Supplies of water from the City's waterworks
shall be furnished to customers subject to the provisions of this
chapter and any rules or regulations of the Public Utilities Commission
made in connection with such services. The signing of an application
for water service or the use of water shall signify that the applicant
agrees to comply with such provisions, rules and regulations.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
The Director of Public Utilities, or his agents
when ordered, may at all reasonable times enter any dwelling house
or other premises to which water is supplied from the waterworks system
to make such inspection of the pipes and fixtures and inquiries as
to the use of water on the premises as the Manager may consider necessary
and proper for the best interest of the City.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
Applications for new service pipes or for the
renewal of existing service pipes or for the use of water shall be
made in writing at the office of the Water Division, upon the prescribed
form, by the owner of the premises to be served or his agent.
The Public Utilities Commission may, in its discretion, supply service pipes or water service to consumers other than the owners of the premises served, upon the filing by such consumers of the application required by §
207-3.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
A. Installation of service pipes.
(1) General. Service pipes measuring one inch in diameter from the main to the curb shall be installed by the City at the owner's expense upon the approval of the Engineering Division and the filing of an application therefor and payment to the Water Division. Service connections from the curb to the premises to be served shall be installed at the expense of the applicant for water service. First connection entering the building (copper service only) shall be a flared connection. Whenever application for the renewal of a service pipe is made, the applicant shall pay to the City the applicable nonrecurring charges as if it were a new installation. The property owner or his agent shall first install that portion of the service pipe from the shutoff at the curb to the building to be served, whereupon the City shall install the portion from the shutoff to the main. Whenever the installation of a new service pipe or the renewal of an existing service pipe requires excavation in an improved roadway, highway or street, such excavation shall be made at the expense of the applicant therefor under the provisions of Chapter
180, Streets and Sidewalks, relating to excavations.
(2) Charges.
(a)
Complete installation charges will be only for
one-inch pipe diameters. This installation is the service from the
main to the curb which includes the following:
[2]
Provide and install corporation stop assembly.
[3]
Copper service from main to curb.
[6]
Temporary and permanent pavement restoration.
(b)
The water meter charges are not included.
[Amended 2-6-2012]
|
Service Length
(feet)
|
Service Size
(inches)
|
Nonrecurring Charge
|
---|
|
Short service: up to 15
|
1
|
$1,755
|
|
Long service: greater than 15 up to 30
|
1
|
$100 per foot
|
(c)
Additional charges. Complete installation with
road repairs that exceed 30 feet in length should pay an additional
charge of $50 per linear foot for distance in excess of 30 feet. If
rock is encountered in trench an additional cost of $50 per cubic
yard shall be charged if the Water Division elects to perform excavation.
(d)
Partial installation charges for services 3/4
inch to two inches from the main to the curb include the following:
tapping the main; provide and install corporation stop assembly. All
other work, materials and road restoration are the responsibility
of the applicant. Applicant is responsible for permits and must ensure
that materials and work meet Department of Public Utilities standards.
|
Service Size
(inches)
|
Nonrecurring Charge
|
---|
|
3/4
|
$150
|
|
1
|
$200
|
|
1 1/2
|
$325
|
|
2
|
$325
|
(e)
These charges do not include meter installation.
(f)
The minimum service size for a residential dwelling
unit shall be one inch.
(g)
Partial installation charges for service/main
connections for four inches to 12 inches shall be for tapping the
main only. All work, materials and road restoration shall be the responsibility
of the applicant and must meet Department of Public Utilities standards.
|
Tap Size
(inches)
|
Nonrecurring Charge
|
---|
|
4
|
$600
|
|
6
|
$600
|
|
8
|
$600
|
|
10
|
$600
|
|
12
|
$600
|
(h)
Charge includes pressure testing of tapping
sleeve ($125).
(3) All installations made under this section shall be
made under the supervision of the Director of Public Utilities subject
to the policies and regulations promulgated by the Department of Public
Works and Department of Public Utilities, Water Division.
B. Miscellaneous charges.
(1) Private meter readings. Readings that are requested
by owner, attorneys or others for interim readings (closing, etc.):
nonrecurring charge: $25 each appointment unless cancellation was
received by office.
