Chapter 13.24
WATER SYSTEM

Sections:

13.24.010    Definitions.

13.24.020    Application for regular water service where no main extension required.

13.24.030    Extension of distribution main.

13.24.040    Installation of service extensions.

13.24.050    Water meter fee.

13.24.060    Service connection—Property of city.

13.24.070    Service connection—Installation upon request of applicant.

13.24.080    Service connection—Installation by authorized employees only.

13.24.090    Meters—Required—Exceptions.

13.24.100    Meters—Installation and ownership.

13.24.110    Meters—Relocation.

13.24.120    Meters—Testing.

13.24.130    Meters—Monthly charge when not registering.

13.24.135    Connection fees.

13.24.140    Public fire protection.

13.24.150    Private fire protection services.

13.24.160    Schoolground irrigation service.

13.24.170    Temporary service.

13.24.180    Establishment and maintenance of credit.

13.24.190    Rates.

13.24.200    Billing.

13.24.210    Discontinuance of service.

13.24.220    Application for multiple services.

13.24.230    Separate service connections required for each premises.

13.24.240    Negligent waste of water.

13.24.250    Facilities on private property to remain property of city.

13.24.260    Liability for damage to city-owned facilities.

13.24.270    Use of service curb stop restricted.

13.24.290    Temporary shutdown of service.

13.24.300    Right of ingress and egress of city representatives.

13.24.310    Customer responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment.

13.24.320    Connection to sources of supply other than city system.

13.24.330    Unauthorized connection or disconnection prohibited.

13.24.340    Installation of evaporative-type, air-conditioning units.

13.24.350    Connection of refrigerating or air-conditioning equipment.

13.24.360    Unauthorized supplying of city water prohibited.

13.24.370    Bypass around meter or service prohibited.

13.24.380    Irrigation of private lawns restricted.

13.24.390    Council to provide rules and regulations.

13.24.400    Violation—Penalty.

13.24.410    Water shortage contingency plan.

13.24.010 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter the words set out in this section shall be defined as follows:

A.    “Cross connection” means any physical connection between the piping system from the city service and that of any other water supply that is not, or cannot be, approved as safe and potable for human consumption, whereby water from the unapproved source may be forced or drawn into the city distribution mains.

B.    “Delinquency” means the failure or omission to pay at the time or times set forth in this chapter.

C.    “Distribution mains” means water lines and streets, highways, alleys, and easements used for public and private fire protection, and for general distribution of water.

D.    “Forfeiture” means incurring a liability to pay a definite sum of money as a consequence of violating the provisions of this chapter.

E.    “Owner” means the person owning the fee, or the person in whose name the legal title to the property appears, by deed duly recorded in the county recorder’s office, or the person in possession of the property or building under claim of, or exercising acts of ownership over same for himself or as executor, administrator, guardian or trustee of the owner.

F.    “Person” means any human being, individual, firm, company, partnership, association and private or public or municipal corporations, the United States of America, the state of California, districts and all political subdivisions, governmental agencies and mandatories thereof.

G.    “Premises” means a lot or parcel of real property under one ownership, except where there are well-defined boundaries or partitions, such as fences, hedges, or other restrictions normally preventing the common use of the property by the several tenants, in which case each portion shall be deemed separate premises.

H.    “Private fire protection service” means water service and facilities for building sprinkler systems, hydrants, hose reels and other facilities installed on private property for fire protection and the water available therefor.

I.    “Public fire protection service” means the service and facilities of the entire water supply, storage and distribution system of the city, including the fire hydrants affixed thereto, and the water available for fire protection, excepting house service connections and appurtenances thereto.

J.    “Regular water service” means the water service and facilities rendered for normal domestic purposes on a permanent basis, and the water available therefor.

K.    “Service or service connection” means the pipe line and appurtenant facilities used to extend water service from a distribution main to premises. Where services are divided at the curb or property line to serve several customers, each such branch service shall be deemed a separate service.

L.    “Temporary water service” means water service and facilities rendered for construction work and other uses of limited duration, and the water available therefor.

M.    “Water department” means the employees of the city performing functions related to the water service, together with other duly authorized representatives. (Ord. 352 § 1, 1982).

