Section
I-1·.
I-2.
I-3.
Section
II-1.
II-2.
II-3.
II-4.
II-5.
II-6.
II-7.
Section
III-1.
III-2.
III-3.
III-4.
III-5.
III-6.
III-7.
III-8.
III-9.
FAIRFIELD MUNICIPAL UTILITY
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
Article I . General
Fire Precautions
Unauthorized Tampering with Distribution System
Reselling or Redistribution of Water
Artic l e II . Water Serv ices
Application for Service
Application for Low Income Senior/Disabled Water Refund Deposit for New Application for Service
Refusal of Service
Limit of Service
User Request to Close Account
Business Transa .ctions By Other Than Personal Appearance Article II~. Billing
Billing Period
Billing of Separate Meters
Back Billing
Bills Due and Payable
(A) Timing and Location for Payment
(B) Dishonored Checks
Payments Marked "Paid in Full"
Delinquent Accounts: In General
(A) First Notice
(B) Second Notice
(C) Third-Party Notification
(D) Investigation of Complaints
(E) Fee for Doorhanger Style Disconnect Notices
(F) No Disconnection of Service on Holiday
(G) Amortization Agreements
(H) No Termination of Water Service
(I) Penalty Charges on Delinquent Accounts
(J) Deposit Required if Two or More Past·Due
Bills
(K) Cash Only Accounts
Delinquent Accounts: Multi-Unit Residential Structures
or Mobilehome Parks
(A) Master-Meters
(B) Individual Meters
Turning on Water After Shut-off
(A) Reconnection of an Existing Account
(B) Closed Account
Unauthorized Turn on After Delinquency
III-10 .
III-11.
III-12.
Section
IV-1.
IV-2.
IV-3.
IV-4.
IV-5.
IV-6.
IV-7.
IV-8.
Section
V-1.
V-2.
V-3.
Section
VI-1.
VI-2.
Section
VII-1.
VII-2.
VII-3.
VII-4.
Adjustment to Bill Due to Leaks or Loss
Recordation of Delinquent Service Charges
Deposit Upon Transfer of Multi-Unit Residential
Structure
Article IV. Water Connections
Water Connections Generally
Standard Water Service Connections
Location of Service Connections
Service Connections to Separate Premises
Service Connections to Separate Consumers
Service Connections Outside City
Fire Service Connection
Building Construction
Article V. Extension o f Facilities
Plans for Water Main Extension
Minimum Size of Water Mains
Standard Specifications
Article VI. Testing
Requests for Testing : Deposit Required
Connection to Meters for Testing Pipes
Article VII. Fire Hydrants
Purpose
Operation
Temporary Service
Relocation of Fire Hydrants
Article VIII. Control of Backflow and Cr0ss-Connections Section
VIII-1.
VIII-2.
VIII-3.
Cross-Connection Control Requirements
(A) Purpose
(B) Responsibility
Definitions
Requirements
ARTICLE I. GENERAL
Section I-1. Fire Precautions.
In case of fire or alarm or fire, upon determination of the Fire Chief:
(1) The use of fountains or yard sprinklers is prohibited; (2) The Fire Chief and/or Director of Public Works shall have the right to disconnect water service to any
customer or customers without notice, for as long as
necessary;
(3) The Fire Chief shall have the authority to request the setting of gates and valves in water mains to secure
the greatest possible pressure at the points required.
When the need for such changes has passed, the Fire
Chief shall notify the Director of Public Works in
order that the system may be restored to its normal
operating conditions.
I
Section I-2. Unauthorized Tampering with Distribution System.
No person except a water system employee shall open or close any valve or tap on any of the water pipes of the main line or distribution system or insert tees, stopcocks or ferrules therein. Where service pipes are found disconnected at the corporation stop, they shall be reconnected only by a water system employee.
Section I-3. Reselling or Redistribution of Water.
Water shall not be sold or supplied to any customer if the water is to be resold or redistributed to other consumers except in the case of other public entities purchasing water from the water system pursuant to an approved contract.
It shall be a violation of Chapter 22 of the Fairfield City Code (FCC) if water received from the system is (1) resold or redelivered to premises other than those stipulated on the water service application, or (2) resold to occupants on the premises at rates higher than those charged by the City.
ARTICLE II. WATER SERVICES
Section II-1. Application for Service.
All persons or entities desiring water service from the municipal utility system shall make an application, on the form provided, at the commercial office(s) In addition to other 1 information, the application shall include the applicant's driver's license number and telephone number. Such application shall be signed by the owner of the premises or his or her duly authorized agent, which shall include tenants or lessees. If the applicant is a firm, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, estate or any other legal or commercial entity, proof of registration with the Secretary of State and the name, address and telephone number of the registered agent shall be required.
The application shall contain an agreement on the part of the applicant to pay the stipulated rates for sewer, garbage and water service, as set or amended from time to time by the City Council, and reserving to the City the right to enforce and collect charges and penalties in the manner provided in the FCC, these Regulations, and other applicable laws and regulations.
The City may not require the owner of rental property, other than master-metered residential structures, to place water service in his or her name. This does not , however, prohibit such a propert y owner from requesting that water service be placed in his or her name.
The owners of rental property are responsible for any
utility charges incurred while the property remains vacant, including, but not limited to, charges for water used for irrigation.
Section II-2 . App lication for Low Income Seni o r / Di s abled Water Refund.