(2) Reconnection charges. These charges are applied when
service is restored subsequent to termination for nonpayment or failure
to comply with Water Division rules and regulations. Nonrecurring
charges:
(3) Meter testing charge.
(a)
Every meter has been carefully tested before
it is installed and also before it is reset after being removed for
repairs or for any other reason. In a case of a high meter reading,
a recheck will be made of the reading, and if found to be correct
as originally read, the Division will base its billing on this reading.
(b)
If the property owner feels that the reading
is in any way faulty, he may request that the meter be removed and
tested. The cost to the property owner for such removal and testing
will be $20, which must be paid in advance. If the meter is found
to register above the allowable limits, 2% or more, the water bill
will be adjusted according to the City and state code, and the twenty-dollar
testing fee will be refunded. If the meter is found to be registering
within the limits, plus or minus 2%, the fee will be retained by the
Division and the meter returned to the service from which it was removed.
The Division may install a new meter if it falls under the meter replacement
criteria. The tested meter will be kept in storage for no more than
three years.
(c)
The twenty-dollar nonrecurring charge applies
to meters ranging from 5/8 inch through two inches. Meters three inches
and above will be charged at actual costs plus 25% administrative
costs.
(d)
The property owner shall be encouraged to witness
the tests.
(4) Meter resetting charge.
(a)
This charge applies only to existing accounts
where the meter has been removed.
(b)
The purpose of this charge is to recover the
cost of turning on the service and resetting a meter.
(c)
Nonrecurring charge: $50 each.
(5) Meter pit pump-out.
(a)
It is the responsibility of the owner/customer
to maintain the meter pit/vault. On occasions Water Division personnel
are requested to pump water out of these pits/vaults to obtain a reading
or to perform an inspection.
(b)
The Water Division will notify the owner in
writing of this situation and allow him a reasonable time (five days)
to correct the situation.
(c)
If the owner fails to perform this work or if
the owner requests that the Water Division perform this work a charge
will be applied.
(d)
Nonrecurring charge: $200 each.
(6) After-hours charge:
(a)
This is for call-out work performed outside
regular Water Division working hours if such call-out is for customer
convenience.
(b)
Nonrecurring charge: $75 each.
(7) Replacement/repair of damaged or missing meter and
appurtenances. This charge shall be based upon actual costs of labor,
tools, materials and equipment, plus 25%.
C. All installations made under this section shall be
made under the supervision of the Public Utilities Commission, subject
to regulations promulgated by the Department.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
A. Every consumer supplied with water from the waterworks
system shall keep his service pipe, from the shutoff at the curb to
the building served, in good repair and shall maintain the same and
all fixtures and apparatus connected therewith free from leaks.
B. In case of leaking or broken water service pipe, the
Water Division will make such repairs as are practicable on the section
of the pipe between the water main in the street and the curb stop.
Whenever, in the opinion of the Water Division, the age and condition
of the service pipe are such as to make it impracticable to maintain
service through the present pipe, the water may be shut off after
adequate notice is provided. The customer will be advised that he
should immediately apply for the renewal of the facilities.
C. Water service pipe material shall be Type K Copper, with a minimum
of one-inch diameter. Ductile iron pipe may be used for properties
that require a water service pipe diameter larger than two inches.
Plastic service pipe shall not be permitted.
[Added 8-21-2017]
D. No unauthorized person(s) shall uncover, make any connections with
or opening into, use, alter, repair or disturb any public water line
or appurtenance thereof.
[Added 2-20-2018]
(1) A person intending to connect a water service pipe from his property
to the public main shall first obtain a permit to connect from the
Engineering Division. The application shall be made on forms provided
by the Engineering Division and it shall be accompanied by a sketch
or plan showing the proposed installation in sufficient detail to
enable the Engineering Division to determine that the proposed installation
meets the requirements of this regulation and other applicable specifications,
codes and laws. The application shall be signed by the qualified contractor
who has been chosen to perform the work of installing and connecting
the water service pipe to the public main. Upon approval by the Engineering
Division of the application and plan, a permit shall be issued to
have the work performed by the stated contractor. In the event that
the premises changes ownership before the work is completed, or if
another contractor is chosen to perform or finish the work, the original
permit becomes void and a new permit must be obtained by the parties
in interest. New fees shall be charged.
