Chapter 13.04 WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

A. All dwelling units or other buildings within the city limits which need or require potable water shall be required to connect to the public water system of the city where there is adequate public water by the city, subject to subsection B of this section. This requirement may be waived if the city administrator, with the consent of the city council and health officer, determines that such a connection is not feasible. All property owners thereof shall make proper connections with the public water system and use the same for proper purposes. In case the owners of such property fail to make such connections, the city may cause such connections to be made and assess the costs and expenses thereof against the property served thereby.

B. This requirement shall not apply to those dwelling units or other buildings currently connected to a water well; provided, that the water well is legally existing and meets Department of Health rules and regulations. The owner of the subject water well must install a reduced pressure backflow assembly or disconnect the water well system from the public water supply.

C. For connections outside the city limits, permission from the city council is required to obtain a connection permit. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.015 Domestic use wells prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation from and after May 1, 2006, to drill or construct any domestic water well within the city limits. “Domestic use wells” used in this section is as defined by RCW 90.44.050. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.020 Water service system development charge.

From and after January 1, 2024, all new, disconnected, or discontinued water service connections inside the city shall be charged as follows according to the corresponding water meter size:

Meter Size	Inside City	Outside City
3/4"	$3,000	$6,000
1"	$4,500	$9,000
1 1/2"	$6,000	$12,000
2"	$9,000	$15,000
3"	$12,000	$24,000
4"	$18,000	$36,000
6"	$36,000	$72,000
8"	$54,000	$108,000

(Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.025 Special connection charge.

A. Imposed.

1. In addition to water line connection permit fees required by ordinance, there is imposed upon the owners of properties which have not been assessed or charged or borne an equitable share of the cost of the city’s water system and they shall pay, prior to connection to a city water line, a special connection charge in an amount to be computed under subsection B of this section.

2. The special connection charge shall be paid in cash or under installment contract with interest thereon at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year connection is made with the city water line, computed annually on unpaid balances. Such contract shall provide for a down payment of five percent of the total connection charge, payable upon execution of such contract, and for payment of the balance in forty quarterly installments payable on each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st and October 1st. Such installment contract shall provide that any unpaid balance may be paid in full in any year at the time the first quarterly payment of such year is due and payable, shall describe the property served by the water line, shall be acknowledged by the property owner and shall be recorded by the Goldendale city clerk, in the office of the Klickitat County auditor, at the expense of the property owner. Delinquent payments under such installment contract shall be a lien upon the described property as provided in RCW 35.67.200, enforceable in accordance with RCW 35.67.220 through 35.67.280; and as an additional and concurrent method of enforcing the lien, the water service to such property may be cut off in accordance with RCW 35.67.290 until the delinquent installments are paid. Upon full payment of the contract, the Goldendale city clerk, on behalf of the city, shall execute and deliver to the property owner a release of such lien.

B. Computation.

1. The special connection charge imposed in subsection A of this section, in order that property owners bear their equitable share of the cost of the water line system, shall be computed as follows:

a. For Lateral Water Lines. The number of units of property frontage to be served by the water line, determined in the manner prescribed in RCW 35.44.030 and 35.44.040 for determining “assessable units of frontage” or by such other method or combination of methods of computing assessments which may be deemed to more fairly reflect the special benefits to the property being assessed as authorized in RCW 35.44.047; provided, that for all water lines that are connected more than one year after the city water line was constructed, interest shall be added thereto at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year the city water line was or is completed and available for connection until the connection is made, but excluding both the year of completion of construction and the year connection is made; except that for connection to water lines constructed prior to 1953, interest shall be added thereto at the one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, for the year 1953. Interest charged pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed ten percent per year and shall not exceed ten years.

b. For Main Water Lines. The rate of assessment per square foot of property area to be served by the water line shall be determined on the basis that special benefits are conferred on the property in a manner prescribed in RCW 35.44.030 and 35.44.040 or by such other method or combination of methods of computing assessments which may be deemed to more fairly reflect the special benefits to the property being assessed as authorized by RCW 35.44.047; provided, that for all water lines that are connected more than one year after the city water line was constructed, interest shall be added thereto at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year the city water line was or is completed and available for connection until the connection is made, but excluding both the year of completion of construction and the year connection is made, except that, for connection to water lines constructed prior to 1953, interest shall be added thereto at the one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, for the year 1953. Interest charged pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed ten percent per year and shall not exceed ten years.

