The City will endeavor to deliver a dependable supply of potable water from available sources, in quantities adequate to meet the reasonable needs of its customers. The delivery of such supply will be at the service connection. The City may suspend temporarily the delivery of water, for the purpose of making repairs or improvements to its system. Such repairs or improvements will be made as rapidly as practicable. Customers dependent on a continuous water supply should provide adequate storage for emergencies. During any emergency, the City may apportion the available water supply among its customers in the manner that appears most equitable under the circumstances prevailing and with due consideration for public health and safety.
(Prior code § 46-4)
Service provided by the City shall at all times be subject to the regulations promulgated by the City Council. All persons applying for or receiving water service shall be required to accept and shall be deemed to have consented to accept water service subject to such regulations, conditions of pressure and service as may be provided from time to time by the distribution system at the location served and to hold the City harmless from any damages arising from low pressure or high pressure, fluctuations of pressure, interruptions of service, shortage, insufficiency of supply or condition not within the Department's control.
(Prior code § 46-4.1)
Where the use of water is unusually intermittent or is subject to violent fluctuations of a character that may impair service to other customers, the City may require that the customer provide, at his or her own expense, suitable equipment to reasonably limit fluctuations in use and pressure caused by the customer's equipment or operations.
(Prior code § 46-4.2)
The City will endeavor to maintain such pressure as recommended by the National Board of Fire Underwriters. In the event any consumer deems that pressures are inadequate, the consumer shall furnish at his or her own expense whatever devices are necessary to boost the pressure for his or her own premises. In the event water pressures are in excess of any consumer's normal requirements, it shall be the responsibility of such water consumer to install such devices on his or her own premises to protect his or her plumbing and/or to reduce the pressure for his or her normal needs. The consumer shall obtain approval of any devices installed to insure protection of public water supply.
(Prior code § 46-4.3)
A. 
Applicability. Service connections will be installed by the City subject to the provisions of this section, except as otherwise provided in "Temporary service connections," (Section 13.04.270(E)), "Temporary supply," (Section 13.04.280(F)), and "Distribution system extensions" (Section 13.04.450).
B. 
Size and Location of Service Connections. The City may determine the size and number of service connections and their locations in relation to boundaries of the premises to be served and the point of connection to the customer's facilities. The City shall determine in all cases the adequacy of the then existing water system to supply any proposed service. Should the City determine that the system is inadequate for said service, application shall not be approved until the applicant has provided additional facilities, at his or her cost, in accordance with the regulations for distribution system extensions. The customer's piping to the service connection location should not be laid until the service connection is installed; in the event the customer's pipe is installed and its location does not correspond to that of the service connection, the customer must provide for connecting to the service connection.
C. 
Ownership and Absence of Rental Obligation. All service connections, meters and valves, and housings installed by the City or conveyed to the City, however provided for, shall be the sole property of the City under the control of the City and will be maintained at the City's expense except as otherwise provided in these regulations. No rent or charge will be paid by the City where such facilities are located on a customer's premises. The City may relocate its facilities as required by operating conditions and may remove any and all of its facilities from the customer's premises at the termination of service. In the event property is vacant or City's equipment installed is not longer needed, such equipment may be removed at any time upon order of the Water Utility Director.
D. 
Responsibility for Loss or Damage. The customer will be held responsible for loss or damage to the City's meters or other facilities resulting from the use or operation of appliances and facilities on the customer's premises, including, but not limited to, damage caused by steam, hot water, or chemicals. The City's control and responsibility ends at its shut-off valve or meter, and the City will in no case be liable for loss or damage on the premises served, or elsewhere caused by, or in any way arising out of, the running or escape of water from open faucets, burst pipes, or faulty fixtures or appliances on the premises. Each customer shall be responsible for the cost of any water lost through leaks or defective lines between the meter and the point of use. Shut-off valves on the inlet side of the meter shall be operated only by the City. For convenience and safety, the consumer shall install a valve between the meter and the building or first outlet. Damages resulting from violations of this rule shall be charged to the customer.
(Prior code § 46-5)
A. 
Application for Service Connection.
1. 
An application for a service connection shall be made on a form furnished or approved by the City. This application shall specify the size of the service connection desired, the property to be served and the purpose for which the water is to be used. The information supplied by the applicant shall be considered as authoritative and final. The City shall install the service connection at such location as the applicant requests, subject to approval by the Water Utility Director. The service shall be installed from the nearest water distribution main to a point as close to the property line as is reasonable, depending upon all applicable conditions, whether such nearest water distribution main is located in a public street, utility right-of-way, or easement. If any error in such application shall cause the installation of a service connection that is improper either in type, size or location, the cost of all changes required shall be paid by the applicant. Applicant shall make proper application for service, in accordance with "Application for service connection" and make payment of fees or deposits as set forth in resolution of the City Council before water service connection will be provided. If such application has been made and the applicant requests the water turned on, the billing for water service shall begin when the service connection is installed and the meter is set.
