Chapter 7.02
WATER*
Sections:
7.02.010 Water to be metered.
7.02.020 Rates for water connection.
7.02.030 Using water in excess of meter capacity.
7.02.040 Maintenance of water system.
7.02.050 Cross-connection restrictions – Purpose.
7.02.060 Cross-connection restrictions – Definitions.
7.02.070 Cross-connection restrictions – Service connection.
7.02.080 Cross-connection restrictions – Administration.
7.02.090 Cross-connection restrictions – Inspection – Right of entry.
7.02.100 Cross-connection restrictions – Administrative code adopted.
7.02.105 Cross-connection – Annual inspection of system with backflow prevention device.
7.02.110 Right of entry, shutting off water.
7.02.120 Separate meters required – Exceptions.
7.02.130 Existing service to more than one (1) building.
7.02.140 Connection with other water supply.
7.02.150 Connections outside of city limits.
7.02.160 Installation and connection charges inside city limits.
7.02.170 Installation and connection charges outside city.
7.02.180 Temporary water meters.
7.02.190 Stop cocks.
7.02.200 Turn on and off service by water utility employees.
7.02.210 Special stop and waste cock.
7.02.220 Replacement – Permit credit.
7.02.230 Connections from stop cock at owner’s expense and care.
7.02.240 Plumber’s permit for turn on and off.
7.02.250 Water turned on by owner or tenant prohibited.
7.02.260 Vacant premises – Water supply.
7.02.270 Size of water main.
7.02.280 Turn off and turn on charges.
7.02.290 Prohibited uses.
7.02.300 Water rates within the city.
7.02.310 Water rates outside city.
7.02.320 Billing for service.
7.02.330 Charges when meter is out of order.
7.02.340 Request for meter check.
7.02.350 Fire protection service.
7.02.360 Emergency shutoff without notice.
7.02.370 Penalty for violation.
*Cross reference(s) – Department of public works, Ch. 2.28; utility tax levied on telephone, gas, electric, garbage, water, sewer and drainage utilities, Ch. 3.18; utilities clearing fund, § 3.40.1000; street occupation permit, Ch. 6.08; water shortage regulations, Ch. 7.13; environmental policy, Ch. 11.03; requirements and standards for subdivisions, § 12.04.430; fire hydrants, Ch. 13.04; plumbing code, Ch. 14.04.
State law reference(s) – Public water supply systems, RCW 70.119A.010 et seq.
7.02.010 Water to be metered.
All water of the water utility of the city shall be sold by use of a water meter that measures the amount of water used by a consumer.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.040)
7.02.020 Rates for water connection.
The city council shall fix rates to be paid by a consumer for water procured from the water utility of the city, and for the amount of cost to be charged to and paid by the applicant for a water connection to a water main including the water meters. Water connection shall be of various sizes as specified in this chapter. All water connections and water meters shall be installed by the water utility of the city or by a contractor approved by the director of public works. All connections shall be made under the supervision of the director of public works or his authorized representative and shall meet or exceed the standards and specifications approved by the director of public works.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.080)
7.02.030 Using water in excess of meter capacity.
The water utility will not install a water meter on a service which demands water in excess of the rated capacity of the meter. The water utility of the city shall have the right to discontinue water service to any consumer when the demand of the service exceeds the following meter capacities:
|
Meter size (inches) |
|
Gallons per minute |
|
5/8 x 3/4 |
|
20 |
|
3/4 |
|
30 |
|
1 |
|
50 |
|
1 1/2 |
|
100 |
|
2 |
|
160 |
|
3 |
|
300 |
|
4 |
|
500 |
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.120)
7.02.040 Maintenance of water system.
All tanks, reservoirs, water meters, water mains, pipes, couplings, shutoff valves, stop cocks, and every other kind of equipment or material in use or in place as a part of the water system of the city and located in any street, alley, city park, city property, or in any easement or franchise belonging to the city, or located upon private property from a water main of the water system to and including the water meter, are the property of the city and are subject to the exclusive control and regulations of the city. All pipes and connections from the water meter to the premises or building served by the city water are the property and the sole responsibility of the owner or lessee of the premises or building.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.160)
7.02.050 Cross-connection restrictions – Purpose.
It is the purpose of this section through KCC 7.02.105 to protect the health of consumers receiving water from the city by protecting the public water system of the city from actual or potential contamination.
(Ord. No. 2394, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 2, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.180)
7.02.060 Cross-connection restrictions – Definitions.
The following are established as definitions for purposes of KCC 7.02.050 through 7.02.105:
Backflow shall mean the flow, other than the intended direction of flow, of any foreign liquids, gases or substances into the city public water supply or distribution system.
