City of Fairfield
FAIRFIELD MUNICIPAL UTILITY
REGULATIONS
Adopted July 21, 2026
1 Table of Contents
ARTICLE I. GENERAL .................................................................................................... 5 Section I-1 Fire Precautions ................................................................................ 5 Section I-2 Unauthorized Tampering with Distribution System. ........................... 5 Section I-3 Reselling or Redistribution of Water .................................................. 5 ARTICLE II. WATER SERVICES ..................................................................................... 6 Section II-1. Application for Service ....................................................................... 6 Section II-2. Application for Rebate ....................................................................... 6 Section II-3. Deposit for New Application for Service ............................................. 7 Section II-4. Refusal of Service .............................................................................. 8 Section II-5. Limit of Service .................................................................................. 8 Section II-6. User Request to Close Account ......................................................... 9 ARTICLE III. BILLING ..................................................................................................... 9 Section III-1. Billing Period ...................................................................................... 9 Section III-2. Billing of Separate Meters .................................................................. 9 Section III-3. Back Billing ........................................................................................ 9 Section III-4. Bills Due and Payable ........................................................................ 9 A. Timing and Location for Payment ................................................... 9 B. Dishonored Checks ........................................................................ 9 Section III-5. Payments Marked “Paid in Full” ......................................................... 9 Section III-6. Delinquent Accounts: In General ..................................................... 10 A. First Notice .................................................................................. 10 B. Third-Party Notification ................................................................. 10 C. Investigation of Complaints .......................................................... 10 D. Fee for Doorhanger Style Disconnect Notices ............................. 11 E. No Disconnection of Service on Holiday ...................................... 11 F. Amortization Agreements ............................................................. 11 G. No Termination of Water Service ................................................. 11 H. Penalty Charges on Delinquent Accounts .................................... 11 I. Eligibility for Late Fee Waiver ....................................................... 11 J. Proof Requirements ..................................................................... 12 2 K. Application Process ...................................................................... 12 L. Administrative Review .................................................................. 12 M. Non-Precedent Clause ................................................................ 12 N. Deposit Required If Two or More Past Due Bills .......................... 12 O. Cash Only Account ...................................................................... 13 Section III-7. Delinquent Accounts: Multi-Unit Residential Structures or Mobile home Parks ...................................................................................... 13 A. Master-Meters .............................................................................. 13 B. Individual Meters .......................................................................... 14 Section III-8. Reconnect After Disconnect ............................................................. 15 A. Reconnection of an Existing Account ........................................... 15 B. Closed Account ............................................................................ 15 Section III-9. Unauthorized Turn-on After Delinquency ......................................... 15 Section III-10. Adjustment to Bill Due to Leaks or Loss .......................................... 15 Section III-11. Recordation of Delinquent Service Charges .................................... 16 Section III-12. Deposit Upon Transfer of Multi-Unit Residential .............................. 16 Section III-13. Disputed Bills (Contested Payments) .............................................. 16 ARTICLE IV. WATER CONNECTIONS ......................................................................... 16 Section IV-1. Water Connections Generally .......................................................... 16 Section IV-2. Standard Water Service Connections .............................................. 17 Section IV-3. Location of Service Connections ..................................................... 17 Section IV-4. Service Connections to Separate Premises..................................... 17 Section IV-5. Service Connections to Separate Consumers ................................. 17 Section IV-6. Service Connections Outside City ................................................... 18 Section IV-7. Fire Service Connection .................................................................. 18 Section IV-8. Building Construction ....................................................................... 19 A. Domestic ...................................................................................... 19 B. Fire ............................................................................................... 19 C. Irrigation ....................................................................................... 19 ARTICLE V. EXTENSION OF FACILITIES .................................................................... 20 Section V-1. Plans for Water Main Extension ...................................................... 20 3 Section V-2. Minimum Size of Water Mains ......................................................... 20 Section V-3. Standard Specifications ................................................................... 20 ARTICLE VI. TESTING ................................................................................................. 20 Section VI-1. Request for Testing: Deposit Required ............................................ 20 ARTICLE VII. FIRE HYDRANTS ................................................................................... 20 Section VII-1. Purpose ........................................................................................... 