CHAPTER 5
SEWERS
SECTION:
8-5-2: Use Of Public Sewers Required
8-5-3: Private Sewage Disposal
8-5-4: Building Sewer Permits (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-5: Independent Sewers; Cost Of
8-5-6: Specifications For Building Sewers (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-7: Connection Of Building Sewer To Public Sewer (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-8: Inspection (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-9: Precautions While Building
8-5-11: Grease, Oil And Sand Interceptors
8-5-12: Preliminary Treatment Of Waste Matter
8-5-13: Manholes (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-14: Examination Of Water And Sewage
8-5-16: Billings And Collections
8-5-17: Charges For Property Not Previously Assessed (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-18: Public Sewer Extension (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-19: Public Sewer Specifications (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-20: Penalties For Violations Of Regulations
8-5-21: Alternates, Modifications, Appeals (Rep. by Ord. 4723)
8-5-22: Requirements That Apply Within Zones 1 And 2 Of An Aquifer Protection Area
8-5-23: Wastewater Billing Adjustment For Water Leak
8-5-1 DEFINITIONS:
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this Chapter shall be as follows:
BOD (denoting Biochemical Oxygen Demand): The quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five (5) days at twenty degrees (20 degrees) Celsius, expressed in parts per million by weight.
BUILDING DRAIN: That part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer, beginning five feet (5’) outside the inner face of the building walls.
BUILDING SEWER: The extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal.
CITY COMPREHENSIVE SEWERAGE PLAN: The complete engineering report and plans that guide planning and construction of all new sanitary sewer facilities.
COMBINED SEWER: A sewer receiving both surface runoff and sewage.
FWPCA: The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1956, PL 84-660, together with the amendments of 1966, 1972, and as same may be hereafter amended; Public Law 92-500 and all subsequent amendments thereto.
GARBAGE: Solid wastes from the preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage, and sale of produce.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES: The liquid wastes from industrial process as distinct from sanitary sewage.
INFILTRATION: The volume of water or ground water entering sewers and building sewer connections from the soil through defective joints, broken or cracked pipe, improper connections or other structural failures.
INFILTRATION AND INFLOW: The combined volume of both infiltration and inflow water found in existing sewer systems.
INFLOW: The volume of water discharged into sewer lines from surface sources such as roof drains, cellar and yard area drains, foundation drains, swamp and spring water drains, and all other accidental or deliberate discharges of surface water.
LONG-RANGE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: See City Comprehensive Sewer Plan.
NATURAL OUTLET: Any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or ground water.
pH: The logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.
PROPERLY SHREDDED GARBAGE: The wastes from the preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food that has been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-half inch (1/2”) in any dimension.
PUBLIC SEWER: That portion of a sanitary sewer and its appurtenances located on property, easements and rights of way held, owned, controlled and accepted by the City or other public authority.
SANITARY SEWER: A sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface, and ground waters are not intentionally admitted.
SEWAGE: A combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, and industrial establishments, together with such ground, surface, and storm waters as may be present.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: Any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.
SEWAGE WORKS: All facilities for collecting, pumping, treating, and disposing of sewage.
SEWER: A pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.
SIDE SEWER: See building sewer.
SIDE SEWER STUB: That portion of the building sewer between primary collection lines and individual property lines.
STORM SEWER and STORM DRAIN: A sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.
SUSPENDED SOLIDS: Solids that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in water, sewage, or other liquids; and which are removable by laboratory filtering.
WATERCOURSE: A channel in which a flow of water occurs either continuously or intermittently. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-92)
8-5-2 USE OF PUBLIC SEWERS REQUIRED:
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, deposit or permit to be deposited in any unsanitary manner upon public or private property within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of said City, any human or animal excrement, garbage, or other objectionable waste.