Backflow prevention device shall mean a device to counteract back pressure or to prevent back siphonage.
Cross-connection shall mean any physical arrangement whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device which contains or may contain contaminated water, sewer, or other waste or liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water supply system of this city as a result of backflow.
Director shall mean the director of the public works department.
All definitions contained in Chapter 246-290 WAC and in the city’s cross-connection control program, as now or hereafter amended, shall by this reference be considered definitions within this section.
(Ord. No. 2394, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 2, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.181)
Cross reference(s) – Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1.01.030.
7.02.070 Cross-connection restrictions – Service connection.
A. No water service connection from the city water system to any premises shall be installed or maintained unless the city water supply is protected by backflow prevention devices as required by the director or his/her designee, the rules and regulations of the State Board of Health, the county department of health, this code, and the city’s cross-connection control program. The installation or maintenance of a cross-connection which will endanger the water quality of the city water supply is prohibited. Any such cross-connection is hereby declared a nuisance and shall be abated. The control and/or elimination of cross-connections within the city systems shall be in accordance with WAC 246-290-490, the rules and regulations of the state and county, and the city’s cross-connection control program, as amended.
B. Service to any property, landowner, or water user receiving its water supply from the city water supply system shall be contingent upon compliance with all requirements of the rules and regulations of the state and county boards of health, the city, and this code pertaining to cross-connections. Service shall be discontinued to any premises, water user, or property owner for failure to comply with such regulations of the State Board of Health, the city, and this code pertaining to cross-connections, and any discontinued service will not be re-established until the public works department has approved compliance with such requirement of the rules and regulations of the State Board of Health, the city, and this code pertaining to cross-connections.
(Ord. No. 2394, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 2, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.182)
7.02.080 Cross-connection restrictions – Administration.
The public works department shall be responsible for administering KCC 7.02.050 through 7.02.105, including the development of the necessary procedures and practices to accomplish same, consistent with the standards in this code and Chapter 246-290 WAC.
(Ord. No. 2394, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 2, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.183)
7.02.090 Cross-connection restrictions – Inspection – Right of entry.
The director and other duly authorized employees of the public works department bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter upon all properties receiving water service from the city water supply system for the purposes of inspection, observation, and testing in accordance with the provisions of this code and the city’s cross-connection control program.
(Ord. No. 2394, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 2, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.184)
7.02.100 Cross-connection restrictions – Administrative code adopted.
The provisions of WAC 246-290-490, as now or hereafter amended, relating to cross-connection control and elimination and the use of backflow prevention devices when such are considered to be advisable, are hereby adopted and made a part hereof. All provisions of the Washington Administrative Code may be executed and applied by the public works department in determining when cross-connections are prohibited and when backflow prevention devices shall be required under the city’s cross-connection control program. A copy of such provisions is on file in the city clerk’s office or with the public works department.
(Ord. No. 2394, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 2, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.185)
7.02.105 Cross-connection – Annual inspection of system with backflow prevention device.
The city’s cross-connection control program provides that any cross-connection utilizing a backflow prevention device is to be inspected by the city annually. The annual administrative and inspection fee assessed, per backflow prevention device, is eighty dollars ($80). This fee is based on the actual cost incurred by the city to conduct those inspections in order to protect the city’s public water supply from possible contamination. The inspection fee shall be collected at the time of the annual testing of said backflow prevention device(s) as described in the city’s cross-connection program document on file in the city clerk’s office or with the public works department.
(Ord. No. 3864, § 2, 12-11-07)
7.02.110 Right of entry, shutting off water.
Employees of the water utility or finance department when in the course of their employment shall have the right to go upon private property to read, inspect, repair, install, or remove a water meter or to inspect, repair, or remove any connection between the water main to and including the water meter, or to shut off a water service. A water meter may be removed from the premises for purpose of inspection or repair, or when a bill for consumed water or sewer service is not paid.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.200)
7.02.120 Separate meters required – Exceptions.
Except as provided in this chapter, each separate building occupied as a dwelling or as a place of business must have a separate water service and water meter. Where the applicant desires to have two (2) or more service pipes on the same premises, he shall state in his application for a water connection, and separate service pipes shall be run with individual stop cocks to each water meter. Each mobile home park and each condominium may be served by one (1) water meter. The city council may enter into agreements with commercial and industrial users to allow more than one (1) building to be served by a single meter.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.240)
7.02.130 Existing service to more than one (1) building.
At the time of the adoption of this chapter where more than one (1) building is served through one (1) meter, the consumption of water for each billing period shall be divided by the number of buildings served and the charge will then be calculated as if each building were a separate account.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.280)
7.02.140 Connection with other water supply.
A. No service connection shall be allowed from the city mains to any premises supplied by water from any other source, unless special permission is given by the director of public works, which special permission may be terminated at any time if in the judgment of the director of public works the public interest requires it.
