PART FIVE — MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AND SERVICES CODE
Title V — Water Supply
Chapter 531 — Water and Fire Service Connections
Complete to December 31, 2007Note: The legislative history of this Chapter, except where specifically noted at the end of a section, is as follows: Ordinance No. 63410-A, passed September 22, 1924.
CROSS REFERENCES
Power to provide and regulate water system, RC 715.08, 717.01, 743.01
Water pollution, RC 715.08, 743.23
Compulsory water connections, RC 729.06, 743.23
Management and control of water works, RC 743.02 et seq.
Weekly deposit of water works money collected, RC 743.06
Tampering with water hydrants, pipes or meters: unauthorized connections, RC 4933.22
Fluoridation, RC 6109.20
Conditions when fire service connections are metered, CO 533.04
Provisions for water rates: billing and payment, CO Ch 535
Size of fire protection water connections, CO 535.36
Water connections required on premises with sewer connections, CO 541.06
531.01 Service Line Installations, Connections and Taps by the Division of Water and Authorized Contractors
All service line installations from all distribution mains within the Division of Water's service area to approximately two feet back of the curb line, or proposed curb line, including the stop cock or valve and stop cock or valve box, and all connections and taps made to the main, shall be installed by properly authorized employees or contractors of the Division of Water acting under the direction of the Commissioner of Water, except that, upon written application and prior approval by the Commissioner of Water, an applicant, his agent or contractor, or contractors acting under the authority of inter-governmental agreements to which the Division of Water is a party, may be authorized to make taps in service lines in accordance with the rules and regulations of the division. Upon payment of requisite fees and issuance of a permit or permits, applicants shall install the service line from the corporation of water main to the curb stop. The applicant, his agent, or contractor shall employ a trench safety system in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard 1926.650 or other applicable safety requirements, inclusive of appendices and amendments. All installations shall be inspected by the Division of Water prior to backfill of trenches.
(Ord. No. 246-06. Passed 4-10-06, eff. 4-13-06)
531.02 Application for Installation of Service Connection
Before an application shall be accepted by the Division of Water for the installation of a water service connection from the water main in the street to not less than approximately two feet back of the curb line, and for the construction of a meter vault in the street where such vault is necessary, the person making the application for a service connection shall submit a copy of a permit obtained from the municipality in which the service connection will be located, as evidence that arrangements conforming to the requirements of such municipality have been made by the applicant for making openings in streets or public highways, excavating trenches, disposing of excavating material, backfilling the trench with sand tamped in place, applying temporary wearing surface, maintaining of such surface in advance of permanent repairs, permanent replacing of surfacing or of pavement, sidewalks and driveways, including the erection and maintenance of lights, signs and barricades.
(Ord. No. 1329-58. Passed 9-17-58, eff. 9-17-58)
531.03 Charges for Installation of Service Connections, Tapping Sleeves and Valves
(a) The charges for work performed by the Division of Water, including, but not limited to, service connection installations, hydrant relocations, tapping sleeve and valve installations and fire line installations, shall be in accordance with Section 535.06 of the Codified Ordinances.
(b) The applicant for a service connection shall pay in advance to the Division for the furnishing of material specified and the labor for tapping the water main and installing the service connection and pipe from the water main to approximately two feet back to the curb line, or proposed curb line, including the setting of the stop cock box or valve box in a trench excavated by the applicant, his agent or contractor.
(c) All excavating, backfilling and repaving done within and without the territorial limits of the City are to be provided by the applicant by arrangement with the particular municipality.
(Ord. No. 778-06. Passed 6-5-06, eff. 6-9-06)
531.04 Lead Required for Tapping Sleeves and Valves—Repealed
(Ord. No. 778-06, § 3. Passed 6-5-06, eff. 6-9-06)
531.05 Service Connection Extension and Inspection
Extension of the service connection from the stop cock box or valve at or near the curb into the premises to be supplied with water shall be at the expense of the customer and may be made by the Division of Water or by a licensed plumber. If extended by a plumber the pipe must be left uncovered in the trench until it has been tested and inspected by the Division. The water shall not be turned on until the pipe has been inspected and approved.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.06 Charge for Service Pipe beyond Curb
In case the service pipe is extended by the Division of Water beyond one foot back of the curb line it shall be done at cost of material and labor plus fifteen percent, to cover general expense.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.07 Abandoned Service Connections
(a) No building permit under Section 3105.01 or water service connection permit shall be issued until the Division of Water has determined the location of any previously installed service connections and arrangements have been made with the Division of Water to plug or cap previously installed service connections under rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner. All necessary work involving plugging or capping previously installed service connections shall be done by the Division of Water, and the applicant shall pay the fees established in Section 535.06 of the Codified Ordinances for each connection to be plugged or capped.