B. It shall be unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of said City, any sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this Chapter. (Amd. Ord. 2173, 8-16-65; Ord. 4343, 2-3-92; Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-3 PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL:
A. Connection To City Sewer Required: Pursuant to RCW 35.67.190, all property owners within the area served by a sewerage system shall connect their private drains and sewers with the sewerage system. Connection to the public sewer system shall not be compulsory except under those situations detailed in WAC 246-272-070, as may be amended from time to time, or Section 4-6-040. (Amd. Ord. 4893, 2-26-01)
B. (Rep. by Ord. 4893, 2-26-01) (Ord. 2801, 9-24-73; amd. Ord. 2845, 4-15-74; Ord. 2847, 5-6-74; Ord. 4472, 9-12-94; Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-4 BUILDING SEWER PERMITS:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-5 INDEPENDENT SEWERS; COST OF:
A. A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building, except where one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard, or driveway, the building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered as one building sewer. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-56)
B. Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on examination and tests by the Utilities Engineer, to meet all requirements of this Chapter. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-56; amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-74)
C. All costs and expense incident to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner or applicant of the premises in question. The owner shall indemnify the City against any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-56)
8-5-6 SPECIFICATIONS FOR BUILDING SEWERS:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-7 CONNECTION OF BUILDING SEWER TO PUBLIC SEWER:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-8 INSPECTION:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-9 PRECAUTIONS WHILE BUILDING:
All excavations for building sewer installation shall be guarded with barricades and lights and such other precautions as are reasonably adequate to protect the public from accident and injury. Streets, sidewalks, parkways and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the City.
A surety bond in an amount deemed sufficient and determined by the Utilities Engineer, but in no event less than five hundred dollars ($500.00), shall be furnished and deposited with the City to indemnify the City against any loss, damage, liability in connection with such sewer work.
8-5-10 USE OF PUBLIC SEWERS:
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any storm water, surface water, ground water, roof run-off, subsurface drainage, cooling water or unpolluted industrial process waters to any sanitary sewer. Storm water and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as combined sewers or storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the Utilities Engineer. Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process waters may be discharged, upon approval of the Utilities Engineer, to a storm sewer combined sewer or natural outlet.
Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes to any public sewer:
A. Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than one hundred fifty degrees (150 degrees) F.
B. Any water or waste which may contain more than one hundred (100) parts per million, by weight, of fat, oil or grease.
C. Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.
D. Any garbage that has not been properly shredded.
E. Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, paunch manure, or any other solid or viscous substance capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage works.
F. Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than five and five-tenths (5.5) or higher than nine (9.0) or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment, and personnel of the sewage works.
G. Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or poisonous substance in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant.
H. Any waters or wastes containing suspended solids of such character and quantity that unusual attention or expense is required to handle such materials at the sewage treatment plant.
I. Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-56; amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-74)
8-5-11 GREASE, OIL AND SAND INTERCEPTORS:
Grease, oil and sand interceptors or other approved methodology shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Utilities Engineer, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand and other harmful ingredients; except that such interceptors shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the Utilities Engineer, and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.
Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed of impervious materials capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construction, watertight and equipped with easily removable covers which, when bolted in place, shall be gastight and watertight. Where installed, all grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at his expense, in continuously efficient operation at all times.
Grease and oil interceptors shall be required on all restaurants, garages and gas station premises and shall be so situated as to intercept only the sources of grease and oil wastes but excluding domestic or human wastes. (Ord. 4343, 2-3-92)
8-5-12 PRELIMINARY TREATMENT OF WASTE MATTER:
The admission into the public sewers of any waters or wastes having a) a five (5) day biochemical oxygen demand greater than three hundred (300) parts per million by weight, or b) containing more than three hundred fifty (350) parts per million by weight of suspended solids, or c) containing any quantity of substances having the characteristics described in certain sections of this Chapter, or d) having an average daily flow greater than two percent (2%) of the average daily sewage flow of the City, shall be subject to the review and approval of the Utilities Engineer. Where necessary in the opinion of the Utilities Engineer, the owner shall provide, at his expense, such preliminary treatment as may be necessary to, a) reduce the biochemical oxygen demand to three hundred (300) parts per million and the suspended solids to three hundred fifty (350) parts per million by weight, or b) reduce objectionable characteristics or constituents to within the maximum limits provided for in certain sections of this Chapter, or c) control the quantities and rates of discharge of such waters or wastes. Plans, specifications, and any other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be submitted for the approval of the Utilities Engineer and the Department of Ecology of the State of Washington and no construction of such facilities shall be commenced until said approvals are obtained in writing. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-56; amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-74; Ord. 3055, 8-9-76)
Where preliminary treatment facilities are provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation, by the owner at his expense.