2. 
The rates set forth by resolution are for normal connections where there is a main adjacent to the property. For all extensions required between the nearest distribution main and the curb line or property line for installations over two inches, or on long runs, where the actual cost is charged, a deposit in the amount of the estimated cost shall be made with the City prior to any installation.
B. 
Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Service Connections.
1. 
Each house or building under separate ownership shall be supplied through a separate service connection or service connections. Two or more houses or buildings under one ownership and on the same lot or parcel of land may be supplied through one service connection, or a separate service connection may be installed for each building.
2. 
The City may limit the number of houses or buildings or the area of the land under one ownership to be supplied by one service connection.
3. 
The City may limit the number of service connections to any residential or other structure whether under separate or multiple ownership.
4. 
When property provided with a service connection is subdivided, the service connection shall be considered as supplying the lot or parcel of land which it directly enters.
5. 
A service connection to a premises shall not be used to supply the premises of the same owner or which proper application for service connection was not made.
6. 
Whenever any service connection is authorized to be abandoned or removed, any re-establishment of service shall be considered a new service connection.
7. 
Extension of Service Pipe through Basement Wall. Where conditions require that the service connection be extended through a basement wall, the applicant shall, at his or her own expense, provided and seal the entrance way for such pipe and shall assume all responsibility for damage by leakage through such entrance way or by leaking pipes, fittings, or meters.
C. 
Private Fire Protection Service Connections.
1. 
Whenever a service is installed for private fire protection, a charge shall be made for installation of a fire detector check valve and meter and appurtenances. Such service may be used only in case of fire or other purposes in this chapter expressly provided. Use of fire protection service for any other purpose than in this chapter provided shall be prohibited.
2. 
Should it be necessary to use water through a fire detector check meter for the purpose of testing or maintaining a private fire suppression system of Fire Department apparatus, the City shall authorize such use upon the receipt of a written request stating:
a. 
Date and time of use;
b. 
Purpose;
c. 
Estimated quantity of water to be used;
d. 
Estimated maximum flow.
3. 
The City may restrict such non-emergency flows which may be detrimental to or tend to dewater the system.
D. 
Installation of Public Fire Hydrants. The fire chief having jurisdiction shall designate the size and location of all public fire hydrants to be installed. The cost of all public fire hydrant installations or changes shall be paid by the applicant.
E. 
Temporary Service Connections.
1. 
Establishment of Temporary Service. The City shall, if no hardship will result to its existing customers, furnish temporary service for construction and miscellaneous uses when the applicant has requested service on this basis or where the City reasonably expects the service to be temporary. A temporary service may be disconnected at any time after expiration of the period for which applicant stated it was required or when in the opinion of the Water Utility Director, the service is no longer temporary in nature or when the use of such temporary service is detrimental. Applicants shall make in advance the payments provided in this section.
2. 
Temporary Service from Existing Connections. An existing inactive connection which is not being used may be used for temporary service but if it is required at any time to service the property which it enters, its use for temporary service shall be discontinued. A charge as set forth by resolution of City Council will be made for arranging such temporary use.
3. 
Installation of Temporary Service Connections. Where installation of a temporary service connection is required, applicant shall pay the estimated cost to the City.
4. 
Meter May Be Required. The City may require that a meter be installed on any temporary service connection and charge the applicable rate for the service provided. The charge for a meter shall be provided in Section 13.04.260, Service connections, meters, and customer's facilities.
5. 
Service Connection Installation Charges. The charges for installation of the several kinds and sizes of service connections shall be as set forth in resolution of City Council.
(Prior code § 46-5.1)
A. 
Generally.
1. 
The Department may require prospective customer to sign, as applicant, or his or her agent to sign as such, an application for the service desired and also to establish his or her credit. Application may be made at the business office of the Department or to a duly authorized employee.
2. 
The Department's requirements for the type of service desired must be met before an application will be approved. If main, service connection and meter required for service to the premises have not been installed, the applicant will be informed of the terms and conditions which must be met before an application for service will be approved.
3. 
When an application is made by a former customer who has failed to pay charges owed by him or her to the Department, service may be refused until such charges are paid.
B. 
