Chapter 7.68 WATER DIVISION

The following rules and regulations are hereby established for the management of the municipal water system of the city of Yakima. (Ord. B-606 § 4, 1944).

7.68.012 Definitions.

The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) “Backflow” means the flow, other than the intended direction of flow, of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into the distribution system of a public water supply.

(2) “Backflow prevention device” means a device to counteract backflow.

(3) “Contamination” means the entry into or presence in a public water supply of any substance which may be deleterious to health and/or quality of the water.

(4) “Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device which contains or may contain contaminated water, wastewater, or other waste or liquids of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water supply as a result of backflow.

(5) “Manager” means the manager of the water/irrigation division of the city of Yakima, or their authorized agent.

(6) “Public water supply” means any system or water supply intended or used for human consumption or other domestic uses, including source, treatment, storage, transmission and distribution facilities, where water is furnished to any collection or number of individuals, or is made available to the public for human consumption or domestic use.

(7) “Unit of consumption (UOC)” means the basic unit of measure for water consumed, and shall contain one hundred cubic feet per unit.

(8) “Domestic service line” means the pipe from the water main to five feet beyond the meter set.

(9) “Fire service line” means the pipe from the water main to the property line.

(10) “Originally approved condition” means that configuration as originally installed by a licensed designer/installer and approved by the city. (Ord. 2019-009 § 1, 2019: Ord. 2006-07 § 30, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 1, 1997).

7.68.015 Applications.

A. Water Service Installation. All applications for service installations for water service shall be made at the office of code administration on printed forms furnished by the water/irrigation division, and shall contain the name of the owner, an account number, and when possible a description of the property, lot, block, and addition, name of the street upon which the property fronts and the official street number assigned to the premises as shown by the records in the office of the city engineer, and the signature of the applicant agreeing to conform to the rules and regulations of the water/irrigation division that may be established by the city as conditions for the use of water.

All applications for service installations shall be made by the owner of the property to be served, or by his duly authorized agent, and shall state the size of service connection required, and the applicant shall at the time of making application pay to the city treasurer the amount of the fees or deposit required for the installation of the service connection as hereinafter provided. (Ord. 2006-07 § 31, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 2, 1997: Ord. 2904 § 1, 1985: Ord. 590 § 1, 1964: Ord. B-606 § 5, 1944).

7.68.035 Service pipes laid by water division.

The installation of service pipes extending from the main to the meter together with the necessary labor and materials for such construction shall be made by the water/irrigation division; provided, however, that at the discretion of the water/irrigation division manager, service pipes extending from the main to the meter may be installed by private contractors according to water/irrigation division approved plans and specifications; provided further, that all meters shall be furnished and installed by the water/irrigation division. The water/irrigation division shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the service line from the water main through the meter set to the outside of the water meter set. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2006-07 § 32, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 4, 1997: Ord. 94-28 § 1, 1994: Ord. 93-22 § 1, 1993: Ord. B-606 § 9, 1944).

7.68.040 Installation of services.

(a) A separate meter and service connection shall be installed to serve each one-family dwelling unit, as defined in Title 15, Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance, of the city of Yakima Municipal Code, supplied with domestic water service; provided, for each multiple dwelling (including duplexes or apartment houses), co-ops, condominiums, and similar dwelling unit complexes with common walls, under single or common ownership or management, may be served by either a single meter and service connection or multiple meters and service connections at the option of the owner or manager thereof, regardless of whether the dwelling units therein are individual consumers for the purpose of computing water service charges as provided by YMC 7.50.010(B).

(b) Mobile home parks may be served by either a single meter and service connection or multiple meters and service connections at the option of the owner or manager thereof, regardless of whether the dwelling units therein are individual consumers for the purpose of computing water service charges as provided by YMC 7.50.010(B), and shall comply with YMC 7.68.070.

(c) (1) In the event of the sale or other transfer of title of any one-family dwelling unit constituting a portion of a multiple dwelling, co-op, condominium, or other similar dwelling unit complex so that such sold or otherwise transferred dwelling unit is separately owned, a separate meter and service connection shall be installed to serve each such separately owned dwelling unit; provided, this subsection shall not apply to the sale of dwelling units within condominiums by unit number according to applicable laws.

(2) In the event a separate meter and service connection is required by this section, the city may discontinue water service to the premises which is required to be separately served until such separate meter and service connection is installed.

(d) After the applicant has complied with all the prescribed requirements relating to the application for service connections and has paid all charges, the city shall cause the property described to be connected with the municipal water system. Wherever practicable the service connection shall be made in the street in front of the property to be served. Each service shall consist of a tap and connection with the main pipe, a length of service pipe extending from the main to a curb cock and water meter situated outside of the traveled roadway adjacent to the property to be served, together with the necessary covers for meters and curb cock.