No statement contained in this Chapter shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the City and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the City for treatment, subject to payment therefor by the industrial concern.
8-5-13 MANHOLES:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-14 EXAMINATION OF WATER AND SEWAGE:
A. All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of water and wastes to which reference is made in this Chapter shall be determined in accordance with standard methods for the examination of water and sewage, and shall be determined at the control manhole, or upon suitable samples taken at said control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected.
B. The Utilities Engineer and other duly authorized employees of the City bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter upon all properties for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. (Ord. 1552, 6-12-56; amd. Ord. 2847, 5-6-74)
8-5-15 SEWER CHARGES:
A. Disposal Rates: The monthly rates and charges for sewage disposal service shall be as follows:
1. Single-Family:
|
|
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
Single-Family |
$32.69 |
$33.67 |
2. All Other Users:
|
Other Users: |
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Charge – includes 750 Cubic Feet usage charge |
$32.69 |
$33.67 |
|
Per each additional 100 Cubic Feet usage charge over 750 Cubic Feet |
$3.69/100 cf |
$3.80/100 cf |
3. Charges For Sewer Service Without City Water: In the event that water obtained from sources other than purchased from the City is either discharged or drained into the sewer system, users shall be charged by one (1) of the two (2) following methods:
a. For single-family residences:
|
|
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
Single-Family |
$32.69 |
$33.67 |
b. For other than single-family dwellings, the Public Works Administrator or designee shall install a water meter into such private water system at cost to property owners, and the method of billing shall be in compliance with Subsection A.2 of this Section. (Ord. 4567, 12-11-95; Ord. 5112, 12-20-2004; Ord. 5179, 12-12-2005; Ord. 5319, 11-26-2007; Ord. 5504, 11-16-09, eff. 1-1-10; Ord. 5568, 11-8-10; Ord. 5673, 11-5-12; Ord. 5732, 11-3-14; Ord. 5823, 11-21-16)
4. (Rep. by Ord. 4898, 3-19-01) (Ord. 4815, 11-22-99; amd. Ord. 4996, 12-16-02; Ord. 5235, 11-27-2006; Ord. 5425, 11-17-2008)
B. Separate Sewer Exempt Meter: Whenever the use of water is such that a portion of the water used does not flow into the City sewer system but is lost by evaporation or used in irrigation, manufacturing or any other use, and the person in control provides proof of this fact, such person may apply for the installation of a separate sewer exempt meter to measure the amount of water so used or lost and no charge shall be made for sewage because of water so used or lost. A sewer exempt meter application will be made in the same manner as a regular water meter installation. All sewer exempt meters shall be located at the property line or adjacent to the regular meter; provided, however, an evaporation exemption may be granted to coin-operated and commercial laundries without the installation of a submeter. Such exemption shall be an eleven percent (11%) reduction in chargeable water consumption for commercial and industrial laundries and a three percent (3%) reduction in chargeable water consumption for coin-operated laundries. (Ord. 3055, 8-9-76)
C. Service Outside Of City: The rates to such special uses shall be one and one-half (1-1/2) times the basic City water rates applicable to resident users for similar services plus any monthly fees levied by King County Wastewater except that such exemptions and discounts as provided in RMC 8-4-32 and subsections D.4 and D.5 of this Section shall likewise apply to these rates. (Ord. 4467, 8-22-94; amd. Ord. 4677, 8-4-97; Ord. 4723, 5-11-98; Ord. 5112, 12-20-2004)
D. Additional Charges: In addition to the foregoing charges specified in this Section, the following rates shall be charged, in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement with King County Wastewater:
1. Single-family dwelling units:
|
Single-Family Residential: |
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
King County Wastewater Charge |