20 Section VII-2. Operation ......................................................................................... 21 Section VII-3. Temporary Service ........................................................................... 21 Section VII-4. Relocation of Fire Hydrants ............................................................. 21 ARTICLE VIII. CONTROL OF BACKFLOW AND CROSS-CONNECTIONS ................. 21 Section VIII-1. General ............................................................................................ 21 A. Purpose ........................................................................................ 21 B. Responsibility ............................................................................... 21 C. Cross-Connection Contril Policy Handbook ................................. 22 Section VIII-2. Definitions ........................................................................................ 22 Approved ......................................................................................... 22 Auxiliary Water Supply ..................................................................... 22 Backflow .......................................................................................... 22 (a) Back-Pressure ........................................................................ 22 (b) Back-Siphonage ..................................................................... 22 Backflow Preventer .......................................................................... 23 (a) Air-Gap (AG) .......................................................................... 23 (b) Reduced Pressure Principle Device (RP) ............................... 23 (c) Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) ...................................... 23 (d) Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA)............................. 24 (e) Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA) ...................... 24 City Water Service Connection ........................................................ 25 City Water System ........................................................................... 25 Cross-Connection ............................................................................ 25 Customer Water System .................................................................. 25 Hazardous Fluids ............................................................................. 25 4 Pollutants ......................................................................................... 25 State ................................................................................................ 26 Potable Water .................................................................................. 26 Section VIII-3. Requirements .................................................................................. 26
5 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. Manipulation of the system must be performed by a Water Distribution Operator. 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.
Section I-2 Unauthorized Tampering with Distribution System.
No person except a Water Distribution Operator shall open or close any valve or tap on any of the appurtenances 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 Municipal Code (FMC) 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.
6 ARTICLE II. WATER SERVICES
Section II-1. Application for Service
All persons or entities desiring water service from the Fairfield Municipal Utility (FMU) system shall make an application. In addition to other information, the application shall include the applicant's driver's license (or other government issued photo identification) number and telephone number. Documentation of ownership of lease agreement shall be required. 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, 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 property 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. Application for Rebate
The following conditions must be met to qualify for the Low-Income Senior/Disabled 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 United States Housing and Urban Development eligibility limit for respective family size of household with very low income for the preceding calendar year;
(3) The applicant must have been a customer of the water system for the entire previous calendar year, w ith the account remaining in the applicant's name throughout that period, to be eligible for the refund. (4) Only one application for the rebate may be made by the applicant for any one calendar year; and
7 (5) The applicant must be either:
a. Age 62 or older by March 1 of the calendar year for which a rebate is claimed;
b. 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.
Rebate applications shall be provided to Fairfield Municipal Utility and shall include all information necessary to determine whether the applicant is qualified for the refund.
Section II-3. Deposit for New Application for Service
A deposit for a new application for water service may 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 may 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.
Receipt of an application for water service shall not o bligate the City to provide service until the application has been approved by the City.
8 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 and/or other named parties on ownership documentation or lease agreements 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;
9. Sanitary Sewer Spill (SPILL);
10. If deemed unlawful activities;
11. Any other reason detailed in these regulations;
12. If the Chief Building Official deems the property uninhabitable;
13. If the Police Department has issued a red tag or otherwise declared the premises unsafe, restricted, or prohibited from occupancy or use, the City may discontinue or refuse water service until such time as the red tag is cleared and written authorization for re-occupancy or restoration of services is provided by the appropriate authority.
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, 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.
9 Section II-6. User Request to Close Account
Requests to close a utility account shall be submitted to Fairfield Municipal Utilities and shall stipulate a definite date at least 24 hours prior to the desired 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.
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. Billing of Separate Meters
Each water meter on a customer's premises shall be billed separately. The readings and daily fixed service charges of two, or more meters, will not be combined.
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, if not installed, and bill the consumer under an average bill for a period 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.
Section III-4. Bills Due and Payable
A. Timing and Location for 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 Finan ce 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.