(b) The City shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from previously installed service connections which have not been plugged or capped under this section.
(Ord. No. 778-06. Passed 6-5-06, eff. 6-9-06)
531.08 Provisions for Additional Supply to Premises
(a) Any existing connections to a premises for the general supply of water or for fire protection may be altered or the total number of connections to a premises increased upon application to the Commissioner of the Division of Water. Such alterations or increases in connections shall be made only when the Commissioner determines, based upon engineering analysis, that such alteration or additional connections are necessary to adequately provide service to the premises.
(b) Where a general or fire protection supply is being serviced by a four-inch or larger service connection and additional connections of the same size or larger size are installed, a control valve must be located between the two connections. Such control valves shall be installed by the Division of Water at the expense of the applicant pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner.
(Ord. No. 776-91. Passed 5-13-91, eff. 5-22-91)
531.09 Size of Service Connections
The Division of Water shall determine the size of service connection that is to be granted for any purpose. No connection shall be inserted in any of the distributing mains within the metropolitan area above the size of one-inch diameter of opening unless by special consent of the Commissioner of Water, and such size shall in no case exceed eight inches in diameter. Nor shall any two ferrules or corporation cocks be inserted into any of the distributing mains within the distance of eighteen inches from each other.
(Ord. No. 501-51. Passed 4-10-51)
531.10 Tapping Mains with 16-inch Inside Diameter
Mains with an inside diameter of more than sixteen inches shall not be tapped for any purpose except to make connections with other mains.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.11 Material for Service Pipes
(a) All service pipe one inch or less in nominal diameter that is to be installed between the main and the stop cock or valve at the curb shall be of lead or copper material. All service pipe greater than one inch and less than three inches in nominal diameter shall be of extra heavy copper, extra heavy brass or extra heavy galvanized wrought iron or steel material. All service pipes greater than three inches in nominal diameter shall be of cast iron or extra heavy galvanized wrought iron or steel material.
(b) All pipe that is to be installed between the stop cock or valve at the curb and the building, whether the meter is outside or inside of the building, shall be of lead, copper or brass material where the pipe is one inch or less in nominal diameter. Where the pipe is greater than one inch and less than three inches in nominal diameter, it shall be of extra heavy brass, extra heavy copper or extra heavy galvanized wrought iron or steel material. Where the pipe is greater than three inches in nominal diameter, it shall be of cast iron or extra heavy galvanized wrought iron or steel material.
(c) Any pipe made of any other material than herein specified shall not be used without special permission, in writing, for each proposed installation.
(d) Wherever lead pipe is used, as herein specified, wipe joints or special couplings shall be used. Wherever any other kind of piping is used, suitable couplings shall be used and shall be subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Water.
(Ord. No. 107578-B. Passed 12-20-37)
531.12 Standard Weight of Lead Pipe
The standard weight per lineal foot of lead pipe shall not be less than the following:
5/8″ bore 3 lbs. 0 oz. per foot
3/4″ bore 3 lbs. 8 oz. per foot
1″ bore 4 lbs. 12 oz. per foot
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.13 Standard Dimensions and Weight of Copper Pipe
Weights of copper pipes or tubes shall be not less than the following:
3/4″ bore: thickness .065 inch, weight per foot 0.640 lb.
