Article I. Sewer Connections and Use

Sec.  14-101           Definitions.

Sec.  14-102           General sanitary requirements.

Sec.  14-102A        Commercial businesses, unlawful discharges; penalty.

Sec.  14-103           Private disposal systems; when permitted.

Sec.  14-104           Connections to public sewers; permit required.

Sec.  14-105           Prohibited discharges.

Sec.  14-106           Acts of vandalism.

Sec.  14-107           Access to properties.

Sec.  14-108           User charges.

Sec.  14-108A        Wastewater surcharge increases (2001)

Sec.  14-109           Time for payment; disconnection for non-payment; reconnection charge; exceptions; waivers.

Sec.  14-110           Designation of revenues.

Sec.  14-111           User charge review; public notification of rates.

Sec.  14-112           Penalties.

Sec.  14-113           Assessments and rates.

 

 

Article II. Water Service

Sec.  14-201           Generally.

Sec.  14-202           Application for installation; permits; fees; extension of service.

Sec.  14-203           Deposits, when required.

Sec.  14-204           Rates and conditions of service.

Sec.  14-205           Time for payment; disconnection for nonpayment; reconnection charge; exceptions; waivers.

Sec.  14-206           Meters, installation; ownership.

Sec.  14-207           Duty of property owner; penalty.

Sec.  14-208           Service line and meter repairs.

Sec.  14-209           Service line and meter replacement.

Sec.  14-210           Assignment of service lines and meters; relocation; cost to property owner.

Sec.  14-211           Relocation of service lines and meters not owned by Utilities Department; cost to property owner.

Sec.  14-212           Additional rules and regulations.

Sec.  14-213           Unlawful to tamper with or break meter seal, alter register, use or waste unproperly metered water; penalty.

Sec.  14-214           Unlawful to operate equipment without authority; penalty.

Sec.  14-215           Unlawful to make connections on public or private water lines without permission; permit fee; penalty.

Sec.  14-216           Unlawful to throw materials into, swim, bathe or play in basins or reservoir or pollute water supply; penalty.

Sec.  14-217           City access to premises.

 

State law references-Municipal utilities, K.S.A. 12-808 et seq; public improvements, K.S.A. 14-516 et seq.

 


Article III. Electrical Service

Sec.  14-301           Rules and regulations.

Sec.  14-302           Application for connection permits.

Sec.  14-303           Installation of meters, service leads, sockets, location, change in location; expense.

Sec.  14-304           Rates.

Sec.  14-305           Time for payment; disconnection for non-payment; reconnection or disconnection charge; exemptions; waivers.

Sec.  14-306           Deposits, when required.

Sec.  14-307           Extensions of system.

Sec.  14-308           Disturbing uses, refusal or termination of service.

Sec.  14-309           Suspension or interruption of service; notice; utilities dept. not liable.

Sec.  14-310           Unlawful to tamper with meters or to use or waste unmetered electricity; penalty.

Sec.  14-311           Unlawful to deface or injure department property, erect signs, or interfere with electric system; penalty.

Sec.  14-312           Rules and regulations, authority to promulgate.

Sec.  14-313           Right of inspection.

Sec.  14-314           Failure to comply with article and rules; duty of Director; discontinuance of service; prosecution.

Sec.  14-315           Unpaid and delinquent utility bills, cost of collection.

 

 

Article IV.  Elimination of Infiltration and Inflow Sources

Sec.  14-401           Intent.

Sec.  14-402           Infractions and penalties.

Sec.  14-403           Disconnect order.

Sec.  14-404           Financial assistance.

Sec.  14-405           Procedure.

 

 

Article V.  Cross Connection Regulations

Sec.  14-501           Purpose and objectives.

Sec.  14-502           Definitions.

Sec.  14-503           Scope.

Sec.  14-504           Prohibited acts.

Sec.  14-505           Approved cross connection devices.

Sec.  14-506           Prohibited connections.

Sec.  14-507           Approved backflow prevention devices.

Sec.  14-508           Installation of backflow prevention devices.

Sec.  14-509           Inspection, maintenance and repair of backflow prevention devices.

Sec.  14-510           Record keeping; tags; inspection, etc. by City; authority for removal of devices, etc.

Sec.  14-511           Surveys and investigations.

Sec.  14-512           Violation; penalties.

 

                                                                                                             New Section Added:  (Ord. No. 3497-05, 2-2-05)


ARTICLE I.  SEWER CONNECTIONS AND USE

 

Sec. 14-101          Definitions.

 

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

 

Access- means entry into or upon any real estate or structure including any part thereof.

 

BOD- (denoting biochemical oxygen demand) means the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five (5) days at twenty (20) degrees Celsius, expressed in milligrams per liter.

 

Building drain- means that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which receives the discharge from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer, beginning five (5) feet (1.5 meters) outside the inner face of the building wall.

 

Building sewer- means the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal.

 

City- means the City of Ottawa and its employees empowered to administer this article.

 

City Inspector- means the supervisor of the Division of Inspection of the Department of Engineering or his authorized Deputy, agent or representative.

 

Combined sewer- means a sewer receiving both surface runoff and sewage.

 

Contributor- means any person responsible for the production of sewage or industrial waste which is directly or indirectly discharged into the City’s treatment works.

 

Director-means the Director of City Utilities or authorized Deputy, agent or representative.

 

Domestic wastewater- means sewage that has a BOD concentration of not more than 200 mg/l and a SS concentration of not more than 240 mg/l.

 

Garbage-means solid wastes from the domestic and commercial preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of produce.

 

Industrial user- means a source of nondomestic wastewater which is discharged to the treatment works.

 

Industrial wastes- means the liquid wastes from industrial manufacturing processes, trade or business as distinct from sanitary sewage.

 

Infiltration- means water entering a sewer system including sewer service connection from the ground through such means as, but not limited to, defective pipes, pipe joints, connections or manhole walls.  Infiltration does not include and is distinguished from inflow.

 

Infiltration/inflow-means a combination of infiltration and inflow wastewater in sewer lines with no way to distinguish the basic sources and with the effect of usurping the capacities of sewer systems and facilities.

 

 

Inflow-means the water discharged into a sewer system, including service connection, from such sources as, but not limited to, roof leaders; cellar, yard and area drains; foundation drains; cooling water discharges; drains from springs and swampy areas; manhole covers; cross connections from storm sewers, combined sewers and catch basins; storm waters; surface water runoff; street wash waters; or drainage.  Inflow does not include and is distinguished from infiltration.

 

Natural outlet- means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or ground water.

 

Operation and maintenance-means all expenditures during the useful life of the treatment works for materials, labor, utilities, and other items which are necessary for managing and maintaining the wastewater treatment works to achieve the capacity and performance for which such works were designed and constructed.

 

pH- means the logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.

 

Properly shredded garbage- means the wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food that have been shredded to such a degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-half (1/2) inch (1.27 centimeters) in any dimension.

 

Public sewer- means a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights, and is controlled by public authority.

 

Replacement-means expenditures for obtaining and installing equipment, accessories, or appurtenances which are necessary during the useful life of the treatment works to maintain the capacity and performance for which such works were designed and constructed.  The term “operation and maintenance” includes replacement.

 

Sanitary sewer- means a sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface and ground waters are not intentionally admitted.

 

Schedule of compliance- means a schedule of remedial measures and times including an enforceable sequence of actions or operations leading to compliance.

 

Sewage- means a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments, together with such ground, surface and storm waters as may be present.

