Division I. Water

Chapter 13.04
GENERAL PROVISIONS*

Sections:

13.04.010    Responsibility designated.

13.04.020    Right of entry – Shutting off water.

13.04.030    Authority to turn on water.

*For statutory provisions declaring that all cities have the power to provide for a water supply and to establish, construct and maintain a water supply system within or without the corporate limits, see RCW 35.21.210 and Chs. 35.91 and 35.92.

13.04.010 Responsibility designated.

All tanks, reservoirs, water meters, water mains, pipe, couplings, shutoff valves, stop cocks and every other kind of equipment or material in use or in place as a part of the water system of the city and which is located in any street, alley, city park, city property or in any written easement or franchise belonging to the city are the property of the city, and are subject to the exclusive control and regulation of the city. All water meters wheresoever located are the property of the city, and are subject to the exclusive control and regulation of the city. All water lines running from city mains onto or across private property belong to the city to the meter or up to 10 feet from the point the line leaves city property or right-of-way, whichever is the shorter distance, and are subject to the exclusive control and regulation of the city. All water lines running from city mains onto or across private property to the meter which are more than 10 feet from the point the line leaves city property or right-of-way shall be the sole responsibility of the owner of the property or user to whom water is supplied (as the case may be), provided no repairs, maintenance or other work shall be performed on such lines without first notifying the city. The city may then require minimum standards for the work to ensure that it does not unreasonably disrupt water service to the water system customers, and does not result in the contamination of the public water supply. Alternatively, the city may establish a policy that all such work will be performed by or under the direct supervision of the city, with a reasonable cost therefor to be paid by the party requesting the work. [Ord. 634 §1, 1992; Ord. 442 §6, 1972].

13.04.020 Right of entry – Shutting off water.

An employee of the water department of the city, when in pursuit of his employment, shall have the right to go upon private property in accordance with PMC 1.08.010, to read, inspect, repair, install or remove a water meter, or to inspect, repair or remove any connection between the water main to and including the water meter, or to shut off a water service; and a water meter may be removed from the premises for the purpose of inspection or repair, or when a water service has been abandoned or not paid for, or when a bill for consumed water is not paid within two months. [Ord. 442 §7, 1972].

13.04.030 Authority to turn on water.

It is unlawful for anyone other than the water superintendent, police chief, deputy policeman or someone under their direction, to turn the city water on for the use of any person or premises. [1919 Comp. §101].