2. Such special connection charge for property abutting on a street in which a water line can be constructed or extended to serve such property shall be computed as if the water line were so constructed or extended; and the special connection charge for property located back from the margin of the street in which the water line exists and outside of the assessment district created therefor shall be made giving consideration to the distance of the property from the street margin. In no case shall credit be allowed for the cost of extra length of side water line required for connection to the city’s water lineage system; provided, that in cases where application of the foregoing formula to a particular property results in a charge which because of unusual conditions is in excess of charges to similar properties, the city clerk is authorized to reduce the special connection charge to the amount charged to properties similarly situated.

3. For connection to side water lines constructed by the city, the property owner for whose benefit connection is made shall pay the cost of the side water line. The cost shall be computed as follows: the actual cost to the city of the side water line, plus fifteen percent for city design and administrative costs, plus interest at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year the city water line was or is completed and available for connection and applied until the connection is made, but excluding both the year of completion of construction and the year connection is made. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.030 Meter--Installation requirements.

Upon payment of the water service system development charge, the city will install the meter within one month and begin the monthly “base meter charge” for said meter upon installation. Such meters shall be installed in accordance with the ordinances and standards of the city. Additionally, the installation will be subject to the following requirements:

A. The tap of the water main and the installation of the pipe and shut-off valve between the water main and the meter shall be accomplished by the duly authorized employees of the city only.

B. The water meters shall be installed within the limits of the street right-of-way line or easement and the installation shall include a shut-off valve between the meter and the city water main.

C. The water service from the water main, including water meter and meter spud, shall, upon installation, become the property of the city and shall be served and maintained by the city. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.035 Meter--Installation expense.

A. Installation of water not accomplished by January 1, 2010, may be installed thereafter by the city at the expense of the owner of the premises and such cost shall be payable to the city in advance thereof except as outlined in subsection B of this section. Said expense shall include a water service system development charge as described in Section 13.04.020.

B. For all meter installation the public works director shall complete a good faith estimate of costs for installation. The person requesting the water service shall pay the cost estimate along with the water service system development charge. If factual costs are less the city will reimburse the applicant; if costs are more the additional costs will be collected from the applicant.

C. Meter installation shall be charged to the purchaser at the rate of cost. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.040 Monthly base meter charge.

All water service connections shall pay a monthly base meter charge according to meter size as described in Section 13.04.050, regardless if the meter is turned on, off, or if any water has been used. When there is a combination of private fire service and general water use through a single line, for billing purposes only, the meter size calculated to be required for the general water use portion shall be used. Monthly base meter charge can be omitted for irrigation meters only if property owners request meters to be turned off during months with no use. Property owners will be charged standard turn-off and turn-on fees. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1430 §1, 2013: Ord. 1398 §1, 2010: Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.045 Account names.

All accounts for water shall be kept in the name of the owner of the property and not in the name of the tenant; and the owner only, or his legally authorized agent, shall be held responsible for water charges. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.050 Meter rates.

The following monthly base meter rates shall be charged as follows:

A. Monthly Base Meter Charge.

Water Rates Inside City Limits Base Meter Charge Effective as of the beginning of the year
Meter Size	Year 2024	Year 2025	Year 2026	Year 2027	Year 2028
3/4"	$41.36	$45.50	$50.05	$52.55	$54.39
1"	$69.08	$75.99	$83.59	$87.77	$90.84
1 1/2"	$138.15	$151.96	$167.16	$175.52	$181.66
2"	$222.64	$244.90	$269.39	$282.86	$292.76
3"	$484.08	$532.48	$585.73	$615.02	$636.55
4"	$934.29	$1,027.71	$1,130.48	$1,187.01	$1,228.55
6"	$1,382.74	$1,521.02	$1,673.12	$1,756.78	$1,818.26
8"	$2,846.82	$3,131.50	$3,444.65	$3,616.89	$3,743.48

Water Rates Outside City Limits Base Meter Charge Effective as of the beginning of the year
Meter Size	Year 2024	Year 2025	Year 2026	Year 2027	Year 2028
3/4"	$62.04	$68.24	$75.07	$78.82	$81.58
1"	$103.62	$113.98	$125.38	$131.65	$136.26
1 1/2"	$207.23	$227.95	$250.75	$263.28	$272.50
2"	$333.96	$367.36	$404.09	$424.30	$439.15
3"	$726.11	$798.72	$878.59	$922.52	$954.81
4"	$1,401.43	$1,541.58	$1,695.73	$1,780.52	$1,842.84
6"	$2,074.12	$2,281.53	$2,509.68	$2,635.16	$2,727.40
8"	$4,270.24	$4,697.27	$5,167.00	$5,425.35	$5,615.23

Starting on January 1st of the year 2029, and every year thereafter, a two and one-half percent annual increase shall be imposed on fees and fee schedules within this chapter.

