Chapter 13.04 WATER SYSTEM

The owner of any house, building, or property used for human occupancy, employment, commercial, recreation or other purposes, situated within the corporate limits of the city whose house, building, or property is within 200 feet of such owner’s property line is required, at his/her/its expense, to install suitable water service thereon, and connect the house, building or property directly to the city supply system. [Ord. 4-96 § 1, 1997].

13.04.020 Compliance time.

At such time as a public water system becomes available to a property, as provided for in EPMC 13.04.010, a direct connection shall be made to the public system in compliance with this chapter within 60 days after date of official property owner notification; provided, that such public water service is within 200 feet of the property line. [Ord. 4-96 § 2, 1997].

13.04.030 Property owner responsible for all water connection costs.

All costs and expense associated with the connection to the water system shall be borne by the property owner. Such costs include, but are not limited to, any and all applicable system development charges, piping and installation costs, and meter cost. [Ord. 4-96 § 3, 1997].

13.04.040 Water meter connections.

A separate and independent metered connection shall be provided for every residence, business, and/or building; except in such cases where city approval of an engineered master metering system is obtained through a legally established procedure. [Ord. 4-96 § 4, 1997].

13.04.050 Permits and materials conformity.

The size, materials and method of construction for a connection to city water shall conform to requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations and all necessary permits shall be obtained prior to construction. [Ord. 4-96 § 5, 1997].

13.04.060 Adequate lighting and barricades of all excavations.

Any and all excavation associated with connection to the public water system shall be adequately lighted and barricaded so as to protect the public from hazard. [Ord. 4-96 § 6, 1997].

13.04.070 Notification of water connection construction required.

The city shall be notified at least three days prior to the beginning of water connection construction. [Ord. 4-96 § 7, 1997].

13.04.075 Construction activities – Advance utility payment fee.

A $200.00 advance utility payment fee shall be made with each new building permit requiring a new water meter.

A. The utility fee shall be used to set up the utility account for the address on the building permit.

B. Monthly utility bills shall be deducted out of the utility fee.

C. Any money remaining in the account will be refunded to the contractor after the building official has signed the job card and an application for new water service has been received.

D. Any time the account shows a balance due, another $200.00 payment may be required from the contractor holding the building permit.

E. Any account having a balance due and becoming delinquent will have the water shut off and the meter locked until the account is paid.

F. Funds in a utility account cannot be transferred or utilized for payment of any other bills. [Ord. 2004-19].

13.04.080 Restoration after construction.

Any streets, sidewalks or other public property disturbed during construction shall be restored to city standard then in effect as of the time of connection. [Ord. 4-96 § 8, 1997].

13.04.090 Assessments for water connection.

This chapter shall in no way be construed to mandate abandonment of existing private wells located within the corporate city limits. Upon such connection being made to city water system, the property so benefited shall be subject to lien and assessment of city for water charges and related assessments. [Ord. 4-96 § 9, 1997].

Article II. Operation of Water System

13.04.100 Changes in water rates.

A. City staff shall recommend changes in water rates to the city council whenever necessary to keep system revenues approximately the same as costs. The council may establish new rates by resolution.

B. The water consumption rate in the city of Eagle Point is increased by $.04/1,000 to reflect the increases from the Medford Water Commission effective with all billings on or after March 1, 2022. The base rate will remain at $18.11 per month.

This rate schedule shall apply to service to municipal customers as defined in the regulations governing water service.

Eagle Point Water Rates
0 use base rate:	$18.11
1st 10,000 gallons:	$2.80/1,000 gallons
2nd 10,000 gallons:	$3.43/1,000 gallons
3rd 10,000 gallons:	$4.07/1,000 gallons
30,000+ gallons	$4.71/1,000 gallons

Sewer	$13.90
Storm drain (minimum)	$3.00
TUF (street maintenance)	$3.00

[Res. 2022-07; Res. 2021-14; Ord. 2019-01; Res. 2019-11; Res. 2018-09; Res. 2015-64; amended during 2013 codification; Res. 2011-09; Ord. 2007-09 § 1; Ord. 2004-04; Ord. 2002-06; Res. 13-448, 1997].