The following conditions must be met to qualify for the Low Income Senior / Disabled Water Refund:
(1) The applicant must be the head of the household
receiving water service;
(2) The total household income must be less than or equal to the currently adjusted maximum as set by the City
Council;
(3) The applicant must have been a customer of the water system for the past twelve months as evidenced by the
account being in the applicant's name for that period
of time; and
(4) The applicant must be either:
a. Age 62 or older by March 1 of the calendar year
after the year for which a rebate is claimed;
2 b, 100% disabled as defined under the laws, rules and regulations governing Social Security. The
applicant must have received supplemental Social
Security Income for disabled persons during the
year for which a rebate is claimed. A copy of the
applicant's current Social Security Administration
letter of disability award must accompany the
application; or
c. The applicant must be a veteran in receipt of a
non-service connected disability pension from the
Veteran's Administration. A copy of the
applicant's current Veteran's Administration
pension award letter addressed to the veteran must
accompany the application.
Applications shall be made at the commercial office(s) on a form provided by the Fairfield Municipal Utility and shall irlclude all information necessary to determine whether the applicant is qualified for the refund. Only one application for the rebate may be made by the applicant for any one calendar year.
Section II-3. Deposit for New Appli cation for Service.
A deposit for a new application for water service shall be required unless the applicant is able to demonstrate sufficient creditworthiness, to the satisfaction of the Director of Finance.
Creditworthiness may be demonstrated by one of the following:
(1) satisfactory credit history with the City's municipal utility system;
(2) satisfactory credit history with the applicant's most recent past water service provider; or
(3) satisfactory credit history as reflected in the
applicant's current credit history report.
If the applicant is unable to demonstrate a satisfactory credit history by one of the above listed methods, the applicant shall be required to pay a security deposit not to exceed an amount equal to the estimated bill for one cycle of utility service.
Deposits shall be refunded with no interest payment upon a 'request to discontinue service permanently or after one year of satisfactory credit rating has been established with the City.
Any such deposits shall be credited to the customer's final bill. 3 Receipt of an application for water service shall not obligate the City to provide service until the application has been approved by the City.
Section II-4. Refusal of Service.
The City may refuse water service or may discontinue water service to any premises, in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, for the following reasons:
(1) To protect the City, the Municipal Utility, and/or the water system from fraud or abuse;
(2) The applicant has outstanding unpaid bills with the municipal utility;
(3) The requested water service demand may be detrimental or injurious to the water service of other customers;
(4) The distribution facilities are inadequate to supply the water service demand;
(5) The requested water service is outside City limits; (6) The water service installation has not been approved by the City;
(7) A certificate of occupancy has not been issued for the building by the Building Division.
(8) An appropriate backflow prevention device has not been installed and inspected after written notice by the
City.
Section II-5. Limit of Service.
The City shall have the right to limit the total quantity of water furnished to any premises or to establish the times and the rates of draft at which water may be taken or will be furnished to any premises. Should it be deemed necessary for the safety of the City from a health or fire standpoint or to prevent overtaking the existing water system facilities, the City shall be divided into controlled water usage zones and water service shall be regulated in a manner that will permit the water system to maintain adequate reserve, supply and pressure to cope with emergencies of this or any other type.
4 Section II-6. User Requ est to Close Account.
Requests to close a utility account shall be submitted at the commercial office(s) and shall stipulate a definite date, which shall be a regular business day of the City, during which utility service shall be discontinued. The request to close an account shall include a proper forwarding address at which the customer will receive a closing bill. In the absence of a subsequent applicant, the property owner shall be responsible for any charges accruing thereafter.
Section II-7. Business Transactions By Other Than Personal Appearance .
If a customer is unable to appear at the commercial
office(s) during regular business hours, the customer shall be allowed to conduct the transaction by telephone, mail, or both with the exception of an initial request for service and/or payment arrangements which may not be conducted by telephone but may be conducted by mail or facsimile.
Article III. Billing
Section III-1. Billing Period.
Bills for service will be rendered monthly or bimonthly as determined by the City. Water meters shall be read at
approximately equal intervals for the preparation of periodic billing. Special readings shall be taken for opening or closing bills.
Section III-2. Billi ng of Separate Meters.
Each water meter on a customer's premises shall be billed separately, and the readings of two or,more meters will not be combined unless the City shall, for operating convenience or necessity, install two or more meters in place of one.
Section III-3. Back Billing .
If a consumer is found to be using water for which no bills have been issued, the City shall install a meter and bill the consumer under an average bill for a perio d of twelve months last past or for as much of the past twelve months as the consumer has been occupying or in possession of the premises without paying bills.
5 Section III-4. Bill s Du e a n d Pavab l e.
(A) Timing a nd Loca t ion fo r Payment
Bills are due and payable on or before the due date
printed on the bill. Payment shall be made in the
office of the Department of Finance or other place or
places designated by the City. The City accepts no
responsibility for nonreceipt of bills, except in
circumstances which are under its direct control.
(Bl Dishonored Checks
If a customer's check is not honored by his or her
bank, a charge of $25 may be imposed on the customer's
account.
Section III-5. Pavments Marked "Paid in Full".
The City may accept checks, money orders, or other types of payment marked "payment in full" or other language indicating full satisfaction of indebtedness without being bound by such language or waiving any rights under these Regulations. Full satisfaction of indebtedness shall be accepted by the City only in a written agreement, signed by an authorized employee of the City.
Section III-6. Deli nquent Ac counts: In General.
(A) First Notice
A bill becomes delinquent after the due date printed on the bill. A notice of pending termination of service
shall be mailed to the customer at least 15 days prior
to the proposed termination. Such notice must contain
the following information in a clear and legible
format:
(1) the name and address of the customer whose account
is delinquent;
(2) the amount of the delinquency;
(3) the date by which payment or arrangements for
payment is required in order to avoid termination;
(4) the procedure by which a residential customer may
request amortization of the unpaid charges;
(5) , the procedure for a residential customer to obtain 6 (B)
information on the availability of financial
assistance, including private, local, state, or
federal sources, if available; and
(6) the telephone number of a representative of the
City who can provide additional information.