B. Monthly Water Usage Schedule for Water Usage of All Types and Locations. The rates shown below are per one hundred cubic feet (c.f.) or fraction thereof for any water usage.

Water Usage Demand Charges Effective as of the beginning of the year
Demand Rate	Year 2024	Year 2025	Year 2026	Year 2027	Year 2028
0 to 750 c.f.	$1.05	$1.15	$1.26	$1.33	$1.37
751 to 1,500 c.f.	$1.21	$1.33	$1.46	$1.54	$1.59
1,501 to 3,000 c.f.	$1.38	$1.51	$1.66	$1.75	$1.81
3,001 to 5,000 c.f.	$1.82	$2.00	$2.20	$2.31	$2.39
5,000 to 8,000 c.f.	$2.15	$2.36	$2.60	$2.73	$2.82
Over 8,000 c.f.	$2.42	$2.66	$2.93	$3.07	$3.18

C. During the period of November 15th through March 15th, customers will be billed the monthly base meter charge as set forth above and water use based on historical usage. The March billing will correct any disparity between historical and actual usage for the months described above.

D. Demand Charges.

1. Bulk water will be charged at the rate of four cents per gallon undelivered.

2. Where unusual circumstances prevent a meter reading, water consumption will be estimated.

E. Leakage-Rate Reduction.

1. To be eligible for leakage-rate reduction, a leak located on the property owner’s side of the water meter must be repaired within seven days from discovery or notification. Water service will be discontinued upon failure to repair the leak within seven days or in a time period agreed to by the city public works director or his/her designee.

2. After the service line is repaired by the owner and upon written request by the property owner, the city clerk-treasurer will make an adjustment to the water bill.

3. The adjustment shall be two-thirds of that portion of the customer’s water bill which is over the historical water usage. The adjustment shall be limited to the period of ninety days prior to the repair of the leak and inspection thereof.

4. Only one leakage adjustment will be allowed in any two-year period. Additional leaks will require on-site inspection and verification or repairs.

5. Any decision made by the city clerk-treasurer regarding leakage-rate reductions may be appealed to the city council. Such appeals shall be made within ten days of the date that the person making the appeal was notified of the decision from which the appeal is requested. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1479 §1(Exh. A)(part), 2017: Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.055 Multiple user service charge--Applicability.

For the purpose of Sections 13.04.060 and 13.04.065, a multiple user service charge shall apply to master meters that serve more than one unit. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.060 Multiple user service charge--Inside city limits.

Water customers with multiple dwellings, multiple businesses, multiple motel units, cabins, mobile home parks, or RV parks may be served by a master meter, if authorized by the city, and shall be charged the monthly base meter charge and shall, in addition, pay a minimum monthly charge for each of such additional dwellings, businesses, and motel units served through the meter as follows:

For each additional dwelling and mobile home in a mobile home park:

2024	2025	2026	2027	2028
$30.36	$33.39	$36.72	$38.55	$39.89

For each additional residential dwelling, duplexes to apartments:

2024	2025	2026	2027	2028
$24.86	$27.34	$30.07	$31.57	$32.67

For each additional motel unit, hotel unit, RV space, mobile unit space or multiple businesses:

2024	2025	2026	2027	2028
$13.86	$15.24	$16.76	$17.59	$18.20

(Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.065 Multiple user service charge--Outside city limits.