(e) The city shall have the right to install a single service pipe from the main to the property line, of sufficient size to supply two or more separate properties, and with individual curb cocks and meters for the separate properties. (Ord. 2006-07 § 33, 2006: Ord. 1556 § 1, 1973: Ord. B-606 § 10, 1944).

7.68.043 Service installation charges.

Applicants for new water service installations shall pay to the director of finance and budget or his/her designee the installation charges as set forth in the city of Yakima master fee schedule adopted via resolution by city council, which payment shall be made prior to such installation being commenced.

The installation charge for a new water service where a meter larger than one inch diameter is to be installed or the service line is larger than one-inch shall be an amount adequate to pay all estimated costs of materials, installation, permit fees and surface restoration as computed by the water/irrigation manager or his/her designee. (Ord. 2022-040 § 44, 2022; Ord. 2018-006 § 1, 2018: Ord. 2007-67 § 1, 2007: Ord. 2006-07 § 34, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 5, 1997: Ord. 3260 § 1, 1990: Ord. 2955 § 1, 1986: Ord. 2858 § 1, 1985: Ord. 2594 § 1, 1982: Ord. 1874 § 2, 1975: Ord. 1489 § 1, 1973: Ord. 982 § 4, 1967: Ord. B-2192, 1958: Ord. B-1462, 1953: Ord. B-606 § 11, 1944).

7.68.050 Change in location or size of service installation.

Any change made in a service installation, at the request of the property owner or water user, or made necessary due to any act of his, after such installation has once been made, whether such change involves a change in size of the pipe or meter, or both, or a change in the location or elevation thereof, shall be made solely at the expense of the applicant who shall pay the entire cost thereof in the same manner as provided in YMC 7.68.035 through 7.68.043. (Ord. B-606 § 12, 1944).

7.68.055 Connection of temporary services to new mains.

Where a main is installed in any street, properties on said street or within one-half block on side streets which are served through temporary services, private mains, or mains in alleys or on private property, shall have their service pipes changed to connect with the new main, and the water/irrigation division shall without charge install a service from the new main to a meter which shall be installed in the street in front of the property and the property owner or water user shall reinstall his service pipe to connect with the meter. (Ord. 2006-07 § 35, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 6, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 13, 1944).

7.68.065 Shut-off valve.

A special shut-off valve for a domestic service shall be installed on the pipe leading from the meter into each property served and no branch pipe, bibb or fixture of any kind shall be connected to the pipe between this valve and the meter. This valve shall be installed and maintained by the property owner or water user; it shall be for his use in making extensions and repairs of the plumbing upon the property, and it shall be accessible at all times and, where necessary, a suitable box and key shall be provided. In case the water is shut off from any service which is not provided with such a valve or with one which is not in good condition, the property owner or water user shall make arrangements to install, repair or replace such valve and the water shall not be turned on again until such valve has been installed, repaired or replaced. (Ord. 2006-07 § 36, 2006: Ord. B-606 § 15, 1944).

7.68.070 Cross-connection control.

A. Installing or maintaining any uncontrolled cross-connection that may endanger the quality of the public water supply of the city of Yakima shall be unlawful and is prohibited. Any such cross-connection now existing or hereafter installed is declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated immediately.

1. The city of Yakima water/irrigation division (the city) hereby adopts by reference the standards and requirements of WAC 246-290-490, as now written or hereafter amended.

2. The city of Yakima water/irrigation division manager or the cross-connection control program manager shall have the authority to establish requirements more stringent than state regulations if he/she deems the conditions so dictate. These policies shall be published and available for public use.

3. The control or elimination of cross-connections shall be in accordance with the applicable sections of WAC 246-290, the City of Yakima Municipal Code and the policies and procedures established by the city of Yakima water/irrigation division.

B. Only those backflow prevention assemblies and controls identified in the most recent edition of Backflow Prevention Assemblies Approved for Installation in Washington State as published by the Washington State Department of Health or the Manual of Cross Connection Control as published by the USC Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research shall be approved for new installations.

C. 1. Where a property has an existing water service and the potable water supply system is protected from a cross-connection/backflow by a nonconforming assembly (i.e., an assembly that is no longer on the approved assemblies list or does not meet the current standards or requirements of the WAC or this code or policies), the assembly, at the owner’s risk, may be allowed to remain in service if it meets the following criteria:

a. At the time of installation the assembly was a Washington State approved backflow prevention assembly; and

b. At the time the assembly was installed its installation was approved by the city as appropriate for the degree of hazard; and

c. The assembly does not meet any of the criteria for upgrading as required in subsection (C)(2) of this section.