13.24.020 Application for regular water service where no main extension required.

Before water will be supplied by the city water department to any person, firm or corporation from the distribution main of the city to water pipes on any real property, the owner or occupant of the property shall make a written application for such service and service connection upon a form provided by the city. The information required in all instances shall include the name and address of the applicant, a description of the real property by lot number, block and tract and the official house number assigned to the premises for which water is desired, together with a statement of the applicant’s relation to the property, whether as owner, occupant, lessee or otherwise. The application, when made by a person other than the owner, must be accompanied by a deposit in the sum of fifty dollars, which deposit shall be refunded upon discontinuance of the service, provided the applicant’s account has not been delinquent more than fifteen days at any time in the past twelve months. An applicant who is an owner shall be required to show proof of ownership as defined in this chapter. By signing the application, the applicant shall agree to observe any department regulations now in force or hereafter adopted, related to water service and shall further agree to pay water bills promptly. An application will not be honored unless payment in full has been made for water service previously rendered to the applicant by the city. (Ord. 352 § 3, 1982).

13.24.030 Extension of distribution main.

Where an extension of the distribution main is necessary, the applicant shall enter into a written agreement for such extension and shall deposit with the city the estimated cost of such extension and the appurtenant facilities as determined by the city before construction is commenced. If the city desires to install facilities greater than are needed to meet the services demands, the cost of the excess size of the facilities shall be borne by the city unless the city council determines that the increase in size is necessary to serve the applicant. The size, type and quality of the materials, and the location of the lines shall be specified by the city and the actual construction will be done by the city or by a contractor acceptable to it, supervised and inspected by the city. All facilities shall become the property of the city. (Ord. 352 § 4, 1982).

13.24.040 Installation of service extensions.

Upon application of a bona fide applicant for services, the city will, at its own expense, furnish and install service pipes of suitable capacity for a distance of not more than sixty feet from its distribution mains to the curbline or property line of property abutting upon the public street, highway, alley, lane or road along it which already has distribution mains. The consumer, at his own expense, shall install that portion of the service inside the curb or property line. The installation shall include a shutoff valve inside the property line at a location accessible in case of emergency. The materials furnished by the consumer in construction of such service extensions will at all times be and remain the sole property of the consumer and when necessary shall be maintained and repaired by the consumer at his own expense. (Ord. 352 § 5, 1982).

13.24.050 Water meter fee.

Prior to installation of meter facilities, the applicant shall pay to the city, to pay for the cost of the meter, a meter fee which shall be retained by the city, as established by the council by resolution. The city’s labor and material costs for the installation of the service line shall be in addition to the meter fee. (Ord. 684, 2007: Ord. 474 § 1, 1992: Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.060 Service connection—Property of city.

The service connection, whether located on public or private property, is the property of the city unless specifically otherwise provided, and the city reserves the right to repair, replace and maintain it, as well as to remove it upon discontinuance of the service. (Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.070 Service connection—Installation upon request of applicant.

The city will furnish and install a service of such size and at such location as the applicant requests, provided such requests are reasonable. The service will be installed from its water distribution main to the curb-line or property line of the premises which may abut on the street, on other thoroughfares, or on the city right-of-way or easement. (Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.080 Service connection—Installation by authorized employees only.

Only duly authorized employees or agents of the city will be permitted to install a service connection from the city’s main to the customer’s premises. (Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.090 Meters—Required—Exceptions.

All services shall be metered, except that the city may, at its option, provide flat-rate or estimated service for:

A.    Residential, business, commercial, industrial in special situations, and irrigation service;

B.    Temporary service where water use can be readily estimated;

C.    Public and private fire protection service;

D.    Water used for street sprinkling and sewer flushing when provided for by contract;

E.    Swimming pool filling.

(Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.100 Meters—Installation and ownership.

Meters will be installed at the curb or at or near the property line, and shall be owned by the city and installed and removed at its expense. No rent or other charge will be paid by the city for a meter or other facilities, including housing and connections, located on a customer’s premises. All meters will be sealed by the city at the time of installation, and no seal shall be altered or broken except by one of its authorized employees or agents. (Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.110 Meters—Relocation.