(2) Prior to obtaining a permit to connect, the applicant or his authorized
representative shall provide adequate documentation to the Engineering
Division to indicate how the connection is proposed. The Engineering
Division and/or the Public Utilities Commission shall review the application
to determine if the proposal is acceptable or if changes are required.
It shall be unlawful for any person who has received such a permit
connect with any water main or service other than the one approved
in such permit.
(3) The City reserves the right to increase the limits of the repair
if, in the opinion of the Water Inspector or Water Distribution Supervisor,
the condition of the service pipe is such that a larger repair is
necessary.
E. All water service pipes shall be installed by a plumber who possesses
a valid license issued under Chapter 393 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, as amended. In addition thereto, no person shall make any
connection with any public or private main in the City unless he is
licensed and obtained all necessary permits, and no person shall employ
any unlicensed person to do such work. Every person so licensed shall
file with the Engineering Division a surety bond, payable to the City,
in the sum of $4,000, conditioned that the licensee will indemnify
and save harmless the City from all loss, cost or damage arising out
of or in connection with any work done under such license.
[Added 2-20-2018]
[Amended 1-24-2008]
Extension of water mains shall be made under
the following conditions, subject to the provisions of the City Charter:
A. Extension of water mains in an existing, City-accepted
and -maintained street:
(1) Petitions for extension of water mains shall be submitted
to the Public Utilities Commission.
(2) Upon initial approval by the Public Utilities Commission,
plans for such extension shall be prepared by or under the supervision
of the City Engineer. The plans shall include cost estimates, a map
showing property lines and owners of all existing properties abutting
or otherwise benefiting from the proposed extension. Assessments shall
be based on the current cost of eight-inch pipe together with all
other necessary materials and cost of labor. If the City requires
pipe in excess of eight inches for any purpose, the added cost of
larger pipe shall be borne by the City. The Public Utilities Commission
shall, following review of the plan, recommend to the City Council
proposed assessments against the benefiting property owners. All maps,
plans and pertinent data shall be forwarded to the City Council.
(3) The Council committee shall schedule a public hearing
to consider the proposed water main extension. The committee shall
prove at least 10 days' written notice of such hearing to the owner
or owners of the land and buildings upon which the cost of such water
mains may be assessed. In addition, notice of the public hearing shall
also be published at least twice in a daily newspaper published in
the City prior to the date of the hearing. Following the hearing the
committee shall report its findings and/or recommendations to the
full Council.
(4) If the City Council approves the extension of such
water main, the Director of Public Works (or City Manager) will proceed
to have the water main installed and assess the cost of such installation
against the benefiting property owners, as determined by the City
Council.
(5) Upon final completion of construction of such main:
(a)
The City Engineer shall provide written certification
to the Public Utilities Commission that the installation is in compliance
with the approved plans and that leakage and bacterial tests were
made and determined to be satisfactory.
(b)
The Public Utilities Commission shall give written
notice to the owners of the land and buildings assessed therefor,
and such assessments are due and payable on the date of such notice.
Any such owner may pay the entire amount of such assessment within
30 days without interest charges, or he may pay the amount of such
assessment or any portion of such assessment within one year following
the thirty-day period, and the amount of such payment shall bear interest
at the rate of 12% per annum. All assessments or portions thereof
which remain unpaid following a period of one year and 30 days from
the date of such notice from the Public Utilities Commission shall
bear interest at the rate of 18% per annum, figured from the date
when assessments are first due and payable, except that payments must
be completed within a period of five years from the date when assessments
are first due and payable.
(6) The amount so assessed shall be a lien upon the property. Such lien shall commence and attach to such land and buildings from the time of the acceptance by the City Council of the recommendation of the committee to extend such water main, provided that a certificate of such lien describing the property and the amount thereof shall be filed with the City Clerk, such certificate to be signed by the Collector of Taxes and to be filed within 30 days of the date of the notice from the Public Utilities Commission referred to in Subsection
A(5)(b).