Second Notice
For residential customers, the City shall make a
reasonable attempt to contact an adult residing at the
service address by telephone or personal contact at
least 24 hours prior to termination of service. When
telephone or personal contact cannot be accomplished,
the City shall give a second notice of termination by
mail, in person, or by posting in a conspicuous
location on the service premises, at least 48 hours
prior to termination. Such notice must contain the
following information in a clear and legible format:
(1) the name and address of the customer whose account
is delinquent;
(2) the amount of the delinquency;
(3) the date by which payment or arrangements for
payment is required in order to avoid termination;
(4) the procedure for a residential customer to obtain
information on the availability of financial
assistance, including private, local, state, or
federal sources, if available; and
(5) the telephone number of a representative of the
City who can provide additional information.
(C) Third-Party Notification
The City shall make available to all residential
customers who are 65 years of age or older or who are
dependent adults, 1 a third-party notification service, whereby the City will attempt to notify a person
1 Welfare & Institutions Code Section 15610 (b) ( 1) defines a "dependent adult" as a person 11 ••• between the ages of 18 and 64, who has physical or mental limitations which restrict his or her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his or her rights including, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities or whose physical or mental abj lities have diminished because of age."
7 (D)
(E)
designated by the customer to receive notification when the customer's account is past due and subject to
termination. Such notice shall include information on
what is required to prevent termination of service.
The customer must request such notification service
from the City by completing the appropriate city
provided form and obtaining the written consent of the
designated third-party. Third-party notification does
not obligate the third-party to pay the past due
charges, nor does it serve to prevent or delay
termination of service.
Investigation of Compla i nts
A residential customer may initiate a complaint or
request an investigation into a disputed bill within 5
days of receipt of the bill.
The Director of Finance may provide for an
administrative procedure to consider complaints or
disputed bills, and may rectify errors and adjust
disputed bills.
Fee for Doorhanger Style Disconnect Notices
A ten dollar ($l0) fee may be imposed upon the
processing of each doorhanger style service disconnect
warning notice whether or not the notice is delivered.
(F) No Disconne c tio n of Service on Hol iday
(G)
Water service may not be discontinued on a Saturday,
Sunday, legal holiday, or at any time during which City offices are not open to the public.
Amortiz a tion Ag ree ments
The City shall consider entering into an amortization
agreement with a residential customer, not to exceed 12 months in duration, for satisfaction of a bill the
customer asserts is beyond his or her ability to pay in full during the normal period for payment.
If a licensed physician certifies that discontinuance
of water service would be life threatening to a
residential customer and the customer is financially
unable to pay for service within the normal payment
period, the City shall, upon request of the customer,
enter into an amortization agreement with the customer.
Such agreement shall not exceed l2 months in duration.
8 If a residential customer enters into an amortization agreement with the City to satisfy unpaid charges and
subsequently fails to comply with the terms of the
agreement, the City shall not terminate water service
without giving the customer notice, 48 hours prior to
termination of service, of the conditions the customer
is required to meet in order to avoid termination.
(H) No Terminat ion of Water Service
(I)
Water service may not be terminated for nonpayment in
the following situations:
(1) during the pendency of an investigation into a
customer dispute or complaint;
(2) when a customer has been granted an extension of
the period for payment of a bill; or
(3) when a licensed physician has certified that to
terminate water service will be life threatening
to a residential customer and the customer is
financially unable to pay for service within the
normal payment period and is willing to enter into
an amortization agreement.
Penalty Charges on Delinquent Accounts
A one-time ten percent (10%) basic penalty charge shall be added to any past due account. For each month
delinquent an additional penalty of one-half of one
percent (1/2 of 1%) which is an annual rate of six
percent (6%), shall be calculated on and added to the
delinquent amount plus the basic penalty.
(J) Deoosit Required if Two or More Past Due Bills
(K)
A cash deposit equal to the estimated bill for one
cycle of utility service may be imposed if a customer
has two or more past due bills within a one year
period. The deposit shall be applied to the final bill
issued when service is terminated.
Cash Only Account
A customer may be required to pay his or her account
only with cash or a cash equivalent if the customer has two or more past due bills within a one year period or
one or more dishonored check(s) within a one year
period.
9 )
Section III-7. Delinquent Accounts: Mul ti-Unit Residential Struct ures or Mobileho me Parks
(A) Master-Meters
Water service may not be discontinued to a multi-unit
residential structure or mobilehome park with one or
more master meters on one account until a good faith
effort has been made to inform the residential
occupants that the utility account is past due and
water service will be discontinued by a specified date
if payment is not received.
Written notice must be posted on the door of each
residential unit at least 15 days prior to the
scheduled termination.
If not reasonable or practicable to post the notice on
the door of each unit, two copies of the notice must be posted in each accessible common area and at each point of access to the structure or structures.
The notice must be in English and, if practical, in any other language the City has determined is spoken by a
significant number of the residential occupants. It
must include clear wording, large and bold face type
and comprehensive instructions to ensure full notice to the residents. At a minimum, the notice must contain
the following:
{l) the date of termination;
{2) information advising the residential occupants
that they have the right to become utility
customers, to whom service will be billed, without
being required to pay the amount due on the
delinquent account;
(3) information explaining that the tenants may form
an association to pay future utility bills;
(4) an estimate of the monthly cost of service;
(5) the name, address and telephone number of a city
representative who can assist the occupants in
continuing service; and
(6) the address and telephone number of a legal
services project, such as Legal Services of
Northern California, that can provide legal
assistance regarding termination of utility
service.
10 (B)
The City is not required to make service available to
the residential occupants unless there is a physical
means, legally available, of selectively providing
service to those occupants who agree to the terms and
conditions of service and meet the requirements of law
including these Regulations or unless there is one or
more residential occupant or representative of the
residential occupants willing and able to assume
responsibility for subsequent charges to the account.
For purposes of this Section, a residential occupant
may demonstrate satisfactory creditworthiness by
providing proof of prompt payment of rent or other
obligation for a period of one year immediately
preceding becoming a customer of the utility system.
