Chapter 13.105
APPENDICES

Sections:

13.105.010    Appendix A – Water and sewer fee schedule.

13.105.020    Appendix B – Tribal member subsidy rates and agreement.

13.105.030    Appendix C – Payback agreement.

13.105.040    Appendix D – Technical standards and specifications – Water utility design standards.

13.105.010 Appendix A – Water and sewer fee schedule.

 

(1)

Water and Sewer Usage Charge Rates.

 

(a)

Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) Rate Method. The monthly equivalent residential unit rate or monthly base rate shall be the following:

 

 

(i)

Water

 

$65.00 – All Districts

 

 

(ii)

Sewer

 

$65.00

 

(b)

Metered Usage Rate Method Cost per Month.

 

 

(i)

Water only

 

$6.00 per 1,000 over 6,000 gallons

Abnormally strong sewage waste, when allowed, will be charged based on the formula in TTC 13.40.070. (A lesser amount may be negotiated based on improvements provided by the applicant.)

(2)

Application Fees (Sewer and/or Water).

 

(a)

Application or transfer service fees are $50.00 for individual services.

(3)

Connection Charges.

 

(a)

Security deposit

Reserved

 

(b)

Sewer connection fee

 

 

(i)

Less than 20 feet (new)

 

$4,750.00

 

 

(ii)

Greater than 20 feet

Time and materials

 

 

(iii)

Inspection fee (to tie into sewer line)

$350.00

 

(c)

Water connection fee

 

 

(i)

Service line, valving, fitting (tap in) and meter

$4,750.00 (3/4 x 3/4) base fee

 

 

 

 

 

$1,200.00 (1 x 1) extra fee

 

 

 

 

 

$1,600.00 (1-1/2 x 1-1/2) extra fee

 

 

 

 

 

$2,000.00 (2 x 2) extra fee

 

 

 

 

 

$3,500.00, plus time and materials (3 and over) extra fee

 

 

(ii)

1" or larger service line

Time and materials

 

(d)

New sewer stub fee

Time and materials

 

(e)

Hazardous conditions

Additional time and materials

 

(f)

Road crossing

 

 

(i)

County permit fee (if applicable)

Set by County

 

 

(ii)

Plus additional base fee

$1,500.00

 

 

(iii)

Road crossing

Time and materials

 

(g)

Reconnection charge due to nonpayment or physical disconnect

 

 

(i)

Water

$200.00

 

 

(ii)

Sewer

$400.00

 

 

(iii)

Off-hour reconnection charge (in addition to above)

$100.00

 

(h)

Temporary shut-off and reconnection charge

$150.00

(4)

Utility Main Charges. When connecting to all existing sewer or water mains additional charges may be added for costs associated with the original construction of the sewer or water main (see TTC 13.35.030).

(5)

Capital Improvement Charges (See TTC 13.35.030).

 

(a)

Water

 

 

(i)

Residential

$3.00

 

 

(ii)

Commercial

$5.00

 

(b)

Sewer

 

 

(i)

Residential

$3.00

 

 

(ii)

Commercial

$5.00

(6)

Miscellaneous Charges.

 

(a)

Customer assistance (after hours)

Time and materials

$100.00 minimum

 

(b)

Delinquent bill fee

$15.00 per month

 

(c)

Equipment damage

Time and materials

$100.00 minimum

 

(d)

Meter testing

$20.00 if meter is not faulty

 

(e)

Plan review (application filed)

Per lot: $50.00

 

(f)

Returned checks for insufficient funds

$40.00

 

(g)

Septic tank pump-outs

$400.00 for less than 1,000 gallons

$500.00 for more than 1,000 gallons

$700.00 if fills truck

 

(h)

Temporary hydrant service

Time and materials (for hydrant and meter hook-up), plus water usage charge, plus $500.00 damage deposit

 

(i)

Plan reviews: on-site inspection and testing

One-hour minimum = $300.00

 

(j)

Fire protection fee

$3.00

[Res. 2019-233; Res. 2017-178; Res. 2016-164; Ord. 76 Appx. A, 12-6-2004 (Res. 2004-467)].

