Water service not supplied by the utility shall not be connected
or cross-connected with the utility's facilities, except with
the written consent of the Bureau of Water.
A. Backflow prevention and cross-connection control. The utility recognizes
that certain water customers have water systems that have connections
to apparatus, vessels, etc., which may have impurities in varying
degrees that, if not properly isolated and contained, could contaminate
and/or pollute both the customer's water system and the utility's
water distribution system. The utility has developed a Backflow Prevention
and Cross Connection Control Policies and Procedures Manual, which
manual is incorporated herein by reference, as updated from time to
time and is available on the City's website. This Manual defines
the policy and procedures of the City of Lancaster and the water customer's
responsibility regarding backflow prevention and cross-connection.
B. All commercial, industrial, and bulk water customers shall have an
approved backflow prevention device consistent with the degree of
hazard, as defined by the utility, at the service connection. The
backflow protection shall be a properly installed double check valve
assembly, or a reduced pressure zone device as determined by the utility.
In addition, all fire systems that constitute a potential cross-connection
shall have a utility-approved double check detector assembly at the
lines leading to the fire system.
C. Residential customers shall be required to install an approved backflow
prevention device when they apply for a plumbing permit.
D. The utility will terminate water service to a customer's facility
if it is determined that a serious contamination potential exists.
E. The utility requires that the customer shall provide for the testing,
maintenance, and repair of backflow devices by a certified backflow
prevention assembly technician at least once a year or whenever failure
has occurred or is suspected in order to maintain the devices in satisfactory
operating condition. The customer shall also provide, through a certified
backflow prevention assembly technician, for the overhaul or replacement
of such devices if they are found to be defective. Records of such
tests, repairs, overhauls, and replacements shall be submitted by
the customer to the utility. Customers shall be responsible for maintaining
records of such tests and related maintenance for a period of the
most recent three years. The installation, care, maintenance, and
repair of backflow devices are at the customer's expense.
F. Noncompliance with the preceding requirements after due notification
may result in the discontinuation of water service. The customer may
be required to reimburse the utility for all costs associated with
such action.
Should any service line become frozen, the utility shall thaw
out, at its own expense, that portion of the frozen service line between
the main and the curb. The customer shall, at his own expense, thaw
out that portion of the frozen service line between the curb and his
premises.
When an abnormally large quantity of water is desired for filling
a swimming pool or for other purposes, arrangements shall be made
with the utility prior to taking such water.
Permission to take water in unusual quantities shall be given
only if it can be safely delivered through the utility's facilities
and if other customers are not inconvenienced.
No persons, other than those designated and authorized by the
proper authority or by the utility, shall open any fire hydrant, attempt
to draw water from it or in any manner damage or tamper with it. Any
violation of this regulation shall be prosecuted according to law.
When a fire hydrant has been installed in the location specified
by the proper authority, the utility has fulfilled its obligation.
If a property owner or other party desires a change in the size, type
or location of the hydrant, he shall bear all costs of such changes,
without refund. Any change in the location of a fire hydrant shall
be approved by the contracting municipality.
The customer shall, at his own risk and expense, furnish, install
and keep in good and safe condition all equipment that may be required
for receiving, controlling, applying and utilizing water, and the
utility shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by
the improper installation of such water equipment or the negligence,
want of proper care or wrongful act of the customer or of any of his
tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees or permittees in
installing, maintaining, using, operating or interfering with such
equipment. The utility shall not be responsible for damage to property
caused by spigots, faucets, valves and other equipment that are open
when water is turned on at the meter, either when the water is turned
on originally or when turned on after a temporary shutdown.
The utility or its duly authorized agents shall at all reasonable
times have the right to enter or leave the customer's premises
for any purpose properly connected with the service of water to the
customer.
Any inspection or recommendations made by the utility or its
agents on plumbing or appliances or use of water on the customer's
premises, either as the result of a complaint or otherwise, shall
be made or offered without charge.
The utility shall not be liable for damage resulting from an
interruption in service. Temporary shutdowns may be resorted to by
the utility for improvements and repairs. Whenever possible, and as
time permits, all customers affected shall be notified prior to such
shutdowns.
The utility shall not be liable for interruption, shortage or
insufficiency of supply, or for any loss or damage occasioned thereby,
if caused by accident, act of God, fire, strikes, riots, war or any
other cause not within its control. The utility, whenever it finds
it necessary or convenient for the purpose of making repairs or improvements
to its system, shall have the right temporarily to suspend delivery
of water, and it shall not be liable for any loss or damage occasioned
thereby. Repairs or improvements shall be prosecuted as rapidly as
is practicable and, so far as possible, at such times as will cause
the least inconvenience to the customers.
These rules cannot be changed without action of the City Council.