B. 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. Payments 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.
10 Section III-6. Delinquent Accounts: 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 7 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 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.
B. 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 i, a third-party notification service, whereby the City will attempt to notify a person 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.
C. Investigation of Complaints
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. 11 D. Fee for Doorhanger Style Disconnect Notices
A ten-dollar ($10) fee may be imposed upon the processing of each doorhanger style service disconnect warning notice whether or not the notice is delivered.
E. No Disconnection of Service on Holiday
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.
F. Amortization Agreements
The City shall consider entering into an amortization agreement with a residential customer, not to exceed 12 months in duration, for satisfaction of a bil l 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 12 months in duration.
If a residential customer enters i nto 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.
G. No Termination of Water Service
Water service may not be terminated for nonpayment in the following situations:
1. during the pendency of an investigation into a customer dispu te 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 terminating 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.
H. Penalty Charges on Delinquent Accounts
A one-time ten percent (10%) basic penalty charge shall be added to any past due account. For each mo nth 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.
I. Eligibility for Late Fee Waiver
Late fees may be wai ved once every 12 months for residential customers who meet any of the following criteria:
12 1. Are enrolled in public assistance programs such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP, or WIC.
2. Certify that their household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level.
3. Experience a documented billing system error or transition issue (e.g., autopay migration failure).
4. Are directly impacted by a federal or state government shutdown, including furloughed employees or those experiencing delayed pay.
5. Experience other extraordinary circumstances that, in the judgment of the Director of Finance or designee, warrant a waiver of late fees.
J. Proof Requirements
Customers must submit the following documentation with their waiver request:
1. For income-based eligibility:
i. Proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program or recent tax return/pay stub demonstrating income level.
2. For billing errors:
i. Copy of the disputed bill and a written explanation.
3. For government shutdown impact:
i. A furlough notice or official communication from a government agency/employer, or
ii. A pay stub showing missed or delayed payment during the shutdown period.
4. For other extraordinary circumstances:
i. Supporting documentation as deemed appropriate by the Director of Finance or designee (e.g., medical bills, eviction notices, disaster declarations).
K. Application Process
Customers must submit a completed Late Fee Waiver Request Form and supporting documentation within 30 days of late notice or disconnect notice.
L. Administrative Review
The Finance Department shall review all requests and issue a determination within 10 business days. Requests under the “extraordinary circumstances” clause shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Finance or designee.
M. Non-Precedent Clause
Approval of a waiver does not establish precedent for future billing cycles or other customers.
N. Deposit Required If Two or More Past Due Bills
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. 13 O. 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.
Section III-7. Delinquent Accounts: Multi-Unit Residential Structures or Mobile home Parks
A. Master-Meters
Water service may not be discontinued to a multi -unit residential structure or mobile home 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 serv ice 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 it is 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:
1. 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 for m 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.
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 14 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 o bligation 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 b e 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.
B. Individual Meters
Water service may not be discontinued to an individually metered account in a multi-unit residential structure or mobile home park where the 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 se rvice 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 termi nation 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 u nless there is one or more 15 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. Reconnect After Disconnect
When water service has been discontinued because of delinquency in payment, the City may either reconnect the existing account after full payment (or payment arrangement) has been made or close the account.
A. Reconnection of an Existing Account
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 service. All payments must be received prior to the resumption of service.
B. 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 may be required to make a cash deposit to re - establish credit. Such deposit shall not exceed the average bill for one billing cycle.
Section III-9. Unauthorized Turn-on After Delinquency
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. Adjustment 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, FMU 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 repai rs 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. 16 Section III-11. Recordation of Delinquent Service Charges The officer whose duty it is to collect the charges set forth in 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 nontenant accounts with the County Recorder pursuant to California Government Code Section 54355.
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 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 a n 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 III-13. Disputed Bills (Contested Payments)
In case of dispute as to payment of a bill previously rendered, the customer will be required to present the r eceipted bill, canceled check or other satisfactory evidence before adjustment or corrections shall be made.
