service pipes within the premises must be kept in repair and protected from freezing at the expense of the owner or occupant who will be responsible for all damages resulting from leaks and breaks. [Ord. 65 § 17, 1912.]
13.16.200 Running water.
If any person shall allow any faucet or pipe to run open thus wasting water a charge of $2.00 shall be imposed for each offense which shall be taxed against the person supplied through such service and the water shall be turned off from the premises and shall in no case be turned on again until the charge has been paid. [Ord. 65 § 18, 1912.]
13.16.210 Connection – Permission required.
No plumber or other person will be allowed to make connection with the municipal mains or make connection in any conduit, pipe or other fixture connecting therewith or to connect pipes when they have been disconnected, or to turn water off or on any premises without permission from the water superintendent. [Ord. 65 § 19, 1912.]
13.16.220 Plumbers – Competent.
None but competent plumbers shall be allowed to do any work in connection with any service where water may be drawn from the municipal mains and all plumbers must make in writing a true and accurate report of the work done within 24 hours after completion and before water shall be turned on. The report shall describe the position of the service pipes, stop cocks and other fixtures outside of buildings by reference to street and lot corners on blanks to be furnished by the water superintendent. [Ord. 65 § 20, 1912.]
13.16.230 Plumbers – Standards.
Plumbers failing to perform their work according to the established rules and regulations or executing it unskillfully or to the damage of the municipal water works may be debarred from making connection with the mains. [Ord. 65 § 21, 1912.]
13.16.240 Superintendent – Access.
The water superintendent may have free access at proper hours of the day to all parts of buildings in which water may be delivered from the municipal mains for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the pipes and fixtures and the manner in which the water is used. [Ord. 65 § 22, 1912.]
13.16.242 Classification, rates, charges, and rules for water service.
The classification, rates, and charges for the water service and the rules governing such service are fixed as follows:
(A) Residential Unit. A residential unit consists of any residential unit, whether a separate structure such as a separate single-family unit, or part of a duplex, triplex, apartment or motel. A residential unit shall have at least one room and cooking and washing facilities (with sink and bathroom facilities for the exclusive use of occupants of such unit). A residential unit shall incur water charges based upon the meter size as shown in GFMC 13.16.246.
(B) Multiresidential. A multiresidential unit is a collection of residential units joined with common walls, floors or ceilings such as a duplex, triplex, apartments or motel. Multiresidential units may be served by one or multiple meters. A multiresidential unit shall incur water charges based upon the meter size as shown in GFMC 13.16.246.
(C) Equivalent Residential Unit. An equivalent residential unit (ERU) is the amount of water consumed by a separate single-family residential unit. The Granite Falls Water System Plan (2005) estimated the use by single-family residential units to be 800 cubic feet per month.
(D) Schools. Schools shall incur water charges based upon the meter size as shown in GFMC 13.16.246.
(E) Commercial, Including Churches and Nonprofit Public Facilities. A commercial unit consists of any public or private premises not heretofore defined. Commercial units shall incur water charges based upon the meter size as shown in GFMC 13.16.246.
(F) Additional Units. This subsection shall relate to establishing an additional unit in an existing commercial building if it meets the following requirements:
(1) Will be used for commercial use only;
(2) Does not require a change in water meter size;
(3) Does not require an additional bathroom facility; and
(4) Requires only minimal water usage/water consumption for bathroom facility.
Upon meeting the requirements of this subsection, a billing service fee of $1,000 shall be charged for creation of the additional commercial unit. A second unit of water and sewer shall be added to the existing account and billed monthly. Money collected for the tenant improvement unit fee shall be deposited into the utility funds, of which 90 percent will be receipted to the sewer fund and 10 percent shall be receipted to the water fund. Upon increase of tap fees for water or sewer, the billing service fee, as set by this subsection, shall be increased by the same percentage.
In the event any other ordinance of the city of Granite Falls shall conflict with the application of this subsection, this subsection shall control. [Ord. 777 § 2, 2009; Ord. 766 § 2, 2008; Ord. 698 § 2, 2004; Ord. 693 §§ 1 – 3, 2004; Ord. 555 § 2, 1995; Ord. 459 § 2, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.244 Basic rate defined.
The basic rate shall be a minimum monthly charge schedule and the monthly rate schedule based on consumption (if applicable) as set forth in GFMC 13.16.246. [Ord. 777 § 3, 2009; Ord. 766 § 3, 2008; Ord. 698 § 3, 2004; Ord. 555 § 3, 1995; Ord. 459 § 3, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.246 Rates and charges – Designated.