If a meter is moved for the convenience of the customer, it will be relocated at the customer’s expense. Meters moved to protect the property of the city will be moved at the expense of the city. If the lateral distance which the customer desires to have the meter moved exceeds eight feet, he will be required to pay for a new service at the desired location. (Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.120 Meters—Testing.

A.    All meters will be tested prior to installation and no meter will be installed which registers more than two percent fast. No charge will be made for the test of a meter made at the request of a customer, except where a customer requests a test within six months after installation of a meter or more than once a year, in which case the customer shall be required to deposit with the city the sum of two dollars for meters up to one inch, and three dollars and fifty cents for meters larger than one inch in size. Every meter tested at the request of a customer will be tested in the condition as found in the customer’s service prior to any alteration or adjustment in order to determine the average meter error. Any deposit required under this section will be returned to the customer if the average meter error is found to be more than two percent fast.

B.    The customer shall have the right to require the city to conduct such a test in the presence of the customer or in the presence of a representative of the customer. (Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.130 Meters—Monthly charge when not registering.

If a meter is found to be not registering, the charges for service shall be at the minimum monthly rate or based on the estimated consumption, whichever is greater. Such estimates shall be made from previous consumption for a comparable period, or by such other method as determined by the city, and its decision shall be final. (Ord. 352 § 6 (part), 1982).

13.24.135 Connection fees.

There is established the following fees for connection to the water system:

A.    For each single-family residence, multiple family dwelling, apartment, duplex, condominium, or mobile home connected to the system, the charge shall be the following sum: $2,282.00 per unit.

B.    Such fees shall be paid by the subdivider prior to the filing of any final map or parcel map in the case of subdivisions and divisions and division of land, and at the time of issuance of a building permit in all other instances, and are nonrefundable.

C.    For commercial and industrial services connected to the system, the charge shall be the following sum: $7,079.00 per acre. (Ord. 493 § 1, 1993; Ord. 410 § 1, 1987; Ord. 367 § 1, 1984: Ord. 352 § 6A, 1982).

13.24.140 Public fire protection.

A.    Fire hydrants are for use by the city or by organized fire protection agencies pursuant to contract with the city. Other parties desiring to use the fire hydrants for any person must first obtain written permission from the city manager prior to use and shall operate the hydrant in accordance with instructions issued by city. Unauthorized use of hydrants will be prosecuted according to law.

B.    A charge to be determined by contract between the city and organized fire protection agencies will be imposed for hydrant maintenance and water used for public fire protection.

C.    When a fire hydrant has been installed in the location specified by the proper authority, the city has fulfilled its obligation. If a property owner or other party desires a change in the size, type or location of the hydrant, he shall bear all costs of such changes, without refund. Any change in the location, type or size of a fire hydrant must be approved by the proper authority. (Ord. 352 § 7, 1982).

13.24.150 Private fire protection services.

A.    The applicant for private fire protection service not now installed shall pay the entire cost of installation of the service from the distribution main to the customer’s premises, to include the necessary fittings, valves, pipe, vault, if necessary, and detector check valve or similar device to indicate the use of water, said installation to become the property of the city. The minimum diameter for a fire sprinkler service shall be two inches and the maximum diameter of the main to which the service is attached.

B.    The customer’s installation beyond the city’s detector check valve, or similar device, must be such as to effectively separate the fire sprinkler system from that of the customer’s regular water service. There shall be no cross connection made unless specific approval by the city is granted, and then such any cross-connection shall be made only under the supervision of the city. Any such unauthorized cross-connection may be the grounds for immediate disconnection of the sprinkler service without liability to the city.

C.    Any unauthorized use of water, other than for fire extinguishing purposes may be the grounds for the immediate disconnection of the service without liability to the city.

D.    The monthly rates for nonmetered fire protection service shall be:

Size of Service

(in inches)

Monthly Charge

2

$ 4.80

4

7.20

6

10.60

8

16.50

E.    The city assumes no responsibility for loss or damage due to lack of water or pressure, and merely agrees to furnish such quantities and pressures as are available in its general distribution system. The service is subject to shutdowns and variations required by the operation of the system. (Ord. 352 § 8, 1982).

