TITLE III WATER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT CODE

Adopted on December 21, 2024 - Ordinance No. 2024-03

“The purpose of these regulations is to implement the provisions of Article 2, Chapter 1, Part 5, Division 12 of the Water Code of the State of California (Sections 31020 et seq.) governing the conduct of the water enterprise and more specifically to obtain, conserve, treat, and supply water for domestic use, irrigation, sanitation, industrial use, fire protection, recreation, or any other public or private use. The Stinson Beach County Water District intends to operate, improve and maintain its water enterprise pursuant to all applicable laws in a manner consistent with and to assure its rights under Section 54300 et seq. of the Government Code for financing of future improvements and to protect the public health and safety.”

Chapter 3.01: ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

3.01.010 Scope

These regulations establish the terms and conditions under which facilities will be installed and water will be supplied to users.

3.01.020 Application

These regulations, as adopted by ordinance, shall apply to all water facilities owned, constructed, maintained, and/or operated by the District.

3.01.030 Title, Citation and Reference

These regulations shall be known as the Water System Management Code of the Stinson Beach County Water District, may be cited as either Water Regulations or Water Code, and will be herein referred to as these regulations.

3.01.100 Fees and Charges

The Board may establish fees and charges related to providing water service and water to any property within the District. Said fees and charges shall be established or amended by a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 54354 et seq. of the Government Code. Said resolution shall provide that delinquent charges and all penalties thereon shall constitute a lien upon the real property served pursuant to Section 54354 of the Government Code.

3.01.200 Violations of Regulations Prohibited

The furnishing of water by the District and the use thereof by a customer shall be subject to the regulations of the District and the terms, conditions and undertakings in the customer’s application for service. By applying for or receiving water service from the District, each customer covenants and agrees to be bound by, and to comply with, all regulations of the District. No person shall violate these regulations to intentionally or unintentionally cause water waste, cause damage or harm to the physical facilities of the water enterprise system, obtain water without making payment therefore, or befoul the water or watershed of the District.

3.01.210 Penalties and Abatement

Unless otherwise specified herein, any person violating these regulations shall be guilty of an infraction which shall be punishable by:

A fine not exceeding one hundred fifty dollars for the first violation; and
A fine not exceeding three hundred dollars for a second violation within one year; and
a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each additional violation within one year.

A person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during a portion of which any violation of these regulations is committed or continued by such person, and shall be punished accordingly. In addition to the penalties described herein, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of this Code shall be deemed to be a public nuisance and the District shall have the right to discontinue water service and, if it deems necessary, physically disconnect the consumer’s piping from the District’s distribution system.

3.01.220 Additional Remedies

The District will prosecute violations of Section 498, 624 & 625 of the Penal Code of California which make it a misdemeanor to tamper with or by-pass water meters, to take water without payment, or to damage or obstruct the District’s facilities.

3.01.230 Unintentional Damage to District Facilities

The consumer, by applying for water service from the District, covenants and agrees that, in addition to any right or remedy available to the District by law, the consumer will pay to the District its costs for repairing or replacing any of its facilities damaged as a result of construction or other work done on the consumer’s property, including, without limitation, the sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters adjacent thereto, or as a result of installation of utility services to the consumer’s property.

3.01.233 Intentional Damage to District Facilities

The District may prosecute violators of Section 607 and 624 of the California Penal Code which make it a misdemeanor to damage willfully properties and facilities owned or operated by the District. The District may also bring a civil action for treble damages under Section 1882.2 of the Civil Code.

3.01.240 Amendment

These regulations may be added to or amended by the Board of Directors of the Stinson Beach County Water District following a public hearing advertised pursuant to the rules of the Board of Directors.

3.01.250 Severability

If any section, or portion thereof, of these regulations is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Chapter 3.02: DEFINITIONS

3.02.010 General Provisions

For the purpose of these regulations, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural, the singular.

3.02.100 Allotment

The amount of water allowed to flow through an individual water meter in the event of mandatory water rationing during and Implementation Period.