Basic rates and charges for metered and nonmetered water users shall be established by resolution of the city council. [Ord. 802 § 1, 2010; Ord. 777 § 4, 2009; Ord. 766 § 4, 2008; Ord. 698 § 4, 2004; Ord. 555 § 4, 1995; Ord. 459 § 4, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.248 Billing charges.
All charges for water service shall be billed to the property owners, rather than the tenant, for collection, or to the property owner in care of the tenant; provided, however, the owner shall be the responsible party for outstanding water service charges. [Ord. 777 § 5, 2009; Ord. 766 § 5, 2008; Ord. 698 § 5, 2004; Ord. 555 § 5, 1995; Ord. 459 § 5, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.250 Delinquency charges.
If a water bill is unpaid for 30 days, it shall be considered delinquent and water service may be terminated after proper prior notice and opportunity given for informal hearing prior to termination. To turn on water service which has been disconnected for failure to pay, payment must be made in full or payment arrangements agreed upon, and a turn-on fee of $75.00 will be assessed. [Ord. 777 § 6, 2009; Ord. 766 §§ 6, 7, 2008; Ord. 698 §§ 6, 7, 2004; Ord. 555 §§ 6, 7, 1995; Ord. 459 §§ 6, 7, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 417, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.251 Accrued interest.
Water utility accounts with unpaid balances past 30 days shall accrue interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum. [Ord. 777 § 7, 2009.]
13.16.252 Vacant unit credit.
A vacant credit shall not be allowable. If the owner of said vacant unit wishes to be disconnected, it shall be his/her responsibility to contact the city of Granite Falls to have said water service disconnected. If, at a future date, the owner wishes to resume water service, said water shall be reconnected for the normal fee of $100.00. [Ord. 777 § 8, 2009; Ord. 766 § 8, 2008; Ord. 698 § 8, 2004; Ord. 555 § 8, 1995; Ord. 459 § 8, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.254 Rates and charges – Water connection charge – Collection – Credit.
(A) Unless credit is allowed under subsection (B) of this section, there shall be a water connection charge (general facility charge) collected, per unit, in an amount as established by resolution of the city council. Except as permitted in subsection (B) of this section, the water connection charge (general facility charge) shall be in the amount set and due at the time of payment. Unless deferred, payment may be made at either final short plat or subdivision approval or acceptance, or at the time of building permit issuance. Payment may be deferred for:
(1) A multifamily dwelling as defined in GFMC 19.02.130 to final inspection/occupancy permit if the conditions of deferral are satisfied; and
(2) A nonresidential use including commercial and industrial development as defined in both GFMC 19.02.030 and 19.02.090 to final inspection/occupancy permit if the conditions of deferral below are satisfied.
The conditions of deferral are (a) submittal of an application and payment of an administrative fee of $500.00, (b) timely payment of all impact fees under GFMC Title 21, and (c) completion of the multifamily dwelling with issuance of a final inspection/occupancy permit. If the conditions of deferral are not satisfied, payment shall be due in full on failure of the conditions. Homes and businesses transferring from an alternate water source to the city system must pay the water connection charge prior to the time of connection. Unless prohibited by law, water service may be denied or disconnected if payment of a connection fee is not made as required by this subsection.
(B) A developer who has at the city’s request installed upsized or additional utility infrastructure, and has not entered into a utility reimbursement agreement that includes cost recovery for the upsized or additional value and has no other right of recovery for said upsized or additional value, may apply for a general facility charge credit. The value of the credit shall be determined by the city engineer and shall be based on (1) conformance of the work with the utility plan of the city and (2) be based on the increased installation cost of the utilities upsized or added over that required to serve the development. The credit shall be limited to the development that installed the upsized or additional infrastructure. The number of lots receiving a credit shall not exceed the number necessary for the product of:
General facility charge times # of lots = credit
The general facility charge used to calculate the number of lots receiving the credit shall be the city’s general facility charge. Should the city’s general facility charge change during the period in which the credit is being applied, the number of lots receiving the credit shall be recalculated based upon the revised general facility charge.
In the event the entire credit is not offset by application against the number of lots in the development, there shall be no additional reimbursement to the developer. [Ord. 1042 § 2, 2023; Ord. 944 § 2, 2018; Ord. 908 § 2, 2016; Ord. 868 § 1, 2014; Ord. 802 § 1, 2010; Ord. 777 § 9, 2009; Ord. 766 § 9, 2008; Ord. 698 § 9, 2004; Ord. 555 § 9, 1995; Ord. 459 § 9, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.255 Water utility local facility charge.