ARTICLE IV. WATER CONNECTIONS
Section IV-1. 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 California 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. 17 Section IV-2. Standard Water Service Connections
The standard water service connection shall be a one -inch service pipe and one -inch meter and the same shall be the minimum require d to provide service to a single -family dwelling.
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 in accordance to city Standard specs and details (Engineering Design Standard 6.2 H) unless, in the opinion of the FMU Director, it is impractical to do so.
Section IV-4. Service Connections 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 FMU Director determines otherwise.
When investigating requests for single service connection, the FMU Director 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.
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.
Section IV-5. Service Connections to Separate Consumers Each separate consumer shall be supplied water through a separate service conne ction unless the FMU Director determine s 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.
18 2. Whenever it is practical to serve separate customers through separate connections the FMU Director shall require that it be done.
Section IV-6. Service Connections Outside City
Applications for new or revised water service connections to supply premises which are wholly or partly outside the corporate city limits of the City shall not be accepted or approved nor ordered installed, unless the City Council has approved such applica tion.
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 compl iance 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 violati on 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 prol ong 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 special districts is exempt from the provisions of this paragraph but shall be governed by Chapter 22 of the Fairfield Municipal Code.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section IV -6 above, the City Council may approve service connections without requiring annexation where the property is designated "Agricultural - Open Space Lands" i n the agreement between the City and the Solano Irrigation District, dated January 8, 1974, and receives treated effluent from the Fairfield- Suisun 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. 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 for non-residential, except in the case of residential sprinkler systems where the service connection shall not be less than one-inch in size; 19 3. Each fire service has installed therein a double check detector assembly or greater protection equipped with a metered bypass that conforms to City Standards of such pattern and design as approved by the FMU Director.
4. See Municipal code 22.15 “Account Activation Required for Service”.
Section IV-8. Building Construction
All water service connections for building construction shall be metered. The subdivider or developer shall install the water service(s) and box(es). The City shall install the water meter(s) and provide box(es). The subdivider or developer shall conform to the following:
A. Domestic
1. 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.
2. The subdivider or developer agrees to use the metered services to supply the water needed for all building construction and related activities.
3. The subdivider or developer shall be responsible for payment of the water bills until such time as the account i s transferred into the name of the new occupant at the commercial office.
B. Fire
1. 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.
2. The subdivider or developer agrees to use the metered services to supply the water needed for all building construction and related activities.
3. The subdivider or developer shall be responsible for payment of the water bills until such time as th e account is transferred into the name of the new occupant at the commercial office.
C. Irrigation
1. The subdivider or developer shall make application for water service with FMU in accordance with Article II. Water Services of these Regulations before using any water.
2. The subdivider or developer agrees to use the metered services to supply the water needed for all building construction and related activities.
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.
20 ARTICLE V. EXTENSION OF FACILITIES
Section V-1. 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 FMU Director.
Section V-3. Standard Specifications
The City Engineer shall prepare specifications for the construction of water system facilities. The specifications shall govern all extensions, add itions and revisions to the water distribution system.
ARTICLE VI. TESTING
Section VI-1. Request for Testing: Deposit Required
Arrangements for such test shall be made within five working days after receipt of the request and deposit. The customer shall be notified no less than twenty-four hours before the time set for the test. Any request for meter tests must be accompanied by a cash deposit for the respective meter size as follows:
Meter Size Deposit
5/8” – 3/4" inch $125
1-inch $125
1 ½-inch $250
2-inch $250
3-inch $500
4-inch $500
6-inch $500
Larger than 6-inch $500
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 FMU, the Fire Department, or other persons authorized by FMU. 21 Section VII-2. Operation
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 the same must be obtained from the Public Works Department. Such permit must be presented upon request by the City. The terms and conditions of the construction water permit and the requirements set forth in Sections 23 through 25 of Chapter 22 of the FMC shall apply.
Section VII-4. Relocation 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 Publi c 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. The city shall make a determination on such request as approved or denied. 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.
ARTICLE VIII. CONTROL OF BACKFLOW AND CROSS-
CONNECTIONS
Section VIII-1. General
A. 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' private water system(s).
2. Provide for the maintenance of a continuing Cross -Connection Control Program which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of the City water distribution system.