1″ bore: thickness .065 inch, weight per foot 0.838 lb.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.14 Length of Lead or Copper Pipe
The lead or copper service pipe shall be made at least one and one-half feet longer than the length required to connect the tap in the main and the stop cock at the curb. The pipe shall be laid in the trench so that the stop cock shall be at least one foot back of the curb line. The extra length shall be at the main.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.15 Depth of Service Pipe
Service pipe between the main and the street line shall be laid not less than six feet below the established grade of the street, and between the street line and the building, shall not be less than five and one-half feet below the surface of the ground.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.16 Service Pipe Not to be Laid in Sewer Trench
Service pipes between the main and the meter shall not be laid in a sewer trench except in rock excavation, in which case the service pipe may be put in on a shelf not less than eight inches wide, cut in on the side of the trench. In all other cases there shall be not less than five feet between centers of sewer pipe and water service pipe.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.17 Backfilling Regulations
Backfilling of earth into any water service trench in any street or other public way or place shall not be commenced until the pipe has been inspected and approved by the Commissioner of Water, or his authorized agent. Backfilling over the service pipe with cinders, slag or rubbish shall not be permitted.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.18 Regulations for Stop Cocks or Valves and Boxes
Every service connection from five-eighths inch to one inch inclusive, shall be provided with a stop cock. Every service connection over one inch shall be provided with a square head valve. Each stop cock shall be placed within an iron box extending from the same to the surface of the sidewalk or lawn. The word "water" in raised letters shall be cast on the top of the stop cock box and the box shall be placed in the sidewalk or lawn within one foot of the line of the curb stone, so that the word "water" can be read from the sidewalk. Square head valves on the larger connections may be placed in roadways and provided with adjustable valve boxes at the option of the Commissioner of Water. All stop cocks shall be of the pattern known as the round waterway and all valves shall be straightway valves. All connections up to and including one inch shall be provided with corporation cocks, and all corporation cocks, stop cocks and valves and all boxes for the same and the pipe from the water main to one foot back of the curb line shall be furnished by the Division of Water. Stop cock boxes must be set truly vertical and the plug in top of the box must be screwed in tightly by the person setting the box. In backfilling around the boxes the earth must be thoroughly tamped.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.19 Temporary Service Connections; Deposit
Where a service pipe is permitted to be connected with a main in one street to be used to supply premises on another street having no main, the person making the application shall deposit in advance with the Commissioner of Water, an estimated amount to cover the cost of the service connection from the main pipe to approximately one foot back of the curb line and the building of a brick vault for a meter between the curb and property line. This estimated amount is also to cover the cost of installing a new permanent service connection in front of the premises supplied after a main is laid in the street, and the plugging at the main of the temporary connection.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.20 Extension on Stop Cocks
In cases where any stop cock or valve has to be placed deeper than six feet, an extension coming up to the ordinary depth of the cock or valve must be put in. The top of this extension shall be formed like the top of the stop cock or valve, and the rod of such extension shall work in a guide immediately below its top or handle.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.21 Stop Cock or Valve Boxes in Flagging or Pavements
In cases where stop cock boxes or meter covers are set into the flagging or pavement of the sidewalk, the stones shall be neatly and accurately cut, and the top of the boxes set even with the surface of the pavement or flagging. In all cases they shall be set flush with the surface of the sidewalk or lawn. If from any cause the stop cock box or other fixture is above or below the surface of the sidewalk or lawn, it must be brought to the surface of the same at the expense of the customer.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.22 Regulations for Compression Stop and Waste Cocks and Valves; Space for Meter
Every service pipe must be provided with a compression stop and waste cock or valve at the entrance of the pipe into any cellar, basement or building and also with a compression stop and waste cock or valve for each separate tenement or place supplied with water; all shall be easily accessible and so situated that the water can be conveniently shut off and drained from the pipes. Every service pipe shall also be provided with a nipple two feet in length and with a union attached, immediately back of the main stop and waste cock in the basement to provide a suitable space for a meter which is to be set on the service pipe and so arranged that the meter will be above the floor line of the basement.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.23 Backflow Prevention Control Device Required
(a) If, in the judgment of the Commissioner of Water, an approved backflow prevention device is necessary for the safety of the public water system, the Commissioner will give notice to the water consumer to install such an approved device immediately. The water consumer shall, at his own expense, install such an approved device at a location and in a manner approved by the Commissioner and shall have inspections and tests made of such approved devices as required by the Commissioner.
(b) No person, firm or corporation shall establish or permit to be established or maintain or permit to be maintained any connection whereby a private, auxiliary or emergency water supply other than the regular public water supply of the City of Cleveland may enter the supply or distributing system of said Municipality, unless such private, auxiliary or emergency water supply and the method of connection and use of such supply shall have been approved by the Commissioner of Water of the City of Cleveland and by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
(c) It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to cause surveys and investigations to be made of industrial and other properties served by the public water supply where actual or potential hazards to the public water supply may exist. Such surveys and investigations shall be made a matter of public record and shall be repeated as often as the Commissioner shall deem necessary.