(A) The city of Granite Falls adopts a new water utility local facility charge as part of its fees. Such charge shall be periodically updated in accordance with the city’s fee resolution.
(B) All monies collected through a water local facility charge shall be deposited into the city’s water capital improvement fund. [Ord. 933 §§ 2, 4, 2017.]
13.16.256 Meters.
Installation of meters shall be required as follows:
(A) All new construction or additional units shall require a meter as adopted under Ordinance No. 342.
(B) The public works supervisor of the city of Granite Falls, or his/her designee, shall determine the size and the make of the meter that is needed. The cost of the meter shall be paid by the owner of the property.
(C) A separate water line for fire suppression may be installed to the property. Installation of a check valve with meter will be required. All costs for materials and labor will be borne by the owner of the property. A tap fee or monthly service fee will not be charged for a separate water line that only services the fire suppression system. If any water usage occurs through this system, the property owner will be charged the per-100-cubic-foot rate as stated in this chapter. [Ord. 777 § 10, 2009; Ord. 766 § 10, 2008; Ord. 698 § 10, 2004; Ord. 629, 2000; Ord. 555 § 10, 1995; Ord. 459 § 10, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.257 Rates and charges – Meters – Plan.
(A) There is created a metering plan for all nonmetered water customers to create a more equitable rate paid by all water customers. The following payment options are available:
(1) Payments Paid in Full.
(a) If paid in full by September 30, 1992: $250.00;
(b) If paid in full by March 3, 1993: $300.00;
(c) If paid in full by September 30, 1993: $350.00;
(d) If paid in full by March 31, 1994: $400.00.
(2) Monthly Payment Plan.
(a) Nine dollars per month due on the first of each month. The payment plan is set up for three years for a total of $300.00.
(B) Delinquent accounts, on the monthly payment plan, shall be assessed $1.00 per month for each month not paid. An account will be considered delinquent if payment is not made by the last day of each month.
(C) In the event of the sale of a building which has not completed payment for a meter, the balance shall be paid in full at this time.
(D) If a water utility customer has not chosen a payment plan as stated above by March 15, 1992, the account will automatically be assigned the monthly payment plan. If a water utility customer chooses to make payment in full and does not comply, said customer will be placed on the monthly payment plan and charged a $25.00 late fee. [Ord. 477 §§ 1 – 4, 1992.]
13.16.258 Low-income senior citizens or disabled persons discount.
For senior citizens with low income or for disabled persons hereinafter defined, the single-family residential unit charge shall be as established for water services at 30 percent less than the current water rates set forth in GFMC 13.16.246.
(A) The rate established for seniors is restricted to single-family residences primarily occupied by a senior citizen or senior citizens being 62 years of age or older and having an annual income below the annual total household income specified by the eligibility for low-income senior citizens and disabled table provided in the city of Granite Falls low income seniors/disabled utility rate assistance program application. The qualified income levels identified in the eligibility for low-income senior citizens and disabled table is based on the 2016 eligibility for low-income senior citizens and disabled table and will be adjusted on a biennial basis using the annual (April) Seattle-area CPI-U issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The discount rates provided for herein are available only upon application, which is required to be updated biennially by the customer. Discount rate is restricted to minimum residential meter size.
(B) To qualify as a disabled person, the disability is defined as the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. To qualify for the disabled discount, said rate is restricted to single-family residences primarily occupied by a disabled person. The discount rates provided for herein are available only upon application, which is required to be updated biennially by the customer. Discount rate is restricted to minimum residential meter size. [Ord. 950 § 2, 2018; Ord. 777 § 11, 2009; Ord. 698 § 11, 2004; Ord. 555 § 11, 1995; Ord. 459 § 11, 1991; Ord. 432, 1989; Ord. 418, 1989; Ord. 382, 1986; Ord. 356, 1984; Ord. 342, 1983; Ord. 287, 1980; Ord. 65 § 23, 1912.]
13.16.259 Rates and charges – Adjustments.
(A) If a private water line, valve, fixture or other appurtenance is verified to be leaking by the city water superintendent as a result of accidental damage or natural deterioration of the same, and not as a result of abuse or willful neglect, the customer may request, on a form provided by the city, that their water bill for the subject property during the period of the leak may be reasonably and equitably reduced; provided, that a customer shall be required to pay the base rate plus at least 50 percent of the applicable overage rate for all water which was lost by reason of the leak.
(B) Before an adjustment to a customer’s account is made for leakage:
(1) The customer will provide to the city documentation that the leak has been fixed; and
(2) An inspection of the repair is made by the city water superintendent.