2. All nonconforming cross-connection/backflow prevention assemblies shall be replaced or upgraded to current standards as required in subsection A and B of this section at such time as any of the following conditions exist:

a. The assembly fails to operate properly; or

b. The assembly fails its required annual testing and certification; or

c. The assembly requires continual and/or excessive repair or maintenance; or

d. The degree of hazard at the premises has increased from that which existed at the time the assembly was installed; or

e. The water service, fire sprinkler system or plumbing have been or are modified from the originally approved condition.

D. When previously unknown, unprotected and improperly protected cross-connections are identified, the property owner shall be notified in writing of the noncompliant condition, the degree of the hazard, and control measures and/or backflow prevention assembly required to abate the hazard. This notice shall be provided in accord with subsection J of this section. The property owner shall implement all required corrective measures within the time frame specified in the notice provided.

E. All newly installed or relocated backflow prevention assemblies shall be inspected, tested and certified by a Washington State certified backflow assembly tester approved by this section.

F. 1. Pursuant to WAC 246-290-490, the property owner is required to have backflow prevention assemblies inspected, tested and certified by a Washington State certified backflow assembly tester (BAT) at least once per year.

a. The city shall send notice of this requirement.

b. The city shall provide assembly device information such as manufacturer, model, serial number, hazard number, size and device location.

c. The property owner shall be responsible for selecting and contacting a certified BAT from the city contractor list that is provided to them. The selected contractor will submit a report or reports on behalf of the customer pursuant to city guidelines.

d. The city will assign the annual testing schedule.

2. If a backflow assembly fails the annual inspection/test the property owner shall have thirty days from the date of notification of said failure to have the assembly repaired or replaced and retested by a Washington State certified backflow assembly tester.

G. All facilities that receive water service from the city of Yakima are subject to a hazard assessment and comprehensive water audit survey to be performed by the city of Yakima water/irrigation personnel. Upon due notice to the property owner, the city shall be provided access to the property and plumbing systems to conduct the hazard assessment and comprehensive water audit.

H. The specific requirements identified in this section do not replace or supersede the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the city of Yakima.

I. Property owners who fail to comply with the provisions and requirements set forth in this section will be sent a notice advising of the noncompliant condition stating the requirements and remedies necessary to correct the noncompliant condition and the time within which corrections must be completed and reported to the city. In the event a property owner fails to correct a noncompliant condition and report the correction as directed in the notice, the city may:

1. Terminate water service until the noncompliance is satisfactorily corrected.

2. Conduct the necessary testing and/or inspecting of the noncompliant condition.

J. Notice to Property Owner. If, after preliminary investigation, the city determines that a property is noncompliant with the requirements of this section, the city shall serve upon the property owner, according to the provisions of subsection K of this section, a notice that shall state, identify, or describe:

1. The subject property including at least the property address and county assessor’s tax parcel number;

2. The conditions on the subject property that are illegal and that render the property noncompliant with the requirements of this section;

3. What must be done to correct such noncompliant condition(s);

4. The deadline for correction of such condition(s), which will allow thirty days for correction or some mutually agreeable completion date;

5. The potential termination of service as a consequence of the property owner’s failure to timely correct the described noncompliant conditions;

6. That the property owner shall be given the right to respond to the notice;

7. That if the property owner agrees to correct the noncompliant condition the city and the owner may negotiate a voluntary correction agreement in which, among other things, the owner:

a. Admits that the noncompliant condition(s) exist(s);

b. Promises to correct the illegal condition(s) by an agreed deadline;

c. Is advised of his/her rights under the state and federal constitutions to refuse consent to entry, to limit the scope of consent to entry, and to withdraw consent to entry once given, and that the owner consents to entry on the subject property by the city or persons under contract with the city to correct any nonconforming condition(s) that are not corrected by the stated deadline;

8. If the noncompliant property is lawfully occupied by someone other than the property owner, no voluntary correction agreement will be offered unless such occupants lawfully occupying the property also consent to entry by the city or persons under contract with the city to correct the noncompliant condition(s) described that are not corrected by the deadline;

9. Advise the owner that if the illegal conditions are not corrected, the city will terminate water service.

K. Service of Notice. If, after determining that a noncompliant condition exists under this section, the city shall cause to be served, either personally or by certified mail, with return receipt requested, upon the property owner identified in the utility billing records and/or cross-connection records of the city the notice identified in subsection J of this section. In the event the property owner cannot be ascertained by the city in the exercise of reasonable diligence, and the city provides an affidavit to that effect, then service of such notice may be made either by personal service or by mailing a copy of the notice and order by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to each such person at the address of the property involved in the proceedings, and mailing a copy of the notice by first-class mail to any address of each such person in the records of the county auditor for the county where the property is located. Such notice shall advise all parties in interest of the responsibility to correct the noncompliant condition and otherwise meet the notice requirements set forth in subsection J of this section. (Ord. 2022-038 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2011-18 § 1, 2011: Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2006-07 § 37, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 8, 1997: Ord. 3078 § 2, 1988).