Water service shall not be terminated if one or more of the following conditions exist:
(1) there is a pending dispute or complaint from the
customer;
(2) the customer has been granted an extension of time
in which to pay the outstanding bill;
(3) there is no outstanding water service bill but the
customer owes money to the City or another public
agency for something other than water service;
(4) the delinquency is for another property owned or
managed by the customer;
(5) a public health or building officer has certified
that termination of service would result in a
significant threat to the health or safety of the
residential occupants or the public.
Should water service be discontinued, the City may
commence an action to recover delinquent charges
accruing prior to the expiration of the 15 day notice,
reasonable costs related to restoration of the service
and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the
enforcement of the law or the collection of delinquent
charges.
Individual Meters
Water service may not be discontinued to an
individually metered account in a multi-unit
residential structure or mobilehome park where the
11 owner, manager, or operator is listed as the customer of record, until a good faith effort has been made to
inform the residential occupants that the utility
account is past due and water service will be
discontinued by a specified date if payment is not
received.
Written notice of the termination of water service must be provided to the residential occupants at least 10
days prior to the scheduled termination. If the notice
is mailed, it must be mailed at least 15 days prior to
the scheduled termination.
At a minimum, the notice must contain the date of
termination and information advising the residential
occupants that they have the right to become utility
customers, to whom service will be billed, without
being required to pay the amount due on the delinquent
account.
The City is not required to make service available to a residential occupant unless there is a physical means,
legally available, of selectively providing service to
those occupants who agree to the terms and conditions
of service and meet the requirements of law including
these Regulations or unless there is one or more
residential occupant willing and able to assume
responsibility for the entire account.
For purposes of this Section, a residential occupant
may demonstrate satisfactory creditworthiness by
providing proof of prompt payment of rent or other
obligation for a period of one year immediately
preceding becoming a customer of the utility system.
Section III-8. Turning on Water After Shut-Off .
When water service has been discontinued because of
delinquency in payment, the City may either reconnect the existing account after full payment has been made or close the account.
(A) Reconnect ~ on of an &xiscing Acceunt
To reconnect an existing account, the customer shall
pay all delinquent charges and a turn-on charge of
twenty-five dollars ($25) if the water is to be turned
on during working hours or thirty-five dollars ($35) if the water is to be turned on outside of working hours.
The customer also may be required to pay a cash deposit up to the estimated bill for one cycle of utility
12 (Bl
service. All payments must be received prior to the
resumption of service.
Closed Account
If an account is closed, the customer shall be required to apply for new service. A new account will not be
opened until the applicant has paid all outstanding
unpaid bills with the municipal utility and made a cash deposit to re-establish credit. Such deposit shall not
exceed the average bill for one billing cycle.
Sec t ion III- 9 . Unauthorized Tu rn On Afte t Delin gue ncy .
If, after service has been discontinued by the water system, service is resumed without authorization, the meter may be removed. A fifty ($50) charge shall be paid prior to resumption of service. Such charge is in addition to all other charges and deposits.
Section III-10. Ad justment to Bill Due to Leaks or Loss .
Bill adjustments will not be made on excess delivery unless evidence clearly shows that the excessive delivery is due to concealed leaks in underground or unexposed pipes and not wasteful use or otherwise due to the consumer's act, omissions or negligence.
If it is determined that an adjustment is warranted, the water system shall determine the amount of excess delivery by calculating the average bill in accordance with the standard method. An adjustment will be made only after repairs to prohibit such leak or loss have been completed. No adjustment or allowance will be made covering more than the billing period in which the same is requested. Not more than one adjustment or allowance shall be made to the same customer for the same premises in any twelve month period.
Section III-11. Re cordation of Delinquent Service Charges .
The officer whose duty it is to collect the charges set forth in Sections 22 through 40 and Section 22 through 41 of Chapter 22 or his or her designee, shall determine each month if any charges are delinquent. Upon such determination, said officer shall record a list of delinquent unpaid charges for non tenant accounts with the County Recorder pursuant to California Government Code Section 54355.
13 The recorded lien will be removed upon payment of delinquent charges. The payment shall include the costs of recording and removing the lien.
Section III-12. Deposit Upon Transfer of Multi-Unit Residential Structure
Upon transfer of fee title or transfer of utility service to a master-metered residential structure of four or more units, the transferee shall be required to notify the City within 30 days of the transfer.
The transferee may be required to pay up to 6 months
estimated charges as a security deposit. The City may hold such security deposit for a period of two years and for an additional two year period if the customer's account has been more than 30 days delinquent two or more times within the initial two year deposit period.
If the transferee does not pay the required deposit or fails to notify the City within 30 days of the transfer, the City may record a lien against the property in the amount of the required deposit.
The deposit requirement may be waived at the discretion of the City upon consideration of the transferee's creditworthiness and other factors as determined by the City.
Such deposit requirement does not apply to transfers to court-appointed receivers.
Section IV-1.
ARTICLE IV. WATER CONNECTIONS
Water Connections Generally.
Whenever a water service connection change in water service connection size or relocation of an existing water service connection is requested for other than a single-family dwelling, the City Engineer shall determine, from water demand figures submitted by the applicant, a minimum size of the service pipe and meter to be installed. Such determination shall be based on the Uniform Plumbing Code, as adopted by the City, other applicable ordinances adopted by the City and requirements of the State Department of Public Health and/or any other authority having jurisdiction.
14 Section IV-2. Standard Water Service Connections.
The standard water service connection shall be a one inch service pipe and three-quarter inch meter and the same shall be the minimum required to provide service to a single-family dwelling. If residential fire sprinklers are approved, meters and. service connections of an appropriate size to meet flow requirements, but no less than one inch, shall be used.
Section IV-3. Location of Service Connections.