Use of Water Without Application for Service. Any person who takes possession of a premises where water supply has been shut off by the Department and uses water without making application for water service shall be responsible for all charges for the water service. The amount of such charges shall be at a rate to be determined by the Department whether by meter readings or on the basis of the estimated consumption for the time water was used. When water is being used without application for service, the service may be disconnected without notice.
C. 
Applications for Water Service. Each new user, owner, or tenant of any premises served by the City shall make a written application for water service on forms furnished by the City, in the collections office of the division; provided, however, if an existing service user seeks a change of service address within the City system, such application may be made by telephone with the applicable fees deposited by mail or transferred on the accounts of the City. The application shall include the name and address of the applicant, the legal description or street number of the property, and an agreement by the applicant to pay the stipulated rate at the time and in the manner provided by any applicable resolution or provision of this chapter and to abide by all the service rules and regulations of the division.
D. 
Consumer to Furnish Current Information.
1. 
The consumer shall notify the City of any change in the status of or the information shown on the application for service and shall be responsible for the water service furnished until the City is notified to discontinue service.
2. 
The City shall make no adjustments or waive any charges or penalties resulting from the consumer's failure to provide current information.
3. 
All conditions of service contained herein together with the current water rates and charges shall apply to each and every service regardless of whether the premises served is occupied or vacant, excepting if the water has been turned off by the City upon request of the consumer or the owner of the property, any fixed or minimum charge shall not apply.
E. 
Temporary Service for Contractors and Miscellaneous Uses.
1. 
Water for construction and miscellaneous uses normally shall be furnished through a temporary service connection. The applicant shall designate the period of time and purpose for which the water is to be used. The Department may discontinue the supply and remove its equipment at the expiration of the period so designated. Water supply shall be subject to limitations as to the rate of flow and time of use.
2. 
The Department initially will install all the equipment necessary to furnish a temporary water supply and, upon payment of the charges provided for in this section, will move equipment for any subsequent changes in location as requested by the applicant except when the applicant is being furnished water on a flat rate basis and is supplying his or her own eddy valve.
F. 
Temporary Supply from Fire Hydrants.
1. 
Temporary supply of water for purposes other than extinguishing fires may be secured from existing fire hydrants on application in accordance with the provision of this section. Applicant shall designate the period of time and purpose for which water is to be used. The City may discontinue the supply and remove its equipment at the expiration of the period so designated or if the supply is used for any purpose other than designated by applicant. The supply is subject to limitations as to rate of flow of water and on times of use. The City may require that a meter be installed and charge the applicable rate for the service provided as set forth by resolution of City Council.
2. 
The City will install all equipment necessary to furnish a temporary water supply and no water shall be used until such equipment is installed and arrangements have been made for payment of water to be used. A backflow prevention device may be required.
3. 
If the equipment furnished by the department is damaged through the carelessness or abuse of an applicant, the cost of repairing it shall be charged to the applicant. If any such equipment is removed from the fire hydrant by others and not recovered by the Department, the value thereof shall be charged to the applicant.
4. 
Applicant shall establish credit as provided by "Establishment and re-establishment of credit" to secure payment of the Department's charges for furnishing installation, removal, inspection and rental of the equipment installed on a fire hydrant for such securing of water and charges for the water used. If credit is established by making a deposit, the amount thereof shall be sufficient to secure payment for water used and the other charges by the City.
5. 
No permit for temporary supply from fire hydrants shall be issued to any person who has violated any of the provisions of this chapter or whose indebtedness to the City for water used or damage to hydrants is delinquent. Only approved spanner wrenches may be used when operating fire hydrants. Applicant shall not operate the main fire hydrant valve except in an emergency.
(Prior code § 46-6)
A. 
Amount of Deposits. The applicant is required to make a deposit as set forth by resolution for guaranteeing payment of charges for service or for re-establishment of credit.
B. 
When the Department holds a deposit guaranteeing payment for water service that has been discontinued, such deposit will be refunded without interest, with the following exceptions: any unpaid final charges or any other indebtedness to the Department shall be deducted from the deposit and any remaining portion of the deposit returned.
Deposits or guarantees made pursuant to this section may be refunded without interest to the customer when credit satisfactory to the department has been established.
(Prior code § 46-6.1)
A. 
All applications for a new water service shall be made on the forms furnished by the City and shall be signed by the applicant.
In addition to any other information required, such application shall show the true name of the applicant, the address of the property to be served, a true and accurate description of the area to be served and the size of the service requested.
Each application shall be accompanied by an installation fee in the amount set forth by the Water Utility Director.
B. 
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all water delivered by the City shall be delivered through approved meters installed by the City. Meters installed or new services shall be no smaller in size than five-eighths-inch by three-fourths-inch.