(C) In no case may an account receive an adjustment for a private water line break or a leak more than once in a two-year period.
(D) In those instances when the city water superintendent determines, after an inspection of the customer’s water system, that the consumption indicated by the meter reading is not likely to have occurred, the city treasurer may in his/her discretion make an adjustment of a bill in a manner as described in subsection (A) of this section. [Ord. 600 §§ 1 – 4, 1998.]
13.16.260 Shut-off – Failure to comply.
On failure to comply with the rules and regulations established as a condition to the use of water to pay the water rates or any charge or penalty imposed in the time and manner herein provided, the water shall be shut off until payment of the amount due is made with $0.50 in addition for the expense of turning the water off and on. [Ord. 65 § 24, 1912.]
13.16.270 Unauthorized reconnect.
Should the occupants of the premises turn on the water or suffer or cause it to be turned on after it has been shut off at the curb cock it will be turned off at the main and a charge of $2.00 made for the expense of turning it off and on. [Ord. 65 § 25, 1912.]
13.16.280 Payment.
All water rates shall be due and payable in advance at the office of the city treasurer on the first day of each month (except for water furnished by meter in which case the rates are payable on the first day of the succeeding month) and if not paid within 60 days thereafter the treasurer shall give notice to the customer in whose name the water services are in that if the said delinquent amount is not paid, together with all other water charges then due within 10 days of the date of the mailing of the notice, the water will be turned off and shall remain turned off until all delinquent payments plus a $6.00 reconnection charge is paid. Said notice shall also advise the customer that an unauthorized “turn-on” is a misdemeanor, and the penalties provided therefor. Said written notice shall be placed in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the customer at the address given at the time of the subscription for water service. If, upon the expiration of the 10 days from the date of mailing of a notice, the delinquent water rate, together with all charges with respect to said water service then due have not been paid, the treasurer shall, immediately upon the expiration of said 10-day period, notify the water superintendent thereof and the water superintendent shall immediately thereafter cause the said water services to be shut off. The water service shall remain shut off until such time as all charges with respect to such water services shall have been paid, together with a $6.00 service fee for shutting off and turning on the water. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 2, 1971.]
13.16.285 Utility payment policy.
Repealed by Ord. 766. [Ord. 729 § 12, 2007.]
13.16.290 Special orders.
The city reserves the right in case of shortage of water or for any other cause to make any order forbidding or suspending the use of water for irrigating or sprinkling and the water superintendent may at any time make such order by giving notice through a newspaper printed and published in the city and any person violating such order shall be subject to a charge of $2.00 for the first offense and $5.00 for each subsequent offense, which shall be a charge against the person and premises supplied, and the water shall be cut off until payment shall have been made. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 27, 1912.]
13.16.300 Fires – Use during.
No person shall use any water for irrigation or sprinkling during the progress of any fire in the city and all sprinkling and irrigation shall be immediately stopped when an alarm of fire is sounded and shall not be begun again until the fire has been extinguished. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 28, 1912.]
13.16.310 Use – Hose diameter.
The inside diameter of hose used for sprinkling or irrigation purposes must not be more than three quarters of an inch and the inside diameter of the orifice of the nozzle to the same shall not be more than one-fourth inch. The use of a hose without a nozzle is prohibited.
Any person violating this rule shall be subject to a penalty and the water shall be cut off and shall not be turned on to the premises again until such charge shall have been paid. [Ord. 65 § 29, 1912.]
13.16.320 Black iron – Prohibited.
No black iron pipe shall be used to connect any premises or buildings with the municipal mains for any purpose. [Ord. 65 § 30, 1912.]
13.16.330 Rate amounts.
The monthly rates for the use of water shall be provided from time to time by the city council by special ordinance. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 318 § 1, 1981.]
13.16.340 Reward.
A standing reward of $100.00 shall be paid to any person furnishing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of vandalism against the water or sewer system. [Ord. 168 § 4, 1942.]
13.16.350 Turn on – Unlawful.
It shall be unlawful for any person, whether a water customer or not, to “turn on” or otherwise manipulate the connection of any water service which has been “turned off” or otherwise disconnected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, except at the direction of the water superintendent of the city of Granite Falls after the payment of the water charges and fee as above provided for. It shall further be unlawful for any person who is the owner, lessee or occupier on a regular basis of any premises, the water service of which has been terminated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to cause or permit the usage of water through a piping system on said premises supplied by water from the city of Granite Falls water system until such time as the water service from the city to the said premises shall be lawfully restored, regardless of whether such person shall have directly or indirectly caused the water to have been unlawfully turned on. [Ord. 848 § 1(A), 2013; Ord. 65 § 3, 1971.]