13.105.020 Appendix B – Tribal member subsidy rates and agreement.

(1) All Tulalip Tribal members 55 years of age and older may request to have all their water and sewer rates paid by Tulalip Tribes to the Utility. Customers with septic will receive one pump-out every three calendar years from the date of the last pump-out. To request this subsidy, individuals must meet the requirements below:

(a) Residency. The Tulalip Tribal member applicant must be requesting the subsidy for water and sewer service for his or her primary residence located in the service area of the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department: and

(b) Eligibility. The Tulalip Tribal member applicant must provide the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department with identification showing that they have either attained the age of 55 or will turn 55 that month. The subsidy will apply that month that the applicant provides proof of age to the Tulalip Utility Department and may not be applied retroactively beyond that. Any debt owed to the Utility prior to the subsidy being applied will continue to remain the customer’s obligation.

(2) Spouses of deceased Tribal members who qualified for the elder benefit prior to their death, and upon reaching the age of 55, shall have their sewer and base water charges paid to the Utility by Tulalip Tribes provided he/she does not remarry, and resides in the area served by the Tulalip Utility Department.

(3) Tribal members incapacitated and totally disabled as defined by SSI criteria so as not to be able to work shall have their monthly water and sewer charges paid to the Utility by Tulalip Tribes. [Res. 2022-200; Res. 2019-233; Res. 2017-178; Res. 2016-164; Res. 2014-23; Ord. 76 Appx. B, 12-6-2004 (Res. 2004-467)].

13.105.030 Appendix C – Payback agreement.

(Sample only. Actual document could be slightly different.)

 

I, XXXXXXXXXX who reside at XXXXXX. Account Number -000-0000-00, agree that I owe a past due balance of XXXX. In order to avoid termination of my utility services, / I agree to pay 0.00 per month until this Past Due Amount is paid in full. I understand that this Payback Agreement payment is to be paid in addition to my other monthly payment(s) owed to the Utility Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONTHLY PAYMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS

 

 

Monthly Utility Payment

 

 

 

 

Payback Agreement Payment

 

0.00

 

 

TOTAL MONTHLY PAYMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I understand if I violate this Agreement the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department will shut off my utilities without further notice. I agree that if I breach this Payback Agreement the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department shall be entitled up to 100% of my per capita until this agreement is paid in full.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The signature(s) below certify that the above Agreement is valid and both parties have a mutual understanding, and acknowledge that this Agreement is a legal document between the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department and the Customer. Furthermore, the signatures below certify that the Customer understands that if payment does not come out of the check they are responsible for making the payments at the cashier window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature:

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXXXXXXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Signature:

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Requested by:

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approved by:

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXX, Tulalip Utility Department Finance Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CC: XXXXXXXXXXXfile

 

 

 

 

AUTHORIZATION FOR UTILITY PAYMENT DEDUCTION

 

Participant Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

Account Number: -000-0000-00

Address: ___________________________

 

SSN: XXX-XX-XXXX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tulalip Tribes Utility Department has determined that as of XXXXXXXXXXX, 20XX, my current amount owed to the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department is ____.

 

 

 

 

 

 

•

I agree to the following deductions from the source(s) specified below in order to pay the amount owed to the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department:

•

I agree not to terminate this deduction plan until my balance with the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department is paid in full, without the written approval of the Tulalip Tribes Utility Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hereby authorize Tulalip Tribes Utility Department through Tulalip Tribes Finance Department to deduct a total of XXXXXXX from either my: Payroll Paycheck OR Per Capita effective _______________. Personal Payment effective ______________.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payroll/Per Capita Deduction Terms

 

I agree to this payroll deduction at the amount of $______ twice per month, from my first and second paychecks for a total of XXXXXXX.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I agree to this payroll deduction once per month from my first check second check.