7.68.075 New connections—Plumbing regulations.

(a) Any person, firm or corporation desiring to be connected with the domestic water system and domestic water supply of the city of Yakima shall, before such connection may be made, first comply with all plumbing regulations of the city of Yakima, including those contained in Chapter 11.44, city plumbing code.

(b) Any such person, firm or corporation desiring to secure such services and to be hereafter connected with the domestic water supply system of the city of Yakima outside of the city limits of said city shall secure a permit as provided in Chapter 11.44, city plumbing code, and pay the inspection fees therein provided for and be subject to the inspection thereon provided for, the same as though said property were located within the city limits of the city of Yakima.

(c) No person, firm or corporation shall hereafter be connected with the domestic water supply or domestic water supply system of the city of Yakima until such person, firm or corporation has fully complied with all the provisions of this chapter, and it shall be unlawful for the water/irrigation division to give any such person, firm or corporation water service from the domestic water supply system of said city of Yakima or to connect the plumbing of such person thereto, until this chapter shall have been complied. (Ord. 2006-07 § 38, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 9, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 17; April 3, 1944).

7.68.080 Existing connection—Plumbing repairs or alteration.

No person, firm or corporation whose premises are now receiving water service from the domestic water supply, or domestic supply system, of the city of Yakima shall alter, repair or add to any plumbing at said premises, unless such additional alterations or repairs shall be performed in compliance with Chapter 11.44 of this code, and a permit therefor obtained and inspection fees paid to the office of code administration and planning; and in case of a violation of this section by any person, firm or corporation, it shall be the duty of the water/irrigation division of this city to immediately discontinue water service to the premises, until such violation shall have been removed as determined by the code administration and planning manager. (Ord. 2006-07 § 39, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 10, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 18; April 3, 1944).

7.68.085 Kind of service pipe.

Service pipe and fittings for domestic and/or fire services shall be of brass, copper, cross-linked polyethylene tubing in sizes through two-inch, high density polyethylene SDR 9 may be used for service line sizes one-and-one-half- and two-inch and ductile iron pipe for diameters greater than two-inch. All materials used in service lines, except valves and similar devices, shall be of like material, except where otherwise approved by the manager. (Ord. 2006-07 § 40, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 11, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 19; April 3, 1944).

7.68.090 Owners responsible for leakage, damage and repair.

Owners of services are responsible for all leaks or damages on account of leaks from privately owned services and privately owned mains leading from the city’s mains to the premises served. This includes fire suppression services that were installed without a resilient seat gate valve with a standard valve box at the property/right-of-way line as required by YMC 7.68.275. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. B-606 § 20; April 3, 1944).

7.68.095 Ownership of water mains, meters, extensions, service pipes, appurtenances and fixtures—No tampering, access or modification without prior city authorization.

The ownership of all water mains, extensions, service pipes, fixtures and appurtenant equipment, including but not limited to water meters, maintained by the water/irrigation division shall be vested in the city of Yakima, and in no case shall the owner of any premises have the right to claim or reclaim any part thereof.

No person, firm or corporation shall use, operate, modify or tamper with, access, or connect to water mains, service pipes, appurtenant equipment or fixtures, including but not limited to water meters, owned and maintained by the city of Yakima, without prior specific written authorization and permission of the water/irrigation division of the city.

In case of privately owned mains and services and where there is no responsible organization or individuals as owners of such mains and services, work done as an accommodation shall not place ownership in the city of Yakima. (Ord. 2015-005 § 1, 2015: Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2006-07 § 41, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 12, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 21; April 3, 1944).

7.68.203 Authority to impose conservation measures.

A. The city manager, upon a finding by the city council that an emergency situation exists which threatens to seriously disrupt or diminish the municipal water supply, may order and enforce restrictions on water use so as to distribute the available supply on a just and equitable basis to all customers, including residential, industrial, and commercial users.