Water customers with multiple dwellings, multiple motel units, cabins, mobile home parks, or RV parks may be served by a master meter, if authorized by the city, and shall be charged the monthly base meter charge and shall, in addition, pay a minimum monthly charge for each of such additional dwellings, motel units or cabins served through the meter as follows:

For each additional dwelling and mobile home in a mobile home park:

2024	2025	2026	2027	2028
$45.54	$50.09	$55.09	$57.84	$59.86

For each additional residential dwelling, duplexes to apartments:

2024	2025	2026	2027	2028
$37.34	$41.07	$45.17	$47.42	$49.07

For each additional motel unit, hotel unit, RV space or mobile unit space:

2024	2025	2026	2027	2028
$18.65	$20.51	$22.56	$23.68	$24.50

(Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.070 Turn-off/on charge.

A. Whenever water service has been discontinued by the water department for delinquency or a violation, the service will not be renewed until all charges have been paid. A fee of fifty dollars will be charged to turn on the water service.

B. When it is desired to have the water turned off/on, an application form supplied by the city shall be filled out stating the date of the turn-off and the anticipated date to have the water turned on. The customer shall be charged a fee of fifty dollars for the completed turn-off/on during the normal work hours of eight a.m. to four p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays. After-hours turn-on/off requests stall pay a fee of one hundred dollars. All unpaid water service including any penalties shall be paid at the time of application for turn-off/on. If city is turning off/on water service because of an emergency, turn-off/on charge will be waived. In the event city staff determines a reasonable person would not consider the request for an emergency turn-off/on necessary, after-hours fees shall apply.

C. Having the water service turned off shall not eliminate the monthly base meter charge. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.080 Notice of delinquent account.

A. All utility bills of the city shall be delinquent if payment therefor is not received by the city on or before the twenty-fifth day of each even-numbered month after the current charges are posted on the bill. Such current charges’ date shall be stated on the bill with particularity.

B. Upon lapse of a bill into delinquency, the billing clerk, or his designee, shall as soon as practicable cause a notice of delinquent account to be deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the owner of the property which is delinquent.

C. Deposit in the United States mail pursuant to subsection B of this section shall be deemed full and complete notice to the owner and consumer of the nature and amount of any particular utility billing.

D. The notice of delinquent account shall state that unless all delinquencies are corrected within ten days of the date of the notice of delinquent account, the city will disconnect or discontinue utility service without further notice or after a date certain to be stated in the notice of delinquent account. The notice of delinquent account shall further state that, if the customer has questions concerning the account or disputes the amount of the account, he may appeal to the clerk-treasurer, or his authorized designee, whose address and telephone number shall be stated on the notice of delinquent account.

E. Upon request the clerk-treasurer or designee shall be allowed to work out delinquent account payment arrangements or adjustments, including water/sewer charges, the delinquent penalty charge pursuant to subsection F of this section, and turn-on charges pursuant to Section 13.04.070(A). One delinquency balance arrangement will be allowed in any one-year period. Customers will be allowed to carry a balance of twenty-five dollars or less without penalty.

F. An account which has become delinquent may be assessed with a penalty of ten dollars. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.090 Disconnection of utility service.

Should a delinquent account not be paid pursuant to Section 13.08.750, the clerk-treasurer or his designee shall immediately cause the water service to be cut off from the premises, and such utility service shall not be reconnected to the premises until all arrears, delinquent charges, service charges, turn-on charges, and unpaid charges are paid.

Once a water service has been disconnected, the monthly meter charge will continue to be charged to the landowner. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1479 §1(Exh. A)(part), 2017: Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.100 Delinquent charge--Lien.

The city shall have a lien upon the real estate to which water is furnished for delinquent charges and the lien shall be the lien as provided by the laws of the state of Washington in Remington’s Revised Statutes, Sections 9471 and 9472 and all acts now or in the future amendatory thereto. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.110 Tap--Pipe connections.

All new tap connections and pipe connections shall be made under city supervision or by the city and each new residence or business building shall be required to have a sole and separate main tap. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.120 Shut-off--Turn-on order.

It shall be the duty of the city clerk-treasurer and within his official power to order water shut off or turned on and he shall direct the orders to the public works director whose duty it shall be to comply with the orders. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.130 Water user information.

It shall be the duty of each water user to give such information as needed in order to determine his water rental set forth in Section 13.04.010 and failure to give such information shall be grounds for discontinuing the person’s water service. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.140 Rate--Regulation applicability.

The city council intends to make the water rates and regulations herein set forth to apply equally and equitably to all persons but if such a situation shall arise that is not specifically covered by the rates or an inequity is discovered in any particular case the council shall have the right and power to apply as it may see fit its judgment as to the rate that the person shall be charged and which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions and intent of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.150 Rate change.