B. No cross-connection shall be made or maintained between any city service connection and pipe supplying water from any other source unless the water supplied from the other source, by tests by the State Board of Health, is shown to conform with the United States bacteriological standard for drinking water. Such tests must be made by a professional tester and submitted to the city at least once each month.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.320)
7.02.150 Connections outside of city limits.
A. Whenever any person outside the limits of the city, not already furnished with water by the city, shall desire the system to be extended, such person shall apply to the city council to have such water service extended. Such application shall designate the premises to be supplied and the number of services desired. If a permit is granted by the city council, the applicants shall, at their own expense, install all necessary mains or pipes in accordance with the requirements of the city engineer and the comprehensive water plan of the city which is on file in the office of the director of public works. All regulations concerning the size of service and meter shall apply.
B. Whenever any water district desires to purchase water from the city, it shall make application to the city council and if accepted, install all mains and services in accordance with the rules and regulations of the city. An individual contract will be negotiated for the purchase of water. Whenever any portion of a water district is annexed to the city, the ownership of the mains, meters, and services shall become the property of the city in accordance with RCW 35.13A.020.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.360)
7.02.160 Installation and connection charges inside city limits.
A. Tap charge – Connection by water utility. Any property owner within the city limits applying for water service shall pay in full a tap charge plus a system development charge prior to issuance of the water service permit. The tap charge will include the cost of connection and laying the pipe from the city water main to the property line of the property to which service is desired, or at a distance of sixty (60) feet from the main toward such property line, whichever is shorter. The minimum tap charge so established for service installed by the water utility is as follows:
1. Two hundred seventy-five dollars ($275) for each five-eighth (5/8) inch by three-quarter (3/4) inch connection.
2. Three hundred twenty-five dollars ($325) for each three-quarter (3/4) inch connection.
3. Three hundred fifty dollars ($350) for each one (1) inch connection.
4. Six hundred dollars ($600) for each one and one-half (1-1/2) inch connection.
5. Eight hundred dollars ($800) for each two (2) inch connection.
On any connection over two (2) inches, the minimum tap charge shall be the actual cost of the meter and installation, plus twenty-five (25) percent.
B. Tap charge – Connection by licensed contractor. If the workload of the water utility as determined by the director of public works is such that the installation of the water connection would interfere with the proper operation and maintenance of the water system, the director of public works may require that the property owner employ a licensed contractor to make the connection and install the necessary line and materials except the water meter. All such water services shall meet or exceed the standards and specifications approved by the director of public works. The minimum tap charge is as follows:
1. One hundred dollars ($100) for each five-eighth (5/8) inch by three-quarter (3/4) inch connection.
2. One hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) for each three-quarter (3/4) inch connection.
3. One hundred seventy-five dollars ($175) for each one (1) inch connection.
4. Three hundred sixty dollars ($360) for each one and one-half (1-1/2) inch connection.
5. Five hundred dollars ($500) for each two (2) inch connection.
All such contractor-installed connections shall be guaranteed by the contractor for a period of one (1) year.
C. System development charge. The system development charge is as follows:
|
Meter Size (inches) |
Charge Effective Through |
Charge Effective |
|
Less than 1 |
$2,600 |
$5,949 |
|
1 |
$4,627 |
$14,872 |
|
1-1/2 |
$10,400 |
$29,743 |
|
2 |
$18,486 |
$47,589 |
|
3 |
$41,594 |
$95,179 |
|
4 |
$73,933 |
$148,717 |
|
5 |
$115,528 |
$222,932 |
|
6 |
$166,376 |
$297,434 |
|
8 |
$295,786 |
$475,894 |
|
10 |
$462,162 |
$654,354 |
After April 1, 2009, this system development charge will increase annually, on the first day of each calendar year, by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the Construction Price Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton for the twelve (12) months October 31 through September 30 of the previous calendar year.
However, if (1) the city’s fire marshal has required that, in conjunction with the city’s issuance of a single-family residential building permit, the applicant must install a fire sprinkler system, and (2) the need for a meter size greater than three-quarters (3/4) of an inch is based solely on the fire marshal’s requirement that the sprinkler system be installed, the single-family residential permit applicant shall pay only the system development charge listed above for a meter less than one (1) inch in diameter. It is not the city’s intent to require an applicant to pay a higher system development charge when the larger meter size is needed only in the unusual event of a fire demand rather than for normal daily user demand.
D. Installation of undersized meter. If an undersized meter is installed, a deduction will be allowed from the above charges, including system development charges, which will reflect the difference in cost between the undersized meter and the regular size meter. All service material (including water meter) will remain the property of the city.