Service pipes will be installed from the main to a point inside the curb line where a meter and appurtenances will be installed. However, all service pipes from main located in easements will have meters and appurtenances located adjacent to said mains except where other arrangements are provided by customer. Installation and maintenance of all pipes on the property on the customer side of the meter shall be the responsibility of the customer.
(Prior code §46-6.2)
A. 
Discontinuance of Service at Customer's Request.
1. 
A customer may have service discontinued by giving not less than 48 hours' advance notice thereof to the City. Charges for service may be required to be paid until the requested date of discontinuance or such later date as will provide not less than the required two days' advance notice.
2. 
When such notice is not given, the customer will be required to pay for service until one day after the City has knowledge that the customer has vacated the premises or otherwise had discontinued water service.
B. 
Discontinuance of Service by City.
1. 
Nonpayment of Bills. A customer's water service may be discontinued for the nonpayment of a bill for water service rendered, if the bill has not been paid within 35 days from presentation.
2. 
Water charges shall be due and payable upon presentation and shall become delinquent if not paid before the 20th day after the date of mailing. If any account becomes delinquent, the City may shut off the water to the premises concerned. There shall be, as set forth by resolution, a charge for turning on any water service after shut-off by reason of delinquency.
3. 
If any fire service account becomes delinquent, the City may shut off and discontinue the domestic water service to the premises. Water service shall not be restored until all provisions have been complied with.
C. 
Vacant Premises. In case any premises become vacant, the regular minimum rates shall be charged, and no refund or discount shall be made unless the water has been shut off by the Department upon the written request of the one in whose name the water service is rendered or the written request of the owner.
D. 
Uncollected Water Bills. The City may show an uncollected water bill as an assessment on the tax roll or place a lien against the service address if the bill remains unpaid 60 days after the date of mailing.
(Prior code § 46-6.3)
A. 
Meters will be removed and service discontinued upon request of the owner of the property served, or if any inactive service in unlikely to be used in the reasonably near future, as determined by the City, the meter may be removed.
B. 
Services one and one-half inches in diameter and smaller may be reactivated and the meter reinstalled upon proper application and payment of a reinstallation charge as set forth by resolution, provided that the service pipe is at proper size and is good and in a usable condition. Service of two inches diameter and larger may be reinstalled upon proper application and payment of a reinstallation charge as determined by the City.
C. 
Service which has been discontinued as a result of a violation of any rule and regulation or for delinquent payment of charges or penalties shall not be reactivated until such violation has been remedied and all charges and penalties have been paid.
D. 
Any inactive or discontinued service which the City determines is unlikely to be used or is found to interfere with use of the public right-of-way or the facilities therein may, at the discretion of the City, be disconnected at the main and the service abandoned. Unusable and abandoned service lines shall not be reactivated and upon any application for same, the full charges and conditions for a new installation shall apply.
(Prior code § 46-6.4)
Any customer desiring to change the location or size of a meter that has already been installed shall make application to the City and upon payment in advance of the cost as determined by the City, the City may cause said change to be made. No such change shall be made if in the opinion of the City the same is not required or is not in the best interest of the City.
(Prior code § 46-6.5)
A. 
Meter Reading and Billing—General.
1. 
Regular bills shall be rendered at bi-monthly intervals. Except as provided in the water rate schedule, the quantitative charge for water will be based upon delivery as indicated upon the meter register.
2. 
Combined meter readings shall not be used for billing purposes in those cases where a customer is served by more than one meter.
3. 
Insofar as it is practicable, meters will be read as nearly as possible at regular intervals for the preparation of regular bills, and meters will be read as required for the preparation of opening, closing, and special bills.
4. 
If for any reason service is unmetered except as provided in the water rate schedule or if the meter is inaccessible and cannot be read, or if the meter fails to register correctly, the water consumption will be estimated by the City as follows:
a. 
Previous consumption by metered service to the premises, for a like period of time; or
b. 
The average consumption of similar metered services of the area during the period in question; or
c. 
By giving consideration to the nature of use, volume of business, seasonal demand, and any other factors that may assist in determining such consumption.
B. 
Proration of Bills. Rate schedules stated on a bi-monthly basis are related to a 60-day consumption interval as a standard billing period. Whenever actual meter-read intervals differ from standard 60-day period, bills related thereto computed from bi-monthly schedules are subject to a proration on a 60-day basis. However, at the discretion of the Department, in computing and rendering regular bills, minor variances between actual read intervals and any established regular read interval need not be considered, in accordance with the following:
Where bills are regularly rendered bi-monthly, computation from bi-monthly rate schedules may be made directly whenever actual read intervals do not vary by more than three days (greater or lesser) from the standard 60-day interval.