 

Sewage treatment works-means a system or facility for treating, neutralizing, stabilizing or disposing of sewage, which system or facility has a designed capacity to receive more than 2,000 gallons of sewage per day.  The term “sewage treatment works” includes appurtenances such as interceptors, collection lines, outfall and outlet sewers, pumping stations and related equipment.  The terms “sewage treatment works” and “wastewater treatment works” as used in this article are synonymous.

 

Sewer- means a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.

 

Sewer district- means a special benefit district duly formed and authorized to plan, construct and operate a public sewage system.

 


Slug-means any discharge of water, sewage or industrial waste which in concentration of any given constituent or in quantity of flow exceeds for any period of duration longer than fifteen (15) minutes more than five (5) times the average 24-hour concentration or flows during normal operation.

 

SS -(denoting suspended solids) means solids that either float on the surface of or are in suspension in water, sewage, or other liquids, and which are removable by laboratory filtering.

 

Storm drain- (sometimes termed “storm sewer”) means a sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and industrial wastes other than unpolluted cooling water.

 

Treatment works- means wastewater treatment works.

 

Useful life- means the estimated period during which a treatment works will be operated.

 

User charge-means that portion of the total wastewater service charge which is levied in a proportional and adequate manner for the cost of operation, maintenance and replacement of the treatment works.

 

Water meter- means a water volume measuring and recording device furnished and installed by the City, or furnished and/or installed by a user and approved by the City.

 

Watercourse- means a channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently;

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 2962-90; Need Date Here; Ord. No. 3053-93, 01-06-93)

 

State law references-Water pollution act, K.S.A. 12-3101 et seq.; sewer system, K.S.A. 12-3104 et seq.

 

Cross reference-Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-101; 1-102.

 

 

Sec. 14-102          General sanitary requirements.

 

A.            It shall be unlawful for any person to place, deposit or permit to be deposited in any unsanitary manner on public or private property within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, any human or animal excrement, garbage or other objectionable waste.

 

B.            It shall be unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, any sewage or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with the provisions of this article.

 

C.            Except as provided in this article, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.

 


D.            The owner of all houses, buildings or properties used for human employment, recreation or other purposes, situated within the City and abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public sanitary sewer of the City, is hereby required at his expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the sewer in accordance with the provisions of this article, within thirty (30) days after date of official written notice to do so, provided that such property is located in a block within any sewer district in the City.

 

E.             If any person shall fail, neglect or refuse to so connect any building and premises with the City sewer system as provided in this article more than thirty (30) days after being notified in writing by authorized City personnel to do so, then the City Commission may cause such premises and buildings to be connected with the City sewer system and the Commission is hereby authorized to advertise by one publication in the Official City Newspaper, describing the premises, and giving at least ten (10) days’ notice for bids for the construction and making of such sewer connections, and to contract therefore with the lowest responsible bidder or bidders, and cause such premises to be connected with such City sewer system, and to assess the costs and expenses thereof against the property and premises so connected, such assessment to be made in the same manner as other special assessments are made, in manner and form as set forth in subsection (f) of this section.

 

F.             The City Commission shall report and certify the costs and expenses of any sewer connections so made by its order as provided in this section to the City Clerk, and the costs and expenses of such sewer connections shall be assessed and charged against the lot or parcel of ground or premises and the buildings and improvements thereon, and the City Clerk, at the time of certifying other City taxes to the County Clerk, shall certify the aforesaid costs and expenses, and the County Clerk shall extend such costs and expenses for the City on the tax roll of the County against such lot or parcel of ground or premises and the building and improvements thereon, and it shall be collected by the County Treasurer and paid to the City in the same manner as other taxes are collected and paid as provided for by law.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-102A       Commercial businesses, unlawful discharges; penalty.

 

It shall be unlawful for any person engaged for profit in a commercial business of hauling sewage or cleaning septic sewage tanks or other receptacles of sewage to discharge from a vehicle or other mobile device sewage or diluted parts thereof into the sanitary sewer system of the City.  Violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250.00 or more than $500.00.

 

REVISED:  (Ord No. 3028-92, 06-17-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-103          Private disposal systems; when permitted.

 

A.            Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of section 14-102(d), the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this division.

 


B.            Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the City Inspector.  The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the City, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications and other information as required by the City Inspector.  A permit and inspection fee as established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners shall be paid to the City at the time the application is filed.

 

A.      A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Director.  S/he shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the Director when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered.  The inspection shall be made within one (1) full working day of the receipt of notice by the City Inspector.

 

 

D.            The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the State Department of Health and Environment and the provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the City.  No permit shall be issued for any private sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities where the area of the lot is less than 20,000 square feet.  No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any natural outlet.

 

E.             At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a property served by a private sewage disposal system, as provided in this section, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with this article, and any septic tanks, cesspools and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material.  Such abandonment and filling shall be inspected by the City Inspector within one (1) full working day of notice.

 

F.             The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the City.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-104          Connections to public sewers; permit required.

 

A.            No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the Planning and Zoning Department.

 

B.            The two classes of building sewer permits are residential and commercial service, and service to establishments producing industrial wastes.  In either case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the City.  The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the director.  A permit and inspection fee for residential, commercial or industrial building sewers shall be paid to the City at the time the application is filed at a rate established by resolution of the Commission.

 

C.            All costs and expenses incident to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner.  The owner shall indemnify the City from any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer.

 

D.            A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building, except where one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, courtyard or driveway, the building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered as one building sewer.

 

E.             Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on examination and test by the owner and witnessed by the Director, to meet all requirements of this article.  If old building sewers cannot be used, the owner shall plug the discontinued sewer as required by the City Inspector.

 

F.             The size, slope, alignment, materials of construction of a building sewer, and the methods to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe, jointing, testing and backfilling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code and other applicable rules and regulations of the City.

 

G.            Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor.  In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer.

 

H.            The connection of the building sewer into the public sewer shall conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing codes or other applicable rules and regulations of the City.  All such connections shall be made gas tight and watertight.  Any deviation from the prescribed procedures and materials must be approved by the Director before installation.

 

I.              The applicant for the building sewer shall notify the City Inspector when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer.  The connection shall be made under the supervision of the City Inspector.

 

J.             All excavations for building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard.  Streets, sidewalks, parkways, and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the City.

 

K.            No person shall make connection of roof drains, interior and exterior foundation drains, areaway drains, or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer.

 

(Code 1982)

 

State law references-Mandatory connection, K.S.A. 12-631; sewer connections, K.S.A. 12-1505.

 

 

Sec. 14-105          Prohibited discharges.

 

A.            No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, including interior and exterior foundation drains, uncontaminated cooling water, or unpolluted process waters to any sanitary sewer.

 


B.            Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the Director.  Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process waters may be discharged, on approval of the Director, to a storm sewer or natural outlet.

 

C.            No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes to any public sewers:

 

1.             Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.

 

2.             Any waters or wastes containing toxic or poisonous solids, liquids or gases in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with other wastes, to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, create a public nuisance, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant, including but not limited to cyanides in excess of two (2) mb/1 as CN in the wastes as discharged to the public sewer.

 

3.             Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5, or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of the wastewater treatment works.

 

4.             Solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers, or other interference with the proper operation of the treatment works, such as, but not limited to, ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, unground garbage, whole blood, paunch manure, hair and fleshings, entrails, paper or Styrofoam dishes and cups, milk containers, etc., either whole or ground by garbage grinders.