(d) The Commissioner or his duly authorized representative shall have the right, after obtaining all necessary warrants, to enter at any reasonable time any property served by a connection to the public water supply or distributing system of the City of Cleveland for the purpose of inspecting the piping system or systems thereof. On demand, the owner, lessees or occupants of any property so served shall furnish to the Commissioner any information which he may request regarding the piping system or systems or water use on such property. The refusal of such information, when demanded, shall, within the discretion of the Commissioner, be deemed evidence of the presence of improper connections as provided for in this ordinance.
(e) The Commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to discontinue, after reasonable notice to the occupant thereof, the water service to any property wherein any connection in violation of the provisions of this ordinance is known to exist, and to take such other precautionary measures as he may deem necessary to eliminate any danger of contamination of the public water supply distribution mains. Water service to such property shall not be restored until such conditions shall have been eliminated or corrected in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance and until the occupant has received written approval from the Commissioner indicating that a proper prevention control device has been installed in accordance with this ordinance and all rules and regulations pertaining to same.
(f) The Director of Public Utilities is hereby authorized to promulgate all necessary rules and regulations as to the installation and maintenance of backflow prevention control devices. Said regulations shall at all times be on file in the offices of the Division of Water of the City of Cleveland and shall be available for inspection during regular business hours. All backflow prevention control devices required by this ordinance shall be installed in accordance with said regulations.
(Ord. No. 1069-80. Passed 11-10-80, eff. 11-14-80)
531.24 Qualification and Certification of Persons to Inspect and Maintain Backflow Prevention Devices
(a) No person shall be deemed qualified to inspect and maintain backflow prevention devices unless his qualifications have been established to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Water as hereinafter required. To determine the qualifications of any person to inspect and maintain backflow prevention devices, the Commissioner shall have the authority to conduct examinations to determine the qualifications. Upon successful completion of such examination and such training as the Commissioner shall prescribe, the person so examined shall receive from the Division of Water a Certificate of Competence. Any limitations or conditions imposed by the Division on the examinee in the inspection and maintenance of backflow prevention devices shall be stated upon the fact of the certificate issued to the examinee. The Division shall make available to owners of properties on which backflow prevention devices are maintained, a list of persons qualified to inspect and maintain devices. Every person, after receiving a Certificate from the Division shall be issued such identification as the Division deems appropriate. Such identification shall be kept in the immediate possession of every person holding a Certificate while the person is inspecting or maintaining any backflow prevention device.
(b) Every person desiring to qualify to inspect or maintain backflow prevention devices shall make application to the Division. At the time of making application every such person shall pay a fee as set by the Commissioner and subject to the approval of the Board of Control and Council. The fee shall not be refundable, and shall cover the expense of the Division in processing the applications, Certificates and any documents of identification required by the Division.
(c) Every person holding a Certificate issued by the Division under the provisions of this section shall be required to renew the Certificate every three years.
(d) Every person receiving a Certificate under the provisions of this section shall be responsible for the competency and accuracy of all inspections and maintenance performed on any backflow prevention device by any person under his authority and control.
(e) Any person issued a Certificate who violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this section or willingly falsifies inspection or maintenance reports shall have the Certificate immediately revoked, and shall not be considered for recertification for a period of two years.
(f) The Division may, at the request of the user and the discretion of the Commissioner, make such tests or perform such installments and maintenance as may be necessary for which the user shall pay the City the actual cost thereof, plus administrative and overhead expenses.
(g) The Commissioner may promulgate rules necessary to effectuate the provisions of this section. However, such rules shall not conflict with nor waive any provisions of these Codified Ordinances or the laws of the State. Such rules shall become effective ten days after publication in the City Record unless disapproved by ordinance of Council.
(Ord. No. 2246-74. Passed 5-5-75, eff. 5-12-75)
531.25 Two or More Services for One Premises; Connecting Pipe Specifications
(a) Two or more service pipes, intended for the supply of one premises, shall not be connected together except by special permission of the Commissioner of Water. Before such permission is granted plans in duplicate showing how the proposed connection is to be made must be submitted to and be approved by the Commissioner. One set of plans shall be kept on file in the office of the Division of Water.