C. 
Time and Manner of Payment of Bills. All bills for water service hereunder are due and payable upon presentation; bills shall become delinquent 20 days after date of presentation. If bills are not paid upon becoming delinquent, the water service may be discontinued as provided in this Code. Payment shall be made in person or by mail at office of the Finance Department, or, at the option of the City, to its authorized collectors.
D. 
Notices. Except for emergencies, notices from the City to a customer shall be given in writing, either delivered to him or her or mailed to him or her at his or her last known address in the matter prescribed by this Code. Notice from any customer to the City pursuant to adopted regulations may be given in person or by his or her authorized agent, at the City office or by written notice enclosed in a sealed envelope and addressed to the City, deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid.
(Prior code § 46-6.6)
In all cases in which water is being served to premises occupied by two or more different and independent consumers of water, which premises are held under the same ownership, the owner of such premises shall provide independent service to the service connection for each such independent consumer; provided, however, if the owner of such premises so served with water shall agree in writing to be responsible for and pay all money due for water used upon such premises, such independent service shall not be required. Should the owner fail or refuse to assume responsibility for money due for water used upon such premises, the City shall, after 30 days' notice to the consumer so served and to the owner of such premises or the person in charge thereof, cut off water from such premises until the independent services herein required are installed or the agreement assuming responsibility for the money due for water served to the premises is made as herein provided.
(Prior code § 46-6.7)
A. 
Whenever the correctness of any bill for water service is questioned, the City will cause an investigation to be made.
B. 
Inaccurate recording of water use or clerical or meter errors shall be adjusted to a correct basis as determined by the City's investigation, and in the case of a slow or fast meter in accordance with this section.
C. 
In cases where the amount of water used, dates, or other factors required for application of rate schedules or other provisions are not subject to exact determination or are in question, or in case of dispute relative to service rate application, the City shall establish such factors by tests, analyses and investigations to determine the proper basis for making an adjustment, if any. Adjustments in the billing shall then be authorized by the City, as shown to be proper. When requested by the customer, such adjustments shall be subject to review by the Water Utility Director. Each customer shall have the right of appeal to the City Council as provided in this Code.
(Prior code § 46-6.8)
A. 
When the accuracy of a water meter is questioned by a customer, the City will, upon request, cause an official test to be made. A customer shall have the right to require the City to conduct the test in his or her presence, or if he or she so desires, in the presence of any expert or other representative appointed by him or her. A customer, requiring such a test shall first deposit with the City a sum of $25.00. Should the meter be found by test to be more than two percent fast, the City shall refund the customer's deposit; otherwise the deposit shall be forfeited to compensate for the cost of such testing.
B. 
Adjustment of Bills for Meter Errors.
1. 
Fast Meters. When, as a result of any test, a meter is found to be more than two percent fast, the department will render a corrected bill for the current period and the meter shall be adjusted or replaced.
2. 
Slow Meters. When, as a result of any test, a meter is found to be more than five percent slow, the City will render a corrected bill for the period in which the meter was in use, not exceeding four months, unless it can be shown that the error occurred on a date which can be fixed, in which case the billing may be corrected to that date.
(Prior code § 46-6.9)
A. 
Schedule I—General Water Service.
1. 
Applicability. Applicable to domestic, commercial, and industrial water service and to water service for any other purposes.
2. 
Territory. All areas to which water is served by the City.
3. 
Bi-Monthly Rates. As established by adopted resolution.
a. 
Minimum Charge. Rate established by adopted resolution of City Council.
b. 
Quantitative Charge. The quantitative rate for all water delivered shall be as established by adopted resolution.
c. 
Minimum Charge Entitlement. The minimum charge will entitle the customer to the quantity of water which that minimum charge will purchase at the quantitative rate as set forth in resolution.
B. 
Schedule II—Private Fire Protection Service.
1. 
Applicability. Applicable to water service solely for private fire protection purposes.
2. 
Territory. All areas to which water is served by the City.
3. 
Bi-Monthly Rates.
a. 
Minimum Charge. Rate established by adopted resolution of City Council.
b. 
Service under this schedule shall be discontinued by the Department if water supplied under this schedule is used for any purpose other than fire extinguishing and for filling or refilling the facilities of the customer which have been drained in connection with tests and repairs. Service shall thereafter be restored only after a meter satisfactory to the City has been installed and thereafter service shall be supplied at rates applicable to such service as metered.
(Prior code § 46-6.10)
A. 
