For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CRISIS. A loss of potable water is probable unless there is an immediate reduction of water demand.
CUSTOMER. Any person, business, or industry using water for any purpose from the city's water distribution system and for which either a regular charge is made or, in the case of bulk sales, a cash charge is made at the site of delivery.
EMERGENCY. Water supplies are below the level necessary to meet normal needs and that serious shortages exist in the area.
FRESH WATER. Raw water withdrawn from surface water supplies that has not been previously used.
HEALTH CARE FACILITY CUSTOMER. Any customer whose principal function is to provide medical and health related services, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the like.
MANDATORY CONSERVATION. Raw water supplies are consistently below seasonal averages, and if they continue to decline, may not be adequate to meet normal needs, making certain uses prohibited.
NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER. Commercial, industrial, institutional, public, and all other such users.
RATIONING. Procedures established to provide for the equitable distribution of critically-limited water supplies, in order to balance demand and limited available supplies, and to assure that sufficient water is available to preserve public health and safety.
RECLAIMED WATER. Wastewater which has been treated to allow reuse.
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER. Any customer who receives water service for a single or multi-family dwelling unit. RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER does not include educational or other institutions, hotels, motels, or similar commercial establishments.
SERVICE INTERRUPTION. Temporary suspension of water supply, or reduction of pressure below that required for adequate supply, to any customer, portion of a water supply, or entire system.
VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION. Conditions exist which indicate the potential for serious water supply shortages and certain actions are requested.
WASTE OF WATER. Includes, but is not limited to (1) permitting water to escape down a gutter, ditch, or other surface drain; or (2) failure to repair a controllable leak of water due to defective plumbing.
WASTEWATER. Water which has been previously used for industrial, municipal, domestic, or other purposes, and has not been returned to the surface source.
WATER. Water available to the city for treatment by virtue of its water rights or withdrawal permit or any treated water introduced by the city into its water distribution system, including water offered for sale.
WATER USE CATEGORIES. Established as follows:
(1) Category 1: Essential Water Uses.
(a) Domestic use. Water necessary to sustain human life and the lives of domestic pets, and to maintain minimum standards of hygiene and sanitation in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry.
(b) Health care facilities. Water required to provide patient care and rehabilitation as necessary to preserve the health of patients or residents.
(c) Public use.
1. Fire hydrants:
a. Firefighting.
b. Certain testing and drills by the Fire Department if performed in the interest of public safety and if approved, by the city.
2. Maintenance of sanitary sewers and hydrants flushing as needed to ensure public health and safety.
(2) Category 2: Socially or Economically Important Uses of Water.
(a) Domestic use. All domestic uses other than those included in Categories 1 and 3:
1. Minimal watering of lawns, gardens, trees and the like at home.
2. Washing of personal vehicles at home.
(b) Commercial, agricultural, industrial, and institutional uses.
1. Irrigation for commercial vegetable gardens and fruit orchards or the maintenance of livestock.
2. Watering by commercial nurseries at a minimum level necessary to maintain stock.
3. Water use by public gardens of regional significance where necessary to preserve specimens.
4. Use of fresh water at a minimum rate necessary to implement vegetation following earth-moving, where such re-vegetation is required by law or regulation.
5. Watering of golf courses, athletic fields and parks.
6. Filling and operation of swimming pools:
a. Residential pools which serve more than 25 dwelling units.
b. Pools used by health care facilities for patient care and rehabilitation.
c. Municipal pools.
7. Interior cleaning of commercial truck beds.
8. Commercial laundromats.
9. Restaurants, clubs and eating places.
10. Air conditioning:
a. Refilling for startup at the beginning of the cooling season.
b. Make-up of water during the cooling season.
c. Refilling specifically approved by health officials and the municipal governing body, where the system has been drained for health protection or repair purposes.
11. Schools, churches, motels/hotels and similar commercial establishments.
(3) Category 3: Non-Essential Uses of Water.
(a) Ornamental purposes. Fountains, reflecting pools, and artificial waterfalls.
(b) Outdoor non-commercial watering (public or private):
1. Filling and operation of recreational swimming pools which serve fewer than 25 dwellings.
2. Washing of motor vehicles exteriors.
3. Serving water in restaurants, clubs, or eating places except by specific request.
4. Air conditioning: refilling cooling towers after draining except as specified in Category 1.
(Ord. 2005-105, passed 11-21-05; Am. Ord. 2007-91, passed 10-25-07; Am. Ord. 2009-60, passed 8-3-09)