13.04.110 Deposits.

No deposit will be required of property owners or persons purchasing property on a contract, if the contract is duly recorded. In case of a past due balance for water use, all charges shall become a lien against the property. In case of a change of ownership, water will not be turned on until all charges for water previously consumed on the premises are paid. Each tenant, renter or lessor of rental property shall make written application for water service and shall pay such deposit as shall, from time to time, be set by the city of Eagle Point. The deposit shall be held by the city utility department and may be applied on any unpaid water charges for the applicant of the premises furnished water, after the same becomes due. If service is disconnected, the amount of the deposit would be returned to the applicant, provided all due water bills have been paid in full. The amount of the deposit shall always be maintained by the consumer, and when reduced below that amount, by application to any arrearage, the water may be shut off by the city until the amount due on the deposit is paid, as well as any unpaid water use charges. In case any tenant shall vacate rental property, the property owners shall notify the city utility department within 24 hours so that the water may be turned off. If such notification is not given, and the city learns that the property is rented to new tenants, the city may discontinue service until all past due charges and a new deposit have been paid to the city and an application has been completed by new occupant. In addition, until all past due charges are paid, there shall be a lien against the property in the amount of such charges. [Ord. 2007-09 § 2].

13.04.120 Billing cycle.

Water meters shall be read on or about the twenty-fifth day of each month, and water use charges shall be based on such reading, and the reading immediately preceding. Bills for water use charges shall be mailed on or about the last working day of the month, and shall be due and payable on or about the tenth day of the month, or upon mailing of second notices, for all unpaid accounts, upon resolution of the council.

On or about the twenty-fifth day of the month following the billing date, written notices shall be mailed to customers with unpaid accounts. Such notices shall state that the bill must be paid in full on or before the tenth day of the next month, or water service shall be turned off and locked off. On or about the eleventh day of the next month following the notice, city staff shall notify in writing that payment must be received within 24 hours. On all unpaid accounts the water service will be turned off and locked off and remain locked until the account is paid in full. All payments shall be made prior to 4:00 p.m. for reconnections to water service. For payments made after 4:00 p.m., reconnection to water service will be made by city staff on the next available business day. There shall be no exceptions to the above notice and disconnect procedure. [Ord. 2007-09 § 3].

13.04.130 Application for water use.

Applications for the use of water must be made on printed forms furnished by the utility department and the applicant must state fully and truthfully all of the purposes for which the water may be required and must agree to conform to all rules, regulations and ordinances of the city as a condition of the use of the water. [Ord. 2007-09 § 4].

13.04.140 Each premises requires separate stopcock.

The service pipes for each premises must be so placed that the supply to each separate premises may be controlled by a separate stopcock placed within or near the line of the street curb. [Ord. 2007-09 § 5].

13.04.145 Pressure reducing valve.

The city authorizes the disconnection of water service to any residence that does not have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) whenever the static supply water pressure is greater than 80 pounds per square inch (psi), and declaring an emergency.

First and second notices shall be sent to the owner, notifying the owner of the need for the PRV. The second notice shall be sent no sooner than 14 days after the first notice. The second notice shall also be posted at the residence to be disconnected, with a seven-day notice to disconnect. The water service will be reconnected only after the PRV has been properly installed to the residence. All previous notices shall be deemed effective. [Ord. 2011-07].

13.04.150 Water line repairs.

The city may shut water off from the main at any time without notice for emergency repairs or other necessary purposes and the city will not be responsible for any damages resulting to tank, boilers, or other property. For all other repairs, notice shall be given 48 hours prior to water shut off. [Ord. 2007-09 § 6].

13.04.160 Disputing charges.

Whenever any consumer whose water supply is metered shall make complaint that the bill for any particular month is excessive, the city shall, upon request, have such meter re-read. If nothing is found faulty in the meter from a cursory inspection, the consumer may request that the meter be tested at the current cost of testing. The meter shall then be tested at the premises, or at such other place or places as may be convenient. Should such water meter show an error over five percent in favor of the city of Eagle Point, the meter shall be changed at no cost to the consumer. If the test of such meter shall show an accurate measurement (anything less than five percent or less in error being considered accurate) of water, or should such test show an error in favor of the customer, the customer will be charged the current cost of testing on the next billing cycle. In the event a water leak occurs, a customer may seek adjustment to the bill. It shall be the sole responsibility of the customer to provide verifiable proof of the leak. Only those claims that can be verified by city staff shall be reviewed for an adjustment. Excess water, due to a leak, shall be charged at the rate charged to the city by the Medford Water Commission. An additional administrative fee of 20 percent of the newly adjusted rate shall be charged to cover staff time for verification of leaks and time to research and adjust billings. The administrative charge shall be no more than $50.00 or less than $20.00. Adjustments shall not cover more than three consecutive monthly billings.

