No person, other than an authorized employee of the City of Bellefontaine shall use a fire hydrant on the City water system, or use thereon any wrench or tool other than a regulation Fire Department spanner, except in case of emergency, without first having secured f rom the City of Bellefontaine a "Bulk Water-Fire Hydrant Opening Permit". Unlawful delivery of water from a fire hydrant is considered theft and subject to prosecution.
The City of Bellefontaine has available a Bulk Water Station located at S. Detroit St. for those individuals desiring to purchase bulk water without the need for opening a fire hydrant. The water station can be activated by inserting quarters for purchase or by obtaining a Bulk Water Card at the Department of Public Utilities. This card will have a pre-paid amount set on the card for usage and can be re-loaded for future purchases. The cost of the bulk water will be set and approved by the Service Safety Director, Water Superintendent and Fire Chief posted at the Bulk Water Station site.
(a) Construction. A City of Bellefontaine Fire Hydrant may be used for bulk water for those individuals needing water for construction use or any other bulk water purpose. A Fire Hydrant Opening Permit needs to be filed for and completed prior to the water request need. There is a fee schedule listed on the Permit for the purpose intended of the water use. All fees are payable in advance. A City of Bellefontaine water meter will be used with all Bulk Water deliveries. When there is an extended need for water delivery for construction use, there is a Meter Rental Deposit Fee (non-refundable) to be charged with a ninety (90) day maximum rental time without renewal of the permit. Utility service will not be granted to the location address until the rented meter has been returned. If the rented meter is not returned within the 90-day rental period (unless renewed) or has been damaged, the permit applicant will be responsible for the repair and or replacement cost of the meter. Water consumption will be billed based upon the meter readings obtained on the meter at the Bulk Water rates established.
(b) Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Ponds. Those individuals needing bulk water in order to fill a swimming pool, hot tub, pond or such water facility will also be required to obtain a Fire Hydrant Opening Permit prior to the water delivery. All fees are payable in advance as listed on the permit. A City of Bellefontaine water meter will be used with the closest fire hydrant in proximity for the Bulk Water delivery for those properties located within the City of Bellefontaine Corporation limits. Bulk Water will be billed based on the water meter readings and at the established Bulk Water rate. Swimming pools may also be filled at the disretion of the Fire Chief or his appointed designee and the Service Safety Director for those properties within the jurisdiction of the Bellefontaine Fire District. The charge for the Bulk Water will be based on a set rate established for each tanker load needed to haul the water, an hourly labor rate, and for the total bulk water amount in gallons to be billed at the bulk water rate established. This will be invoiced to the property owner and due within thirty days of delivery. There will be an established appointment set for the filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds and other water facilities which is subject to cancellation by the City of Bellefontaine without liability to the City until such a time that the labor force is available. (Ord. 12-33. Passed 8-28-12.)