(b) If the connecting pipes are outside of the building they shall be of either lead, copper or brass for sizes five-eighths inch to one inch; of extra heavy brass or extra heavy galvanized wrought iron for one and one-half-inch and two-inch pipe and of cast iron or extra heavy galvanized wrought iron for all pipe over two inches in diameter. On all sizes of pipe one and three-fourths inches and over a suitable check valve must be placed in each service pipe as close as possible to the main valve. Such check valve if placed underground, must be located in a vault or pit easily accessible through a manhole.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.26 Applications or Changes in Fire Service Connections
(a) Every person desiring a supply of water for a fire service connection with any main in the metropolitan area, must make application for the same in writing, upon blanks on file in the office of the Division of Water. Such applicant must also furnish either directly or through the local fire underwriters' inspection office, plans of the piping and appliances to be used in connection therewith to be filed at the office of the Division. Such plans shall be made to a scale, and shall include the following:
The size and location of all pipes, branches, risers, by-passes, valves, check valves and all other appurtenances. The size and location of all cisterns, tanks, pumps and all regulating and operating devices in connection therewith, and the number, size and location of hydrants, hose connections and other appliances shall also be included.
(b) The application shall give a description of the proposed method of operation, that is, whether a wet or dry system, or both, or whether the City pressure is to be maintained in the pipe system at all times, or whether a pressure greater than City pressure is maintained by pumps, and any other pertinent information necessary and required by the Commissioner of Water for a complete description.
(c) No changes, alterations or extensions of any fire pipe system shall be made without first making application for the same in the same manner and under the same conditions as for a new connection.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.27 Plans and Information to be Furnished for Fire Service Connections
Plans of and information pertaining to fire pipes now in use so far as required by the Commissioner of Water, shall be furnished as required with an application for a new fire service supply, within sixty days after receipt of a written notice from the Commissioner.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.28 Fire Service System to Comply with City's Standards
If at any time a fire service or supply system is found to be contrary to or in violation of any of the City ordinances or rules of the Division of Water, all changes necessary to make the system comply therewith must be made within sixty days after receipt of written notice from the Commissioner of Water.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.29 Fire Service Pipe Use Restricted
Pipes intended for fire protection must not be tapped or used for the general supply of any premises.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.30 Size of Fire Protection Connections
No fire protection connection shall be inserted in any of the distribution mains within the metropolitan area below the size of two inches (2″). Such size in no case shall exceed twelve inches (12″) in diameter.
(Ord. No. 1593-87. Passed 9-14-87, eff. 9-18-87)
531.31 Location of Fire Service Connection Restricted
No fire service connection will be allowed on premises that do not also have a separate pipe for the general supply of the same.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.32 Check Valves for Sprinkler System Pipes
Pipes used for hose service or sprinkler systems shall be furnished with gate and check valves at entrances to premises, and a test valve shall be placed between the gate valve and check valve, except that the check valve and test valve shall not be required at the premises if a back-flow prevention device of the type approved by the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Commissioner of Water has been installed at the premises.
(Ord. No. 124-77. Passed 4-4-77, eff. 4-12-77)
531.33 Tanks for Fire Purposes to Have Metered Supply Pipe
All tanks or cisterns maintained for fire purposes shall be supplied by a pipe separate from the fire service pipe and connected directly with the main in the street or with the service pipe used for the general supply of the premises. If connected directly with the main in the street, such supply shall be metered at the expense of the premises or parties supplied. The use of bypasses for filling tanks, cisterns, etc., shall not be permitted.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.34 Overflow Pipe
Overflow pipes for fire service tanks shall not connect with drains, and shall be open to inspection at all times.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.35 Tank Supply Pipes
The outlet end of the supply pipe to a gravity tank shall be at least six inches above the maximum water line of the tank, and the supply pipe to a pressure tank shall be so arranged as to prevent the water in the tank from flowing back into the main in the street. Each tank shall have a suitable check valve in the pipe leading from it to the distribution pipes of the fire system for the purpose of preventing the flowing of the water from the fire system pipes into the tank.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.36 Drip or Blow-Off Pipes
The use of drip or blow-off pipes for draining fire pipes shall be allowed only in cases of absolute necessity, and in no case shall their installation be permitted unless furnished with a sealed valve. The end of every such pipe shall be exposed to view at all times. Such drip or blow-off pipes shall not exceed three-fourths inch inside diameter.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.37 Pumps for Fire Protection
Pumps intended for fire protection and taking water from a tank or cistern, supplied wholly or in part from a fire service pipe connected with the main in the street, shall under no circumstances be used for any boiler or general supply of the premises, and shall not be connected with the general supply pipe.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.38 Outlet Valves to be Sealed
In all pipes used for fire protection and not metered, all outlet valves on hydrants, hose connections, drips and blow-offs, etc., exclusive of main controlling valves, shall be closed and sealed by the Division of Water. All such valves, hydrants, etc., must be so constructed or altered at the expense of the owner that they can be easily and securely sealed by the Division.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.39 No Connection Allowed Between Different Pressure Service Systems
There shall be no arrangement of pipes whereby the different pressure service systems are connected. All connections now existing contrary to this rule shall be disconnected within six months after notification in writing by the Commissioner of Water.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.40 Fire Service Pipes to be Accessible for Inspection
(a) Fire services pipes, valves and equipment shall be so installed as to be accessible for purposes of inspection at all times.