 

I agree to this payroll deduction from all salary payments.

 

I agree to this Per Capita deduction from all Per Capita payments.

 

I agree to this Personal Payment made at the Cashier Window located on the 1st floor of the Tulalip Tribes Administration Building.

If payment is not made, The Tulalip Tribes Utility Department will default the Payback Agreement and proceed with the Utility Shut-off.

 

Customer Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

Tribal ID #

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utility Department Finance Manager

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Department Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Department

 

Date

 

Date Posted

 

 

Finance Department

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the purpose of keeping customers in current and good standing with Utility Department we have found the need to revise the current payback as stated below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAYBACK TERMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customers that are permitted to enter into a Payback Agreement must adhere to the following terms of the agreement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revision Justification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I understand that Revision payback must be paid in full and not to extend past the end of the calendar year, from original Payback date of: _________________.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description of why revision is needed (Please be detailed include dates, amounts, work order # and attach copies, and any other back up to justify why revision is needed.

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State of Washington

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

)

SS

 

 

 

County of Snohomish

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On this _____ day of ________, 20__, before me personally appeared ________________and ____________, to be known to be MAKERS described in and who executed the within and foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that they signed the same as their free and voluntary act and deed for the use and purpose therein mentions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notary Public in and for the State of Washington

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residing at ___________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE TULALIP TRIBES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

[Res. 2019-233; Res. 2016-164; Ord. 76 Appx. C, 12-6-2004 (Res. 2004-467)].

13.105.040 Appendix D – Technical standards and specifications – Water utility design standards.

(1) Introduction. This section of the Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP) provides a set of minimum design and performance specifications for new water utilities and for all existing utilities planning to install capital facilities for expansion purposes in that part of Snohomish County included in the Critical Water Supply Service Area (CWSSA). Municipalities are included in this definition.

In subsection (3) of this section, the application of these minimum design standards for water utility planning and construction is detailed. The design standards themselves are described in subsections entitled: (5), General Provisions, identifying laws, regulations and standard specifications which are applicable unless otherwise superseded; and (6), Specific Provisions, detailing specific design standards adopted by the Water Utility Coordinating Committee (WUCC) of Snohomish County.

The Public Water System Coordination Act and the procedures outlined in the CWSP apply uniformly to all public water supply systems in Snohomish County as it relates to design standards in the unincorporated area and other administrative procedures. However, municipally owned water utilities and local government authorities are not preempted by the CWSP within their municipal boundaries. These standards do not supersede any other legally constituted and applicable standards that are more stringent.

(2) Purpose. The purpose of these standards is to set a base level of utility planning, design, and construction for public water utilities. This base level must provide for development which is consistent with adopted land use plans of the agencies with jurisdiction. Uniformity and consistency in standards will, in the long-term, reduce costs to consumers as system interties and/or consolidation of utilities takes place. Reliability of water supply will also be improved.

Subject to certain exceptions contained in the Public Water System Coordination Act, each utility, including municipalities, is to adopt design standards as a part of its water system plan. It is intended that a utility may adopt the minimum design standards described herein or may adopt higher standards, provided such standards are not inconsistent with applicable land use plans.

(3) Application of Standards.

(a) Existing Water Systems. Existing water systems are not required to utilize these minimum standards for connection of new retail customers to existing mains (fill-in) and for repair or replacement of facilities so long as no expansion of service area is involved. However, adherence to these standards for repair and replacement is encouraged to provide better public water service throughout the County. If existing facilities must be repaired or replaced to serve an expanded service area, the new construction shall meet these minimum standards.

(b) City Water Systems. The minimum design standards described herein do not apply to cities insofar as service within municipal boundaries is concerned. However, it is expected that cities will adopt, or have adopted, design standards at least equal to those herein. If cities extend new water service to customers outside the city limits, the design standards adopted by the municipality for outside city service must at least meet the minimum design standards described in this document.

