§ 54-57. Installation of mutual fire line meter on unmetered fire service systems.

(a)

Purpose of section. The purpose of this section is to require the installation of an underwriter-approved factory mutual fire line meter or the optional method of dual service on all unmetered fire service systems having fire hydrants, hand hose connections or sprinkler heads on private property.

(b)

Application for service connection.

(1)

All persons making application for new fire service connections with private fire hydrants, hand hose connections or sprinkler heads will be required to have an underwriter-approved factory mutual fire line meter or dual service connection installed as part of the fire service system.

(2)

When unauthorized water is used through a detector meter or a dual service connection in three or more billing periods in one calendar-year, it shall be replaced with a factory mutual fire line meter. Unauthorized use of water is defined as nonfirefighting water and/or water use without prior notification and approval of the county revenue collection division.

(3)

All domestic water supply must be metered with a proper meter, at or near the property line.

(c)

Work to be performed by water system personnel. Installation of factory mutual fire line meters as required by this section will be handled by county water system crews at the expense of the building owner or lessee. The cost of installation will be at a rate established for each individual site.

(d)

Authority of revenue collection division, county water system. The county revenue collection division and the county water system shall have the authority to cut off water service to buildings whose owners refuse to comply with the provisions of this section upon proper notification.

(e)

Monthly standby charge, other billing. The regular monthly fire service standby charge shall be continued for fire service installation having a detector meter or mutual fire line meter. The water that is measured by the detector meter will be billed at five times the normal water charge.

(f)

Establishment of rates; additional requirements. Minimum monthly charges shall be as established by the board of commissioners. In addition:

(1)

All water meters, detector or fire line shall be installed on or near county rights-of-way.

(2)

Vaults shall be constructed to county specifications.

(3)

Vault construction and meter installation shall be inspected by the county after work has been completed to ensure that specifications have been met.

(4)

Apartments are billed as a residence.

(g)

Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Domestic water line means metered at the property line.

Dual service means separate fire and domestic water lines.

Fire service means permitted on unmetered lines with a backflow preventer installed near the customer's building, to be maintained by the customer. The customer is to be billed for monthly service.

(Ord. of 6-14-77; Ord. of 11-27-79; Code 1977, § 3-13-3)