$52.11 |
$55.11 |
|
King County Rate Adjustment Charge |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
2. All users other than single-family:
|
All Users Other Than Single-Family: |
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
King County Wastewater Charge – Minimum Charge includes 750 Cubic Feet usage charge |
$52.11 |
$55.11 |
|
King County Wastewater Charge – Per each additional 100 Cubic Feet usage charge over 750 Cubic Feet |
$6.95 |
$7.35 |
|
King County Rate Adjustment Charge |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
3. Any additional charges hereafter imposed by King County Wastewater under the “Industrial Cost Recovery” or “Industrial Waste Surcharge” programs required under the FWPCA (PL 92-500), Section 204, or as same may be amended hereafter, plus fifteen percent (15%) thereof as an additional charge for the City’s cost of implementing such programs.
4. Senior and/or disabled low-income rates:
a. Senior and/or disabled citizens who qualify under RMC 8-4-31.C for low-income rates prior to May 31, 2008, are eligible for a seventy-five percent (75%) subsidy of City sewer charges and a nonsubsidized rate for the King County Wastewater charge in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement with King County Wastewater:
|
Low-income Rates Qualified prior to May 31, 2008 |
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
King County Wastewater Charge Non-subsidized |
$52.11 |
$55.11 |
|
King County Rate Adjustment Charge |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
City Sewer Charge 75% subsidy |
$8.17 |
$8.42 |
b. All other senior and/or disabled citizens qualifying under RMC 8-4-31.C for low-income rates after May 31, 2008, are eligible for a fifty percent (50%) subsidy for City sewer charges and a nonsubsidized rate for the King County Wastewater charge in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement with King County Wastewater:
|
Low-income Rates Qualify After May 31, 2008 |
2023 Rate |
2024 Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
King County Wastewater Charge Non-subsidized |
$52.11 |
$55.11 |
|
King County Rate Adjustment Charge |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
City Sewer Charge 50% Subsidy |
$16.35 |
$16.84 |
(Ord. 4461, 7-25-94; Ord. 4567, 12-11-95; Ord. 4643, 12-9-96; Ord. 4814, 11-22-99; Ord. 4881, 12-11-00; Ord. 4928, 12-10-01; Ord. 4996, 12-16-02; Ord. 5043, 12-1-03; Ord. 5372, 4-28-08; Ord. 5425, 11-17-2008; Ord. 5504, 11-16-09, eff. 1-1-10; Ord. 5568, 11-8-10; Ord. 5673, 11-5-12; Ord. 5732, 11-3-14; Ord. 5823, 11-21-16; Ord. 6117, 9-25-23)
5. For those senior citizens sixty-one (61) years of age or older and/or disabled citizens, when such seniors and/or disabled citizens are not otherwise eligible for special rates as low-income seniors and/or disabled citizens, but who qualify for property tax exemption pursuant to RCW 84.36.381(5)(a) and are not residents of the City shall be exempt from the fifty percent (50%) utility surcharge applicable to those customers not residents of the City. To receive this exemption the applicant must provide the information required under RMC 8-4-31.C.3. (Ord. 4481, 11-28-94; amd. Ord. 4881, 12-11-00; Ord. 5112, 12-20-2004; Ord. 5179, 12-12-2005; Ord. 5235, 11-27-2006; Ord. 5319, 11-26-2007; Ord. 5372, 4-28-2008)
E. Installation Of Sewage Meter: Whenever the use of the public sewer is such that infiltration and/or inflow is evident from a private sewage facility, or a building sewer, where the sewer flow is two (2) times in excess of the daily metered water, the Wastewater Utility Engineering Manager shall install a sewage meter and charge the regular monthly rates and charges for customers in that class, for all infiltration and inflow and sewage that it discharged into the public sewers. All costs and expenses incident to the installation and connection of the sewer meter shall be borne by the owner or applicant of the premises in question. (Ord. 3055, 8-9-76)
F. Rate Revenue For Capital Purpose: A portion of the revenue generated from the above rates will be used for sewer utility related capital improvement projects and/or debt services for the same as indicated in the adopted budget. Also included in the above rates are applicable State and local taxes.