Water service connections shall be installed only in public streets, easements or rights-of-way under the control of the water system.
Where the premises to be served front on more than one
street, the City Engineer shall have the right to designate on which frontage the service connection shall be installed.
New or relocated meters shall be installed behind and
adjacent to the public sidewalk within the public right-of-way.
All meters must be installed at a minimum distance of three feet from a driveway area unless, in the opinion of the City Engineer, it is impractical to do so.
Section IV-4. Service Gonnections to Separate Premises.
A single service connection shall not serve more than one premise. Separate premises under a single ownership, control or management shall be supplied water through separate service connections unless the City Engineer shall determine otherwise.
When investigating requests for single service connection, the City Engineer shall be guided by, but not restricted to, the following considerations:
(1) That the service connection will not violate the
regulations against reselling or redelivery to other
consumers;
(2) That the service connection will not establish a
private distribution system;
(3) That the service connection will not avoid main
extension requirements; and
(4) That the service connection will not be a means of
avoidance of meter or connection service charges or
securing an advantageous water price without an
equivalent guaranteed minimum.
15 Section IV-5. Service Connections to Separate Consumers.
Each separate consumer shall be supplied water through a separate service connection unless the City Engineer shall determine otherwise in accordance with the following guidelines:
(1) Where more than one consumer is supplied through a
single service connection, only the property owner or
his authorized agent shall be the applicant and/or
customer for billing or any other purpose;
(2) Whenever it is practical to serve separate customers through separate connections the City Engineer shall
require that it be done.
Section IV-6. Service Connections Ou ts i de City .
Applications for new or revised water service connections to supply premises which are wholly or partly outside the corporate limits of the City shall not be accepted or approved nor ordered installed, unless the City Council has approved such application.
Before granting approval, the City Council shall conduct an investigation and obtain satisfactory proof that:
(1) A severe hardship exists;
(2) The area cannot be annexed at present;
(3) The property will be annexed upon request by City;
(4) There will be full compliance with the provisions of Chapter 22 and these Regulations;
(5) That the connection shall be granted on a temporary basis until annexation is completed with the water
system reserving the right to disconnect the applicant
of applicant's assigns upon violation of the terms of
the agreement covering the granting of such connection; (6) That the granting of such application will be in the best interest of the City and in compliance with all
applicable laws.
The intent of the above provisions is not to cause or
prolong any hardship, rather it is intended to discourage uncontrolled expansion which is detrimental to the interest of the City. The sale of water to other municipalities and the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District is exempt from the provisions of this paragraph, but shall be governed by Chapter 22 of the Fairfield City Code.
16 j
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section IV-6(c) above, the City Council may approve service connections without requiring annexation where the property is designated "Agricultural - Open Space Lands" in the agreement between the City and the Solano Irrigation District, dated January 8, 1974, and receives treated effluent from the City's Sub-Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Section IV-7. Fire Service Connection.
No application for fire service connection shall be approved unless:
(1) A single fire service connection from the water main shall not serve more than one parcel unless approved by the City Engineer and the Fire Marshal. No fire
service shall be tapped for use as a domestic water
service.
(2) Such sprinkler and fire service installation is not less than four inches in size, except in the case of
residential sprinkler systems where the service
connection shall be large enough to meet required
flows, but not less than one inch in size;
(3) Each fire service has installed therein a detector
check valve or double check detector check of such
pattern and design as approved by the City Engineer. A
"detector check valve" is defined as a spring-loaded or weight-loaded swing check valve equipped with a metered bypass.
Section IV-8. Build ing Construction .
All water service connections for building construction shall be metered. The subdivider or developer shall install the water service(s) and the City shall install the water meter(s) and box(es) The subdivider or developer shall conform to the following:
(1)
(2)
The subdivider or developer agrees to use the metered
services to supply the water needed for testing and
inspection of plumbing and for the actual building
under construction.
The subdivider or developer shall make application for
water service at the commercial office in accordance
with Article II. Water Services of these Regulations
before using any water.
17 }
(3) The subdivider or developer shall be responsible for payment of the water bills until such time as the
account is transferred into the name of the new
occupant at the commercial office.
Section V-1.
Article V. Extension of Facilities
Plans for Water Main Extension.
The City Engineer shall not approve any plan for a water main extension which does not provide for the installation of fire hydrants.
Section V-2. Minimum Size of Water Mains.
The inside diameter of every water main to be installed shall not be less than eight inches, unless otherwise determined by the City Engineer.
Section V-3. Standard Specifications.
The City Engineer shall prepare specifications for the
construction of water system facilities. After approval and adoption by the City Council, the specifications shall govern all extensions, additions and revisions to the water distribution system.
Article VI. Testing
Section VI-1. Requests for Testing: Deposit Required.
Arrangements for such test shall be made within five working days after receipt of the request. The customer shall be notified twenty-four hours before the time set for the test. The request for meter tests must be accompanied by a cash deposit for the respective meter size as follows:
Meter Size
5/8" - 3/4" - l"
1 1/2"
2"
3 II
4"
6"
Larger than 6 11
18 Deoosit
$25
$30
$40
$SO
$60
$75
$125
Section VI-2. Connection to Meters for Testing Pipes.
Whenever any person connecting service pipes to the property side of a meter uses the water for testing pipes, he or she shall turn off the water from the unoccupied premises before leaving the premises. In all cases, the meter box shall be left properly installed to full depth in the ground or sidewalk with the cover securely fastened in place.
Article VII. Fire Hydrants
Section VII-1. Purpose.
Fire hydrants are provided for the sole purpose of
extinguishing fires and are to be opened and used only by the water system, the Fire Department or other authorized persons.
Section VII-2. Opera tion .
To ensure the safety of fire hydrants for fire protection, any person authorized to open fire hydrants shall use only an approved spanner wrench and shall replace the caps on the outlets when not in use.