 

D.            No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged the following described substances, materials, waters or wastes if it appears likely in the opinion of the Director that such wastes can harm either the sewers, sewage treatment process, or equipment; have an adverse effect on the receiving stream; or can otherwise endanger life, limb, public property, or constitute a nuisance.  In forming his opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the Director will give consideration to such factors as the quantities of subject wastes in relation to flows and velocities in the sewers, materials or construction of the sewers, nature of the sewage treatment process, capacity of the sewage treatment plant, degree of treatability of wastes in the sewage treatment plant, and other pertinent factors.  The substances prohibited are:

 

1.             Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), but in no case shall the heat be in such quantities that the temperature at the treatment works exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

 

2.             Any waters or wastes containing fats, wax, grease or oils, whether emulsified or not, in excess of 100 mg/l or containing substances which may solidify or become viscous at temperatures between 32 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (zero and 65 degrees Celsius.

 


3.             Any garbage that has not been properly shredded.  The installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a motor of three-fourths (3/4) horsepower (0.76 hp metric) or greater shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director.

 

4.             Any waters or wastes containing strong acid, iron pickling wastes, or concentrated plating solutions, whether neutralized or not.

 

5.             Any waters or wastes containing iron, chromium, copper, zinc and similar objectionable or toxic substances, to such degree that any such material received in the composite sewage at the treatment works exceeds the limits established by the Director for such materials.

 

6.             Any waters or wastes containing phenols or other taste- or odor-producing substances, in such concentrations exceeding limits which may be established by the Director as necessary, after treatment of the composite sewage, to meet the requirements of state, federal, or other public agencies of jurisdiction for such discharge to the receiving waters.

 

7.             Any radioactive wastes or isotopes of such halflife or concentration as may exceed limits established by the Director in compliance with applicable state or federal regulations.

 

8.             Any water or wastes having a pH in excess of 9.5.

 

9.             Materials which exert or cause:

 

a.             Unusual concentrations of inert suspended solid (such as, but not limited to, fuller’s earth, lime slurries, and lime residues) or of dissolved solids (such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride or sodium sulfate).

 

b.             Excessive discoloration (such as, but not limited to, dye wastes and vegetable tanning solutions).

 

c.             Unusual BOD, chemical oxygen demand, or chlorine requirements in such quantities as to constitute a significant load on the sewage treatment works.

 

d.             Unusual volume of flow or concentration of wastes constituting slugs as defined in this article.

 

10.           Waters or wastes containing substances which are not amenable to treatment or reduction by the sewage treatment processes employed, or are amenable to treatment only to such degree that the sewage treatment plant effluent cannot meet the requirements of other agencies having jurisdiction over discharge to the receiving waters.

 

11.           Any noxious or malodorous liquids, gases or solids which, either singly or by inter-action with other wastes, are sufficient to create a public nuisance or hazard to life or are sufficient to prevent entry into the sewers for maintenance and repair.

 

12.           Any substance which may cause the wastewater treatment plant effluent or any other product of the treatment plant such as residues, sludges or scums to be unsuitable for reclamation and reuse or to interfere with the reclamation process.  In no case shall a substance discharged to the treatment works cause the wastewater treatment plant to be in noncompliance with sludge use or disposal criteria, guidelines or regulations developed under state or federal legislation.

 

13.           Any material or substance not specifically mentioned in this section which in itself is corrosive, irritating to human beings and animals, toxic or noxious, or which by interacting with other wastes could produce effects harmful to the public health and general welfare, adversely affect treatment equipment or processes, constitute a hazard to human life or animal life or adversely affect the aquatic and animal life of the receiving stream.

 

E.             If any waters or wastes are discharged, or are proposed to be discharged, to the public sewers, which waters contain the substances or possess the characteristics enumerated in subsection (D) of this section, and which, in the judgment of the Director, may have a deleterious effect upon the treatment works, processes, equipment or receiving waters, or which otherwise create a hazard to life or constitute a public nuisance, the Director may:

 

1.             Reject the wastes.

 

2.             Require owner pretreatment to an acceptable condition for discharge to the public sewers.

 

3.             Require owner control over the quantities and rates of discharge.

 

4.             Require payment to cover the added cost of handling and treating the wastes not covered by existing taxes or sewer charges under the provisions of Section 14-108.

 

If the Director permits the pretreatment or equalization of waste flows, the design and installation of the plants and equipment shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director, and subject to the requirements of all applicable codes, ordinances and laws.

 

F.             Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Director, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, any flammable wastes, sand or other harmful ingredients; except that such interceptors shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units.  All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity required by the plumbing and building codes and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.

 

A.                  Where preliminary treatment or flow equalizing facilities are provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense.

 

H.            When required by the Director, the owner of any property serviced by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole together with such necessary meters and earlier appurtenances in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes.  Such manhole, when required, shall be accessibly and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Director.  The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times.

 

I.              When required by the Director, the owner of any property serviced by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole together with such necessary meters and earlier appurtenances in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes.  Such manhole, when required, shall be accessibly and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Director.  The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times.

 

J.             The Director may require a user of the treatment works to provide information needed to determine compliance with this article.  These requirements may include:

 

1.             Wastewater discharge peak rate and volume over a specified time period.

 

2.             Chemical analysis of wastewaters.

 

3.             Information on raw materials, processes and products affecting wastewater volume and quality.

 

4.             Quantity and disposition of specific liquid, sludge, oil, solvent, or other materials important to sewer use control.

 

5.             A plot plan of sewers of the user’s property showing sewer and pretreatment facility location.

 

6.             Details of wastewater pretreatment facilities.

 

7.             Details of systems to prevent and control the losses of materials through spills to the public sanitary sewers.

 

K.            All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is made in this article shall be determined in accordance with the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, published by the American Public Health Association, and shall be determined at the control manhole referenced in Subsection (H) of this Section, or upon suitable samples taken at such control manhole.  If no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected.  Sampling shall be carried out by customarily accepted methods to reflect the effect of constituents upon the treatment works and to determine the existence of hazards to life, limb and property.

 

L.             No statement contained in this Section shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the City and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the City for treatment, subject to payment therefore by the industrial concern.

 

(Code 1982)

 

State law references-Authority to adopt regulations, K.S.A. 12-3105; sewer system, health regulations, K.S.A. 65-164 et seq.

 

 


Sec. 14-106          Acts of vandalism.

 

No unauthorized person shall maliciously, willfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is part of the treatment works.  Any person violating this Section shall be subject to immediate arrest under charge of disorderly conduct.

 

(Code 1982)

 

Cross reference-Offenses, Ch. 38.

 

 

Sec. 14-107          Access to properties.

 

A.            The Director, and other duly authorized employees of the City bearing proper credentials and identification, shall be permitted to enter all properties for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing in accordance with the provisions of this article. The Director or his representatives shall have no authority to inquire into any processes, including metallurgical, chemical, oil, refining, ceramic, paper or other industries, beyond that point having a direct bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the sewers or waterways or facilities for waste treatment.

 

B.            While performing the necessary work on private properties referred to in Subsection (A, the Director or duly authorized employees of the City shall observe all safety rules applicable to the premises established by the company and the company shall be held harmless for injury or death to the City employees.  The City shall indemnify the company against loss or damage to its property by City employees and against liability claims and demands for personal injury or property damage asserted against the company and growing out of the gauging and sampling operation, except as such may be caused by negligence or failure of the company to maintain safe conditions as required in Section 14-105(H).