3.02.102 Applicant

A person applying to the District for service, or a person requesting an Allotment in excess of those permitted during mandatory water rationing.

3.02.103 Applied Water

The portion of water supplied by the irrigation system to the landscape.

3.02.105 Approved Tester

A person who holds a current AWWA General Testers Certificate and is approved by the District to perform backflow prevention device testing within the District’s distribution system in accordance with District established procedures.

3.02.107 Automatic Irrigation Controller

A timing device used to remotely control valves that operate an irrigation system. Automatic irrigation controllers can self-adjust and schedule irrigation events using either evapotranspiration (weather-based) or soil moisture data.

3.02.110 Auxiliary Water Supply

Any source of water, other than that as provided by the District, that is either used or equipped, or can be equipped, to be used as a water supply and is located on the premises of, or available to, a water user. This includes, but is not limited to water trucked in and stored on the property, rain harvesting barrels and/or cisterns, as well as any irrigation and/or other private wells.

3.02.113 AWWA

An acronym for the American Water Works Association, an industry trade group that provides accredited training and certification in water system operation and backflow prevention.

3.02.115 Backflow

An undesired or unintended reversal of flow of water and/or other liquids, gases, or other substances into a public water system’s distribution system or approved water supply.

3.02.117 Backflow Prevention Assembly

Also referred to as “BPA” is a mechanical assembly designed and constructed to prevent backflow, such that while in-line it can be maintained and its ability to prevent backflow, as designed, can be field tested, inspected and evaluated.

3.02.120 Board

The Board of Directors of the Stinson Beach County Water District.

3.02.121 CCCPH

An acronym for the most recent edition of the “Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook” as published and adopted by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

3.02.123 Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

A person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization, or other program such as the EPA WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and the Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.

3.02.125 CFS

An acronym for “cubic feet per second”, a volumetric measurement.

3.02.127 Check Valve

A valve located under a bubbler and sprinkler head, or other location in the irrigation system, to hold water in the system to prevent low head drainage from sprinkler heads when the sprinkler is off. Also referred to as an anti-drain valve.

3.02.130 Climate Appropriate Plants

Any plants, shrubs, groundcovers or tree species that meet the following conditions:

The species has a water use ranking of “low” or “very low” in Region 1 (North- Central Coast) as established in the California Department of Water Resources 2014 publication “Water Use Classification of Landscape Species” or subsequent editions as it may be updated; or
The species has a water use ranking of “no water”, “little water,” or “little to moderate water” in the climate zone for the planting location as established in the Sunset Western Garden Book, Ninth Edition, published by Oxmoor House on February 7, 2012 or subsequent editions as it may be updated; or
The plantings are part of an engineered stormwater management feature approved by the General Manager; or
The General Manager has determined that the species, when watered for sufficient plant health and appearance, is low water use based on the District’s experience with the species.

3.02.133 Common Interest Developments

Community apartment projects, condominium projects, planned developments, and stock cooperatives per California Civil Code Section 1351.

3.02.135 Compost

The safe and stable product of controlled biologic decomposition of organic materials that is beneficial to plant growth.

3.02.137 Cost

The cost of labor, tools and materials, transportation, supervision, engineering and overhead expenses incurred by District for providing potable water service.

3.02.140 County

The County of Marin, California, as applicable.

3.02.143 Cross Connection

Any actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public water system, including a piping system connected to the public water system and located on the premises of a water user or available to the water user, and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply.

3.02.145 Consumer or Customer

Any person supplied with potable water service by the District.

3.02.147 Customer Service Valve

A valve independent of the District’s facilities located downstream of the Water Service Connection at the premises, the operation of which will isolate the Customer’s entire water supply from the service connection.

3.02.150 Customer’s System

The water piping system located immediately downstream from a District meter.

3.02.153 Distribution Uniformity

The measure of the uniformity of irrigation water over a defined area.

3.02.155 District

The Stinson Beach County Water District, also referred to as Stinson Water.

3.02.157 District’s System

The water distribution system owned and operated by District including the water service connections to water mains, and as defined in section 63750.50 of CCR, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 2.