(c) Tulalip Tribes. Land ownership within the Tulalip Indian Reservation is a mixture of Tribal Indian allotment and non-Indian. Comprehensive land use planning and development review is divided between the Tulalip Tribes and Snohomish County based upon this ownership.

Although the question has not been directly addressed through the courts or otherwise, the Public Water System Coordination Act (Chapter 70.116 RCW) may not apply to Indian lands (Tribal and allotment) and activities thereon. Therefore, the standards contained herein may not be binding upon public water systems owned and operated by the Tulalip Tribes or Tribal members and serving exclusively Indian lands. They will apply to water systems serving non-Indian lands on the Reservation.

As is the case regarding existing nonexpanding water systems, the Tulalip Tribes is encouraged to adopt the standards contained herein or develop more stringent standards. Such action will enhance the goal of achieving consistency and uniformity in system design and construction throughout the CWSSA.

(d) Water System Plans and Applicable Land Use Plans. New and expanding utilities shall meet water system planning requirements using land use designations as prescribed in the appropriate Snohomish County area comprehensive plan for their service area, zoning code, city comprehensive plans, and any related interlocal agreements. Such designations shall be identified in the utility’s water system plan, and shall be used to establish design requirements.

The utility shall prepare a water system plan and a program of capital improvements required to provide the anticipated level of service within their designated water service area, consistent with the land use plan. When the utility is requested to provide water service, it will identify that portion of planned capital facilities as well as other installations which are necessary to provide the service requested. As growth occurs, the full level of water service will eventually be provided throughout the service area of the utility in a planned, phased program which meets County or municipal requirements and minimizes overall cost to the customers. In this case, the utility and developer may reach an agreement to provide the desired service through a schedule of improvements which is specified by a legally binding contract.

The phased development plan shall be developed as provided in subsection (3)(e) of this section and be consistent with applicable Snohomish County and city ordinances and codes in effect for the utility and future capital requirements needed for the development at its maximum potential densities. A phased development plan shall depict the capital facilities for phased construction and their conformance with these standards.

Once a water utility’s plan is approved, the utility should be consulted by the land use planning agency with jurisdiction regarding any proposed land use changes which impact the required level of water service. The water service related cost of said impacts, as determined by the utility, should be fully considered by the planning agency in acting on the proposed land use change.

(e) Phased Development. If water service is requested of a utility in an area where only limited service is currently provided, the cost of installing all facilities at once to meet the desired level of service may be prohibitive. In this case, the utility and developer may reach an agreement to provide the desired service through a schedule of improvements over a reasonable period of time. This phased development plan must be approved by Snohomish County for service in unincorporated areas, the city agency with jurisdiction within corporate limits, and must be consistent with the approved water system plan of the utility.

A phased development plan shall be applicable when the following conditions are met:

(i) The written agreement between the utility and developer setting forth the phased development plan is submitted and approved prior to issuing a development permit (subdivision, plat, short plat, etc.). The plan must identify the water service level to be initially provided, projected growth expected in the new service area, additional capital facilities required, a schedule of construction, and eventual level of service to be provided. The phased construction schedule must provide for compliance with design standards in a reasonable period of time.

(ii) If the proposed new service is within the utility’s designated service area, the utility shall have an approved water system plan. If the new service is proposed outside of a designated service area, or if it is to be developed by a satellite system management agency (SSMA), the utility or SSMA shall submit an amendment to its water system plan which addresses the needs of the new service area.

(iii) All water mains and other permanent facilities installed during the phased development period shall be in accordance with the eventual system design identified in the utility’s plan.

If land use changes occur, or if growth does not occur as anticipated, the utility may submit a revised plan which identifies the reasons for relief from the original plan and a fixed date for compliance to be achieved.

(4) Standards Incorporated by Reference. The existing standards listed below, or as may be modified by the appropriate authorities, are hereby incorporated by reference. Priority for application of these standards is in the order listed, but the most stringent applies. Except as otherwise superseded by the County standards described herein, these standards will apply to water system design, installation, modification, and operation.