 

C.            The Director and other duly authorized employees of the City bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all private properties through which the City holds a duly negotiated easement for the purposes of, but not limited to, inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, repair and maintenance of any portion of the treatment works lying within such easement.  All entry and subsequent work, if any, on such easement shall be done in full accordance with the terms of the duly negotiated easement pertaining to the private property involved.

 

D.            If, after proper request, entry or access is refused, the City may compel such access by application to a court of competent jurisdiction, provided, however, that the agency complies with the provisions of Section 15 of the State Bill of Rights and the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution relating to unreasonable searches and seizures.

 

E.             If the entry or access is denied after the issuance of a court order as provided in Subsection (D) above it shall thereafter be a Class D misdemeanor to continue to deny entry or access to the City while the City is discharging its official duties under this article.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3053-93, 01-06-93)

 

 


Sec. 14-108          User charges.

 

A schedule of wastewater use rates, conditions of service and availability shall be as set by resolution of the City Commission.  Said schedule shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 2998-91, 09-18-91; Ord. No. 3115-94, 10-05-94; Ord. No. 3251-97, 11-19-97; Ord. No. 3490-04, 12-15-04)

                                                                                                                                                            Changed:  7-18-05

 

State law reference-Authority to adopt, K.S.A. 12-3104, 12-3105.

 

State law reference-Charges, basis, K.S.A. 12-3104(a).

 

 

Sec. 14-108A       Wastewater surcharge increases (2001)

 

The Governing Body of the City of Ottawa imposed a wastewater surcharge, which will finance, in part, a wastewater treatment facility.  The Governing Body concluded that a method of financing which included both sales tax and a wastewater surcharge would be in the best interest of the City and its citizens.  Therefore the following rate structure was established.

 

A.            Residential Users wastewater surcharge increases as follows:

$1.00/month          January 1, 2002

$1.00/month          January 1, 2004

$1.00/month          January 1, 2006

$1.00/month          January 1, 2008

$1.00/month          January 1, 2010

 

B.            Commercial Users wastewater surcharge increases as follows:

$0.40/month          January 1, 2002

$0.40/month          January 1, 2004

$0.40/month          January 1, 2006

$0.40/month          January 1, 2008

$0.40/month          January 1, 2010

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3381-02, 09-19-02)

 

 

Sec. 14-109          Time for payment; disconnection for nonpayment; reconnection charge; exceptions; waivers.

 

Each customer shall make payment of the amount shown on his/her statement to be due at the Office of the Utilities Department in the City Hall during regular office hours on or before the due date or within fifteen (15) days thereafter; provided, that if the due date is the twenty-fifth (25th) day of a calendar month, payment may be made on or before the tenth (10th) day of the calendar month following.  If the amount due is not paid within said time, the account shall be classified as delinquent and shall therefore have a late payment fee consisting of the greater of ten dollars ($10.00) or ten percent (10%) of the billed amount.  If the account becomes delinquent five (5) days, the wastewater service of the customer shall be disconnected and remain disconnected until final payment is made of all amounts due, including the late payment fee

 

 

 

 

 

 

imposed, plus any applicable disconnection and/or reconnection charges as may be established by ordinance or resolution of the Governing Body.  However, it will be the policy of the City not to perform disconnections on Fridays.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3120-94, 09-21-94)

 

State law reference-Authority to disconnect service for nonpayment, K.S.A. 12-3105.

 

 

Sec. 14-110          Designation of revenues.

 

The sewer user charge system shall generate adequate annual revenues to pay costs of annual operation and maintenance including replacement and costs associated with retirement of bonded indebtedness associated with financing the collection and treatment works which the City may by ordinance designate to be paid by the user charge system.

 

A.      That portion of the total user charge collected which is designated for operation and maintenance, including replacement purposes and debt retirement needs, shall be deposited in a non-lapsing fund known as the Wastewater Fund and will be kept in an operation and maintenance account which is designated for the specific purpose of defraying operation, maintenance and debt service costs.

 

B.            Fiscal year-end balances in the Wastewater Fund shall be carried over to the same accounts in the subsequent fiscal year, and shall be used for no other purposes than those designated for these accounts.  Monies which have been transferred from other sources to meet temporary shortages in the Wastewater Fund shall be returned to their respective accounts upon appropriate adjustment of the user charge rates for operation, maintenance and replacement.  The user charge rates shall be adjusted such that the transferred monies will be returned to their respective accounts within the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the monies were borrowed.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 2998-91; Ord. No.3115-94, 10-05-94)

 

 

Sec. 14-111          User charge review; public notification of rates.

 

A.            The City shall review the user charge system at least every two (2) years and revise user charge rates as necessary to ensure that the system generates adequate revenues to pay the costs of operation and maintenance including replacement and that the system continues to provide for the proportional distribution of operation and maintenance including replacement costs among users and user classes.

 

B.            The City will notify each user at least annually, in conjunction with a regular bill, of the rate being charged for operation and maintenance, including replacement of the treatment works.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-112          Penalties.

 

A.            Violation of any provisions of this article shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00).  In addition to the fine, a violator shall be liable to the City for any expense, loss or damage incurred by the City due to the violation.

 

B.            Each 24-hour period in which such violation shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3045-92, 11-18-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-113          Assessments and rates.

 

Assessments and rates for sanitary sewer use and connections will be set by ordinance of the Board of Commissioners.

 

(Code 1982)

 


ARTICLE II. WATER SERVICE

 

Sec. 14-201          Generally.

 

Water service furnished by the City shall be furnished in accordance with the rates, charges and rules and regulations provided for in this article and such additional rules and regulations as are promulgated pursuant to the authority granted in this article.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-202          Application for installation; permits; fees; extension of service.

 

A.            Before any consumer of water shall connect his premises with or use water from the water system of the City, application for such installation must be made to the City by the owner of the property on which the water is to be used or by his duly authorized agent.  The application shall be made on a form supplied by the City, and among other things, shall state the location of the property and the purpose for which the water is used.

 

B.            The Director of Utilities, from the facts stated in the application for water service, will determine the size of the tap, service line and meter required.  The fee shall be as set by the Board of Commissioners.  The service line, in connection with such installation, shall not exceed the distance from the water main to the meter location on the terrace; if not on the terrace, to the property line, not to exceed sixty (60) feet.  Standard three-fourths-inch (3/4”) service lines with five-eighths-inch (5/8”) meter settings which are over sixty (60) feet in length will need one-inch (1”) service lines and appropriate size meter settings installed to avoid excessive pressure loss due to pipe friction.  The installation fees are established as follows:

 

1.             Price of material, City’s cost.

 

2.             Labor charge, City’s cost.

 

3.             Equipment charges, current City-owned (Utility Department) vehicles and equipment rental charge.

 

Any larger or smaller service lines over sixty (60) feet in length will be sized and priced individually after consideration of installation problems as found in the field.  Extension to the distribution system to furnish water services shall be made in accordance with City policy.

 

(Code 1982)

 

State law references-Authority to sell service, K.S.A. 12-808; water contracts, K.S.A. 12-817; water supply, health regulations, K.S.A. 65-156, 65-162a et seq.

 

 

Sec. 14-203          Deposits, when required.

 

Provision for deposits for water service shall be as set forth by resolution.

 

(Code 1982)

 

State law reference-Restrictions on deposits, K.S.A. 12-822.

 

 

Sec. 14-204          Rates and conditions of service.

 

The rates, conditions and availability for specified quantities of water will be set by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

 

(Code 1982)

 

State law reference-Meter deposits, K.S.A. 12-822.

 

 

Sec. 14-205          Time for payment; disconnection for nonpayment; reconnection charge; exceptions; waivers.