3.02.160 Developer

Any person who constructs or develops any property which may require water service from the District.

3.02.162 Domicile

That place where the habitation of a person is fixed, where the person has the intention of making their permanent home; where they intend to remain, and to which whenever that person is absent, the person has the intention of returning and that they resided there for 6 months and 1 day in the last calendar year, not necessarily consecutively. Domicile may be proven by, among other things, a person’s address for purposes of voting, or homeowner’s exemption, bank accounts, etc.

3.02.163 Drip Irrigation

Any non-spray low volume irrigation system utilizing emission devices with a flow rate measured in gph.

3.02.165 Ecological Restoration Project

A project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a defined, indigenous, historic ecosystem.

3.02.167 Emitter

A drip irrigation emission device that delivers water slowly from the irrigation system to the soil.

3.02.170 EPA

An acronym for the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

3.02.171 Established Landscape

The point at which plants in the landscape have developed significant root growth into the soil. Typically, most plants are established after 1 or 2 years of growth while native habitat mitigation areas and tree may need 3 to 5 years.

3.02.173 ET

An acronym for “evapotranspiration”, which is the rate of water volume evaporated from adjacent soil and other surfaces and transpired by plants during a specified time (expressed in inches per day, month, or year), and is the standard measurement of environmental parameters which affect the water use of plants.

3.02.175 ETAF

An acronym for “evapotranspiration adjustment factor”, defined as:

A factor of 0.55 for residential areas; or
A factor of 0.45 for non- residential areas.

When applied to the reference evapotranspiration, ETAF adjusts for plant factors and irrigation efficiency, the two major influences upon the amount of water that needs to be applied to the landscape. ETAF shall not exceed 1.0 for a Special Landscape Area nor exceed 0.8 for existing non-rehabilitated landscapes.

3.02.177 ETWU

An acronym for “estimated total water use”, which is the total estimated water used for the landscaping.

3.02.180 Existing Landscape Area

A landscape area of any size that has not been rehabilitated or constructed within the previous 12 months.

3.02.183 First Construction Document

The first building permit issued by the County for a project or, in the case of a site permit, the first building permit addendum issued or other document that authorizes construction of the project; shall not include permits or addenda for demolition, grading, shoring, pile driving, or site preparation work.

3.02.185 Flow Rate

The rate at which water flows through pipes, valves, and emission devices, measured in cfs, gph or gpm.

3.02.187 Flow Sensor

An in-line device installed at the supply point of the irrigation system that produces a repeatable signal proportional to the flow rate. Flow sensors must be connected to an automatic irrigation controller, or flow monitor capable of receiving flow signals and operating master valves.

3.02.190 Friable

A soil condition that is easily crumbled or loosely compacted down to a minimum depth per planting material requirements, whereby the root structure of newly planted material will be allowed to spread.

3.02.192 Full-Time Resident

A person who maintains their Domicile in a residence in Stinson Beach.

3.02.193 General Manager

The General Manager for the District.

3.02.195 Governing Body

The Board of Directors of the District.

3.02.197 GPH

An acronym for “gallons per hour”, a volumetric measurement.

3.02.200 GPM

An acronym for “gallons per minute”, a volumetric measurement.

3.02.202 Hardscape

Any durable material (pervious and non-pervious).

3.02.203 Household

A single residential unit that constitutes a Domicile of one or more persons. There may be several Households in a single residence.

3.02.205 Hydrozone

Any portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs and may be either irrigated or non-irrigated.

3.02.207 IE

An acronym for “irrigation efficiency”, which is the measurement of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. Irrigation efficiency is derived from measurements and estimates of irrigation system characteristics and management practices. IE shall be 0.75 for overhead spray devices and 0.81 for drip systems.

3.02.209 Implementation Period

The Implementation Period, in which mandatory water rationing is enforced by the District, shall begin on the first calendar day of the month following declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency.

3.02.210 Infiltration Rate

The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time.

3.02.213 Inspector

The person who performs the work of inspecting water facilities under the jurisdiction or control of the District.