Section VII-3. Temporary Service.
If temporary service is to be supplied through a fire
hydrant, a permit for same must be obtained from the Public Works Department. Such permit must be exhibited upon the worksite while taking water. The terms and conditions of the construction water permit and the requirements set forth in Sections 22 through 26 of Chapter 22 of the FCC shall apply.
Section VII-4. Relocat ion of Fire Hydrants .
Property owners and/or others desiring the removal or
changes in location of a fire hydrant shall first make a written request to the City Engineer. After consultation with the Fire Marshal and the Public Works Manager - Water Division (PWM-WD), the City Engineer shall prepare an estimate of the cost of the proposed work. The person requesting the removal or relocation must deposit an amount equal to the estimated cost with the commercial office prior to materials being ordered or work commencing. Upon completion of the work, the actual cost shall be compiled and any difference between the actual and estimated cost shall be billed or refunded to the applicant's account. 19 Article VIII. Control of Backflow and Cross-Connections Section VIII-1. Cross-Connection Control Requirements.
(A)
(B)
Purpose
The purpose of this Article is to:
(1) Protect the potable water system of the City of
Fairfield from the possibility of backflow
contamination or pollution originating from within
its customers' water system(s).
(2) Provide for the maintenance of a continuing
Program of Cross-Connection Control which will
systematically and effectively prevent the
contamination or pollution of the City potable
water system.
Resoonsibility
The PWM-WD shall maintain the protection of the City
potable water distribution system from contamination or pollution due to the back-pressure or back-siphonage of contaminants or pollutants through the water service
connection. If, in the judgment of the PWM-WD, an
approved backflow prevention device is required, at the City's water service connection to any customer's
premises, for the safety of the City water system, the
PWM-WD shall give notice in writing to said customer to install such an approved backflow prevention device at
each service connection to his premises. The customer
shall be responsible to immediately install such
approved device or devices at his own expense; and
failure, refusal or inability on the part of the
customer to install said device or devices immediately
shall constitute a ground for discontinuing water
service to the premises until such device or devices
have been properly installed. In a case where the
water supply to a customer cannot be interrupted for
inspection, the customer shall be required to supply
two (2) backflow prevention devices of the same design
and type in parallel. The PWM-WD is responsible for
enforcement of the provisions of this article.
Section VIII-2. Definit i ons.
For purposes of this article the following terms shall be defined as follows:
20 Approved.
Accepted by the Public Works Manager - Water Division (PWM WD).
Auxiliary Wa ter Supply.
Any water supply on or available to the customer's premises other than from the City potable water system. These
auxiliary waters include water from another purveyor's
potable water system, and water from any natural source(s) (e.g., well, spring, river, stream, pond, etc.).
Backflow.
The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable water supply system from any source or sources other than its intended source.
There are two (2) types of backflow: back-siphonage and back-pressure.
(a) Ba c k - Pres sure.
The flow of water or other liquids , mixtures or
substances under pressure into the distributing
pipes of a potable water supply system from any
source other than its intended source caused by a
pump, elevated tank, boiler, or other means.
(b) Back-S i pho na ge.
The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or
substances into the distributing pipes of a
potable water supply system from any source other
than its intended source due to a negative or
subatmospheric pressures within the distributing
pipes of a potable water supply system.
Backflow Preventer.
A device or means designed to arrest contamination or
pollution before entering a potable water system as a result of back-pressure or back-siphonage.
(a) Air -Gap (AG} .
The unobstructed vertical distance through the
free atmosphere between the lowest opening from
any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank,
plumbing fixture, or device and the flood level
rim of said vessel. An approved AG separation
shall be at least double the diameter of the
supply pipe, measured vertically, above the top of
the rim of the vessel; and, in no case less than
one inch. All piping from the service connection
to the AG shall be above flood grade and entirely
visible to view unless the PWM-WD and the State
approve of the burial of the pipe .
21 (b) Reduced Pressure Principle Device (RP).
An assembly of two independently operating
approved check valves with an automatically
operating differential relief valve between the
two check valves, plus properly located test cocks
for the testing of the check and relief valves.
The entire assembly shall meet the design and
performance specifications and approval of a State
recognized and approved testing agency for
backflow prevention assemblies. Unless otherwise
approved by the PWM-WD, the RP shall be installed
directly behind the City water supply water meter.
The device shall operate to maintain the pressure
in the zone between the two check valves at a
level less than the pressure on the City water
supply side of the device. At cessation of normal
flow the pressure between the two check valves
shall be less than the pressure on the City water
supply side of the device. In case of leakage of
either of the check valves the differential relief
valve shall operate to maintain the reduced
pressure in the zone between the check valves by
discharging to the atmosphere. When the inlet
pressure is two pounds per square inch or less,
the relief valve shall open to the atmosphere. To
be approved the RP must be readily accessible for
in-line maintenance and testing and be installed
in a location where no part of the device will be
submerged. The RP shall be installed a minimum of
twelve (12) inches above surrounding grade and no
more than eighteen (18) inches above grade
measured from the bottom of the relief valve and
with a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches side
clearance. Where water spillage creates a
moisture problem, the RP shall have an adequate
size drain line to drain receptacle.
(c) Double Check Valve Assemblv (DC) .
An assembly of two independently operating
approved check valves with tightly closing shut
off valves on each side of the check valves, plus
properly located test cocks for the testing of
each check valve. The entire assembly shall meet
the design and performance specifications and
approval of a State recognized and approved
testing agency for backflow prevention devices.
Unless otherwise approved by the PWM-WD, the DC
shall be installed directly behind the City water
supply water meter. To be approved these devices
must be readily accessible for in-line maintenance
and testing and be installed in a location where
no part of the device will be submerged.
22 '·
Installation requirements shall be the same as for
the RP device.
(d) Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA) .