 

Each customer shall make payment of the amount shown on his statement to be due at the Office of the Utilities Department in the City Hall during regular office hours on or before the due date or within the fifteen (15) days thereafter; provided, that if the due date is the twenty-fifth (25th) day of a calendar month, payment may be on or before the tenth (10th) day of the calendar month following.  If the amount due is not paid within said time, the amount shall be classified as delinquent and shall therefore have a late payment fee consisting of the greater of ten dollars ($10.00)or ten percent (10%) of the billed amount.  If the account becomes delinquent five (5) days, the water service of the customer shall be disconnected and remain discontinued until final payment is made due, including the late payment fee imposed, plus any applicable disconnection and/or reconnection charges as may be established by ordinance or resolution of the Governing Body.  However, it will be the policy of the City not to perform disconnections on Fridays.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3121-94, 09-21-94)

 

 

Sec. 14-206          Meters, installation; ownership.

 

All water meters to be installed shall be installed and owned by the City, and all meters to be installed or all existing meters or replacements for existing meters which are reinstalled shall be located outside the curb line but within the street right-of-way in a place conveniently accessible to meter readers and repairmen.  A meter and curb stop shall be placed in a meter box with a cast iron cover as prescribed by the City.  Where meters are required to be installed inside a building, the City shall furnish the meter adapters for the installation of the meters.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-207          Duty of property owner; penalty.

 

It shall be the duty of the property owner to keep the curb box cover or meter box cover in view above the ground and not to permit it to become covered with dirt or other material, and to keep the covers in place on the boxes.  A violation of this Section is a Class C misdemeanor.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 


Sec. 14-208          Service line and meter repairs.

 

All maintenance and repair of City-owned water service lines from the point of attachment to the main, up to and including the curb stop valve, and all meters and meter enclosures, shall be performed by the City.  The City shall, at its own expense, maintain and keep in repair all City-owned water service lines, curb stops, meters and meter enclosures.  Property owners who own their own service lines, meters, curb stops and enclosures and who elect to retain ownership thereof will be billed for repairs made to these items at the cost to the City of making such repairs, and are hereby required to pay such costs.  Customers requesting their water meter to be tested, or requesting water meter readings at times in addition to regularly scheduled readings, will be billed for any applicable charges for such services as may be established by ordinance or resolution of the Board of Commissioners.  If any meter tested is not within three percent (3%) accuracy, plus or minus, then a proper adjustment will be made at the next regular billing and any applicable change of meter fee will be waived; provided, however, no adjustment shall be made for a period exceeding the preceding two (2) months’ billing and in no event will adjustment be made for the three percent (3%) range, plus or minus, of error.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-209          Service line and meter replacement.

 

The City shall make all replacements of all service lines, curb stops, meters and meter enclosures whenever such replacement is necessary.  Replacement of service lines, curb stops, meters and meter enclosures, which are the property of the City’s Utility Department with like items of the same size or capacity, will be made at the expense of the Utilities Department.  If, in order to properly serve any premises, it is necessary to replace an existing service line or meter owned by the Utilities Department, regardless of condition, with a service line or meter of larger size or capacity, then the tap fee provided for in Section 14-202 for the applicable size service line and meter installed shall be paid by the property owner.  Payment of the cost of replacement of service lines, curb stops, meters and meter enclosures which are not owned by the Utilities Department shall be made by the property owner.  The City will bill the property owner for its actual cost of making such replacement.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-210          Assignment of service lines and meters; relocation; cost to property owner.

 

Any property owner desiring to assign to the City all rights, title and interest in and to their water service lines, curb stop valves, water meters and meter enclosures may do so; provided, however, that the City shall not accept title to that portion of any service line which extends beyond the City street or alley right-of-way.  If any water meter, curb stop or meter enclosure located outside the street or alley right-of-way is assigned to the Utilities Department, the Department shall be responsible, as set forth in Sections 14-208 and 14-209, for the repair or replacement of such water meter, curb stop or meter enclosure.  The Utilities department may, at any time, whether or not such meter, curb stop or meter enclosure owned by it is in need of repair or replacement, relocate such meter, curb stop or meter enclosure to conform to the location requirement described in Section 14-206.  In the event of such relocation, the property owner shall pay the cost of reinstalling his private service line from the meter to his establishment.  In no event shall the City repair or replace at its expense any private service line which extends beyond the City street or alley right-of-way.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 


Sec. 14-211          Relocation of service lines and meters not owned by Utilities Department; cost to property owner.

 

When it becomes necessary to replace a service line, curb stop, meter or meter enclosure which is not located within the City street or alley right-of-way, the City may relocate or install the meter, curb stop and meter enclosure to conform to the provisions of Section 14-206.  In the event of such relocation or reinstallation, the property owner shall pay the cost of reinstalling the private service lines from the relocated or reinstalled meter to his establishment; provided, however, the City may pay for such relocation when done so for the sole convenience of the City.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-212          Additional rules and regulations.

 

The City Manager shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary from time to time to properly conduct and administer the operations of the water system of the City and to establish conditions of service to its customers.  Violations of such rules and regulations will be punishable as provided in this article.  Fees for insufficient fund checks or other uncollectible instruments or payment may be established by ordinance or resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-213          Unlawful to tamper with or break meter seal, alter register, use or waste  improperly metered water; penalty.

 

A.            It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with or break the seal on a water meter or to alter the register or mechanism of a water meter or to make outlets or connections in any manner which results or could result in the use or waste of water which has not been correctly metered, measured or charged for in accordance with the terms of this article, or to allow such use or waste of water as a result of such tampering, breaking or altering.

 

B.            A violation of this Section is a Class A misdemeanor.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-214          Unlawful to operate equipment without authority; penalty.

 

It shall be unlawful for any person without first being authorized to do so by the City Manager or his designee to operate any valves, hydrants, stop gates, dams or any other equipment or facilities, used in the operation of the water system.  A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.  Customers wanting to do their own plumbing and requiring the Utilities Department to turn the water off while work is being done and back on after work is completed will be charged an amount equal to the City’s actual cost to provide this service.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 


Sec. 14-215          Unlawful to make connections on public or private water lines without  permission; permit fee; penalty.

 

A.            It shall be unlawful for any person to make or cause to be made any connection to or upon any private or public potable water source connected to the City’s water distribution system without first obtaining a permit to do so from the City.  Prior to issuance of such permit, the City Inspector shall ascertain if the proposed connection is suitable for the intended purpose.  In determining such suitability, the City Inspector shall require that an approved backwater protection device be installed in the line between any attachment and the potable water source.  A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

 

B.            Fees for permits required by this Section shall be as set by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

 

C.            If any person shall fail, neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions set forth in Subsection (A) of this section, the Board of Commissioners may cause to be made such repairs or alterations which may be required as a result of such noncompliance, and to assess the costs and expenses thereof against the affected property, such assessment to be made in the same manner as other special assessments are made, in the manner and form as set forth in this article.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-216          Unlawful to throw materials into, swim, bathe or play in basins or reservoir or pollute water supply; penalty.

 

A.            It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or place any object or pour any substance whatsoever into or to swim, play or bathe in the basins or reservoir of the Water Plant or in any manner pollute the water supply of the City.

 

B.            A violation of this Section is a Class B misdemeanor.

 

(Code 1982)

 

State law reference-Areas surround certain water impoundments, K.S.A. 65-184.

 

 

Sec. 14-217          City access to premises.