B. Upon declaration of a water supply emergency, the city manager may direct that no water shall be used for outdoor uses including, but not limited to, irrigation of lawns, turf or use on other outdoor surfaces by any customer at any residence, apartment building, commercial building, or property or structure except at times and under conditions as specified by the city manager. Such conditions may include but are not limited to:

1. Alternate day limitations;

2. Time of day limitations;

3. Limitation of uses; and/or

4. Suspension of domestic water irrigation service. (Ord. 2005-16 § 1, 2005).

7.68.205 Waste.

It shall be unlawful for any person to waste water or allow it to be wasted by imperfect or leaking stops, valves, pipes, closets, faucets, or other fixtures, or to use water closets without self-closing valves, or to use water in violation of the city’s ordinances regulating said use of water. The willful wasting of water shall be a misdemeanor; if such waste of water continues after receiving notice from the water/irrigation division to make repairs and to desist from the waste of water the water/irrigation division shall shut off the water supply from such premises until the necessary repairs have been made. (Ord. 2006-07 § 42, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 14, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 23; April 3, 1944).

7.68.210 Frozen services.

All services and installations shall be placed at the depth required in YMC Chapter 11.44 in order to avoid all probability of freezing. The water division shall be responsible for all meters and frozen services owned by the city. Owners of property served shall be responsible for all other frozen services leading to and located on the premises served, and shall pay the cost of thawing of such privately owned pipes when necessary.

(a) All persons, firms or corporations engaging in the business of thawing frozen service installations shall comply with YMC Chapter 11.44.

(b) Any individual property owner desiring to thaw his own service connection where access thereto is had through any meter box shall, before commencing such operation, secure a permit from the city water division. Such permit shall be issued by the city water/irrigation division without charge. The individual property owner shall be responsible for the costs of repairing any and all damages to the city’s facilities caused by the thawing operation.

(c) In addition to any other penalties prescribed for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, in the event of the violation of either subsection a or b of this section, water service to the premises where any thawing operations are undertaken shall be discontinued immediately. (Ord. 2006-07 § 43, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 15, 1997: Ord. B-101 § 1, 1949: Ord. B-606 § 24, 1944).

7.68.220 Interruption of service.

The water may at any time be shut off from the city’s mains without notice, for the purpose of making repairs, extensions or any other necessary work, and persons having boilers supplied by direct pressure from the mains are cautioned against danger of explosion or collapse. The city shall not be responsible for the safety of the boilers on the premises of any water consumer, nor will the city be responsible on account of the interruption in operating any hydraulically operated appliance or cooling device. (Ord. B-606 § 26, 1944).

7.68.230 Water meters.

All water meters installed by the water/irrigation division, or by the previous owners of the water system, shall be and remain the property of the city, and may be removed or replaced, or changed as to size and type by the water/irrigation division whenever deemed necessary by the division. (Ord. 2006-07 § 44, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 17, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 27, 1944).

7.68.235 Repairing meters.

The water/irrigation division shall maintain and repair all meters when rendered unserviceable through fair wear and tear and shall renew them if necessary; provided, however, that where replacement, repairs or adjustments of any meter is rendered necessary by the act of neglect or carelessness of the owner or occupant of any premises, any expense caused the water/irrigation division thereby shall be charged against and collected from the water consumer, and water service may be discontinued until the cause is corrected and amount charged collected. (Ord. 2006-07 § 45, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 18, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 29, 1944).

7.68.240 Testing and correcting meters.

When a consumer makes a complaint that the bill for any past service period has been excessive, the utility services division shall have such meter reread and the service inspected for leaks. If the consumer remains dissatisfied and desires that the meter be tested, upon written request, the water/irrigation division shall test the meter by means of a calibrated portable testing meter or a volume-measuring vessel, or shall replace the meter with a new or calibrated meter. The consumer shall, if he or she so desires, be present when such test or meter replacement is made.

In case a test should show an error of over five percent of the water consumed in favor of the water/irrigation division, a correctly registering meter will be installed and the bill will be adjusted accordingly, but such adjustment shall not extend back more than one service period plus one month from the date of the written request and the minimum charge shall not be affected. (Ord. 2006-07 § 46, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 19, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 30, 1944).

7.68.250 Water services charges.

A. The charge for domestic water supplied within the city of Yakima shall consist of a ready-to-serve charge and a charge for water consumed, as set forth in the city of Yakima master fee schedule adopted via resolution by city council.

B. The ready-to-serve charge may be computed on a daily basis by dividing the two-month charge by sixty days.

C. All charges for water supplied outside the city shall be computed by multiplying the applicable rates set forth in subsections A and B of this section by one and one-half.