(a) State Board of Health drinking water regulations.

(b) Applicable County or city rules, regulations, ordinances, and standards.

(c) Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction, as published by the Washington State Department of Transportation/American Public Works Association (DOT/APWA), latest edition.

(d) Standards of the American Water Works Association.

(5) General Provisions.

(a) Source Development. New sources must be designed to meet the Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Department of Health (DOH) regulations and design guidelines including Chapter 173-160 WAC, Minimum Standards for Construction and Maintenance of Water Wells, administered by Ecology, and Chapter 246-290 WAC, Drinking Water Regulations of the State Board of Health, as administered by DOH.

All test and production wells must be drilled in accordance with detailed drilling and testing specifications, which have either been prepared by, or received prior approval of, the utility.

(b) Water Rights. Water rights must be obtained in accordance with Ecology regulations and procedures, and copies of water rights documents, correspondence, and other records are to be maintained on file with the purveyor.

(c) Water Quality. Water quality must be proven to conform with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (as amended), DOH criteria specified in Chapter 246-290 WAC, and/or any additional requirements more stringently applied by the local health department. Each utility may reserve the right to reject any source whose raw water quality does not meet these criteria.

(d) General Construction Standards. Selection of materials and construction of water system facilities in the Snohomish County CWSSA shall conform to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, with the additional provisions:

(i) All owners/operators of water systems which have lines in County roads right-of-way must comply with franchise requirements outlined in ordinances passed by the County Council authorizing such use of the road and rights-of-way.

(ii) Construction within incorporated areas remains subject to municipal permitting requirements.

(iii) All projects requiring design by a registered professional engineer shall be inspected by the utility or its designated representative before closure of any excavation.

(e) Hydrostatic Pressure Test. A hydrostatic pressure leakage test will be conducted on all newly constructed water mains, fire lines, fire hydrant leads and stubouts in accordance with DOT/APWA Section 7-11.3(11) or AWWA C-600 specifications, unless specified otherwise by the designated utility.

(f) Disinfection and Bacteriological Testing. All pipe, reservoirs, and appurtenances shall be flushed and disinfected in accordance with the standards of DOH, AWWA C651-86 and C652-86, or DOT/APWA Section 7-11.3(12), unless specified otherwise by the designated utility.

(g) Utility Interties. Planning for specific locations, size, and alignment of major water lines should consider emergency interties with adjacent water utilities.

(h) Flow Measurement. Unless otherwise directed by the designated utility, all service lines shall be installed so that each residential, commercial, and industrial structure will have a separate metered service for domestic water received from the utility. If approved by the designated utility, domestic water consumption may be measured by a master meter for service to a complex under single ownership, and where water utility line subdivision is impractical. Service lines providing fire flow may be required by the utility to be equipped with a fire detection check valve and/or appropriate cross-connection control devices as required by WAC 246-290-490.

All new ground water sources for public water supplies shall be provided with an access port for measurement of depth to water, and measuring devices for determining flow rate and total production. Installation of these devices is also recommended for existing ground water sources. All new sources for which water treatment is included shall be provided with flow measurement.

(i) Cross-Connection Control. Where the possibility of contamination of the supply exists, water services shall be equipped with appropriate cross-connection control devices in accordance with Chapter 246-290 WAC. The designated utility and/or the County cross-connection control program shall determine the need, size, kind, and location of the device.

(6) Specific Provisions.

(a) Pressure Requirement. Water systems shall be designed to maintain a minimum residual pressure of 30 psi at the meter, or property line if there is no meter, under maximum demand flow conditions, excluding fire demand. For water systems requiring fire flow capability, the design shall be adequate to maintain a 20 psi residual pressure throughout the system under maximum demand flow conditions, including fire flow demands (Chapter 246-290 WAC).