(7) In the event that application is made for a water
main extension to be laid in any street, road or highway, as herein
provided, and the land abutting both sides of the street, road or
highway or section thereof in which the extension applied for is to
be laid is owned by the same person, the provisions of this section
requiring notice and hearing by the committee and the assessment of
the costs of such extension and the notice thereof by the Public Utilities
Commission shall not apply, provided that the street, road or highway
or section thereof has been accepted by the City Council or that the
Planning Commission of the City has approved the same for construction
and has received a bond from such person guaranteeing proper completion
of such street, road or highway or section thereof, provided further
that such person shall pay to the City Water Division an amount equal
to the cost of such extension as estimated by the City Engineer. No
pipe may be laid in any street or highway, under the provisions of
this section, until the same has been rough graded to an established
grade in the location assigned for such pipeline.
B. Extension of water mains in a private street owned
and maintained by a condominium association. Extension of City-owned
and -maintained water mains into private streets will be allowed under
the following conditions:
(1) The private street will be owned, maintained and controlled
by a permanent legal property owners' group, e.g., condominium association.
(2) The private street is to be constructed in accordance
with plans and specifications approved by the Planning Commission.
(3) The development has been approved by the Planning
Commission.
(4) All engineering specifications, calculations and detailed
construction plans of the waterlines and appurtenances have been submitted
to and approved by the Director of Public Works and Director of Public
Utilities.
(5) Following construction but before placing the line
into use, the consulting engineer shall certify to the Director of
Public Works and Director of Public Utilities that the construction
was done in compliance with the approved plans and specifications
and that the new main met all required leakage and bacterial tests.
(6) All water mains shall be located in the right-of-way
and easements according to City requirements.
A. Whenever a new water main or other addition to or
change in the water system is made, the Director of Public Works shall
have maps prepared showing the size and location of the main, the
size and location of all gates and other fixtures, the location of
all service connections from the main to the shutoff and any other
change or addition made to such system.
B. Whenever a new connection is made to an existing water
main, the same shall be accurately located and a record kept of such
location so that the connection may be shown on any map subsequently
prepared.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
A. The Public Utilities Commission may at any time order
the meter placed on any service connection if it deems it in the best
interest of the City so to do, and any property owner, upon notification
by the Commission, shall allow a representative of the Water Division
to enter upon his premises to install such a meter. Upon application
by the consumer, a meter shall be placed on any service previously
unmetered. The consumer shall provide a proper place for the installation
of a meter immediately inside the building wall which shall be of
easy access at all times for reading and repair. The Director of Public
Works and Director of Public Utilities, or their representatives,
shall determine the size of the water meter installed on any service
and may determine when any meter shall be repaired or replaced.
B. When a service line or other private water line is
tapped off a public water main and serves or is intended to serve
more than one building or property, or when the length of the service
is over 100 feet, the Public Utilities Commission may at any time
order the installation of a frostproof accessible meter pit just inside
the first property nearest the public water main (or other location
as recommended by the Public Utilities Commission) and the placement
of a meter in that pit. Consumption of water and charges for such
consumption shall be based upon readings from that meter. Unpaid bills,
including interest and lien fees, shall be assessed against the property
on which the meter pit is located.
C. Installation of meters.
(1) Water service shall not be supplied to a new account
until a proper and adequate meter setter has been provided by the
owner immediately inside the building wall which shall be of easy
access at all times for meter reading and repair, the required fee
for the proper size meter has been paid to the Water Division by the
owner, and the Water Division has installed and sealed the required
meter. The Public Utilities Commission shall act as an appeals board
to determine when and if a frostproof meter pit shall be required
rather than a meter location within the building.
(2) The fee for the installation of new meters shall be
as follows:
Size of Meter
(inches)
|
Nonrecurring Charge
|
---|
5/8 x 3/4
|
$175
|
3/4
|
$185
|
1
|
$250
|
1 1/2
|
$400
|
2 or larger
|
Actual cost of meter/accessories plus 25%
|
[Amended 1-24-2008]
A. All meters installed under §
207-9 shall be properly sealed immediately upon their installation by an employee of the Water Division and shall not be interfered with or tampered with thereafter by any unauthorized person.