D. Home Kidney Dialysis. A residential customer who undergoes kidney dialysis at his or her home, or whose home is also the home of a different person who undergoes home kidney dialysis, shall not be required to pay utility charges for domestic water service or sewer service for the quantity of water that is necessary for the home dialysis. In order to be excused from utility charges under this subsection, the residential customer must present to the director of finance and budget or their designee written documentation annually from a recognized kidney dialysis center certifying that the person requires dialysis and the quantity of water needed for that person’s dialysis. (Ord. 2022-040 § 45, 2022; Ord. 2019-008 § 1, 2019: Ord. 2018-052 § 1, 2018: Ord. 2016-034 § 1, 2016: Ord. 2013-052 § 1, 2013: Ord. 2011-63 § 1, 2011: Ord. 2009-49 § 10, 2009: Ord. 2007-67 § 2, 2007: Ord. 2004-81 § 1, 2004: Ord. 2001-26 § 3, 2001: Ord. 97-16 § 21, 1997: Ord. 96-17 § 1, 1996; Ord. 93-32 § 1, 1993: Ord. 93-22 § 3, 1993; Ord. 3366 § 1, 1991; Ord. 2922 § 1, 1985: Ord. 2880 § 1, 1985: Ord. 2693 § 1, 1983: Ord. 2513 § 2, 1981: Ord. 2424 § 1, 1980: Ord. 1874 § 3, 1975: Ord. 1563 § 1, 1973: Ord. 1556 § 2, 1973: Ord. 982 § 5, 1967: Ord. 680, 1965: Ord. B-2026, 1957: Ord. B-606 § 32, 1944).

7.68.251 Bulk rate/fire hydrant water meter assembly rental.

A. The charge for water supplied through fire hydrants, when the water is used by either the city or a private person for any use authorized by the water/irrigation division, shall be the same as the highest UOC charge set forth in YMC 7.68.250. No charge shall be made for water supplied through fire hydrants when the water is used for fire suppression or for maintenance and operation purposes by the city.

B. All water served through a fire hydrant shall comply with YMC 7.68.300.

C. Water served through a fire hydrant shall have an authorized water meter assembly as provided by the water/irrigation division. Such water meter assembly shall be rented through the city of Yakima, water/irrigation division.

D. Water meter assemblies shall not be rented for more than thirty consecutive days. Water meter assemblies shall be returned to the water/irrigation division for a meter reading and inspection at the end of the rental period. A late fee of as set forth in the city of Yakima master fee schedule adopted via resolution by city council will be assessed for water meter assemblies kept longer than thirty days. If the renter has kept the water meter for more than fifteen days after the end of the rental period, the city may enter onto any property upon which the water meter is located and repossess such meter. If such meter is not on the premises listed in the rental agreement as the location of the use of the meter or the street address of the renter, and the renter has not returned the meter at the end of the rental period, the city may charge the renter with theft.

E. Water meter assemblies shall not be rented if the renter, or any business entity they are associated with, has a past due account.

F. Daily water meter assembly use charge for temporary water service shall be set forth in the city of Yakima master fee schedule adopted via resolution by city council. The minimum water meter assembly use charge shall be equal to the daily water meter assembly charge. (Ord. 2022-040 § 46, 2022; Ord. 2020-005 § 1, 2020: Ord. 2019-016 § 1, 2019: Ord. 2018-052 § 2, 2018: Ord. 2016-034 § 2, 2016: Ord. 2006-07 § 47, 2006: Ord. 2004-81 § 2, 2004: Ord. 2001-26 § 4, 2001: Ord. 97-16 § 22, 1997: Ord. 93-32 § 2, 1993: Ord. 2922 § 2, 1985: Ord. 2693 § 2, 1983: Ord. 2519 § 1, 1981: Ord. 2513 § 3, 1981: Ord. 1100 § 1, 1969).

7.68.260 Charges for premises supplied through more than one meter.

Where an individual consumer is supplied with water through more than one metered service, charges shall be computed separately for each individual meter. (Ord. B-606 § 35, 1944).

7.68.275 Fire services.

All fire service connections between water mains and property lines shall be installed and maintained by the water division at the expense of the owner or occupant of the premises served, and shall be the property of the city of Yakima.

At or before the time of making application for such services the applicant shall file an application with the code administration and planning division as required by Title 11 of the city of Yakima Municipal Code and comply with the IBC/IFC. Each single source fire protection system, and each fire service connection shall have a resilient seat gate valve with a standard valve box installed at the property/right-of-way line by the customer and maintained by the customer as well as backflow prevention as required in YMC 7.68.070.

The manager of the water division or a designee shall fix the charge to be made for the installation of such service taking into consideration length and size of pipe, condition of street and sidewalk, all relative to character of service, and such charge shall be paid to the city by the applicant before such installation shall be made.