E. Tap change. If the tap is changed to one of a larger size, the cost and expense of such charge must be paid before the larger size tap is installed.
F. Paving replacement – Charge. If it becomes necessary during the installation of such connection on a time and material basis to break and replace either concrete or blacktop paving, then in each instance an additional charge shall be made to cover the cost of such repair.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1; Ord. No. 3486, § 1, 11-16-99; Ord. No. 3534, § 1, 12-5-00; Ord. No. 3627, § 1, 11-19-02; Ord. No. 3679, § 1, 2-17-04; Ord. No. 3901, § 1, 12-9-08. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.400)
7.02.170 Installation and connection charges outside city.
Any property owner outside the city limits applying for water service shall pay in full the tap charge plus a system development charge prior to the issuance of a water service permit. The minimum charge established shall be the cost as established for inside the city limits plus fifty (50) percent, except the system development charge. The system development charge shall be the same as for inside city limits.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.440)
7.02.180 Temporary water meters.
A. When water service is required for a specific short-term duration, upon approval of the director of public works, a temporary water meter may be obtained from the water utility.
B. Such meters shall only be used for a designated project and shall be promptly returned to the water utility upon completion of the project or at the end of sixty (60) days, whichever comes first. The meters are to be returned in the same condition as when rented, and the user shall be held responsible for any damage thereto including paying all repair or replacement costs. While in the user’s possession, the user shall be solely responsible for the meter and as such, should it be lost or stolen, the user shall pay the water utility the cost of its replacement.
C. The director of public works shall require that a cash bond be deposited with the city prior to receipt of a temporary meter. The amount of the bond shall equal the replacement cost of the respective meter. Upon return of the meter, the payment of all outstanding charges including any meter repair or replacement costs, the cash bond shall be released back to the user.
D. Temporary meters may be moved from one (1) hydrant to another within the same project; provided, the water utility is notified in advance of the proposed relocation and that hydrant wrenches are used to make all connections and disconnections.
E. The following temporary meter rates apply during the time periods listed below per one hundred (100) cubic feet of water used:
|
Effective Date |
January 1 – December 31 |
|
12/31/1999 |
$2.30 |
|
01/01/2003 |
$2.42 |
|
01/01/2004 |
$2.54 |
|
01/01/2005 |
$2.67 |
All rates are also subject to a one-time temporary meter charge as follows:
1. Up to one and one-half (1-1/2) inch meter, fifty dollars ($50);
2. Two (2) inch and larger meter, one hundred dollars ($100).
Payment shall be made in full upon return of the meter. If a meter is lost or stolen, payment for water used shall be based on an estimate made by the director of public works.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1; Ord. No. 3486, § 2, 11-16-99; Ord. No. 3534, § 1, 12-5-00; Ord. No. 3627, § 2, 11-19-02. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.460)
7.02.190 Stop cocks.
All service pipes must come directly from the street main and shall be laid at such depth and at such point as the water utility shall designate. All stop cocks and connections thereto shall be maintained by and under the control of the water utility.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.480)
7.02.200 Turn on and off service by water utility employees.
No person except employees of the water utility or the finance department will be allowed to turn the water on or off at the city’s stop cock after the plumbing has been completed and the water turned on by the water utility, except to repair the special stop and waste cock or the pipe between it and the city’s stop cock.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.520)
7.02.210 Special stop and waste cock.
A special stop and waste cock with a key attached thereto shall be placed on the pipe leading from the city’s stop cock outside of the building or inside if basement is available. No branch pipe, bibb, or fixture of any kind shall be placed between this stop cock and the city’s main. If this stop cock does not thoroughly drain all pipes throughout the premises, additional ones shall be placed in all sags, bends, and traps that cannot otherwise be drained. If the service is to a business building adjacent to a city sidewalk, a valve type stop and waste cock in a cast iron valve box, with traffic type lid shall be installed near the outside wall of the building.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.560)
7.02.220 Replacement – Permit credit.
If a property owner, lessee, or occupant requests a change in meter size and/or water line size, an application shall be made to the city engineer. The city engineer shall review the application for compliance with KCC 7.02.030. If the request results in an increase flow capability to the property, the charge for this service shall include the respective system development charge, otherwise, the charge shall be limited to a time and material basis. In all cases a credit on this charge will be made for the meter removed. This credit will be based on a depreciation schedule of twenty (20) percent per year for the number of years the meter has been in service, with a minimum credit of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50). No credit will be allowed for the valves, meter box, or pipe originally installed. Where a system development charge is included, a credit will also be given for that previously paid system development charge.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.600)