13.24.160 Schoolground irrigation service.

Service shall be furnished for schoolground irrigation when water is used only during the hours between ten p.m. and six a.m. The city may, at its option, install two or more meters or two or more service connections for service to schoolgrounds. Service connections or such modifications as are necessary for the benefit of the customer shall be at the cost of the customer and not subject to refund. Installation of distribution mains of adequate size to serve the schoolground irrigation system, in addition to all other normal service, if needed, shall be at the cost of the customer and not subject to refund. The installation shall be by the city. (Ord. 352 § 9, 1982).

13.24.170 Temporary service.

A.    The city may, if no undue hardship will result to existing customers, furnish temporary service. The applicant shall deposit in advance the estimated cost of installing and removing facilities necessary to furnish the service. Upon discontinuance of service, the actual cost shall be determined and an adjustment made as an additional charge, refund or credit.

B.    All facilities for temporary service to the customer connection shall be made by the city and shall be operated in accordance with its instructions.

C.    The customer shall use all possible care to prevent damage to the meter or to any other loaned facilities of the city which are involved in furnishing the temporary service from the time they are installed until they are removed, or until forty-eight hours’ notice in writing has

been given to the city that the contractor or other person is through with the meter or meters and the installation. If the meter or other facilities are damaged, the cost of making repairs shall be paid by the customer.

D.    If temporary service is supplied through a fire hydrant, a permit for the use of the hydrant shall be obtained from the proper authority. It is specifically prohibited to operate the valve of any fire hydrant other than by the use of a spanner wrench designed for this purpose.

E.    Tampering with any fire hydrant for the unauthorized use of water therefrom, or for any other purpose, is a misdemeanor, punishable by law.

F.    The rates, charges and conditions for temporary service will be the same as those prescribed for permanent service except as are herein otherwise provided.

G.    The applicant shall pay the estimated cost of service in advance or shall be otherwise required to establish credit.

H.    Temporary service connections shall be discontinued and terminated within six months after installation unless an extension of time is granted in writing by the city. (Ord. 352 § 10, 1982).

13.24.180 Establishment and maintenance of credit.

Each applicant for service shall establish and maintain credit to the satisfaction of the city before service will be rendered in amounts and on such terms and conditions as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the city. (Ord. 352 § 11, 1982).

13.24.190 Rates.

The following schedule of rates and compensation is fixed and established as the rates and compensation to be charged and collected by the city for water service:

A.    Water Quantity Rates.

1.    Current Tiers.

Same for Both Residential and Commercial

FY

09/10

Tier 1:

0 to 3 ccf

$1.02

Tier 2:

3.1 to 70 ccf

$1.32

Tier 3:

Over 70 ccf

$2.46

2.    New Tiers. To encourage water conservation and better distribute water sales among the rate tiers, the new tier structure includes four tiers. The rate structure is designed to minimize the impact on residential customers who use low to average consumption.

Same for Both Residential and Commercial

Effective

01/01/11

Effective

01/01/12

Effective

01/01/13

Effective

01/01/14

Effective

01/01/15

Tier 1:

0 to 3 ccf

$1.06

$1.10

$1.14

$1.19

$1.24

Tier 2:

3.1 to 20 ccf

$1.37

$1.42

$1.48

$1.54

$1.60

Tier 3:

20.1 to 50 ccf

$1.67

$1.74

$1.81

$1.88

$1.96

Tier 4:

Over 50 ccf

$2.36

$2.45

$2.55

$2.65

$2.76

B.    Water Service Charge. The water service charge varies by meter size based on equivalent meter ratios. The current meter ratios are lower than industry standards. The updated meter ratios are based on standards recommended by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and will be phased in over the five-year period.