The city council may at any time change the water rates and charges as set forth in this chapter. The changes shall be made by resolution, ordinance or amendment of the ordinance codified in this chapter in the manner provided by law, or the changes may be made by the city council by two publications thereof in the official newspaper of the city, with the last publication being at least thirty days before the rate shall become effective. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.160 Irrigation--Permit required.

It is unlawful for any person to irrigate without a city permit by any underground system of pipes so that irrigation is carried on in such a manner that the same cannot be detected without close examination or at all and being for all practical purposes a system of subirrigation. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.161 Irrigation--City parks rate charge.

Water rates shall be ninety-five cents per one hundred cubic feet for usage for all city parks water meters. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1449, 2015)

13.04.170 Pipeline tapping--Permit.

It is unlawful for any person to tap any city pipeline without first obtaining a permit from the city. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.180 Charges--Violation--Penalty.

Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not less than twenty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars in the discretion of the court and shall in addition thereto pay the costs of prosecution. The person shall also be subject to a discontinuation of all water service until the fine is paid. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

ARTICLE II. BACKFLOW PREVENTION--CROSS-CONNECTIONS

13.04.190 Definition of cross-connection.

The installation or maintenance of any cross-connection with the public water supply of the city is prohibited, except as authorized in this chapter. Any such cross-connection now existing or hereafter installed is declared subject to immediate termination of water service and any such cross-connection shall be abated immediately. A “cross-connection” is defined as: any physical arrangement where a public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other nonpotable water system or auxiliary system, sewer, drain, conduit, swimming pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, swamp coolers, or any other device which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water system as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other temporary devices through which, or because of which, backflow may occur are cross-connections. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.200 Control or elimination of cross-connections.

The control or elimination of cross-connections shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-290-490). The policies, procedures, and criteria for determining appropriate levels of protection shall be in accordance with the Accepted Procedures and Practice in Cross-Connection Control Manual, as published by the Pacific Northwest Section, American Waterworks Association, most current edition. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.210 Compliance failure.

The city shall deny or discontinue water service to any customer failing to cooperate in the installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of backflow prevention assemblies required and as stated in WAC 246-290-190. The public works director is recognized as the water system manager for the city and as such shall have the authority for all enforcement pertaining to this chapter. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.220 Installation of backflow devices.¹

As a condition of new or continued water service, approved backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed and maintained by all customers who:

A. Are industrial or commercial customers not entitled to an exemption under Section 13.04.230;

B. Operate commercial or residential fire sprinkler systems;

C. Operate irrigation systems connected to their plumbing and the city distribution system;

D. Maintain cross-connections to their water service with air conditioning systems, medical apparatuses, or other devices or processes where chemicals or other objectionable substances may be siphoned into the water system;

E. Have plumbing arrangements which are questionable;

F. Or which in the judgment of the public works supervisor compromise the public’s health or safety. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.225 Definition of approved backflow prevention assembly.

An “approved backflow prevention assembly” means a backflow prevention assembly model approved by the state of Washington, Department of Health, and the city. Unless an exemption is granted, the minimum requirement for a backflow prevention assembly, within the city, shall consist of a double check valve assembly. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.230 Exemptions.

Where an industrial or commercial customer can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the public works director, or his representative, that there are no cross-connections with the water supply on their premises and that no health hazard is posed by reason of presence of toxic materials on the environment, the public works supervisor or his representative may grant the customer an exemption from the cross-connection requirements in this chapter. Decisions made under this section shall be made at the sole discretion of the public works supervisor, or his representative, to carry out the cross-connection control programs of the city. Exemptions are subject to periodic review and may be revoked whenever a cross-connection is made or a risk to public health or water quality is present. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.240 Inspection, approval and disapproval of backflow prevention assemblies.

The public works director and designated employees or representatives are delegated the authority to inspect, approve and disapprove backflow prevention assemblies, to require corrections, modifications, repairs, or maintenance on backflow prevention assemblies and to inspect all premises of customers where backflow prevention assemblies may be required. A minimum standard for the maintenance and installation of backflow prevention assemblies shall be those set forth in the Accepted Procedures and Practice in Cross-Connection Control Manual, current edition, as published by the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Waterworks Association. The public works supervisor is authorized to establish higher standards for installation and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies where good engineering practice, industry standards or the protection of public health requires such higher standards. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.250 Right to inspect backflow devices.