G. Remission Of Sewer Rates: When a water meter has been turned off pursuant to the provisions of RMC 8-4-10, the owner or occupant may request, in writing, a remission of sewer rates. No remission of rates will be made for a period of less than one month. (Ord. 5013, 6-23-03; amd Ord. 5043, 12-1-03; Ord. 5890, 10-22-18; Ord. 5986, 11-9-20; Ord. 6036, 11-22-21; Ord. 6085, 11-14-22)
8-5-16 BILLINGS AND COLLECTIONS:
A. All bills for sewer disposal service as set forth in this Chapter, or as same may be amended from time to time, shall become due and payable at the office of the Finance Administrator, or such other place as the City may designate, not later than twenty five (25) days from date of billing. If the charges billed are not paid within the twenty (20) day period from the due date, such charges shall become delinquent. Once the charges become delinquent, there shall be added a late fee of ten percent (10%) of the past due charges but not less than fifty cents ($0.50) to compensate the City for handling the past due account, subsequent billings and any collection action taken. (Ord. 5547, 8-9-10; Ord. 5654, 2-13-12)
B. If customers’ sewer bills are not paid by the due date (twenty five (25) days from the date of billing) they will receive a mailed shutoff notice stating that if their accounts become delinquent because of nonpayment after forty-five (45) days from the date of billing the Planning/Building/Public Works Department will be directed to cut off the water service to the premises and enforce the lien upon the property to which service has been rendered, and such lien shall be superior to all other liens or encumbrances except those for general taxes and special assessments. Such liens may be foreclosed by the City in the manner provided by law for the enforcement of the same, and for delinquent sewer charges, in addition to all other remedies provided. There will be an additional sum of sixty dollars ($60.00) charged for the expense of turning the water off and on when all charges to the City plus penalties have been paid. The City shall have the right to claim its collection costs and attorney’s fees for foreclosure of the lien. (Ord. 4460, 7-18-94; amd. Ord. 5013, 6-23-03; Ord. 5275, 4-16-07)
C. Responsibility for Charges: The customer receiving the collection services shall have a personal obligation to pay charges for said services. This obligation is in addition to the obligations detailed in this section. The City’s sewer utility shall have the absolute authority, except as limited by law, to refuse to furnish service to, to discontinue service to, or to refuse to resume services to any applicant or customer on account of their failure to pay delinquent bills owing said utility by such person, whether such bills cover service at the premises sought to be served, or elsewhere within the City.
D. In lieu of any notice by mail, the Utilities Engineer or the Finance Administrator, or their duly authorized representatives, may cause a delinquent sewer charge notice to be served personally upon such user or occupant. Failure to receive mail properly addressed to such user or occupant shall not be a valid defense for failure to pay any such delinquent charges. Any change in ownership of property or change in mailing address must be properly filed, in writing, with the office of the Finance Administrator within fifteen (15) days after such change of status. (Ord. 4293, 10-15-90; Ord. 5275, 4-16-07; Ord. 5547, 8-9-10; Ord. 5654, 2-13-12)
8-5-17 CHARGES FOR PROPERTY NOT PREVIOUSLY ASSESSED:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-18 PUBLIC SEWER EXTENSION:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-19 PUBLIC SEWER SPECIFICATIONS:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-20 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF REGULATIONS:
A. It shall be a gross misdemeanor for any person to maliciously, knowingly, wilfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is part of the City sewage works.