A complete integral unit consisting of a main-line
double check valve assembly, and a low flow by
pass line double check valve assembly complete
with a low flow registration meter. The main-line
and the by-pass line double check valve assembly
shall each consist of two independently operating
approved check valves with tightly closing shut
off valves (rising stem on the main-line only) on
each side of the check valves, plus properly
located test cocks for the testing of each check
valve. The entire unit shall meet the design and
performance specifications and approval of a State
recognized and approved testing agency for
backflow prevention devices. To be approved these
devices must be readily accessible for in-line
maintenance and testing and be installed in a
location where no part of the device will be
submerged. Installation requirements shall be the
same as for the RP device. No connection shall be
made to the fire line service between the City
water service connection and the DCDA. Unless
otherwise approved by the PWM-WD, the DCDA shall
be installed within 48 inches of the back of the
City sidewalk or curb.
(e) Reduced Pressure Detector Assemblv {RPDA).
A complete integral unit consisting of a main-line
reduced pressure principal assembly and a low flow
by-pass line reduced pressure principal assembly
complete with a low flow registration meter. The
main-line and the by-pass line reduced pressure
principal assembly shall consist of two
independently operating approved check valves with
an automatically operating differential relief
valve between the two check valves, tightly
closing (rising stem on the main-line only) shut
off valves on either side of the check valves,
plus properly located test cocks for testing of
the check and relief valves. The entire assembly
shall meet the design and performance
specifications and approval of a State recognized
and approved testing agency for backflow
prevention assemblies. Unless otherwise approved
by the PWM-WD, the RPDA shall be installed within
48 inches of the back of the City sidewalk or
curb. The device shall operate to maintain the
zone between the two check valves at a level less
23 '·
than the pressure on the City water supply side of
the device. At the cessation of normal flow, the
pressure between the two check valves shall be
less than the pressure on the City water supply
side of the device. In case of leakage of either
of the check valves, the differential relief valve
shall operate to maintain the reduced pressure in
the zone between the check valves by discharging
to the atmosphere. When the inlet pressure is 2
lbs. per square inch or less, the relief valve
shall open to the atmosphere. To be approved, the
RPDA must be readily accessible for in-line
maintenance and testing and be installed in a
location where no part of the device will be
submerged. The RPDA shall be installed a minimum
of twelve (12) inches above surrounding grade and
no more than eighteen (18) inches above grade
measured from the bottom of the relief valve with
a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches side
clearance. Where water spillage creates a
moisture problem, the RPDA shall have an adequate
size drain line to a drain receptacle. No
connection shall be made to the fire line between
the City water service connection and the RPDA.
Ci ty Wat er Servi c e Connec tion .
The terminal end of the City's water distribution system; i.e., where the City loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water as it enters into the customer's water
system. If a City water meter is employed, then the service connection shall mean the downstream end of the meter. If a City water meter is not employed, then the service
connection shall mean the downstream end of the piping where the piping connects to the customer's backflow prevention device. If a customer does not have a backflow prevention device, such as in the case of a private on-site fire
hydrant, then the service connection shall mean the
downstream end of the piping where the piping connects to the detector check or where the piping crosses the property line, whichever is closest to the street.
City Water System.
Shall consist of the source facilities and the distribution system; and shall include all those facilities of the City water system under the complete control of the City, up to the point of the City water service connection.
Cross-Connection.
Any physical connection or arrangement of piping fixtures between two otherwise separate piping systems one of which contains potable water and the other containing, or having the potential to contain non-potable water, hazardous
24 ''
)
fluids, or pollutants. Physical connections which can
create a cross-connection are: swing connections, removable sections, four-way plug valves, spools, dummy sections of pipe, swivel or change-over devices, sliding multiport tube, and solid connections.
Customer Water Sy s tem.
Shall include all piping and facilities beyond the City water service connection.
Hazardous Fluids.
Any system containing a fluid or solution which may be
chemically, biologically or otherwise contaminated or
polluted in a form or concentration such as would constitute a health hazard if introduced into the City or customer water systems. This may include, but not be limited to:
all types of processed waters and used waters; chemicals in fluid form; plating acids and alkalies, circulated cooling waters connected to an open cooling tower and/or cooling towers that are chemically or biologically treated or
stabilized with toxic substances; treated or untreated
sewage; contaminated natural waters such as from wells, springs, streams, rivers, bays, harbors, seas, irrigation canals or systems, etc,; oils, gases, glycerine, paraffins, caustic and acid solutions and other liquids and gaseous fluids used in industrial or other purposes of for fire fighting purposes.
Pollutants.
The presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, or biological) in water which tends to degrade its quality or impair the usefulness of the water to a degree but which does not create an actual hazard to the public health.
Examples of pollutants are beer, wine, tomato sauce, etc.
State.
The California Department of Health Services.
Potable Water.
Any water which is deemed safe by state laws for human
consumption.
Section VIII-3. Requirements.
(a) No water service connection to any premises shall be installed or maintained by the City unless the water
supply is protected as required by State laws and
regulations and these regulations. Service of water to
any premises may be discontinued by the City if a
backflow prevention device required by this ordinance
is not installed, tested and maintained, or if it is
25 found that a backflow prevention device has been
removed, bypassed, or if a cross-connection has not
been corrected to the satisfaction of the PWM-WD.
Service will not be restored until such conditions or
defects are corrected.
(b) A premises evaluation shall be performed where, in the judgment of the PWM-WD, the nature of activities or the materials on the premises create a cross-connection
hazard. Such an evaluation shall include, but not be
limited to, the following: the degree of hazard, the
probability of a backflow occurring, and the complexity of piping and probability of modifications.
(c) If cross-connections or violations of these regulations are found to exist, the PWM-WD shall deny or
discontinue service to the premises by providing for a
physical break in the service line until the customer
has corrected the condition(s) in conformance with
State laws and regulations and these regulations.