Deferred Payments. Payments may be deferred when required installations, adjustments, replacements or enlargements of water facilities are to be performed at a future time. Such deferred payment shall be secured by a corporate surety bond or cash deposit at discretion of the City. The City's charges for these facilities shall be paid prior to any investment by the City for any such installation, adjustment, replacement or enlargement.
B. 
General Provisions.
1. 
The form of all bonds, contracts, and notes shall be subject to the approval of the City Attorney.
2. 
All bonds shall be executed by the applicant as principal and a surety company, acceptable to the City, authorized to write surety bonds in the State of California as surety, and shall provide for full force and effect to continue until the terms are performed.
(Prior code § 46-6.12)
Where these regulations provide that the charge to be made by the City is the cost to the City, such charge may be an average determined by the Water Utility Director from time to time, based on cost experienced by the City for the size and type of facility to be installed or changed and according to conditions of installation or change.
(Prior code § 46-6.13)
A. 
The customer shall, at his or her own risk and expense, furnish, install and keep in good and safe condition all apparatus and appliances which may be required for receiving, controlling, applying and utilizing such water and the City shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the improper installation of such apparatus and appliances, negligence, want of proper care or wrongful act of customer or any of his or her agents, employees or licensees in the installation, maintenance, use or operation of such apparatus or appliance. A customer making any material change in the size, character or extent of the equipment or operations for which the Department's service is utilized shall immediately give the Department written notice of the extent and nature of the change.
B. 
Each customer shall at all times maintain in good repair all water pipes, faucets, plumbing fixtures, and other water appliances to prevent the waste of water. Where any customer willfully wastes water in any manner, the water may be shut off until wasteful practices have been discontinued or until repairs have been made to the satisfaction of the City.
(Prior code § 46-6.14)
In accordance with the provisions of Sections 5437 and 5435 of the Government Code, the City's rights hereunder are cumulative and the City may, in addition to discontinuing services and imposing the other penalties herein provided, bring action in any court of competent jurisdiction against the person or persons who occupy the property when the service was rendered or the deposit became due or against the person guaranteeing payment of the bill or against any or all of said persons for the collection of the amount of the deposit or the collection of the delinquent charges and penalties thereon.
(Prior code § 46-6.15)
Water service which has been shut off for failure to comply with any of the rules and regulations or to pay any rates, charges or penalties as herein provided, shall not be restored until such rules and regulations and penalties have been complied with to the satisfaction of the City and payment is made of the amount due if any and in addition thereto, a charge shall be assessed for the expense of turning the water off and on in accordance with resolution of City Council.
(Prior code § 46-6.16)
A. 
Applicability of Regulation. All extensions of the water system or distribution system from the City's existing distribution system required for water service to an applicant shall be made in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section.
B. 
Where Facilities Will Be Constructed. The City generally will install distribution system facilities only in public streets, alleys, roads, and highways and on other public and private property where satisfactory rights-of-way can be obtained essentially without involving direct purchase or lease of land by the City.
C. 
Installations in Non-Dedicated Streets. The City will install a water main in a private street or thoroughfare to provide service to premises along such street or thoroughfare only under the following conditions:
1. 
Approval by the City Council.
2. 
The street or thoroughfare conforms to applicable ordinances of the City or other applicable laws.
3. 
Rights-of-way are provided which are satisfactory to the City.
4. 
Applicant or applicants shall pay the full cost of the installation.
5. 
The City shall have no obligation for maintenance or repair of the surface of such street or thoroughfare, except for the repair or replacement of surfacing required to be cut or removed by the City for the purposes of maintaining, repairing, replacing or removing such mains or attachments.
D. 
Conditions of Streets as Prerequisite to Construction of Mains and Related Facilities.
1. 
In order to expedite the installation of mains, service connections and fire hydrants, each applicant for exten-sion of the distribution system shall provide the City with street plans approved by the City Engineer showing established sewers, paving, curbs and other features.
2. 
It is preferable to install water mains, fire hydrants, water service and related facilities after curbs have been constructed. If curbs are not to be constructed at the time or in the near future, applicant must obtain from the City Engineer's office and furnish to the City the approved location of curbs.
3. 
The City will not install mains, service connections and fire hydrants or related services in new tracts unless streets are well defined by lot stakes, curb stakes or visible center line stakes properly set at applicant's expense.
4. 
Such streets must be down to a sub-grade approved by the City Engineer before mains, services, fire hydrants or related services are installed. If such facilities are installed and thereafter have to be raised or lowered or otherwise relocated because of failure of applicant to supply correct information as to location or grade of curbs, property lines, etc., all costs of making such changes must be paid by the applicant.