As a condition of a continued water service, customers shall make their premises, including buildings and structures, to which water is supplied, accessible to the city personnel periodically to determine whether backflow prevention assemblies are required or are properly installed and maintained. All backflow devices installed within the territory served by city water shall be tested immediately upon installation and at least annually thereafter by a state-certified tester. All such devices found not functioning properly shall be promptly repaired or replaced by the water user. If any such device is not promptly repaired or replaced, the city may deny or discontinue water service to the premises. All testing and repairs are the financial responsibility of the water user. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.260 Permit for installation of irrigation systems and backflow devices.

Prior to the installation of irrigation systems and backflow prevention assemblies, the customer shall obtain a permit from the city for such installation. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.270 Application required even though building codes do not require.

The requirements in this chapter for backflow prevention assembly installation shall apply even though building codes may not require backflow prevention assemblies. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.280 Prohibition of interconnection of private water supplies with the city’s distribution system.

The city prohibits interconnection of private water supplies with the city’s distribution system. Auxiliary water supplies (private wells, piped irrigation sources, etc.) are a major cross-connection control hazard and therefore must be effectively isolated from the domestic water supply.

The city cross-connection control policies and requirements for customers with private wells are as follows:

A. No backflow protection is required if the source is verified to be permanently inactive and abandoned in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Health, and permanently mechanically separated from the customer’s water system.

B. If the well remains active, an approved reduced pressure backflow assembly is required at the service connection to provide a measure of protection.

New services will be locked off until compliance is verified by the city. Visual inspection of piping is required for premises retaining active well systems. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.290 Cost of compliance.

All costs associated with purchase, installation, inspection, testing, replacement, maintenance, parts, and repairs of the backflow device are the financial responsibility of the property owner. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.300 Termination of service.

Failure on the part of any customer to discontinue the use of all cross-connections and to physically separate cross-connections is sufficient cause for the immediate discontinuance of public water service to the premises (WAC 246-290-490). (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.305 Permits.

Before installing any backflow device or irrigation system, fire suppression system or auxiliary connection to the city water system the property owner or their designee must obtain a public works permit. All devices must be installed by a licensed bonded contractor or plumber. The permit for installation of a backflow device shall be issued by the public works director or his designee. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.310 Testing.

The property owner shall have his device tested by a Washington state certified backflow assembly tester and present to the city a certificate showing annual inspection, test results, repairs, and approval. Failure to present these results to the city may result in immediate termination of the water service. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

ARTICLE III. WATER USE

13.04.320 Regulations--Irrigation districts.

The city council or other official designated by them may make and enforce regulations relating to irrigation and sprinkling in the city and at any time the council or authorized official may divide the city into irrigation districts and allot certain hours and days to each of the districts for irrigation and sprinkling and the regulations may be changed from time to time as deemed necessary. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.370 Regulation publication.

Notice of the irrigation and sprinkling regulations shall be made in one publication in the official newspaper of the city and the rules and regulations shall be in full force and effect on the next day after the date of the publication and remain in effect until notice of change or cancellation thereof is made in a like manner. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.380 Trough---Receptacle.

From and after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, any persons using water from the water system of the city shall provide suitable troughs or receptacles for the containing of such water so the water taken from the water system shall not be spilled on the ground or wasted and shall install and maintain proper float valves in such troughs or receptacles so the water will shut off automatically before such trough or receptacles shall become completely filled with water, and such troughs and receptacles shall be maintained so they will not leak. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

13.04.390 Violation--Penalty.

A. In case of violation of the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the city, through its proper officer or officers, may shut off the water from such user and the same shall not be turned on again until the person owning or operating any trough or receptacles so violating Section 13.04.380 shall have paid to the city, for the use of the water fund of the city, the sum of twenty-five dollars for the first offense and an additional twenty-five dollars for each subsequent violation of Section 13.04.010.

B. It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the regulations of Sections 13.04.320 and 13.04.370 and any person violating any of the provisions of Sections 13.04.320 and 13.04.370 is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than ten dollars and not more than two hundred dollars, in the discretion of the court, none of which may be suspended, and shall in addition thereto pay all costs of prosecution. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1391 §1 (part), 2009)

Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 1391 added this section as Section 13.04.230. It was editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.