(d) An approved backflow prevention device shall be
installed on the customer's water system directly
behind the City water meter, but, in all cases, before
the first branch line leading off of the customer
service line wherever the following conditions exists:
(1) In the case of premises having an auxiliary water
supply, the City water system shall be protected
against backflow from the customer's water system
by installing a backflow prevention device in the
service line commensurate to the degree of hazard.
(2) In the case of premises on which any hazardous
fluids or pollutants are handled or stored in such
a fashion as to create an actual or potential
hazard to the City water system, the City system
shall be protected against backflow from the
premises by installing a backflow prevention
device in the service line commensurate to the
degree of hazard.
(3) In the case of premises having (1) internal cross
connections that cannot be permanently corrected
and controlled to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer, or (2) intricate plumbing and piping
arrangements or where entry to all portions of the
premises is not readily accessible for inspection
purposes, making it impractical or impossible to
ascertain whether or not dangerous cross
connections exists, the City Water System shall be
26 )
protected against backflow of used water from the
premises by installing a reduced pressure
principle device in the customer's service line.
(4) In the case of premises having an irrigation
system which is connected to the City water
system, the City water system shall be protected
against backflow from the premises by installing a
backflow prevention device in the service line
commensurate to the degree of hazard.
(5) In the case of premises having a fire protection
systems with a direct connection to the City water
systems, the City water system shall be protected
against backflow from the premises by installing a
backflow prevention device in the service line
commensurate to the degree of hazard.
(e) The type of protective device required under
subsections (d) (1), (d) (2), (d) (3), (d) (4), and (d) (5) shall be as follows:
APPLICATION
Auxiliary Water Supply (Interconnected)
Auxiliary Water Supply (Not Interconnected)
Brewery
Buildings
Buildings
Buildings
Car Wash
w/Booster System or Storage Tanks
w/Three or more stories
w/Sewage Ejectors
Car Wash w/Reclamation
Cement, Concrete, Sand & Gravel Plants
Chemical Storage or Processing Facilities
Daily or Cold Storage
Film Processing or Printing
Fire Systems
Classes 1, 2, and 3
Classes 4, 5, and 6
Gas Station
Double Check
Reduced Pressure
Hospital, Medical, or Dental Facility
Heating & Air Conditioning (using water)
Irrigation System
Irrigation System w/Chemical Feed
Laboratories (commercial or research)
Laundry or Dry Cleaner
Manufacturing or Processing
w/Toxic Chemicals
Mobile Home Park
Ornamental Pools, Ponds or Fountains
Radioactive Materials
Restricted or Classified Facilities
27 Air
Air
Air
TYPE OF DEVICE
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Air Gap
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Detector Assembly
Detector Assembly
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Gap/Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Gap/Reduced Pressure
Gap/Reduced Pressure
)
Restaurant Reduced Pressure
Air Gap Sewage or Storm Drain Facilities
Solar Heating Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Air Gap
Steam Generation
Swimming Pools (Commercial)
Tank Trucks or Chemical Spray Rigs
Veterinary Clinics Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Air Gap
Warehousing & Storage
Wastewater Reclamation (Interconnected)
Wastewater Reclamation (Not Interconnected)
Schools & Other Services 2" and Larger
Reduced Pressure
Reduced Pressure
Ori a case where more than one of the above applications apply to the same service the most procecti ve device shall apply. (f)
(g)
(h)
Any backflow prevention device required herein shall be of a model and size approved by the State and the PWM
WD. The term "Approved Backflow Prevention Device"
shall mean a device that has been tested and approved
by a recognized testing organization which has been
approved to perform the testing by the State (Section
760 of the California Code of Regulations).
Backflow preventers which may be subjected to back
pressure or back-siphonage that have been fully tested
and have been granted a Certificate of Approval by the
State and are listed on the State's current list of
"Approved Devices" may be used without further test or
qualifications.
It shall be the duty of the customer at any premise
where backflow prevention devices are installed to have certified inspections and operational tests made at
least once per year. In those instances where the PWM
WD deems the hazard to be great enough, he may require
certified inspections at more frequent intervals.
These inspections and tests shall be at the expense of
the customer and shall be performed by the PWM-WD. It
shall be the duty of the PWM-WD to see that these
timely tests are made. The PWM-WD shall notify the
customer in advance when the tests are to be
undertaken. These devices shall be repaired,
overhauled or replaced at the expense of the customer
whenever said devices are found to be defective.
Records of such tests, repairs and overhaul shall be
kept by the PWM-WD and a copy delivered to the
customer.
All presently installed backflow prevention devices
which do not meet the requirements of this section but
were approved devices for the purposes described herein at the time of installation and which have been
28 )
properly maintained, shall, except for the inspection
and maintenance requirements, be excluded from the
requirements of these rules so long as the PWM-WD is
assured that they will satisfactorily protect the City
water system. Whenever the existing device is moved
from the present location or requires more than minimum maintenance or when the PWM-WD finds that the
maintenance constitutes a hazard to health, the unit
shall be replaced by a backflow prevention device
meeting the requirements of this section, at the
customer's expense.
(i) All existing water connections which may be deemed by the PWM-WD to be subject to backflow prevention shall,
upon written notice, have an appropriate backflow
prevention device installed and inspected within forty five (45) days of said notification and failure,
refusal, or inability on the part of the customer to
install said device or devices shall constitute a
ground for discontinuing water service to the
customer's system until such device or devices have
been properly installed. The PWM-WD may cause the
installation, inspection, or repair of the appropriate
backflow prevention device to be performed after sixty
(60) days from notification. The customer shall be
billed for the work and submit payment to the City
within thirty (30) days of receipt of a proper invoice.
Customer's failure to submit payment may result in the
City filing a lien on the property or taking other
appropriate legal action.
29