FY

Effective

2009/10

Effective

01/01/11

Effective

01/01/12

Effective

01/01/13

Effective

01/01/14

Effective

01/01/15

For 5/8 inch meter

$ 9.08

$ 9.44

$ 9.82

$10.21

$10.62

$11.04

For 3/4 inch meter

$ 9.08

$ 9.44

$ 9.82

$10.21

$10.62

$11.04

For 1 inch meter

$12.20

$12.69

$13.20

$13.73

$14.28

$14.85

For 1-1/2 inch meter

$15.94

$15.10

$15.70

$16.33

$16.98

$17.66

For 2 inch meter

$21.91

$23.16

$24.48

$25.86

$27.33

$28.70

For 3 inch meter

$39.45

$51.78

$65.05

$79.28

$94.57

$110.40

For 4 inch meter

$53.34

$68.29

$84.40

$101.63

$120.16

$140.21

For 6 inch meter

$90.70

$111.48

$133.84

$157.73

$183.40

$210.86

For 8 inch meter

$131.49

$159.17

$188.95

$220.75

$254.89

$291.46

C.    School Grounds Irrigation Service: as above, less twenty-five percent. The service charge is a readiness-to-serve charge which is applicable to all metered service and to which is to be added the monthly charge computed at the quantity rates, only when irrigating at low peak hours, from eleven o’clock p.m. to six o’clock a.m.

D.    Surcharge: The purpose of the surcharge is to generate sufficient revenue to repay the annual debt of the Safe Drinking Water Bond Act Loan. It shall be separately identified on the monthly bill.

E.    All unpaid charges, penalties and fees shall be a lien upon the real property to which water service was provided.

F.    The monthly rate to be paid for the use of city water for property outside the city shall be twice the rates provided for the use of water within the city; provided, however, that prior to such service being furnished outside the city, the property owner shall execute an agreement with the city setting forth the terms and conditions of such service.

G.    The provisions of this chapter shall not prohibit the city council from entering into contracts with a business, industry or governmental agency to supply water, water service and all things pertaining to the furnishing of water to such agencies at rates set forth in such agreement, which rates may be different from those set forth in this chapter.

H.    Each year, in connection with the adoption of the budget for the next succeeding fiscal year, the city council shall review the rates, fees and charges established in this section and if it is determined that an increase is needed, the city council shall adopt such increase for water service(s) by resolution. (Ord. 713, 2010; Ord. 609, 2000; Ord. 474 § 2, 1992: Ord. 352 § 12, 1982).

13.24.200 Billing.

A.    The regular billing period will be monthly or bimonthly at the option of the city council.

B.    Opening and closing bills for less than a normal billing period shall be prorated both as to minimum charges and quantity blocks. If the total period for which service is rendered is less than one month, the bill shall not be less than the monthly minimum charge applicable. Closing bills may be estimated by the city for the final period as an expediency to permit the customer to pay the closing bill at the time service is discontinued.

C.    Bills for water service shall be rendered at the end of each billing period and shall be payable on presentation. On each bill for services rendered by the city shall be printed, substantially, the following:

If charges are not paid by the bill’s due date, a penalty of $5.00 will be added to said charges. Interest of one (1) percent per month will be added to the past due balance on the first day of each month following. If full charges and penalties are not paid within fifteen (15) days after the due date, the city will discontinue service and a reconnection charge in the amount of $10.00 will be imposed.

D.    During the period of such disconnection, inhabitation of such premises by human beings shall constitute a public nuisance, whereupon the city council may cause proceedings to be brought for the abatement of the occupancy of said premises by human beings during the period of such disconnection. In such event, and as a condition of reconnection, there is to be paid to the city a reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of suit arising in the action.

E.    The city declares that the foregoing procedure for disconnecting delinquent premises is established as a means of enforcement of collection of the charges and not as a penalty.

F.    In addition to the right to discontinue any service, the city shall have the right to collect charges from the occupants of any premises or from the owner of the premises at its discretion by suitable actions at law. (Ord. 612, 2001; Ord. 510 § 1, 1993; Ord. 352 § 13, 1982).

13.24.210 Discontinuance of service.

A.    Service may be discontinued for nonpayment of bills on or before the fifteenth day of the month following the month during which the bill was sent. At least seven days prior to such discontinuance, the customer will be sent a final notice informing him that the discontinuance will be enforced if payment is not made within the time specified in the notice. The failure of the city to send or any such person to receive the notice shall not affect the city’s power under this section. A customer’s water service may be discontinued if water service furnished at a previous location has not been paid for within the time fixed in this chapter for the payment of bills. If a customer receives water service at more than one location and the bill for service at any one location is not paid within the period of time provided for payment, water service at all locations may be turned off.