7.02.230 Connections from stop cock at owner’s expense and care.
All pipes and connections from the city’s adapter or coupling located on or near the property line or near the meter box shall be put in at the expense of the property owner, who shall be responsible for all damages resulting from leaks and breaks.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.640)
7.02.240 Plumber’s permit for turn on and off.
No plumber or other person will be allowed to make connection with the city mains or make alterations in conduit, pipe, or other fixture connecting therewith, or to connect pipes when they have been disconnected, or to turn water off or on, upon any premises at the city’s stop cock without a permit from the director of public works.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.680)
7.02.250 Water turned on by owner or tenant prohibited.
If the water is turned on to the premises by anyone other than an employee of the water utility or the finance department after it has been turned off at the city stop cock, it will be turned off again at the city stop cock and locked, and will not be turned on again until the charges as prescribed in this chapter have been paid. These charges are based on the actual cost per hour, including overhead, of sending water utility employees to return service to the account, plus a turn on charge of thirty dollars ($30). In no case will the charge be less than thirty dollars ($30).
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 3, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.720)
7.02.260 Vacant premises – Water supply.
If it is decided to discontinue the use of water supply to vacant premises for a period of thirty (30) days or more, notice in writing must be given to the finance department. The water will be turned off and will be turned on again upon written application at a charge of thirty dollars ($30) for such turn on. No remission of charges will be made for a lesser period than thirty (30) days or without receipt of notice by the finance department.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 3, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.760)
7.02.270 Size of water main.
No water main shall be installed unless it is at least six (6) inches in diameter and is the size indicated in the comprehensive water plan.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 3, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.800)
7.02.280 Turn off and turn on charges.
A. For the purpose of paying the expense to the water utility or finance department, a charge as set forth in this chapter is hereby fixed and made to turn off or turn on the water service to any building for the making within the building of any inspection, repair, maintenance, enlargement, replacement, addition, or change in or to the water line or lines, or plumbing, or plumbing fixtures, or for the purpose of connecting any kind of machine, appliance, toilet, or bath facilities, or any kind of plumbing in or to the water system located within the building when the building does not have stop and waste cock as required in KCC 7.02.210.
B. The charge shall be forty-five dollars ($45) if the turn off or turn on is done within a period of forty-eight (48) hours of the initial customer request, which charge shall be paid to the finance department before any water service is turned off or turned on for any of the purposes set forth in this section.
C. If the turn off and turn on is not done within a period of forty-eight (48) hours from the time of the initial consumer request, the charge is thirty dollars ($30) to turn off the water service and thirty dollars ($30) to turn on the service. The charge shall be paid to the finance department before any water service is turned off or turned on for any of the purposes set forth in this section.
D. If more than one turn off and turn on request occurs in any twelve (12) month period, a charge in the amount of forty-five dollars ($45) shall be assessed against the account for each additional service turn off.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1; Ord. No. 3864, § 3, 12-11-07. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.820)
7.02.290 Prohibited uses.
No person shall:
1. Use water from the city water system for sprinkling or irrigating when requested by a police officer or firefighter of the city to cease such use during a fire which the fire department is seeking to control or when use of water for sprinkling or irrigation is forbidden by the city council;
2. Bathe in, fish in, or throw any substance into any reservoir or water tank or standpipe or into any pipe or connection to the city water system, or upon the premises where any reservoir, water tank or standpipe is located;
3. Obstruct the access to any fire hydrant or place lumber, dirt, rubbish, or other material upon public right-of-way or city owned property within twenty (20) feet of a fire hydrant or to open or operate a fire hydrant except a member of a fire department or employee of the city in pursuance of his employment or duty;
4. Break or deface the seal of a water meter or tamper with, damage, obstruct, or alter a water meter in service;
5. Make any connection with a water main, water pipe, or fire hydrant for delivery of water from the city water system to a consumer without a permit from the water utility and a means of measuring the quantity of water taken prior to consumption;
6. Turn on or turn off a water service at the water box or any place between the water meter and the water main of the city water system other than by an employee of the water utility or finance department who is authorized to either turn on or turn off a water service;
7. Interfere with, obstruct, or prevent free or safe access to any water meter or water service for purpose of reading, inspection, repair, removal, or installation by any employee of the water utility or finance department in pursuit of his employment;
8. Tamper with, destroy, break, or interfere with any part of the water system; or
9. Make, construct, buy, sell, or in any way dispose of to any person any curb cock key or hydrant wrench that fits or may be used on any part of the city water system without permission of the director of public works of the city.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.840)