(b) Fire service pipes shall not be supplied with water until they and their fixtures have been duly inspected by the Commissioner of Water or his authorized agent.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.41 Use of Fire Service Water
Water shall not be used from any fire pipe, nor seals broken or removed except in case of fire or for purposes of testing the system and apparatus. In all cases where seals are broken or removed, written notice of the same must be given to the Commissioner of Water within twenty-four hours after its occurrence.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.42 Use of System by Division of Fire
In case of fire, the Division of Fire shall have the right to use any public or private hydrant, cistern, hose, pipe or other fixtures supplied wholly or in part from any pipe used for fire protection.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.43 Permit for Extension of Fire Service Connections
(a) Permits to extend any service connection within the metropolitan area, or put in any water pipe or fixtures, or make any other attachments or additions to the service pipes supplied with water by the Division of Water, or repairs in any tap, service pipe, stop cock or other fixture, shall be granted to licensed plumbers only, except that in manufacturing plants employing their own machinists or pipe fitters, special permits may be granted at the option of the Commissioner of Water for the work to be done on the premises only, and provided that such work shall not be done for other parties.
(b) At the option of the Commissioner, such permission may also be granted to fire sprinkler companies.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.44 Plumber to Turn Water Off after Construction
No plumber after making any connection with the service pipe for the supply of any premises or after making repairs to any service pipe that has been turned off by the Division of Water, shall leave the stop cock or valve at the curb open in order to supply such premises with water without first obtaining permission from the Commissioner of Water.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.45 Approval of Permit for Building Demolition
Before a permit for tearing down or removing a building from any premises within the metropolitan area shall be given by the Commissioner of Building, or officer in charge of such permits in the various municipalities or other political subdivisions of the metropolitan area, the application for such permit must have the approval of the Commissioner of Water.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.46 Permit and Written Return for Plumbing Work
No plumber shall make any attachments, additions to or alterations in any service pipe cock or other fixture connected with the service water pipes, unless he first procures a permit from the Commissioner of Water for such work, and makes a written return of the same as prescribed in these rules and regulations.
531.47 Permit to Open Street, Lane or Alley
Before permits for extending connections are issued, the plumber must present a permit from the Director of Public Service authorizing him to open the street, lane or alley in which connection is to be made. No licensed plumber will be granted a permit for work to be done by a person not in the employ of such plumber.
531.48 Permission to Let Water on Premises
No plumber after making any connection with the service pipes, or after making repairs or putting in any new attachment, shall leave the stop cock open, or let the water on the premises without permission from the Director of Public Utilities.
531.49 Monthly Return
Not later than the fifth of each month, all licensed plumbers shall make a true return in writing on blanks furnished at the office of the Division of Water, of all work, authorized by permit of the Commissioner of Water, completed during the previous calendar month, or if no such work has been completed, the return shall be made bearing a statement to that effect.
531.50 Persons Authorized to Make Connections—Repealed
(Ord. No. 246-06. Passed 4-10-06, eff. 4-13-06)
531.51 Location of Service Pipes
Service pipes between the main and the street line shall be laid not less than six feet below the surface of the street, and between the street line and the building shall not be less than five and one-half feet below the surface of the ground.
531.52 Location of Boxes and Fixtures
In cases where stop cock boxes and street washers are set into the flagging or pavement of the sidewalk, the stones shall be neatly and accurately cut, and the top of the boxes set even with the surface of the pavement or flagging. In all other cases they shall be set flush with the surface of the sidewalk or lawn. If from any cause the stop cock box or other fixture is above or below the surface of the sidewalk or lawn, it must be brought to the surface of the same.