B.    Water service may be refused or discontinued to any premises where apparatus or appliances are in use which might endanger or disturb service to other customers.

C.    Water service may be refused or discontinued to any premises where there exists a cross-connection in violation of state or federal laws.

D.    Service may be discontinued if necessary to protect the city against fraud or abuse.

E.    Service may be discontinued for noncompliance with this or any other ordinance or regulation related to the water service.

F.    Customers desiring to discontinue service should so notify the city two days prior to vacating the premises. Unless this discontinuance of service is ordered, the customer shall be liable for charges whether or not any water is used. (Ord. 612, 2001; Ord. 352 § 14, 1982).

13.24.220 Application for multiple services.

The applicant may apply for as many services as may be reasonably required for his premises, provided that the pipe line system from each service is independent of the others and that they are not interconnected. The cost of all services over and above the initial service shall be borne by the applicant. (Ord. 352 § 15(a), 1982).

13.24.230 Separate service connections required for each premises.

Not more than one premises shall be serviced from each service connection. (Ord. 352 § 15(b), 1982).

13.24.240 Negligent waste of water.

No customer shall knowingly permit leaks or waste of water. Any wasteful or negligent use of water on a customer’s premises in violation of this section shall constitute an infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars for the first violation after a warning in writing, fifty dollars for a second violation within one year and a fine of one hundred dollars for each additional violation within one year. The city, at its option, may

discontinue this service after the third violation after giving the customer notice. (Ord. 457 § 1, 1991: Ord. 352 § 15(c), 1982).

13.24.250 Facilities on private property to remain property of city.

All facilities installed by the city on private property for the purpose of rendering water service shall remain the property of the city and may be maintained, repaired or replaced by the city without consent or interference of the owner or occupants of the property. The property owner shall use reasonable care in the protection of such facilities. No payment shall be made for placing or maintaining the facilities on private property. (Ord. 352 § 15(d), 1982).

13.24.260 Liability for damage to city-owned facilities.

The customer shall be liable for any damage to city-owned customer water service facilities when such damage is from causes originating on the premises by an act of the customer or his tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees or permittees, including the breaking or destruction of locks by the customer or others on or near a meter, and any damage to a meter that may result from hot water or steam from a boiler or heater on the customer’s premises. The city shall be reimbursed by the customer for any such damage promptly upon presentation of a bill. (Ord. 352 § 15(e), 1982).

13.24.270 Use of service curb stop restricted.

The customer shall not use the service curb stop to turn water on and off for its convenience. (Ord. 352 § 15(f), 1982).

13.24.290 Temporary shutdown of service.

The city shall not be liable for damage which may result from an interruption in service from a cause beyond the control of the city. Temporary shutdowns may be made by the city to make improvements and repairs. Whenever possible and as time permits, all customers affected will be notified prior to making such shutdowns. The city will not be liable for interruption, shortage, or insufficiency of supply, or for any loss or damage occasioned thereby, if caused by accident, act of God, fire, strikes, riots, war or any other causes not within its control. (Ord. 352 § 15(h), 1982).

13.24.300 Right of ingress and egress of city representatives.

Representatives from the city shall have the right of ingress and egress to the customer premises at reasonable hours for any purpose reasonably connected with the furnishing of water service. (Ord. 352 § 15(i), 1982).

13.24.310 Customer responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment.

The customer shall, at his own risk and expense, furnish, install and keep in good and safe condition all equipment that may be required for receiving, controlling, applying and utilizing water, and the city shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the improper installation of such equipment, or the negligence or wrongful act of the customer or of any of his tenants, agents, and employees, contractors, licensees or permittees in installing, maintaining, operating or interfering with such equipment. The city shall not be responsible for damage to property caused by faucets, valves and other equipment that are open when water is turned on at the meter, either originally or when turned on after a temporary shutdown. (Ord. 352 § 15(j), 1982).

13.24.320 Connection to sources of supply other than city system.

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to allow a connection to be made or to allow a connection to exist for any purpose whatever between the city system and any other source of supply, unless the connection is fitted with a suitable device to be approved by the city, which shall prevent water from the other source of supply from entering the system. (Ord. 352 § 15(k), 1982).