7.02.300 Water rates within the city.
A. Water rates. The following staggered rates apply during the time periods listed below to all water customers within the city limits of Kent. Within each time period, the lower rate applies per one hundred (100) cubic feet of water used for up to or equal to seven hundred (700) cubic feet, and the higher rate applies per one hundred (100) cubic feet of water used in excess of seven hundred (700) cubic feet:
|
Effective Date |
October 1 – April 30 |
May 1 – September 30 |
||
|
|
≤ 700 ft3 |
> 700 ft3 |
≤ 700 ft3 |
> 700 ft3 |
|
01/01/2005 |
$1.44 |
$1.95 |
$1.90 |
$2.42 |
|
06/01/2009 |
$2.13 |
$2.89 |
$2.81 |
$3.58 |
|
01/01/2010 |
$2.77 |
$3.75 |
$3.66 |
$4.66 |
|
01/01/2011 |
$2.85 |
$3.86 |
$3.77 |
$4.80 |
|
01/01/2012 |
$2.94 |
$3.98 |
$3.88 |
$4.94 |
|
01/01/2013 |
$3.03 |
$4.10 |
$3.99 |
$5.09 |
|
01/01/2014 |
$3.12 |
$4.22 |
$4.11 |
$5.24 |
All customers are also subject to a monthly demand charge for service and meter, which is as follows:
|
Meter size (inches) |
Charge Effective January 1, 2008 |
Charge Effective April 1, 2009 |
Charge Effective June 1, 2009 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2010 |
|
5/8 x 3/4 |
$5.26 |
$6.05 |
$8.95 |
$11.64 |
|
1 |
$8.94 |
$10.28 |
$15.21 |
$19.78 |
|
1 1/2 |
$13.64 |
$15.69 |
$23.22 |
$30.19 |
|
2 |
$18.09 |
$20.80 |
$30.78 |
$40.02 |
|
3 |
$38.35 |
$44.10 |
$65.27 |
$84.85 |
|
4 |
$46.47 |
$53.44 |
$79.09 |
$102.82 |
|
6 |
$69.03 |
$79.38 |
$117.48 |
$152.73 |
|
8 |
$88.50 |
$88.51 |
$150.63 |
$195.82 |
|
10 |
$113.03 |
$129.98 |
$192.37 |
$250.08 |
|
Meter size (inches) |
Charge Effective January 1, 2011 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2012 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2013 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2014 |
|
5/8 x 3/4 |
$11.99 |
$12.35 |
$12.72 |
$13.10 |
|
1 |
$20.37 |
$20.98 |
$21.61 |
$22.26 |
|
1-1/2 |
$31.09 |
$32.03 |
$32.99 |
$33.98 |
|
2 |
$41.22 |
$42.46 |
$43.73 |
$45.04 |
|
3 |
$87.39 |
$90.02 |
$92.72 |
$95.50 |
|
4 |
$105.90 |
$109.08 |
$112.35 |
$115.72 |
|
6 |
$157.31 |
$162.03 |
$166.89 |
$171.90 |
|
8 |
$201.70 |
$207.75 |
$213.98 |
$220.40 |
|
10 |
$257.58 |
$265.31 |
$273.27 |
$281.47 |
B. Lifeline customers. The city council will establish eligibility criteria for lifeline customers. For lifeline-qualified water service customers within the city limits, the following rates apply for water use per one hundred (100) cubic feet:
|
Effective Date |
January 1 – December 31 |
|
01/01/2005 |
$0.51 |
|
06/01/2009 |
$0.53 |
|
01/01/2010 |
$0.54 |
|
01/01/2011 |
$0.56 |
|
01/01/2012 |
$0.57 |
|
01/01/2013 |
$0.59 |
|
01/01/2014 |
$0.61 |
All lifeline rates are also subject to the monthly demand charge for service and meter as set forth in subsection (A) of this section.
C. Rate adjustment.
1. Subject to the right of access and inspection by a representative of the city, water service customers of the city may apply for a one (1) time rate adjustment for any single billing period under the following circumstances:
a. An accidental water leak has been discovered on the subject property; or
b. A water line failure has occurred on the subject property; or
c. An unexplained, abnormal water meter reading has occurred on the subject property even though subsequent city inspection of the water meter indicates that the meter is functioning properly.
This rate adjustment shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the difference between the total amount of the billing period sought for adjustment minus the customer’s average water usage. For the purposes of this subsection, the average water usage shall be computed by determining the total volume of water consumed, under normal use conditions, during the preceding twelve (12) months and dividing that total volume by the number of times the city would typically read the customer’s water meter in a twelve (12) month period.
2. This rate adjustment is permitted on a one (1) time basis only and can only be applied to one (1) billing period. To be eligible for this rate adjustment, the affected water system must be owned by or subject to the exclusive control of the customer and be located between the city’s water meter and owner’s residence or structure. The bill sought for adjustment must exceed two (2) times the customer’s highest usage in any single billing period during the twelve (12) months prior to the billing period sought for adjustment.