5. 
If an applicant permits streets to be paved before mains, fire hydrants, service connections, or related facilities are installed, he or she shall pay the costs of cutting and replacing pavement necessitated by installation of such facilities.
E. 
All Extensions to Be Property of City.
1. 
All extensions of the City's water distribution system, however provided for, shall become property of the City and under control of the City.
2. 
Title to any facilities constructed by others shall be transferred to the City upon acceptance of such facilities by the City.
F. 
Special Facilities. When facilities in addition to those required for extension under the City's normal design standards are required especially to provide capacity, pressure or storage exclusively for the required service, the applicant shall pay the added cost of such facilities in addition to other regularly applicable charges under these regulations.
G. 
Enlargement for Special Requirements. When service required by an applicant requires replacing an existing main with one of larger size, the applicant may be required to pay the full cost of such replacement.
H. 
Payment of Charges to Cover Extensions or Enlargements.
1. 
All charges provided by these regulations applicable to an extension or enlargement of water distribution facilities shall be paid in advance by the applicant therefor before such extensions or enlargements are made by the City except where arrangements have otherwise been made with the City.
2. 
If, upon completion of such installation, the actual cost is greater than the amount deposited, the applicant shall pay the difference to the City. If, however the actual cost is less than the amount deposited, the difference shall be refunded by the City to the applicant.
I. 
Size of Facilities. If the City should elect to construct facilities of greater capacity than required by the service requested, the City shall assume any additional cost involved as determined by the Water Utility Director.
(Prior code § 46-6.7)
The following charges for main extensions shall be paid in addition to all other applicable charges under the regulations of the City, including charges for service connections, meter installation, etc.
A. 
Extensions to Serve Individual Customers. An applicant for a main extension, other than in a new subdivision or development, from an existing main to a premises to be served, shall pay the current cost to the City of a main of a size determined by the City to be adequate to serve the premises.
B. 
Extensions to Serve New Subdivisions or Developments.
1. 
Applicants for main extensions to serve a new subdivision or development shall pay the full installed cost of mains of adequate size to serve the subdivision or development as determined by the City and in addition may be required to pay the full cost of any extension from the nearest main of adequate size of the City's distribution system.
2. 
Any and all service connections, including fire hydrant connections installed or required to be installed, within the new subdivision shall be installed only in the manner, under the circumstances, and upon the payment of any charges therefor as provided in these regulations.
C. 
Water Facilities Installed Under Private Contract.
1. 
An applicant for service requiring main extensions may have the extensions and service connections installed by him or her under private contract, where authorized by the City. Such facilities installed by an applicant must be installed in accordance with the terms and conditions of an agreement between the applicant and the City. All costs of the City in connection with such facilities installed under private contract shall be paid by the applicant.
2. 
The material installed and the work performed must comply with the plans and specifications furnished by the City and shall be subject to City inspection at all times. The applicant shall pay in advance the charges for engineering and inspection services, materials, and general and administrative expenses and other costs in accordance with the accounting practices of the City.
3. 
Upon completion of the installation in accordance with the agreement, title to the facilities shall be transferred to the City by the applicant upon acceptance of such facilities by the City.
D. 
Refund Agreement. When, by reason of remoteness from the City's water distribution system, an applicant is requested by the City to pay an amount of money in excess of that required to cover water main installation charges or connection charges for the applicant property, the City may enter into a refund agreement providing for the refund of that money which the City may collect as water main connection charges from subsequent consumers connecting to the water main. Such refund agreement shall be in effect for a period of 10 years from the date the main is placed in service after which time the City shall be released of any further obligation to make refunds to the applicant.
(Prior code § 46-7.1)
A. 
Definitions. All terms used in the section shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them in this section:
Acreage.
The area of any lot, parcel, subdivision, or other property exclusive of any existing dedicated street rights-of-way or other easements which severely restrict the use of the property.
Mains.
All water mains existing or proposed to become a part of the City water system.
B. 
Application. It shall be the duty of every person as owner or subdivider of a subdivision or single development within the City to file written application with the Water Department for a water service connection.
C. 
Capital Improvement Charges. In addition to the established service installation charge, each applicant for water service connection shall pay the applicable capital improvement charge to the Water Department in accordance with subsection E.
D. 
Basis of Charge. The capital improvement charge shall be calculated on a per meter equivalent unit basis.
E. 
Fee. Water capital improvement charges shall be payable in accordance with Chapter 3.40 (Development Impact Fees Program) of the Paramount Municipal Code and the Mitigation Fee Act.
F. 
Credit for Water Mains.
