Service connections to the water system which are found to be constructed without a permit or otherwise have undertaken without city authorization or have not been billed for service in accordance with rates established by subsequent ordinance or resolution are deemed illegal and hereby prohibited.
(A) Upon discovery of an illegal connection, the city shall red tag and inform the owner and/or violator in writing of such a connection that:
(1) The property or properties are served by an illegal connection.
(2) Within seven days of receipt of the city's letter, the illegal connection shall be removed. If after seven days the connection is not removed, the city will have all rights to enter the property and disconnect the illegal connection.
(3) The illegal connection shall be billed in arrears for 12 months of service charges at the current authorized rates, and the illegal use or connection shall pay all arrears as specified before an account will be established for new compliant connection is made.
(4) If there is non-compliance to the disconnect or billing arrears, the city can make a criminal charge for illegal theft of water, lien the property, or refuse reconnection.
(B) Any customer who has been found tampering with the water meter after it has been cut off, or has not set up an account, nor has paid the appropriate connection fees, will be considered an illegal connection and theft of water and criminal complaints will be made.
(Ord. 127, passed 6-23-2011)