(A) Definitions. The Public Works Director (hereinafter referred to as “Director”), Finance Assistant Director and/or his delegated agent employed by the City of Ferris are authorized to administer and enforce all provisions of this chapter under the supervision of the City Manager of the City of Ferris. The Director is authorized to formulate other policies, forms (including but not limited to application and other forms) and procedures that are consistent with the terms and provisions hereof and that the Director deems necessary and appropriate to effectuate the terms and provisions of this chapter. The term “department” as used in this chapter shall mean the Public Works Department of the City of Ferris.
(B) Other definitions. Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of the terms used in the Ordinance shall be as follows:
APPLICANT. A person, business or entity which makes application to receive a service from the department.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. A device, including but not limited to, reduced pressure devices, double check valves, and vacuum breakers, approved by the Director and used to prevent water of unknown quality in private plumbing facilities from flowing back into the water system.
CITY. The City of Ferris, Texas, its Public Works Department and its water and wastewater systems.
CROSS CONNECTION. Any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water and the other of which contains water and/or substances of unknown or questionable safety and/or quality, whereby water may flow from one system to the other.
CUSTOMER. Any person, business or entity, including but not limited to, a partnership, association, firm, public or private corporation or governmental agency, having city’s service at any specified premises or which is liable for any fee, charge, penalty, cost, expense or other amount imposed, assessed or levied by this chapter.
METER. The meter, together with auxiliary devices, if any, constituting the complete installation needed to measure water supplied to any customer.
NOTICE. Unless otherwise specified, a written notification delivered personally or mailed by the city, the Director or the department to a customer or other person, business, or entity at such party’s last known address shown on city’s records or by any person, business or entity to the city at 104 S. Central Avenue, Ferris, Texas 75125.
RESIDENTIAL. Premises intended to be occupied and permitted to be occupied as a family habitation or place of abode pursuant to city codes, rules, ordinances and regulations as now existing or as hereafter enacted, adopted or amended.
COMMERCIAL. All premises other than residential which are used, occupied or permitted to be used, whether or not for profit, under City codes, rules, ordinances and regulations as now existing or as hereafter enacted, adopted or amended.
MULTI-FAMILY. Any water or wastewater customer with two (2) or more living units served by a single water meter.
SERVICE. All water, water-related and wastewater service provided for the use and benefit of persons inside and outside the city through the operations and facilities of the department, including but not limited to:
(a) Supply of treated water;
(b) Wastewater collection, treatment and disposal;
(c) Building and extension of service mains;
(d) Providing of meters and service connections to property;
(e) Discontinuance, restoration or repair of service;
(f) Extension or replacement of service mains for which pro rata or other assessments are charged;
(g) Collections of rates or fees for service; and/or
(h) Other department activities for the benefit of the general public authorized under this chapter.
SERVICE LINE. Pipe or conduit which extends from the water or wastewater main and which connects with the meter or the building lateral to provide a water or wastewater service connection.
WASTEWATER. Water-carried waste.
WASTEWATER MAIN. A conduit of pipe of the wastewater system which conveys domestic wastewater or industrial wastes, or a combination of both, and into which storm surface water, ground water or other substances are not intentionally admitted.
WASTEWATER SYSTEM. All treatment plants, mains, pumps, interceptors, lift stations, connections, meters, sludge storage facilities, appurtenances and other facilities of the city employed in the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater.
WATER MAIN. A conduit or pipe of the water system which conveys water.
WATER SYSTEM. All treatment plants, mains, pumps, meters, connections, supply reservoirs, storage tanks, appurtenances and other facilities of the city employed in the purification, transportation and supply of treated and untreated water.
WATER UTILITY BILL. A statement of charges prepared by the city for base rate and usage of water, wastewater, sanitation collection charges and/or any other fees, charges, penalties or other amounts imposed, levied or assessed under this chapter or any other city ordinance and sent or delivered to a customer or other person, business or entity liable therefore.
(Ord. O-16-821, passed 7-28-2016)