531.53 Responsibility for Service Pipe Upkeep
The service pipe between the main and the stop cock at the curb, including stop cock and box, shall be kept in repair and protected from the frost by the Commissioner of Water, except that in case any service pipe, corporation cock, stop cock, valve or box is damaged, broken, removed or covered with pavement, flagging, cement sidewalk or any other way, by or on account of the neglect or carelessness of any plumber, sewer builder, contractor or any other person, occupant or owner of premises, all necessary repairs shall be made by the Commissioner at the expense of the party who caused the same. The service pipe from the stop cock at the curb into the building, and all fixtures connected therewith, must be kept in good repair and protected from frost by and at the expense of the occupant or owner of the premises.
531.54 Regulations for Connecting Two or More Service Pipes
Two or more service pipes shall not be connected together except upon special permit of the Commissioner of Water, and in this case a suitable check valve must be placed on each pipe as close as possible to the main valve. Such check valve if placed underground, must be located in a vault or pit easily accessible through a manhole.
531.55 Service Pipes Supplying Elevators or Large Motors
All service pipes for supplying hydraulic elevators or other large motors must have suitable air chambers attached thereto for the purpose of preventing water ram in the pipes. The owners or users of such elevators or motors must keep the same in good repair so as to prevent all leakage or waste of water.
531.56 Inspection, Approval and Repair of Fixtures
All stop cocks or valves and all other fixtures used on any service pipe shall be subject to the inspection and approval of the Commissioner of Water, and must be repaired or changed promptly when so ordered by the Commissioner.
531.57 Reserved
Note: Former Section 531.57 was repealed by Ord. No. 1593-87, passed 9-14-87, eff. 9-18-87.
531.58 Connecting High and Low Service Systems Prohibited
No arrangement of pipes whereby the high and low service systems may be connected shall be allowed.
531.59 Changing Fire Pipe System; Permit
No changes, alterations or extensions of any fire pipe system shall be made without first securing a permit from the Commissioner of Water. Application for the same shall be made in the same manner and under the same conditions as for a new connection.
531.60 Inspection of Fire Pipes
Fire pipes shall not be supplied with water until they and their fixtures have been duly inspected by the Commissioner of Water.
531.61 Permit for Special Use of Hydrants
At the discretion of the Commissioner of Water, a special permit may be issued for the use of a fire hydrant for building or construction purposes upon payment of charges as fixed by the provisions of the Building Code, and subject to such conditions as the Commissioner imposes and stipulates in the special permit.
531.62 Responsibility for Violations
In all cases where any servant, employee, apprentice or minor is guilty of any violation of the provisions of this chapter, or any other ordinance for the management and protection of the City water system, the master, employer, parent or guardian of such person shall be held responsible for such violation, as well as the person committing the offense.
531.63 Revocation of License
In case any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinance for the management and protection of the City water system has a license as a sewer builder or plumber, or is an employee of such licensee, the license shall be revoked by the officer issuing such license. Such person or licensee, or both, shall, in addition thereto, be prosecuted and fined as provided in Section 531.99(b).
531.64 Interfering with Fire System
No person shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinance for the management and protection of the City water system, when such violation is designed or tends to interfere with, diminish or prevent the supply of water for extinguishing fires.
531.65 Removing Covers, Valves, etc. from Cisterns or Hydrants
No person, unless authorized by the Director of Public Utilities through the Commissioner of Water shall, except in time of fire, displace or remove the cover from any public cistern or fire hydrant or turn any public or private valve or stop cock, or remove the cover from any valve or stop cock.
531.66 Waste in Reservoirs; Bathing; Walking or Riding on Turf
No person shall put filth, animal matter, chips, shavings or any substance into any City reservoir, or bathe therein, or do any injury thereto, or walk or ride on the turf thereof.
531.67 Fouling or Tampering with Hydrants and Waters Fixtures
No person shall place or deposit any dirt or material in any fire hydrant or in any valve box or stop cock box, or commit any act tending to obstruct the use thereof, or injure in any manner any fixture connected with the City water system.
531.68 Obstructing Use of Water System Apparatus
No person shall commit any act tending to obstruct the use thereof in any manner, any building, machinery, pipe, apparatus or other fixture of the City water system.
531.69 Turning Valves on Stop Cocks
No person unless authorized by the Commissioner of Water shall, except in time of fire, displace or remove the cover from any public cistern or fire hydrant, or turn any public or private valve or stop cock, or remove the cover from any valve or stop cock.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.70 Obstructing Hydrants, Valves, etc.