 

The City Manager or his designee shall have access to any premises supplied with water from the distribution system operated by the Utilities Department and shall have authority to direct compliance with the provisions of this article and with the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to authority set forth in this article.

 

(Code 1982)

 


ARTICLE III. ELECTRICAL SERVICE

 

Sec. 14-301          Rules and regulations.

 

The electric service furnished by the City shall be furnished in accordance with the rates, charges and rules and regulations provided for in this article and such additional rules and regulations as are promulgated pursuant to the authority granted in this article.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-302          Application for connection permits.

 

Before any user of electricity shall connect his premises with or use electric current from the electric system of the City, application for the connection of such service must be made to the City by the owner of the property on which the electricity is to be used or by his duly authorized agent.  The application shall be made on a form supplied by the City and, among other things, shall state the location of the property and the purposes for which the electricity is to be used.  When the prospective user has met all requirements, s/he shall be authorized to connect to or use electric current from the electric system.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-303          Installation of meters, service leads, sockets, location, change in location; expense.

 

A.            All electric meters shall be installed by the City after the customer has had all wiring.

 

B.            The City shall have the right to designate the location of the electric meter for each customer.  If the City deems it necessary to have the location of any meter changed to a different location, the customer shall cause the required change to be made.  Any expense incident to a change in location of a meter to conform to the requirements of the City shall be borne by the property owner or the customer.

 

C.            Unless otherwise designated by the City, all meters shall be located on the outside of the customer’s house or building.  The meter socket base, or the metal meter enclosure, shall be not less than five (5) feet, nor more than seven (7) feet, above the ground or point where the meter reader will stand when reading the meter.  Enclosed porches will not be considered as outside locations.

 

D.            The customer’s service leads from the City’s service wires to the meter shall be installed either in rigid metal conduit or by other wiring methods approved in applicable ordinances of the City.

 

E.             Meters for new service to new homes and new commercial buildings shall be installed in a meter socket base to be furnished by the City and installed by the customer at his expense.  When there are alterations in the wiring of existing homes or commercial buildings which necessitate changes in the entrance switch, meter loop or meter setting, the customer shall install, at his expense, an approved City socket as furnished by the City.

 


F.             The City shall keep all meters in good repair and proper working condition without cost to the customer, unless there is damage to the meter for which the customer is liable under other provisions of this article.  All meters shall be inspected and tested by the City without cost to the customer as often as is deemed necessary by the City to determine the state of repair and recording accuracy.  All tests of meters shall be made in accordance with established and accepted methods.  The results of all testing of meters shall be conclusive.  Customers requesting that their electric meter be tested because they question their bill will be billed for any applicable charges for such services as may be established by ordinance or resolution of the Board of Commissioners.  If the meter tested is not within three percent (3%) accuracy, plus or minus, then a proper adjustment will be made at the next regular billing and the charge of meter fee will be waived; provided, however, no adjustment shall be made for a period exceeding the preceding two (2) months’ billing, and in no event will adjustment be made for the three percent  (3%) range, plus or minus, of error.

 

(Code 1982)

 

Cross references-Electrical code adopted, § 6-316; installation of underground electrical service, requirements, § 6-310, completed, including service leads and meter loop, at his own expense.  All wiring on the customer’s premises shall be done in accordance with methods approved and in accordance with and meet all requirements of the applicable ordinances of the City.

 

 

Sec. 14-304          Rates.

 

A schedule of rates, conditions of service and availability shall be as set by resolution of the Commission, which schedule shall be on file in the City Manager’s Office.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-305          Time for payment; disconnection for non-payment; reconnection or disconnection charge; exemptions; waivers.

 

Each customer shall make payment of the amount shown on his/her statement to be due at the Office of the Department of Utilities in the City Hall during regular hours on or before the due date or within fifteen (15) days thereafter; provided, that if the due date is the twenty-fifth (25th) day of a calendar month, payment may be on or before the tenth (10th) day of the calendar month following.  If the amount due is not paid within said time, the account shall be classified as delinquent and shall therefore have a late payment fee consisting of the greater of ten dollars ($10.00) or ten percent (10%) of the billed amount.  If the account becomes delinquent five (5) days, the electric service of the customer shall be disconnected and remain discontinued until final payment is made of all amounts due, including the late payment fee imposed, plus any applicable disconnection and/or reconnection charges as may be established by ordinance or resolution of the Governing Body.  However, it will be the policy of the City not to perform disconnections on Friday.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3119-94, 09-21-94)

 

 

Sec. 14-306          Deposits, when required.

 

Provision for deposits for electrical service shall be as set forth by resolution of the Commission.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-307          Extensions of system.

 

Extensions of the distribution system to furnish electric service shall be made in accordance with City policy.

 

(Code 1982)

 

State law reference-Electric power outside city limits, K.S.A. 12-808 et seq.

 

 

Sec. 14-308          Disturbing uses, refusal or termination of service.

 

The City shall have the right to refuse service or terminate existing service to any customer when the electric energy furnished is used to power any apparatus, the use of which impairs the normal flow of power to other customers or which otherwise interferes with the satisfactory operation of the electric system or of any portion thereof.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-309          Suspension or interruption of service; notice; Utilities dept. not liable.

 

The City shall give notice to the customers affected of any suspension or interruption of service whenever it is practicable; provided, however, that the City shall have the right to suspend or interrupt delivery of electric energy, without notice to the customers affected, whenever such suspension or interruption is necessary to permit repair of lines or other facilities or whenever conditions beyond the immediate control of the City require suspension or interruption of service.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-310          Unlawful to tamper with meters or to use or waste unmetered electricity; penalty.

 

A.            It shall be unlawful for any person to break the seal of any meter; to switch, install or alter any wiring; to make any electrical connections; to attach any wires; to attach any devices to wires or meters; or to arrange any wiring, meter, equipment or device in a manner to obtain electric energy supplied by the City, or to use or waste or allow to be used or wasted the same, without such electric energy being properly metered, billed for or paid for in accordance with the rates established by resolution; provided, however, that duly licensed electricians performing work regulated by the ordinances of the City may use sufficient electricity to test their work by permission of the City Inspector or the Director of Utilities.

 

B.            A violation of this Section is a Class A misdemeanor.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-311          Unlawful to deface or injure department property, erect signs, or interfere with electric system; penalty.

 

A.                  It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally deface, injure or destroy any meter pole, wire, insulation, lamp or any other property or facility used in the operation of the electric system by the Utilities Department, or to erect signs on poles or buildings used in such operation without permission, or to interfere with the City’s electric system.

 

B.            A violation of this Section is a Class B misdemeanor.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-312          Rules and regulations, authority to promulgate.

 

The City Manager shall promulgate such reasonable rules and regulations as may from time to time be necessary to properly conduct and administer the operation of the electric system of the City and to establish conditions of service to its customers.  Violations of such rules and regulations will be punishable as provided in this article.  Fees for insufficient fund checks or other uncollectible instruments of payment may be established by ordinance or resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-313          Right of inspection.

 

The City Manager or designee or any City employee designated by the Director shall have access to any premises supplied with electric energy by the electric system operated by the City, and shall have authority to direct compliance with the provisions of this article and with the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the authority set forth in this article.

 

(Code 1982)

 

 

Sec. 14-314          Failure to comply with article and rules; duty of director; discontinuance of service; prosecution.

 

If the City Manager or his designee shall discover, upon any premises served by the electric system, any violation of this article, or of any rule or regulation promulgated there under, the Director shall order cessation of the prohibited practice or discontinue service to the premises or both, and s/he may request the City Attorney to prosecute the offending customer or property owner.