B. All broken meter seals shall be immediately reported
to the City Water Division by the property owner. There shall be no
meter resealing charges levied for broken seals that are reported
by the property owner.
[Amended 8-16-2021]
(1) If an employee of the Water Division finds an unreported
broken meter seal, then a charge of $200 shall be levied for each
meter resealing.
C. The minimum additional consumption charge for water
and sewer during any billed period in which there is evidence that
the meter was tampered with, bypassed or removed from the setting
shall be as follows:
[Amended 2-6-2012; 8-16-2021]
(1) Single-family residential: 4,000 cubic feet.
(2) Multifamily residential: 8,000 cubic feet.
(3) Commercial or industrial: Twice the highest recorded consumption
during any of the last six billing periods.
D. Where it has not been possible to gain access to the
property for the purpose of reading the meter and the customer has
declined to return the self-reading cards provided, consumption shall
be estimated by the Water Division based upon previous readings. The
number of consecutive estimated readings shall not exceed two billing
periods. The use of self-reading cards or combination of estimated
or self-reading cards shall not exceed three successive billing periods.
E. When the above limitations of estimated or self-reading
cards have occurred, the customer must notify the Water Division within
15 days of being notified by the Water Division of such limitations
and indicate a reasonable time when the premises will be accessible
for the meter reader. Failure to provide such access to the meter
reader as scheduled may result in termination of service and shall
result in a charge of $50 during regular business hours or a charge
of $75 after regular (Water Division) business hours.
F. Where remote reading meters are installed, the premises
shall be entered into at least once every three years for the purpose
of ascertaining that the seal is intact. In the event of a broken
seal and in addition to the penalties above mentioned, readings shall
be taken by the Water Division on the actual meter rather than the
remote gauge for a minimum of four billing periods following the replacement
of the seal.
G. The sale of water from the Water Division to other
municipalities or premises outside the City shall be subject to a
surcharge of 50% of the regular water rates existing for that billing
period unless specifically prohibited by prior contract.
H. It shall be the property owner's responsibility to
report a meter leak or malfunction to the Water Division as soon as
it is detected.
I. The meter conversion program involving the change-over
of all meters which do not have a remote reading capability will continue
so that all meters shall be so equipped in due course.
J. The Water Division has the right of access, at all
reasonable times, to the customer's premises to read, inspect, repair,
replace or service meters and accessory equipment, including but not
limited to electrical circuits and external terminal blocks.
Liability for damage to meters and appurtenances
shall be charged to and payable by the consumers served through such
meters.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
A. Except for possible use of water during construction,
all new services shall be metered. In instances of temporary variances
issued by the Public Utilities Commission, nonmetered buildings will
be billed on estimated consumption based on use and occupancy.
B. For the use of unmetered water during construction,
the water fee shall be as follows:
(1) Single-family dwellings: $35.
(2) Multiple dwellings: $35 per dwelling.
(3) Apartments, condo buildings with one meter unit.
(4) Commercial and industrial: $150 commercial; $300 industrial.
(5) New water main construction and a $40 per 100 feet.
(6) Large domestic and fire water services over four inches
(water used for testing purposes).
(7) Filling tank truck (bulk) at Water Division shop.
Tank truck(s) may be filled up at Water Division shop. Charges for
this are as follows:
(a)
One-time visit (per day): $20 administrative
cost plus actual water use.
(b)
Multiple visits (per day) (five or fewer): $50
administrative cost plus actual water use.
C. Hydrant use.
(1) No water shall be taken from a public hydrant by anyone
other than an authorized City employee.
(2) Hydrant permits will be issued by the Water Division
only. The Water Division will determine if a hydrant can be used.
(3) Charges.
(a)
With meter: administrative charge of $150 plus
water use based on reading. A deposit of $150 will be paid in advance
of any hydrant use. It will be the permittee's responsibility to safeguard
and protect the meter at all times. Any damage or loss of meter or
appurtenances will be billed at actual cost.