No person shall place or deposit any dirt or material in a fire hydrant or in a valve box or stop cock box, commit an act tending to obstruct the use thereof; fail to remove any snow or ice from or on a hydrant situated on a tree lawn immediately adjacent to property which the person owns, occupies or is in charge of; or injure in any manner a fixture connected with the system of the Division of Water.
(Ord. No. 448-81. Passed 5-4-81, eff. 5-7-81)
531.71 Air Chambers for Motor Pipes
All service pipes for supplying hydraulic elevators or other large motors must have suitable air chambers attached thereto for the purpose of preventing water ram in the pipes. The owners or users of such elevators or motors must keep the same in good repair so as to prevent all leakage or waste of water.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.72 Water Supply from Other Sources Not to be Connected with City Water Supply
(a) No arrangement shall be allowed whereby there may be any possibility of rain, river or other polluted water flowing into the City's mains.
(b) No service pipe connected with the City's mains shall be connected with any pipes supplied with water from any other source.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.73 Repairs to Damaged Fire System Property; Costs
In all cases where fire hydrants, meters, covers, vaults or other fixtures or property belonging to the Division of Water have been broken or injured in any way or manner, the person causing such break or injury shall pay to the Division the cost of making all necessary repairs of replacements.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.74 Procedure and Costs for Moving Hydrants, etc.
Upon request of a customer or owner of premises, for the removal or change in location of a fire hydrant, meter vault or other fixture connected with the water supply system, such work shall be done by the Division of Water at the expense of the party making the request. The estimated cost of such work shall be paid in advance, subject to adjustment after the work is completed.
(Ord. No. 101523. Passed 5-28-34)
531.75 Access to Premises where Water is Supplied
The Commissioner of Water or his authorized agent shall have free access at all reasonable hours of the day to all parts of the premises to which water is supplied.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.76 Conditions when Water Shut off without Notice
In the case of leaks or breaks in mains, services, pumping and auxiliary machinery, reservoirs or other Division of Water equipment, or other emergency arising, the water may be shut off by the Division without notice and without incurring any responsibility or liability for any inconvenience, damage or injury or other losses arising therefrom.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.77 Refusal or Neglect to Pay for Service Connections or Repairs; Fee
If any person refuses or neglects to pay for a service connection put in, or for repairs made on service pipes or private meters, or permits any waste or use of water contrary to the provisions of these rules or ordinances for the management and protection of the Division of Water, the water shall be immediately turned off without any preliminary notice, and not turned on again until all charges and damages have been paid. In case the water has been turned off on account of waste or unauthorized use of the same, the Commissioner of Water may charge and collect the further sum contained in Section 535.06 of the Codified Ordinances for turning it off and on.
(Ord. No. 778-06. Passed 6-5-06, eff. 6-9-06)
531.78 Conditions When Connections May be Plugged; Fee
In cases where the water has been turned off for nonpayment of water rent or for any other cause, and it is found turned on again, or when in the opinion of the Commissioner of Water the turning off of the water at the stop cock is not a sufficient protection against the use or waste of water, the Commissioner may cause the ferrule to be drawn or the corporation cock to be turned off and disconnected. On a reapplication for water where the service pipe has been so disconnected, the charges set forth in Section 535.06 of the Codified Ordinances will be made together with all additional expense for opening and closing the street and repaving.
(Ord. No. 778-06. Passed 6-5-06, eff. 6-9-06)
531.79 Additional Rules and Regulations
The right is further reserved to the Director of Public Utilities to make such further rules and regulations not in conflict with those herein established as he may deem necessary for the safe, economical and efficient management and protection of the water works.
(Ord. No. 99566. Passed 5-22-33)
531.81 Fees for Engineering Services
The Division of Water shall charge for engineering services it performs, such as plan reviews, hydraulics calculations, provision of copies of roll maps and engineering drawings, and processing as-built drawings. All charges shall be under Section 535.06 of the Codified Ordinances.
(Ord. No. 778-06. Passed 6-5-06, eff. 6-9-06)
531.99 Penalty
(a) In case any person guilty of a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinance for the management and protection of the City water system cannot be reached or compelled to comply with these provisions, by a stoppage of the supply of water, such person shall be fined not more than fifty dollars ($50.00), with the costs of prosecution, and all damages that may accrue to the Division of Water by reason of such violation.
(b) Whoever violates Section 531.63 or 531.64 shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.