 

(Code 1982)

 

Sec.  14-315         Unpaid and delingquent utility bills, costs of collection.

 

After authorization by the City Manager, on any collection action filed by the city attorney or any attorney acting on behalf of the City of Ottawa, for an unpaid and delinquent electric utility bill, the City hereby authorizes the said attorney to include as the costs of the action the reasonable collection costs, including but not limited to reasonable attorney fees necessary thereunder, as a lawful damage to be sought by the city attorney in any collection.

 

NEW SECTION ADDED:  (Ord. No. 3497-05, 2-2-05)

 

 

 


ARTICLE IV. ELIMINATION OF INFILTRATION

AND INFLOW SOURCES

 

Sec. 14-401          Intent.

 

Excessive inflow and infiltration of stormwater from any source, private or public, into the sanitary sewage system is a hazard to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City because such infiltration and inflow overloads the capacity of both the sanitary sewer lines and treatment facilities.  It is, therefore, necessary for the City to adopt a uniform system of rules, regulations and standards to eliminate sources and prevent inflow and infiltration from entering the public sanitary sewage system from private property.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3053-93, 01-06-93)

 

 

Sec. 14-402          Infractions and penalties.

 

A.            Penalties for violation of any provision of this article are as described in Section 14-112.

 

B.            Notwithstanding Subsection (A) of this section, it shall be unlawful to refuse entry or access to the City while the City is discharging its official duties under this division.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3053-93, 01-06-93)

 

 

Sec. 14-403          Disconnect order.

 

A.            The Director of Utilities, or designated representative, may issue an order directing the owner to disconnect a private infiltration or inflow source from the sanitary sewer system.  The order may state a deadline for compliance, but such deadline shall not be sooner than thirty (30) days nor longer than one (1) year after issuance of the order.  Within ten (10) days after receipt of the order the owner may, in writing, request a review hearing before the Director of Utilities.  The filing of such a written request shall act as a stay order until after hearing.  After such hearing, the Director of Utilities may affirm, set aside or modify such order.

 

B.            The Director of Utilities may terminate sanitary sewage service by discontinuing water service to any premises the owner of which failed or refused to comply with an order to disconnect an inflow and/or infiltration source from the sanitary sewer system within the time allotted.

 

C.            The City may abate and temporarily or permanently enjoin the continuing connection of a private infiltration or inflow source as a nuisance, in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

REVISED:  (Ord.  No. 3053-93, 01-06-93)

 

 

Sec. 14-404          Financial assistance.

 

Financial assistance in the form of partial or full reimbursement for the cost of disconnecting prohibited infiltration and inflow sources shall be provided to persons who receive and comply with a disconnect order as described in Section 14-403.  Such reimbursement shall be in the amount and subject to the terms set out in Section 14-405.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3053-93, 01-06-93)

 

Sec. 14-405          Procedure.

 

A.            Upon verification by the City that a prohibited private sector infiltration or inflow connection exists, the City shall issue a disconnect order to the landowner subject to the conditions set out in Section 14-402.  The disconnection work shall be performed under a permit issued by the City.  After the landowner completes the disconnection, the City shall re-inspect the premises to verify compliance with the disconnect order and verify abatement of illegal connections.  If compliance with this division is verified, the City shall reimburse the owner for the expense of disconnection in an amount equal to the actual cost of labor and materials, but not to exceed the following maximum amounts:

 

Source description                                                                              Maximum amount

 

1.     Directly connected storm sump pump, per sump pump                        $750.00

 

2.     Directly connected storm sump pump with diverter valve,

                                        per sump pump                                                                                             $300.00

 

3.     Combination sanitary and storm sump pump,

                                        per sump pump$                                                                                        $1,000.00

 

2.        Area drains (driveway, patio, basement entry, etc.),each                  $1,000.00

 

5.     Down spouts, each                                                                                        $80.00

 

6.     Clean out, each                                                                                            S120.00

 

7.     Other as determined in the sole discretion of the city, each              $1,000.00

 

B.            Acceptance or the reimbursement shall constitute a consent by the person accepting such payment to a re-inspection of the premises by the City within one (1) year following payment for the sole purpose of verifying continued compliance with this division.  Such re-inspection shall be done at a convenient time.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3053-93, 01-06-93)

 

 


ARTICLE V.  CROSS CONNECTION REGULATIONS

 

Sec. 14-501          Purpose and objectives.

 

The City hereby establishes a program to:

 

A.            Protect the public water supply system from contamination due to cross connection.

 

B.            Prohibit and promote the elimination of all cross connections within the public water supply system.

 

C.            Provide for the maintenance of a continuing effective cross connection control program.

 

D.            Comply with the State Department of Health and Environment’s rules and regulations regarding water quality.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-502          Definitions.

 

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

 

Approved backflow prevention device- means a device tested and accepted by the University of Southern California, Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, or devices which are approved by the City’s authorized representative dealing with cross connection control.

 

Approved tester- means a trained technician who has successfully passed a City-approved course in the inspection, testing and repair of backflow prevention devices.  An approved tester shall be registered with the City.

 

Authorized representative- means any person designated by the City Manager to administer the program created under this article.

 

Auxiliary water supply- means any water source or system, other than the City’s system, that may be available to a building or premises.  “Auxiliary water supply” does not include other State Department of Health and Environment permitted public water supply systems.

 

Backflow- means the flow of contamination into the distribution system of a public water supply system, either through back siphonage or back pressure.

 

Backflow prevention device- means any device, method or type of construction which prevents backflow into the public water supply system.  Backflow prevention devices are such devices which are approved by the City or its authorized representative.

 

Consumer- means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation or agency or their authorized agent receiving water from the City.

 

Consumer water system- means all service pipes, distribution piping and all appurtenances on the downflow of the service meter.

 

Contamination- means the introduction to the public water supply system of any sewage, processed fluids, chemicals, wastes or any other substance not approved by the City or the State Department of Health and Environment.

 

Cross connection- means any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water and the other of which contains water of unknown or questionable quality or contamination, whereby there may be flow from one piping system to the other piping system.

 

Flood level- rim means the edge of the receptacle from which water overflows.

 

Free water surface- means a water surface at atmospheric pressure.

 

Frost proof closet- means a hopper with no water in the bowl and with the trap and water supply control valve located below the frost line.

 

Nonpotable water- means water that is not safe for human consumption or that is of questionable quality.

 

Plumbing- means the practice, materials and fixtures used in the installation, maintenance, extension or alteration of all piping fixtures, appliances and appurtenances.

 

Potable water- means water free from impurities in amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful health effects.  Potable water shall conform to State Department of Health and Environment requirements for public water supplies.

 

Public water supply system- means a system for the provision to the public of piped water for human consumption, if such system has at least ten (10) service connections or regularly serves an average of at least twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days out of the year.  Such term includes any source, treatment, storage or distribution facilities under the control of the operator of the system and used primarily in connection with the system, and any source, treatment, storage or distribution facilities not under such control but which are used in connection with such system.

 

Public water system- means the water supply source, distribution system and appurtenances to the service meter operated as a public utility which supplies potable water to the consumers’ water system.

 

RPZ- means a reduced pressure principal backflow prevention device that is approved for use by the City’s authorized representative.

 

Service connection- means the terminal end of the service line from the public water supply system.  If a meter is installed at the end of the service, then “service connection” means the downstream end of the meter.

 

Vacuum- means an absolute pressure less than that exerted by the atmosphere.