B. Responsibility
The Public Works Water Distribution Manager (PW -WDM) 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 all water service connections. If, in the judgment of the PWM -WD, an approved backflow prevention device is required, at the City's water service 22 connection to any customer's premises, for the safety of the City water system, the PW-WDM shall give notice in writing to said customer to install such an approved backflow prevention device at each service connection to their premises. The customer shall be responsible to immediately install such approved device or devices at the ir 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 termination of water service to the premises until such device or devices have been properly installed per City standards. 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.
C. Cross-Connection Contril Policy Handbook
The Fairfield Municipal Utilities Cross -Connection and Backflow program is outlined in the City of Fairfield Cross -Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) as adopted but City Council. If any conflict arises between these FMU Regulations and the CCCPH, the CCCPH shall control.
Section VIII-2. Definitions
For purposes of this article the following terms shall be defined as follows:
Approved
Accepted by the Public Works M anager - Water Distribution Manager Division (PWM WDM).
Auxiliary Water 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
“Backflow” means an undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into a public water system’s distribution system or approved water supply. 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) Back-Pressure
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-Siphonage
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 23 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. (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 dev ice 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 Assembly (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.
No new Double Check Valve Assemblies (DC) shall be installed in the water system. Any grandfathered assemblies will need to meet new city spec(RP) upon failure.
24 (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 with the exception that 12 -18” will be measured from lowest point of device instead of relief valve.
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 Assembly (RPDA)
A complete integral unit consisting of a main -line reduced pressure principal assembly and a low flow bypass 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 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 at mosphere. 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 gr ade 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.
25 No connection shall be made to the fire line between the City water service connection and the RPDA.
City Water Service Connection
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 the customer's private 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, then the service connection shall mean the downstream end of the piping where the p iping 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 actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or a consumer’s potable water system and any other so urce or system through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water, industrial fluid, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system is supplied. Bypass arrangements, jumper connection s, removable sections, swivel or change-over devices and other temporary or permanent devices through which or because of which backflow can occur are considered to be cross-connections.
Customer Water System
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 t owers 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 firefighting 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.
26 State
The California State Water Resources Control Board.
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 requ ired by State laws and regulations and these regulations. Service of water to any premises shall be terminated by the City if a backflow prevention device required by the City’s Cross- Connection Control Policy Handbook is not installed, tested and maintain ed, or if it is found that a backflow prevention device has been removed, bypassed, or if a cross-connection has not been corrected to the satisfaction of the PW -WDM.
Service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected.
B. A cross-connection on-site survey 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 PW - WDM shall deny or immediately terminate 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 private water system directly behind the City water meter as per city standards, 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 wa ter supply, the City water distribution system shall be protected against backflow from the customer's private water system by installing an approved backflow prevention device in the service line commensurate to the degree of hazard.
2. In the case of premis es 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 preve ntion 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 27 purposes, making it impractical or impossible to ascertain whether or not dangerous cross connections exists, the City Water System shall be 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 s ystems, 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 s of protective device required under subsection (d) are listed in the CCCPH.
F. Any backflow prevention device required herein shall be of a model and size approved by the University of Southern California (USC) cross -connection program and/or the PWMWD. The term "Approved Backflow Prevention Device" shall mean a devic e 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 USC and are listed on USC'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 by the City 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 m ore 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 wh en 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 current requirements of this section but were approved devices for the purposes described herein at the time of installation and which have been properly maintained, shall, except for the inspection and maintenance requirements, be Grandfathered so 28 long as the PW-WDM is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the City water distribution system. Whenever the existing device is moved from the present location or requires more than minimum maintenance or when the PW-WDM 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.
G. All exis ting 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-seven (47) 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 termination of water service to the customer's private 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.
H. If immediate cross-connection danger exists to the water system, the PW-MD has the right to turn off service immediately until corrective action has been taken.
29 i Welfare & Institutions Code Section 15610(b)(1) defines a "dependent adult" as a person … 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 includin g, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities or whose physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age."