(b) Pipe Sizing and Materials. The minimum pipe diameter for distribution mains shall be eight inches for land use designations of urban, suburban, commercial, and industrial. For all other designations, the minimum diameter shall be six inches. Exceptions to the six-inch minimum diameter requirement for subareas of the system may be granted by DOH under the following conditions:

(i) Fire flow is not required under current land use, the potential for reclassification of land use to a higher density in the foreseeable future is not anticipated or is remote, and a smaller diameter pipe for subareas of the system is justified by hydraulic analysis; or

(ii) A remote system serving four lots or less is to be developed within a designated service area and the designated utility has entered into a water service agreement with the developer which includes provisions for eventual direct connection of the development. Fire protection requirements, if any, must be met during the interim.

Water main size shall be adequate to deliver fire flow and to maintain the pressure requirement defined above. All water mains shall meet applicable engineering and health standards adopted by the State of Washington or the water purveyor, including Chapters 246-290 and 246-293 WAC.

Water mains serving fire hydrants, either as part of new construction or planned phased improvements, shall not be less than eight inches diameter for a dead end line, nor less than six inches diameter if looped. Hydrant leads extending less than 50 feet or across a street shall be of a suitable size to carry the required fire flow, but shall not be less than six inches diameter. In a dead cul-de-sac, normal domestic mains may be installed from the last hydrant to remaining residences.

All pipe material shall be equal to or greater than AWWA standard specifications unless previously approved by the local health department or DOH. All pipe material for new water systems shall be constructed with “lead-free” materials. The lead content for joint compound materials (solder and flux) used for pipe installation shall be less than 0.2 percent in order to be considered “lead-free.” The lead content for all installed pipe shall be less than eight percent in order to be considered “lead-free.”

(c) Isolation Valve. Valving shall be installed in a configuration which permits isolation of lines. A valve is not required for short block lines of less than 100 feet. Valves should be installed at intersections with normal maximum spacing at 500 feet in commercial, industrial, and multifamily districts, 800 feet in residential districts, and one-fourth mile in arterial mains.

(d) Air and Air-Vacuum Relief Valves. In order to minimize problems associated with air entrainment, the purveyor shall provide for installation of air or combined air-vacuum relief valves at appropriate points of high elevation in the system.

(e) Blow-Off Valves. A blow-off assembly shall be installed on all dead-end runs of 200 feet or more, and at designated points of low elevation within the distribution system. The blow-off assembly shall be installed in the utility right-of-way except where an access and construction easement is provided for in writing by the water utility. In no case shall the location be such that there is a possibility of back-siphonage into the distribution.

(f) Pressure Reducing Stations. A manifold system shall be installed at pressure reducing stations that provides for a redundant pressure reducing valve, a bypass valve, or other suitable device which assures reliability and continuity of service.

(g) Storage. Permanent storage facility requirements are based upon three components:

(i) Equalizing storage, required to supplement production from water sources during high periods;

(ii) Standby storage, required as backup supply in case the largest source is out of service; and

(iii) Fire storage, required in order to deliver the level of fire flow service identified in the utility’s approved plan (see subsection (l) of this section, Fire Flow Requirements) for the required duration.

As a minimum, sizing of storage plus the larger of standby of fire storage requirements. Equalizing and standby storage volumes shall be determined using the utility’s water use data, or the “Sizing Guidelines for Public Water Supplies,” DOH, if local data are unavailable. Fire storage volumes shall be determined using the fire flow and duration as provided in levels of service requirements of Snohomish County or municipal ordinance and the utility’s approved plan. Siting of storage facilities should consider locations which provide gravity flow.

(h) General Facility Placement. Below-ground facilities shall be located in accordance with applicable municipal or County ordinance. Where no ordinance applies, water mains shall be installed at a location which is compatible with the existing water systems, the terrain, and the location of other utilities. In new subdivisions, wherever practical, water mains should be installed parallel to the center line on the north or east sides of the street.