1. 
The applicant shall be credited for cost incurred for all labor, equipment and material which he or she has incurred to extend, or replace with larger mains, any existing water mains outside the limits of the proposed development.
2. 
Such credit shall be applied to the fee established in subsection E and shall not exceed the amount of the fee.
G. 
Reimbursement for Transmission Mains. In the case where the applicant is required by the City to construct a larger diameter transmission main which provides capacity to areas outside of the proposed development, the City shall pay for the additional cost necessitated by the increased size. The amount reimbursable to the applicant shall be negotiated between the City and the applicant prior to issuance of the application.
H. 
Water Main Reconstruction Plan. The water main reconstruction program shall be carried out basically in accordance with the City's master plan for water which is on file in the office of the City Engineer.
I. 
Disposition of revenue. The money collected under subsection E shall be deposited with the City Treasurer and credited to the City water capital improvement fund.
J. 
Expenditure from Water Capital Improvement Fund. Money deposited in the City water capital improvement fund, as provided in this chapter, may be expended by the City Council to accomplish any lawful purpose as provided in this chapter. All engineering costs, overhead, incidentals, and construction cost necessarily incurred in the reconstruction or extension of water mains may be charged to the fund, to the extent allowed by law.
(Prior code § 46-17.2; Ord. 1212, 2/24/2026)
A. 
Water Provider. Except for a very small portion of its municipal territory, the City of Paramount is the only provider of water to its residents and commercial, industrial and agricultural uses. The source of water provided by the City of Paramount is the Metropolitan Water District and two underground water wells (Well #13 and Well #14).
B. 
Operation of Well 13 and Well 14. Both Well 13 and Well 14 must be operable at all times in order to insure an adequate supply of water for personal consumption, public sanitation, nourishment of crops, preparation of foods, industrial processes and suppression of fire.
C. 
Fueled by Natural Gas. The water pumps on Well 13 and Well 14 are powered by internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas.
D. 
AQMD's Denial of Application. On February 9, 1990, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) denied the City of Paramount's application for a permit to operate the engine at Well 13 and a denial of an application to operate the engine at Well 14 is expected in the near future.
E. 
Well 13—Violation of AQMD Rule. AQMD staff has taken the view that the City of Paramount's continued operation of the engine at Well 13 is a violation of AQMD Rule 203 and AQMD Rule 1110.1.
F. 
Appeal for Denial of Application. The City of Paramount has appealed the denial of the application for a permit to operate the engine at Well 13. The City of Paramount has applied for a variance from AQMD Rule 203 and AQMD Rule 1110.1 for the internal combustion engine at Well 13.
G. 
No Impounded Supply of Water. The City of Paramount has no impounded supply of water that could be used as an alternative to the continued operation of Well 13 and Well 14.
H. 
Delivery of Water. The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) has informed the City of Paramount that the delivery of water from the MWD could be severely affected during the next several months. The MWD has also stated that it would not allow the City of Paramount to be dependent upon the MWD for its total water supply needs, nor would it permit the City of Paramount to take additional flows during peak-hour demands.
I. 
Responsibility to Provide Water. Section 4017(c) of the California Health and Safety Code requires the City of Paramount to provide its customers a reliable and adequate supply of pure, wholesome, healthful and potable water.
J. 
Fire Protection. Section 38600 of the California Government Code permits a City to provide fire protection. Once a City assumes that responsibility it logically must provide the necessary and proper apparatus for the prevention and extinguishment of fires including an adequate apparatus for delivering water to extinguish fires. The Paramount City Council has established Well 13 and Well 14 as part of its apparatus for extinguishing fires and preventing conflagration.
K. 
Power to Acquire, Construct, Repair, and Manage Pumps. Section 38742(b) of the California Government Code provides that the legislative power of a City includes the power to acquire, construct, repair and manage pumps necessary or proper for supplying water for the use of the City of its inhabitants.
L. 
Rules and Directives of the AQMD. The rules and directives of the AQMD which would prohibit the City of Paramount from providing water for the public health and safety constitute conditions of disaster or extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the territorial limits of the City of Paramount as defined in California Government Code Section 8558(c) and constitute the existence of a local emergency. The City Council for the reasons and conditions herein found and declared, does hereby order and authorize the continued operation of Well Nos. 13 and 14 to the extent necessary to preserve and protect the public peace, health and welfare of the City of Paramount.
M. 
Local Emergency. A local emergency has existed from the time the AQMD determined the City of Paramount could not meet its lawful obligations to the public health, safety and welfare and prohibited operation of a City water well.
(Prior code §§ 46-8—46-8.13)