A consumer may appeal administrative action relating to water charges to the city council by filing a written request to have the matter placed on the next city council agenda; such request shall be filed with the city recorder at least seven days before the meeting. The council may adjust the consumer’s bill when it adopts specific findings that city staff or equipment is responsible for error, and the adjustment shall be for the estimated amount of the error. Adjustments for any other reason shall not be permitted. [Ord. 2007-09 § 7].

13.04.170 Defective or leaking pipes or faucets.

Water to any premises may be turned off by the city on any premises where there are defective or leaking pipes, faucets, or other fixtures until repairs are made. Water must not be allowed to run wastefully through any faucet, fixture, or broken line. [Ord. 2007-09 § 8].

13.04.180 Water pipe freezing and repair.

The service tap and pipes within and without the premises must be kept in repair and kept from freezing at the expense of the owner. The owner will be held responsible for all damages resulting from breaks beyond the meter. No reduction shall be made in the charges for water usage for want of supply caused by stoppage of service by freezing or any other cause or for any waste or leakage in service pipes. [Ord. 2007-09 § 9].

13.04.190 Water pipe connection/alteration – Inspection.

No plumber or other person shall make connection with the water main or make any alteration in any conduit, pipe, or other fixture connected therewith, or connect pipes when they have been disconnected by the city without first having the connection and/or alteration inspected by an authorized agent of the city. [Ord. 2007-09 § 10].

13.04.200 Tampering/interfering with water service prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to turn off the water meter or turn on the same or in any other manner or way to interfere or tamper with a stopcock, blowoff valve, or fire hydrant or other discharge owned and controlled by the city. A customer may, however, turn the customer service valve on or off at his convenience, and the meter stopcock may be turned off in case of a water line break, leak, or other emergency. [Ord. 2007-09 § 11].

13.04.210 City provisions – Customer responsibility.

The city shall provide each new service connection with a meter, customer service valve, backflow check valve, angle stop, and meter box, and shall provide water to the meter. The customer shall maintain all pipes, valves, and other system parts from the angle stop to and inside the structure served. [Ord. 2007-09 § 12].

13.04.220 Fire hydrant use and meter.

Any person, firm or corporation wishing to use water from a city-owned fire hydrant shall make an application and deposit for such use. The city shall provide a fire hydrant meter to the hydrant requested for use. Requests to move a fire hydrant meter shall be made to the city utility department, and a connection fee charged for each modification. Connections to the fire hydrant shall only be made by an authorized agent of the city. Unauthorized connections to any fire hydrant are a violation. [Ord. 2007-09 § 13].

13.04.230 Violation – Penalty.

Each and every violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared an unlawful act. Any person, firm, or corporation who shall violate, disobey, omit or shall neglect or refuse to comply with or shall resist or oppose the execution of any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not to exceed $500.00. [Ord. 2007-09 § 14].

13.04.240 Fees and charges.

The city authorizes updating the fees and deposits for water meter installation, residential and commercial water service, late service, reconnection of water service, water meter testing, and hydrant meters. The resolution codified in this section repeals all previous resolutions relating to fees and deposits for water meter installation, residential and commercial water service, late service, reconnection of water service, water meter testing, and hydrant meters.

Fees and Deposits for Water Meter Installation, Residential and Commercial Water Service, Late Service, Reconnection of Service, Water Meter Testing, and Hydrant Meters

All costs are as of August 25, 2015

If costs are higher at time of order, current costs will prevail.
Residential and commercial water meter deposit	$50.00
Pink notice late reminder	$5.00
Late service fee and door hanger	$25.00
Reconnection fee	$35.00
Water meter testing fee	$50.00
Hydrant meter deposit	$500.00
Hydrant meter connection and reconnection	$40.00

New Service Water Meter Installation Costs

All costs are as of August 25, 2015

If costs are higher at time of order, current costs will prevail.

Contractor or builder is responsible to furnish and install adequate backflow prevention devices.