3. Following a request for rate adjustment as provided under this subsection, the city’s finance director, or his/her designee, shall review the request and determine whether or not to adjust the customer’s monthly billing. In order to make a proper determination, city staff shall be entitled to access, inspect, and approve the customer’s water system repair prior to granting a rate adjustment.
4. If approved, the city shall make this rate adjustment by issuing a credit to the customer’s account after verification of leakage or water system failure, inspection of water meter and water system, where applicable, and verification of corrective repairs. All repairs shall occur within thirty (30) days of application to the city.
5. The owner may request reconsideration of the decision of the finance director, or his/her designee, by the city council through the city council’s operations committee.
(Ord. No. 2495, § 1; Ord. No. 2732, § 3; Ord. No. 3043, § 1, 5-5-92; Ord. No. 3143, § 2, 11-16-93; Ord. No. 3486, § 3, 11-16-99; Ord. No. 3534, § 1, 12-5-00; Ord. No. 3627, § 3, 11-19-02; Ord. No. 3779, § 2, 12-13-05; Ord. No. 3819, § 3, 11-21-06; Ord. No. 3864, § 4, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 3901, § 2, 12-9-08; Ord. No. 3915, § 1, 4-21-09. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.860)
7.02.310 Water rates outside city.
A. Water rates. The following staggered rates apply during the time periods listed below to all customers outside the city limits of Kent. Within each time period, the lower rate applies per one hundred (100) cubic feet of water used for up to or equal to seven hundred (700) cubic feet, and the higher rate applies per one hundred (100) cubic feet of water used in excess of seven hundred (700) cubic feet:
|
Effective Date |
October 1 – April 30 |
May 1 – September 30 |
||
|
|
≤ 700 ft3 |
> 700 ft3 |
≤ 700 ft3 |
> 700 ft3 |
|
01/01/2005 |
$1.90 |
$2.42 |
$2.32 |
$2.85 |
|
06/01/2009 |
$2.81 |
$3.58 |
$3.43 |
$4.22 |
|
01/01/2010 |
$3.66 |
$4.66 |
$4.46 |
$5.48 |
|
01/01/2011 |
$3.77 |
$4.80 |
$4.60 |
$5.65 |
|
01/01/2012 |
$3.88 |
$4.94 |
$4.74 |
$5.82 |
|
01/01/2013 |
$3.99 |
$5.09 |
$4.88 |
$5.99 |
|
01/01/2014 |
$4.11 |
$5.24 |
$5.02 |
$6.17 |
All customers are also subject to a monthly demand charge for service and meter, which is as follows:
|
Meter size (inches) |
Charge Effective January 1, 2008 |
Charge Effective April 1, 2009 |
Charge Effective June 1, 2009 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2010 |
|
5/8 x 3/4 |
$5.26 |
$6.05 |
$8.95 |
$11.64 |
|
1 |
$8.94 |
$10.28 |
$15.21 |
$19.78 |
|
1-1/2 |
$13.64 |
$15.69 |
$23.22 |
$30.19 |
|
2 |
$18.09 |
$20.80 |
$30.78 |
$40.02 |
|
3 |
$38.35 |
$44.10 |
$65.27 |
$84.85 |
|
4 |
$46.47 |
$53.44 |
$79.09 |
$102.82 |
|
6 |
$69.03 |
$79.38 |
$117.48 |
$152.73 |
|
8 |
$88.50 |
$88.51 |
$150.63 |
$195.82 |
|
10 |
$113.03 |
$129.98 |
$192.37 |
$250.08 |
|
Meter size (inches) |
Charge Effective January 1, 2011 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2012 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2013 |
Charge Effective January 1, 2014 |
|
5/8 x 3/4 |
$11.99 |
$12.35 |
$12.72 |
$13.10 |
|
1 |
$20.37 |
$20.98 |
$21.61 |
$22.26 |
|
1-1/2 |
$31.09 |
$32.03 |
$32.99 |
$33.98 |
|
2 |
$41.22 |
$42.46 |
$43.73 |
$45.04 |
|
3 |
$87.39 |
$90.02 |
$92.72 |
$95.50 |
|
4 |
$105.90 |
$109.08 |
$112.35 |
$115.72 |
|
6 |
$157.31 |
$162.03 |
$166.89 |
$171.90 |
|
8 |
$201.70 |
$207.75 |
$213.98 |
$220.40 |
|
10 |
$257.58 |
$265.31 |
$273.27 |
$281.47 |
B. Lifeline customers. The city council will establish eligibility criteria for lifeline customers. For lifeline-qualified water service customers outside the city limits, the following rates apply for water use per one hundred (100) cubic feet:
|
Effective Date |
January 1 – December 31 |
|
01/01/2005 |
$0.56 |
|
06/01/2009 |
$0.58 |
|
01/01/2010 |
$0.59 |
|
01/01/2011 |
$0.61 |
|
01/01/2012 |
$0.63 |
|
01/01/2013 |
$0.65 |
|
01/01/2014 |
$0.67 |
All lifeline rates are also subject to the monthly demand charge for service and meter as set forth in subsection (A) of this section.