Fire service connections shall not be used for combined fire protection and commercial purposes where separate service connections can be installed. In no case shall any tap be made upon, or any tank be connected with, any pipe used for fire protection unless a water meter is installed.

The use of water through a fire service connection for any purpose other than the extinguishing of a fire on the premises is prohibited unless authorization has been granted by the water manager or a designee and a meter provided by the water division is installed to measure all water so used.

A single fire service connection shall not serve more than one parcel or lot nor serve more than one building on a single lot or parcel. (Ord. 2006-07 § 48, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 26, 1997: Ord. 2520 § 1, 1981: Ord. 2427 § 1, 1980: Ord. 472, 1963: Ord. B-606 § 38, 1944).

7.68.280 Fire service inspection.

The water/irrigation division shall inspect all fire service connections with piping, valves and other appurtenances thereto, and the premises served thereby, at regular intervals and as often as found necessary. The inspector shall keep a record of all inspections made. Should an inspector find that water is used through a fire service for any purpose other than the extinguishing of fire upon the premises, the owner or occupant will be given notice to discontinue such use. If such use is not discontinued within ten days from such notice being given, water service to the premises shall be discontinued until such time as the owner or occupant complies with the requirement of such notice. No charge will be made for water used in extinguishing fire. (Ord. 2006-07 § 49, 2006: Ord. 982 § 8, 1967: Ord. 2026, 1957: Ord. B-606 § 39, 1944).

7.68.282 Fire service charges.

The bimonthly charge for each fire service shall be as follows:

A. Charges within the city of Yakima shall be set forth in the city of Yakima master fee schedule adopted via resolution by city council.

B. Daily charge is calculated by dividing the bimonthly charge by sixty days.

C. Charges for fire services outside the city limits shall be computed by multiplying the applicable rate above by one and one-half.

D. The inside diameter of the pipe leading to a fire hydrant shall determine the service charge. Any fire hydrant installed and maintained by the city outside of city limits will be billed as a fire service, which charge shall be terminated at such time as the responsible consumer’s property is annexed to the city. (Ord. 2022-040 § 47, 2022; Ord. 2018-052 § 3, 2018: Ord. 2016-034 § 3, 2016: Ord. 2009-49 § 11, 2009: Ord. 2007-67 § 3, 2007: Ord. 2004-81 § 4, 2004: Ord. 2001-26 § 7, 2001: Ord. 97-16 § 27, 1997: Ord. 93-32 § 5, 1993: Ord. 3366 § 4, 1991: Ord. 2922 § 5, 1985; Ord. 1874 § 4, 1975: Ord. 1556 § 5, 1973: Ord. 982 § 9, 1967).

7.68.290 Maintenance of fire hydrants.

The water/irrigation division shall install, maintain and keep in repair all public city fire hydrants. (Ord. 2006-07 § 50, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 28, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 41, 1944).

7.68.295 Use of fire hydrant.

No person other than an employee of the Yakima water/irrigation division, fire department, street division, wastewater division or codes division who is engaged in fire fighting, sprinkling or washing the public streets, cleaning sewers or conducting fire flow tests shall operate fire hydrants or interfere in any way with the city water system without first obtaining a water meter and the authority to do so from the water/irrigation division. (Ord. 2006-07 § 51, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 29, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 42, 1944).

7.68.300 Temporary domestic water service.

A. Conditions of Use. Temporary domestic water service through an existing fire hydrant or by means of other existing water lines will be furnished to a customer on the following conditions:

1. Application for such service shall be made in person to the water/irrigation division.

2. Water furnished through the temporary service shall be measured by a meter assembly, to be furnished by the city, for the use of which the customer shall pay to the city the amounts as prescribed in YMC 7.68.251.

3. The customer shall only connect to a hydrant prescribed on the application for service.

4. When the meter assembly is installed by city employees, the customer shall pay to the city the actual labor cost incurred by the city, based in the then applicable payroll charges, including overhead, for actual hours of labor involved, all as determined by the water/irrigation division of the city, with a minimum one-hour charge.

5. The customer shall pay the city the actual cost for equipment used in making such installation, based on the then current city rental rates for the actual hours of equipment usage, all as determined by the water/irrigation division of the city, with a minimum one-hour charge.

6. The customer shall pay for water furnished through a temporary service pursuant to YMC 7.68.251.

7. The customer shall return the water meter assembly in the same state of repair as when furnished to the customer by the city, or shall be responsible to the city for the actual cost of any meter assembly repair, or the actual total cost of the meter assembly in the event of its destruction.

8. The customer shall give notice to the Yakima fire department of the location of hydrants to be used for temporary service, and the duration of such use.