13.24.330 Unauthorized connection or disconnection prohibited.

No person other than duly authorized employees of the city shall connect the consumer’s service to or disconnect the same from the distribution mains of the city. (Ord. 352 § 15(l), 1982).

13.24.340 Installation of evaporative-type, air-conditioning units.

No person shall install or connect with the system any evaporative-type, air-conditioning cooler or unit unless it is equipped with a recirculating pump and equipped with a thermostat or pressure control valve properly adjusted to regulate the flow of cooling water through the units so that the minimum amount of cooling water, as determined by the manufacturer’s specifications, shall be used. (Ord. 352 § 15(m), 1982).

13.24.350 Connection of refrigerating or air-conditioning equipment.

No person shall connect to the water system any refrigerating or air-conditioning equipment unless such equipment is air-cooled or has a water tower or evaporation condenser so that only makeup water is used. (Ord. 352 § 15(n), 1982).

13.24.360 Unauthorized supplying of city water prohibited.

No person shall supply city water to anyone without the prior authorization from the city, and the city shall have the right, upon five days’ written notice, to cease and disconnect the water service for the person supplying the water. (Ord. 352 § 15(o), 1982).

13.24.370 Bypass around meter or service prohibited.

No person shall construct a bypass around any meter or service. (Ord. 352 § 15(p), 1982).

13.24.380 Irrigation of private lawns restricted.

A.1. There shall be no outdoor watering or irrigating whatsoever between the hours of ten a.m. and seven p.m.

2.    Persons residing in addresses ending in even numbers, (i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) shall water only on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, except during the hours when watering and irrigating is prohibited.

3.    Persons residing in addresses ending in odd numbers (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) shall water only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, except during the hours when watering and irrigating is prohibited.

4.    Hosing down driveways, sidewalks, building exteriors or parking lots is permissible provided that a quick acting shutoff hose nozzle or a pressure washer is used but not in a manner or to an extent which allows substantial amounts of excess water to run off the area being washed.

5.    Water waste shall include the use of lawn sprinklers when it is raining, and watering of lawns, groundcover, shrubbery and trees in a manner or to an extent which allow substantial amounts of excess water to run off the area being watered.

6.    Quick acting shutoff hose nozzles shall be required for car washing.

7.    Newly planted lawns will be allowed daily watering until the second mowing. When installing a new lawn, call the utilities service department to be placed on the exemption list.

B.    Penalties. Any violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute an infraction and shall be punished by a fine of twenty-five dollars for the first violation after a warning in writing, fifty dollars for a second violation within one year and a fine of one hundred dollars for each additional violation within one year. The city, at its option, may discontinue the service after the third violation after giving the customer written notice. (Ord. 577 § 1, 1997; Ord. 459 §§ 1 and 2, 1991).

13.24.390 Council to provide rules and regulations.

The city council may, by resolution, provide such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the intents and purposes of this chapter. (Ord. 352 § 15(r), 1982).

13.24.400 Violation—Penalty.

Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. This penalty applies to Chapter 13.24, Water System, except for Section 13.24.380, Irrigation of private lawns restricted. (Ord. 578 § 16, 1997: Ord. 352 § 16, 1982).

13.24.410 Water shortage contingency plan.

The city of Patterson’s water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) complies with California Water Code requirements pertaining to urban water supplier 2020 urban water management plan (UWMP) compliance, and outlines water supply reliability analysis, annual water supply and demand assessment procedures, water shortage stages, water shortage response actions and communication protocols that will be implemented by the city in the event of water supply shortages due to water system failure, mechanical breakdown, compliance challenges, state mandates, prolonged drought conditions or catastrophic events. The purpose of the WSCP is to provide a plan of action to be followed at the various levels/stages of a declared water shortage condition. A copy of the city’s resolution adopting its 2020 WSCP outlined in Chapter 8 of its 2020 UWMP, and resolution adopting its 2020 UWMP, formalize the establishment of the city’s 2020 WSCP. In the event the city triggers a given level/stage of its WSCP, the provisions in this chapter would remain in effect unless otherwise amended by resolution. The WSCP shall be amended from time to time to be in compliance with the latest requirements of the California Water Code. (Ord. 850, 2021).