B. Any person violating any provision of this Chapter or who shall fail to do any act he is required to do under the provisions of this Chapter shall upon conviction be penalized in accordance with RMC 1-3-1. Each day any violation of this Chapter shall continue shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 3055, 8-9-76, eff. 7-1-76; Ord. 5831, 1-23-17)
8-5-21 ALTERNATES, MODIFICATIONS, APPEALS:
(Rep. by Ord. 4723, 5-11-98)
8-5-22 REQUIREMENTS THAT APPLY WITHIN ZONES 1 AND 2 OF AN AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA:
A. For properties located in Zone 1 of an aquifer protection area, additional requirements pertaining to sewers are specified in the following sections of the Renton Municipal Code: RMC 4-6-040J1a, Wastewater Disposal Requirements; RMC 4-3-050C8e(ii), Prohibited Activities – Aquifer Protection Areas, Zone 1; RMC 4-3-050C1a, Aquifer Protection Areas – Compliance with Regulations; RMC 4-3-050H6a, Pipeline Requirements – Zone 1; and RMC 4-4-030C7, Construction Activity Standards – APA Zones 1 and 2.
B. For properties located in Zone 2 of an aquifer protection area, additional requirements pertaining to sewers are specified in the following sections of the Renton Municipal Code: RMC 4-3-050C1a, Aquifer Protection Areas – Compliance with Regulations; RMC 4-6-040J2a, Wastewater Disposal Requirements; RMC 4-3-050H6b, Pipeline Requirements – Zone 2; RMC 4-4-030C7, Construction Activity Standards – APA Zones 1 and 2; and RMC 4-3-050D2b, Potential to Degrade Ground Water – Zone 2. (Ord. 4367, 9-14-92; amd. Ord. 4851, 8-7-00)
8-5-23 WASTEWATER BILLING ADJUSTMENT FOR WATER LEAK:
A. Eligibility:
1. The water leak must be on customer’s side of the water meter.
2. Proof must be provided that the leaked water did not enter the wastewater system.
3. The leak must be repaired.
4. A written request for a wastewater adjustment must be completed and submitted to the City.
B. Adjustments will be calculated over the billing periods when the water leak occurred, up to a maximum of two (2) regular meter reading cycles.
C. A written request for a wastewater billing adjustment must be submitted to Utility Billing Customer Service within sixty (60) days of discovery of the leak and/or sixty (60) days of receipt of a notice from the City regarding high water consumption and that a water leak might have occurred. The written request must include the service address, billing periods over which the water leak occurred, location of the leak, a copy of the repair receipt and/or a description of the completed repair, and documentation that the leaked water did not enter the sanitary sewer system. Photos verifying the repair and location of the leak are strongly recommended. Exception to the timely submittal of an adjustment request may be made if the Finance Department Administrator or designee determines that the applicant has made good faith effort to effect the necessary repairs, or the repairs cannot be performed due to other extraneous circumstances that cannot be controlled by the applicant.
D. No leak adjustment for wastewater will be granted for single-family sewer accounts because the sewer charge is a flat rate and not affected by a water leak.
E. For non-single-family sewer accounts, a full adjustment of the sewer bill will be made for all leaked water that did not enter the sanitary sewer system. The adjustment will be determined by averaging normal water consumption from previous representative billing periods and charging wastewater volume rates based on this normal average volume. Adjustments greater than two thousand dollars ($2,000) shall be submitted to the Finance Committee for approval or denial. There will be no adjustment of the base charge or any other sewer charge. (Ord. 5210, 6-5-06; Ord. 5658, 4-23-2012)