5/8" x 3/4" Disc Meter M25	Price Ea.	#	Total
5/8" x 3/4" meter with Orion register	$184.49	1	$184.49
Straight single check valve	$32.25	1	$32.25
Customer service valve	$39.50	1	$39.50
Service truck	$26.95	1/2 hr.	$13.48
Installation (1 employee)	$45.71	1/2 hr.	$22.86
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 5/8" x 3/4" Disc Meter			$329.43

1" Disc Meter M70	Price Ea.	#	Total
1" meter with Orion register	$284.99	1	$284.99
Straight single check valve	$35.95	1	$35.95
Customer service valve	$58.10	1	$58.10
Service truck	$26.95	1/2 hr.	$13.48
Installation (1 employee)	$45.71	1/2 hr.	$22.86
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 1" Disc Meter			$452.23

Meter Box Costs	Price Ea.	#	Total
B-12 meter box	$21.90	1	$21.90
B-12 meter box lid	$30.49	1	$30.49
Total Meter Box			$52.39
All meters 1-1/2" and larger require a vault box with bottom and lid, adequate backflow prevention device, valves, and bypass where applicable. Contractor is responsible to furnish and install these items.

1-1/2" Disc Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
1-1/2" meter with Orion register	$503.49	1	$503.49
Service truck	$26.95	1 hr.	$26.95
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	1 hr.	$89.15
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 1-1/2" Disc Meter			$656.44

1-1/2" Turbo Meter M120	Price Ea.	#	Total
1-1/2" turbo meter with Orion register and integral strainer	$942.99	1	$942.99
Service truck	$26.95	1 hr.	$26.95
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	1 hr.	$89.15
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 1-1/2" Turbo Meter			$1,095.94

2" Disc Meter M170	Price Ea.	#	Total
2" meter with Orion register	$664.99	1	$664.99
Service truck	$26.95	1 hr.	$26.95
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	1 hr.	$89.15
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 2" Meter			$817.94

2" Turbo Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
2" turbo meter with Orion register and integral strainer	$1,002.49	1	$1,002.49
Service truck	$26.95	1 hr.	$26.95
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	1 hr.	$89.15
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 2" Turbo Meter			$1,155.44

2" Compound Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
2" compound meter with Orion registers	$1,777.99	1	$1,777.99
Strainer	$273.38	1	$273.38
Service truck	$26.95	1 hr.	$26.95
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	1 hr.	$89.15
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 2" Compound Meter			$2,204.32

3" Turbo Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
3" turbo meter with Orion register and integral strainer	$1,218.49	1	$1,218.49
Service truck	$26.95	2 hrs.	$53.90
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	2 hrs.	$178.30
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 3" Turbo Meter			$1,487.54

3" Compound Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
3" compound meter with Orion registers	$2,069.99	1	$2,069.99
Strainer	$405.00	1	$405.00
Service truck	$26.95	2 hrs.	$53.90
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	2 hrs.	$178.30
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 3" Compound Meter			$2,744.04

4" Turbo Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
4" turbo meter with Orion register and integral strainer	$1,755.49	1	$1,755.49
Service truck	$26.95	4 hrs.	$107.80
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	4 hrs.	$356.60
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 4" Turbo Meter			$2,256.74

4" Compound Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
4" compound meter with Orion registers	$3,240.49	1	$3,240.49
Strainer	$552.83	1	$552.83
Service truck	$26.95	4 hrs.	$107.80
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	4 hrs.	$356.60
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 4" Compound Meter			$4,294.57

6" Turbo Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
6" turbo meter with Orion register	$3,169.49	1	$3,169.49
Strainer	$704.70	1	$704.70
Service truck	$26.95	4 hrs.	$107.80
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	4 hrs.	$356.60
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 6" Turbo Meter			$4,375.44

6" Compound Meter	Price Ea.	#	Total
6" compound meter with Orion registers	$4,521.49	1	$4,521.49
Strainer	$704.70	1	$704.70
Service truck	$26.95	4 hrs.	$107.80
Installation (2 employees)	$89.15	4 hrs.	$356.60
Administration		1 hr.	$36.85
Total 6" Compound Meter			$5,727.44

[Res. 2015-43 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2007-09 § 17; Ord. 4-94, 1995; Ord. 4-65 § 1, 1991; Ord. WS/CN-87-1 § 1 (Exh. A), 1987; Ord. WS/CN-87-2 § 1, 1987; Res. WS/MO-86-1 § 1, 1986; Res. WS/MO-85-1 § 1, 1985; Ord. 4-46 § 1 (Exh. A), 1985; Ord. 4-34 § 1, 1980; Ord. 4-30 § 1, 1978].