In addition, all piping, pumping, source, storage, and other facilities shall be located on public rights-of-way or dedicated utility easements. Utility easements must be a minimum of 15 feet in width, and piping shall be installed no closer than five feet from the easement’s edge. Exceptions to this minimum easement may be approved by the operating water utility. Unrestricted access shall be provided to all public water system lines and their appurtenances and public fire hydrants that are maintained by public agencies or utilities.

(i) Pipe Cover. The depth of trenching, installation of pipes, and backfill shall be such as to give a minimum cover of 36 inches over the top of the pipe for transmission and distribution lines and 24 inches for service piping. Backfilling up to 12 inches over the top of the pipe shall be evenly and carefully placed. The remaining depth of trench is to be filled in accordance with applicable construction standards identified in subsection (5) of this section, General Provisions. Materials capable of damaging the pipe or its coating shall be removed from the backfill material.

(j) Water and Sewer Line Separation Distances. Whenever possible, transmission and distribution water piping shall be separated at least 10 feet horizontally from on-site waste disposal piping, drainfields, and/or vertical separation; closer spacing is permissible where design and construction meet the special requirements of Ecology criteria for sewage works design.

(k) Fire Hydrants. Fire hydrants shall be located in unincorporated areas in accordance with Chapter 16.36 of the Snohomish County Code. Within municipalities, the location specifications provided in the city fire ordinance or water system design standards shall apply.

Actual locations of hydrants shall be identified in the development site plan and shall be approved by the water purveyor and fire marshal. Placements shall be made to provide unhindered access for fire hose connection and testing and maintenance.

(l) Fire Flow Requirements. Water supply facilities for new developments and for expanding public water systems shall be designed to meet the fire flow objectives set forth below. Utilities shall develop their capital improvement programs for meeting these objectives in consultation with the appropriate local fire authorities. It is the intent that said program may be scheduled to be phased in over a specific period of time considered to be reasonable for the individual circumstances. The program shall be described in the utility’s comprehensive water plan and be subject to DOH approval.

Comprehensive Land Use Designation(1) (2)

Fire Flow Rate(2)

Duration

Agriculture/Forestry (< 1 DU/10 Acres)

None

None

Rural (< 1 DU/2.3 Acres, but > 1 DU/10 Acres)

None

None

Rural/Transitional (< 2 DU/Acre, but > 1 DU/2.3 Acres)

500 gpm

60 min.

Urban/Suburban (> 2 DU/1.0 Acres)

1,000 gpm

60 min.

Multifamily (triplex and larger)/Commercial/Industrial

1,500 gpm(3)

60 min.

Footnotes:

(1)    Projected density based upon designated land use in adopted County or city comprehensive plan.

(2)    Whenever existing land use densities are greater than the comprehensive land use designation density, the fire flow rate will be determined on the basis of existing density unless the fire marshal’s office determines that lower fire flow rates are adequate. Within a designated service area, a utility which has fire flow capability shall extend existing water mains to provide flows whenever feasible. When main extension is not feasible, a remote system may be developed which is designed to accommodate fire flows in accordance with a jointly developed plan between the water utility and fire marshal’s office. The plan shall be incorporated in the utility’s water system plan.

(3)    A greater flow rate may be required for certain developments as determined by the fire authority using the Insurance Services Office’s “Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow.”

(m) Maintenance of Fire Protection Facilities. A written operational agreement which identifies responsibilities for maintenance and testing of fire protection facilities should be negotiated between the Fire Department or District and the Water Utility.

(7) Standards Review Subcommittee. A Standards Review Subcommittee shall be established by the WUCC and shall convene at least annually to review these standards and their implementation. The Subcommittee shall seek input from the Snohomish County Fire Protection Districts in matters related to fire protection standards. Recommendations of the Standards Review Committee shall be submitted to the WUCC and, if revisions are approved, they shall be forwarded to the County Council for adoption.

(8) Severability. If any provision of these standards or their application is found to be invalid, the remainder of the standards and their implementation are not affected. [Res. 2019-233; Ord. 76 Appx. D, 12-6-2004 (Res. 2004-467)].