(b)
Without meter. If it is not possible to install
a hydrant meter, the hydrant use shall be estimated. An administrative
charge of $150 shall accompany the hydrant permit. The Water Division
will estimate usage based on facts from the permittee.
(c)
Hydrant permittees will be responsible for the
operation of the hydrant if approved in advance by the Water Division.
Any damage that is done to a hydrant because of negligence will be
the responsibility of the permittee. Individuals/permittees are also
responsible for backflow prevention when using a hydrant.
(d)
Any individual using a public fire hydrant without
authorization or a hydrant permit shall be charged a minimum of $250.
[Amended 10-4-1993; 11-15-1993; 1-24-2008]
A. The water rents and rates for metered service and
fixed user charges for the Water Division shall consist of a flat
basic service charge based on water meter size plus a commodity charge
based on consumption.
B. Commodity charge:
(1) Water rate: $3.15 per 100 cubic feet of water consumed.
[Amended 2-6-2012]
(2) Public use charge. Municipal use charge shall be the
same as other local service customers.
(3) Basic service charge. The flat basic service rate
based on meter size supports the Water Division's share of the Fiscal
Division. The expenses of the Fiscal Division include meter reading,
maintenance of customer account data and billing services associated
with a water customer.
[Amended 2-6-2012]
|
Meter Size
(inches)
|
Quarterly Charge
|
---|
|
5/8
|
$15.66
|
|
3/4
|
$16.30
|
|
1
|
$18.23
|
|
1 1/4 to 1 1/2
|
$20.80
|
|
2
|
$27.87
|
|
3
|
$79.91
|
|
4
|
$99.19
|
|
6
|
$144.16
|
|
8 and larger
|
$195.56
|
(4) Annual fire hydrant charge.
(a)
Public fire hydrants: $40 per hydrant.
(b)
Private fire hydrants: $100 per hydrant.
(5) Annual fire service charge. Any private line which
services a fire protection system, such as sprinkler heads, standpipe,
siamese connections, etc., shall be charged based on the size of service
line, as follows:
|
Service Size
(inches)
|
Annual Fee
|
---|
|
2
|
$187.50
|
|
2 1/2
|
$187.50
|
|
3
|
$187.50
|
|
4
|
$231.25
|
|
6
|
$312.50
|
|
8
|
$437.50
|
|
12
|
$531.25
|
|
16
|
$531.25
|
C. All annual charges set forth above shall be due and
payable on December 1 of each and every year.
D. The rates and charges for users of property located
outside the territorial limits of the City shall be 50% higher than
the rates and charges above for the users located within the City
unless specifically prohibited by prior contract.
E. Private well water discharge into City sanitary sewers.
The type, number and location of meters shall be determined by the
City. Metering of the supply source is generally preferred due to
the improved meter accuracy over discharge meters. However, at the
discretion of the City, discharge meters may be required in certain
situations. In general for new construction projects served by private
wells only or private wells and water supplied from City water mains,
a water meter shall be provided according to City standards for each
supply to ensure proper billing for discharge into City sanitary sewers.
For closed-loop systems served by private wells and not normally discharging
into City sewers, the requirement for a water meter may be waived
by the Engineering Division. For existing buildings or facilities
served by private wells only or private wells and water supplied from
City water mains, alternatives, including but not limited to the following,
may be required at the discretion of the City:
(1) The Director of Public Utilities or the Public Utilities
Commission or their authorized agent may order that a water meter
be required according to City standards for each supply to ensure
proper billing for discharge into City sanitary sewers. This is the
preferred alternative for all existing and proposed facilities.
(2) An estimate of usage will be made based on industry
standards for the type of use and other applicable factors. The City
may require that the customer provide an estimate of use, supported
by detailed calculations, or the City may provide the estimate of
usage, supported by detailed calculations, or the City billing review
be contacted. In the event that there is still a dispute over the
estimated usage, the matter may be referred to the Meriden Public
Utilities Commission.
A. Where a meter is operating incorrectly and a test
of the meter results in an accurate determination of the percentage
of error exceeding 2%, the consumer shall be allowed a credit for
the amount overpaid, pursuant to the State Department of Public Utilities
Control Authority and/or Meriden Public Utilities Commission guidelines.