B. Billing. Bimonthly billings will be rendered by the city to temporary water use customers, for the applicable charges as specified in subsection A of this section and YMC 7.68.251, with payment due within the same time as other billings for city utility services; provided, if the temporary service is furnished for a period of time less than the two-month billing period, payment shall be due at the time such temporary service is discontinued and the meter assembly returned to the city.

C. Customer to Sign Agreement. Prior to the installation of the meter assembly by which a temporary water service will be furnished, the applicant for such service shall sign an agreement to comply with the provisions, terms and conditions of this section.

D. The provisions of this section do not require or authorize temporary domestic water service by or through any other than the water lines or fire hydrants existing at the time application for such service is made; and neither this section nor any agreement signed pursuant to it for temporary water service shall be construed to require the installation or extension by the city of any water line or facility to furnish temporary water service, either within or outside the corporate boundary of the city. (Ord. 2006-07 § 52, 2006: Ord. 2004-81 § 5, 2004: Ord. 2001-26 § 8, 2001: Ord. 97-16 § 30, 1997: Ord. 2537 § 1, 1981: Ord. B-606 § 43, 1944).

7.68.305 Abandoned services.

All service installations connected to the water system, that have been abandoned or that have not been used for three years or that for any reason have become useless for further service, shall be disconnected at the main by the water/irrigation division or by others in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the city engineer, and all pipe and appurtenances removed shall be the property of the city of Yakima. (Ord. 2006-07 § 53, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 31, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 44, 1944).

7.68.310 Extensions of mains other than by city.

All extensions of water mains shall be made either by the water/irrigation division at the expense of the owners of the property to be served thereby, or by the owners of said property under the supervision of the city engineer and in accordance with the plans and specifications approved by the city engineer and in accordance with Title 12 of the Yakima Municipal Code. (Ord. 2006-07 § 54, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 32, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 45, 1944).

7.68.315 Ownership and control of extensions of water mains.

Unless deeded to the city, all existing extensions of water mains and appurtenant equipment installed by persons, firms or corporations, other than the city, shall be and remain the property of such persons, firms, or corporations, and of their heirs, successors or assigns, and shall be maintained by them. Any repair or maintenance work done by the water division/irrigation as an accommodation shall not place ownership in the city. In case a property owner desires to have a water service and meter installed and to be supplied with water through such a privately owned main, a permit must first be obtained from whomever owns or maintains such water mains and such permit shall be filed with utility billing. In case such a permit cannot be obtained due to there being no recognized owner or authorized person, the applicant for service and meter installation and for water service shall be obligated to perform his part in maintaining the main and to having water service discontinued if the main is not properly maintained.

All installations of water main extensions, additions and replacements, and appurtenances thereto, outside of the city limits shall, when made in the manner stipulated in YMC 7.68.310, be and remain the property of the city of Yakima after all payments for installations have been made or satisfactorily provided for, and after such installations have been tested and accepted by the city engineer and after the persons or person responsible for the construction of the extensions have relinquished all right to or interest in the ownership of said extensions, such extensions shall be maintained by the city and operated by the water/irrigation division as part of the distribution system and the water/irrigation division shall exercise complete control over said extensions. Nothing in this section or YMC 7.68.310 shall be construed so as to effect the term of any written agreement or contract binding on the city of Yakima. (Ord. 2006-07 § 55, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 33, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 46, 1944).

7.68.320 Street work.

All persons, contractors, corporations or any city department handling street work, such as grading, regrading, filling, trenching or paving, etc., shall give the water/irrigation division fourteen days’ written notice in case it becomes necessary during the work to remove, displace or change any water mains, pipes, fittings, meters, gates or other waterworks’ appurtenances that may interfere with the prosecution of such work, and failure to furnish said notice shall make the contractor, corporation or person, or other city department liable to the water/irrigation division in case damages should result from such failure. (Ord. 2006-07 § 56, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 34, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 47, 1944).

7.68.325 Connection with conductors.

Any uninsulated conductor which may convey electric current shall not be connected with any pipe or equipment which connects to the city water distribution system, without the consent of the manager, all as provided in RCW Chapter 19.28. All such connections shall further comply with applicable electrical codes.

In case a city water pipe is found which conveys a noticeable amount of electric current, the manager shall immediately notify the owner of premises supplied by said pipe and the water supplied to said premises shall be discontinued until the electric current is removed. (Ord. 2006-07 § 57, 2006: Ord. 97-16 § 35, 1997: Ord. B-606 § 48, 1944).

7.68.335 Penalties for violation.

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not exceeding three hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the city jail for a period not exceeding ninety days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. B-606 § 50, 1944).