 

Vacuum breaker- means a device that permits entrance check of air into the water supply system line to prevent back siphonage.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

Cross reference-Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-101; 1-102.

 

State law reference-Protection of water supply systems, K.S.A. 65-163a.

 

 


Sec. 14-503          Scope.

 

This article shall apply to all consumers of the City’s public water supply system.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-504.         Prohibited acts.

 

A.            The public water supply system shall be designed, installed and maintained in such a manner as to prevent contamination through cross connections or piping connections to the public water supply system.

 

B.            Cross connections are prohibited, except as approved by the City’s authorized representative.  No cross connection shall be installed or maintained whereby an auxiliary water supply system may enter a public water supply system.

 

C.            If, in the judgment of the City’s authorized representative, cross connection protection is required through either piping modification or installation of an approved backflow prevention device, due and appropriate notice shall be given to the consumer.  The consumer shall be given a reasonable amount of time to provide the required protection, at the consumer’s expense.  Failure or refusal to provide such protection shall constitute grounds for disconnection to the public water supply system until such time as protection has been provided.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-505          Approved cross connection devices.

 

A.            An approved backflow prevention device must be installed on each service line to a consumer’s water system serving a premises where there is actual or potential cross connection.

 

B.            An approved air gap separation or RPZ must be installed at the service connection or within any premises where, in the judgment of the City’s authorized representative, the nature or extent of activities on the premises, or the materials used in connection with the activities or materials stored on the premises, may present contamination of the public water supply system from a cross connection.

 

C.            Examples of situations where air gap separation or RPZ must be installed may include, but are not limited to, the following facilities or situations:

 

1.             Premises having an auxiliary water supply.

 

2.             Premises having internal plumbing arrangements which make it impractical to ascertain whether or not a cross connection exists.

 

3.             Premises where entry is restricted so that inspection for cross connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or at sufficiently short notice to ensure that cross connections do not exist.

 

4.             Premises having a previous history of cross connections being established or reestablished.

 

5.             Premises which, due to the nature of the enterprise therein, are subject to recurring modifications or expansion.

 

6.             Premises on which any substance is handled under pressure so as to permit entry into the public water supply system, or where a cross connection could reasonably be expected to occur.  This shall include the handling process waters and cooling waters.

 

7.             Premises where toxic or hazardous materials are handled.

 

8.             Potable water connections to boiler water feed systems in which boiler water conditioning chemicals are or can be introduced.

 

9.             Potable water connections to fire lines and fire sprinkler systems in which water conditioning chemicals are or can be introduced, or piping not approved for potable water.

 

10.           Agricultural chemical facilities.

 

11.           Buildings: hotels, apartments, public or private buildings, or other structures having actual cross connections.

 

12.           Bulk water facilities.

 

13.           Car washing facilities.

 

14.           Chemical manufacturing, processing, compounding or treatment facilities.

 

15.           Chill water systems.

 

16.           Dairies and cold storage facilities.

 

17.           Feed lots.

 

18.           Film or photography processing laboratories.

 

19.           Hazardous wastes storage and disposal sites.

 

20.           Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, or other such facilities as discovered by water use surveys.

 

21.           Irrigation and sprinkler systems.

 

22.           Laundries and dry cleaners.

 

23.           Meat processing plants.

 

24.           Metal manufacturing, cleaning, processing and fabricating plants.

 

25.           Oil and gas production, refining, storage or transmission properties.

 

26.           Packing or food processing plants.

 

27.           Plating plants.

 

28.           Power plants.

 

29.           Research and analytical laboratories.

 

30.           Sand, gravel and asphalt plants.

 

31.           Schools and colleges.

 

32.           Sewage and storm drainage facilities and reclaimed water systems.

 

33.           Solar heating systems.

 

34.           Temporary service connections such as fire hydrants, air valves, water blowoffs and other outlets.

 

35.           Veterinary clinics.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-506          Prohibited connections.

 

The following connections to the public water supply system are prohibited, unless properly protected by the appropriate approved backflow prevention device:

 

A.            Bidets.

 

B.            Operating, dissecting, embalming and mortuary tables or similar equipment.  In such installations the hose used for water supply shall terminate at least twelve (12) inches away from every point of the table or its attachments.

 

C.            Building drains, sewers or vent systems.

 

D.            Commercial buildings or industrial plants, manufacturing or otherwise using polluting or contaminating substances.

 

E.             Frost proof closet yard hydrants and any fixture of similar hazard.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-507          Approved backflow prevention devices.

 

A.            Any backflow prevention device required by this article shall be of a model approved by the University of Southern California, Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, or approved by the City’s authorized representative.

 

B.            The following devices are recognized for cross connection control and backflow prevention by the City:

 

1.             Air gap: The air gap must be two pipe diameters and in no case less than one inch.

 

2.             Barometric loops.

 

3.             Atmospheric vacuum breakers.

 

4.             Pressure vacuum breakers.

 

5.             Dual check valves.

 

6.             Double check valve assemblies.

 

7.             RPZ.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-508          Installation of backflow prevention devices.

 

A.            Approved backflow prevention devices required by this article shall be installed at a location and in a manner approved by the City’s authorized representative.  All devices shall be installed at the expense of the consumer.

 

B.            All approved backflow prevention devices shall be installed at the service connection, on the consumer’s side of the water meter, as close to the meter as is reasonably practical, and prior to any other connection.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-509          Inspection, maintenance and repair of backflow prevention devices.

 

                A.            Consumers are required to notify the City’s authorized representative within thirty (30) days of any inspection, tests, repairs and overhauls of backflow prevention devices in accordance with the following schedule:

 

                                1.             Air gap separations shall be inspected at the time of installation.

 

                                2.             All backflow prevention devices shall be inspected and tested at the time of installation and shall be tested annually thereafter.

 

                                3.             RPZ’s shall be dismantled and inspected every five (5) years and rebuilt if needed.

 

                                4.             All backflow devices shall be rebuilt when it fails testing or when apparent lack of maintenance or physical inspection by a certified inspector or a city’s authorized representative indicates the need.

                               

                B.            Inspections, tests, and repairs of backflow prevention devices shall be made at the expense of the consumer and shall be preformed by an approved tester.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92; Ord. No. 3046-92, 11-18-92; Ord. No. 3719-09)

 

 

Sec. 14-510          Record keeping; tags; inspection, etc., by City; authority for removal of devices, etc.

 

A.            The consumer must maintain a complete record of each backflow prevention device from purchase to retirement.  Records shall include all tests, inspections and repairs.  All records of inspections, tests and repairs shall be provided within thirty (30) days to the City.

 

B.            Backflow prevention devices shall have a tag showing the date of last inspection, the test, repair or other maintenance.

 

C.            The City’s authorized representative may inspect all backflow prevention devices’ installation and may assist in the development of the appropriate testing and repair schedules for such devices.

 

D.            Backflow prevention devices shall not be bypassed, made inoperative, removed, or otherwise made ineffective without specific written authorization by the City’s authorized representative.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-511          Surveys and investigations.

 

In addition to the provisions of Section 14-217, the consumer shall provide access to such Consumer’s premises and information for the purpose of conducting surveys and investigations of water use practices.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)

 

 

Sec. 14-512          Violation; penalties.

 

A.            If a violation of this article is not corrected within thirty (30) days of notification by the City, a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day for each violation may be levied, and/or the City may terminate delivery of water to the building or premises.

 

B.       Water service, if discontinued, shall not be restored until the consumer is in compliance with this article.

 

REVISED:  (Ord. No. 3031-92, 07-01-92)