C. Rate adjustment.
1. Subject to the right of access and inspection by a representative of the city, water service customers of the city may apply for a one (1) time rate adjustment for any single billing period under the following circumstances:
a. An accidental water leak has been discovered on the subject property; or
b. A water line failure has occurred on the subject property; or
c. An unexplained, abnormal water meter reading has occurred on the subject property even though subsequent city inspection of the water meter indicates that the meter is functioning properly.
This rate adjustment shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the difference between the total amount of the billing period sought for adjustment minus the customer’s average water usage. For the purposes of this subsection, the average water usage shall be computed by determining the total volume of water consumed, under normal use conditions, during the preceding twelve (12) months and dividing that total volume by the number of times the city would typically read the customer’s water meter in a twelve (12) month period.
2. This rate adjustment is permitted on a one (1) time basis only and can only be applied to one (1) billing period. To be eligible for this rate adjustment, the affected water system must be owned by or subject to the exclusive control of the customer and be located between the city’s water meter and owner’s residence or structure. The bill sought for adjustment must exceed two (2) times the customer’s highest usage in any single billing period during the twelve (12) months prior to the billing period sought for adjustment.
3. Following a request for rate adjustment provided under this subsection, the city’s finance director, or his/her designee, shall review the request and determine whether or not to adjust the customer’s monthly billing. In order to make a proper determination, city staff shall be entitled to access, inspect, and approve the customer’s water system repair prior to granting a rate adjustment.
4. If approved, the city shall make this rate adjustment by issuing a credit to the customer’s account after verification of leakage or water system failure, inspection of water meter and water system, where applicable, and verification of corrective repairs. All repairs shall occur within thirty (30) days of application to the city.
5. The owner may request reconsideration of the decision of the finance director, or his/her designee, by the city council through the city council’s operations committee.
(Ord. No. 2495, § 2; Ord. No. 2732, § 3; Ord. No. 3043, § 2, 5-5-92; Ord. No. 3143, § 3, 11-16-93; Ord. No. 3486, § 4, 11-16-99; Ord. No. 3534, § 1, 12-5-00; Ord. No. 3627, § 4, 11-19-02; Ord. No. 3779, § 3, 12-13-05; Ord. No. 3819, § 4, 11-21-06; Ord. No. 3864, § 5, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 3901, § 3, 12-9-08; Ord. No. 3915, § 2, 4-21-09. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.880)
7.02.320 Billing for service.
All billing for water shall be made to the nearest five cents ($0.05).
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.900)
7.02.330 Charges when meter is out of order.
If a meter fails to register the amount of water used, the customer will be charged at the average rate of monthly consumption as shown by the meter when the meter was in working order.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.920)
7.02.340 Request for meter check.
A customer may request a meter check. If it is found that the meter is registering less than or more than the requirements of the state for meter accuracy, no charge will be made. If it is found that the meter is registering in accordance with state regulations, a charge which is on file in the city clerk’s office will be made. This charge will be added to the next water billing.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.930)
7.02.350 Fire protection service.
A. Pipes for fire protection purposes must be fitted with such fixtures as are needed for fire protection and such fixtures shall be sealed by the water utility. In no case shall such seal be broken, except in case of fire or by the fire chief for the purpose of testing the pipes, fixtures or hose.
B. When seals are broken in case of fire, it shall be the duty of the owner or tenant of the premises to notify the water utility within twenty-four (24) hours after its occurrence, and the seal will be replaced by the water utility.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.940)
7.02.360 Emergency shutoff without notice.
A. The water may at any time be shut off from the mains without notice for repairs, extensions, or other necessary purposes and persons having boilers supplied by direct pressure from the mains are cautioned against danger of explosion or collapse. Where meters are in use, a safety valve shall be placed between the boiler on such service and the meter at the owner’s expense, and the owner shall be held responsible to the city for any and all damages to meters caused by hot water.
B. The city will not be responsible for the safety of boilers or other fixtures on the premises of any water consumer.
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.960)
7.02.370 Penalty for violation.
Any person found guilty of violating this chapter or any part thereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding three hundred dollars ($300).
(Ord. No. 2370, § 1. Formerly Code 1986, § 7.06.950)