13.16.360 Cross connection control.
The installation or maintenance of any cross-connection which would endanger the public water supply of the city of Granite Falls is prohibited. Any such cross-connection now existing or hereafter installed is hereby declared subject to immediate termination of water service and any such cross-connection shall be abated immediately.
(A) The control or elimination of cross-connections shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-290-490). The policies, procedures, and criteria for determining appropriate levels of protection shall be in accordance with the Manual M14 of the American Water Works or any superseding edition.
(B) The city of Granite Falls may deny or discontinue water service to any customer failing to cooperate in the installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of backflow prevention assemblies required and stated in WAC 246-290-490.
(C) All services other than single-family residential shall be provided with Washington State-approved backflow prevention located immediately behind and on the property side of the water service box. Irrigation, residential single-family fire meters, duplex, and multifamily residential connections shall require double check valve assemblies (DCVA). All other connections shall require reduced pressure backflow assemblies (RPBA). Commercial fire sprinkler system, if unmetered, shall require reduced pressure detector assemblies (RPDA).
(D) An “approved backflow prevention assembly” means a backflow prevention assembly model approved by the state of Washington, Department of Health, and the city of Granite Falls. Unless an exemption is granted, the minimum requirement for a backflow prevention assembly shall be that it consists of a double check valve assembly. Additional backflow prevention may be required in accordance with WAC 246-290-490.
(E) The city manager and/or designee and such staff members as he may designate are delegated the authority to inspect, approve, and disapprove backflow prevention assemblies; to require correction, modifications, repairs, or maintenance on backflow prevention assemblies and to inspect all premises of customers where backflow prevention assemblies may be required. A minimum standard for the maintenance and installation of backflow prevention assemblies shall be those set forth in the “Accepted Procedures and Practice in the Cross-Connection Control Manual,” May 1990, Fifth Edition, as published by the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Waterworks Committee and any subsequent edition or amendment of said manual. The city manager and/or designee is authorized to establish higher standards for the installation and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies where he or she finds that good engineering practice, industry standards or the protection of public health requires such higher standards.
(F) As a condition of a continued water service, customers shall make their premises, including buildings and structures, to which water is supplied, accessible to city personnel periodically to determine whether backflow prevention assemblies are required or are properly installed and maintained. Testing and inspections will be made annually. Results of the annual testing shall be submitted to the city by September 30th each year.
(G) As a condition of continued water service, it shall further be the responsibility of each customer to maintain and repair backflow prevention assemblies and to upgrade any backflow prevention assembly which does not comply with the requirements of this chapter or the standards established by the city.
(H) Prior to the installation of irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems and/or backflow prevention assemblies, the customer shall obtain a permit from the city for such installation. Permit fees shall be as established in the city’s fee resolution.
(I) Should a customer fail to install, maintain or repair a backflow prevention assembly as directed by the city manager, water service to the customer shall be terminated upon order of the city manager.
(J) The requirements herein for backflow prevention assembly installation shall apply even though local building and/or plumbing codes may not require backflow prevention assemblies.
(K) The city of Granite Falls strictly prohibits interconnection of other water supplies with the city’s distribution system. Auxiliary water supplies (private wells, piped irrigation sources, etc.) are a major cross-connection control hazard and, therefore, must be effectively isolated from the domestic water supply. The city of Granite Falls cross-connection control policies and requirements for customers with private wells are as follows:
(1) No backflow protection is required if the source is verified to be permanently inactivated. In such cases, formal abandonment in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Health and the Department of Ecology should be pursued by the owner.
(2) If the well remains active a reduced pressure backflow assembly is required for premises isolation.
(3) New services will be locked off until compliance is verified by the city of Granite Falls. Visual inspection of piping is required for premises retaining active well systems.
(4) All backflow prevention assemblies are subject to annual inspection and testing. The cost of annual performance testing and any required maintenance is the responsibility of the backflow prevention assembly owner.
(L) The city of Granite Falls strictly prohibits the connection to any fire hydrant, standpipe, or blow-off. All connections to the above shall be considered a cross-connection and will be terminated immediately. The following are exceptions:
(1) The fire department for fire protection and training;
(2) The water department for service and maintenance of system;
(3) The cross-connection control specialist may make exceptions with the use of an approved backflow assembly. [Ord. 1005 § 1, 2021.]