B. Where a meter is operating incorrectly and it is not
possible to accurately determine consumption during any billing period,
the water use charge for that period shall be in proportion to previous
charges for similar periods when the meter was operating correctly.
[Amended 2-6-2012]
Water rents shall be due and payable at the
office of the Tax Collector quarterly on the first day of March, June,
September, and December. Interest charges at a rate prescribed by
the City Tax Collector and not exceeding the minimum amount allowed
by Connecticut General Statutes shall be added as penalty to all water
rents remaining unpaid one month after their due date. The charges
if applicable shall be calculated from the payment date.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
Any consumer to whom water is furnished through
an unmetered service may claim an abatement for partial or complete
vacancy of his premises by filing the proper notice at the office
of the Water Division at the beginning and termination of such vacancy,
provided that no abatement shall be allowed for a vacancy of less
than two months' duration, and provided further that no abatement
may be claimed for any period prior to the date of filing such notice.
The right to claim an abatement shall be forfeited if the consumer
fails to give proper notice of the termination of the vacancy.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
The Water Division may, upon orders from the
Director of Public Utilities or the Public Utilities Commission, shut
off water service in the City or any part thereof, and wherever outside
the City limits water service may be supplied, for repairs, extensions
or other necessary work connected with the maintenance and operation
of the waterworks system, for the purpose of husbanding the resources
of the reservoir, and in any other case where the Director of Public
Utilities or the Public Utilities Commission deems such action to
be in the best interest of the City. Neither the City nor the Public
Utilities Commission or its officers or employees shall be liable
for damage from failure of the water supply from any cause whatsoever.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
The Water Division may, upon the orders of the
Director of Public Utilities or the Public Utilities Commission, shut
off water from the service pipe of any consumer for nonpayment of
water rents or neglect or refusal to comply with provisions of this
chapter or the rules and regulations of the Public Utilities Commission
relating to water service. Whenever the water is shut off from any
service pipe for nonpayment of a water bill or for failure to comply
with such provisions, rules and regulations, it shall not be again
turned on until the delinquent has paid all arrears, including penalty
charges, or arrangements for such payment satisfactory to the Tax
Collector have been made or the provision, rule or regulation complied
with. If two or more consumers are supplied with water from the same
service pipe and any one is subject to a discontinuance of service
under this section, the water may be shut off from such service pipe
without liability to any other consumer supplied by such service pipe.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
The Director of Public Utilities or the Public
Utilities Commission may, at his or its discretion, promulgate such
regulations and/or issue such orders as it deems necessary to conserve
the City's water supply when it determines that the condition of the
City's reservoirs, wells and/or other water sources so requires. Such
regulations and/or other orders shall be published at least once in
a paper having a daily circulation in the City, and it shall be unlawful,
after the publication of such regulations and/or orders, for any person
who has been given a copy of such regulations and/or orders to do
any act therein forbidden.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
It shall be unlawful for any person, without
special permission from the Director of Public Utilities, to tap or
make any connection with any main, service or other distributing pipe
of the water system.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
It shall be unlawful for any person, except
for the use of City departments or in case of fire, to open any hydrants
without first securing the permission of the Director of Public Utilities
so to do.
It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit
any building material or other article in such a location as to hinder
or obstruct free access to any public hydrant or curb stop or gate
valve.
[Amended 1-24-2008]
A. It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to injure
any main, pipe or other equipment or property used in connection with
the water system.
B. The Water Division is not responsible for pressure
surges or fluctuations in system parameters beyond its control. Pursuant
to state and City building code requirements, pressure reducing valves
are required to be installed by and at the expense of the owner where
the water pressure exceeds 75 pounds per square inch (psi). The Water
Division may waive the requirement for unusual circumstances, provided
that the owner provides adequate documentation to support the waiver.
It shall be unlawful for any person to disturb
or pollute the water of the City reservoirs or to skate or walk upon
the ice of such reservoirs or fish therein without the permission
of the Public Utilities Commission, or to trespass upon any part of
the grounds connected therewith.