3.02.215 Invasive Plant Species

Any species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources and may be regulated by the County as noxious species.

3.02.217 Irrigation Audit

An in-depth evaluation of the performance of an irrigation system conducted by a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor and includes, but is not limited to inspection, system test with distribution uniformity or emission uniformity, precipitation rates, reporting deficiencies in the system, reporting overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule. An irrigation audit may include suggested upgrades, current estimated water usage, and suggested system upgrades.

3.02.220 Landscape Architect

Any person who holds a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of California pursuant to California Business and Professions Code.

3.02.223 Landscape Area

All the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a landscape design plan subject to the MAWA calculation, including any adjacent planted areas in the public right-of-way for which the property owner is responsible. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures unless the footprints include planted areas such as living roofs. The landscape area also does not include sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, and other non-irrigated areas designated for non-development such as open spaces and existing native vegetation.

3.02.225 Landscape Water Meter

An inline device installed as a separate water service that measures the flow of water into the irrigation system.

3.02.227 Large Household

Where four or more full time residents occupy a single residence served by one residential account.

3.02.229 Low Volume Irrigation

An irrigation system specifically designed to slowly apply small volumes of water at low pressure at or near the root zone of plants through a system of tubing or lateral lines and low-volume emitters such as drip, drip lines, and bubblers.

3.02.230 Main or Watermain

A pipe and associated appurtenances installed in a street, highway, or easement used for public and private fire protection, and for the general distribution of potable water.

3.02.233 Master Shutoff Valve

An automatic valve installed at the irrigation supply point which controls water flow into the irrigation system that when closed, water will not be supplied to the irrigation system.

3.02.235 MAWA

An acronym for “maximum applied water allowance”, which is the amount of annual applied water established by the District for a landscaped area, accounting for local climatic conditions, that serves as an upper limit for lawful water use for irrigating landscaped areas. This allowance is based upon the area’s ET, ETAF, and the size at type of the landscape area. The ETWU shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Special Landscape Areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as fruit and nut trees and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with non-potable water, are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0.

3.02.237 MPN

An acronym for “most probable number”, an estimate of the actual number of bacterial colony-forming units based on established probability formulae. For further explanation, see “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater”.

3.02.240 Mulch

Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for the beneficial purposes of reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.

3.02.243 New Landscape Project

The total Landscape Area for a new building or structure with a landscape (or other new landscape such as a park, playground, median strip, or greenbelt without an associated building or structure) and the modified Landscape Area for a landscape rehabilitation project.

3.02.245 Nonpervious

Any surface or material that does not allow the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.

3.02.247 Non-Potable Water

Water is not intended for human consumption, but suitable for uses such as landscape irrigation or water features, including recycled water, blackwater, graywater, foundation drainage, or harvested rainwater.

3.02.250 Non-Residential Landscape

Landscapes in commercial, institutional, industrial, mixed use residential and public settings that may have areas designated for recreation or public assembly.

3.02.253 Noxious Species

Any species of weed designated by the Weed Control Regulations in the Weed Control Act and identified on a Regional District noxious weed control list. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database.

3.02.255 Operating Pressure

The pressure at which the parts of an irrigation system are designed by the manufacturer to operate.

3.02.257 Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Irrigation systems that deliver water through the air (e.g., spray heads and/or rotors).

3.02.260 Overspray
Irrigation water which is delivered

beyond the landscape area.

3.02.263 Owner

The person owning fee title to a property, or person serving as executor, administrator, guardian or trustee to said property.

3.02.265 OWTS

An acronym for “Onsite Wastewater Treatment System”, as defined in the District’s current Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code.

3.02.267 Permit

Any written authorization required pursuant to this or any other regulation of the District.

3.02.270 Person

Any person, individual, firm, company partnership, association, private, public or municipal corporation, the United States of America, the State of California, a district and any political subdivision or any governmental agency.

3.02.273 Pervious

Any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil.

3.02.275 Plant Factor

A factor that, when multiplied by RETR, estimates the amount of water needed by a plant as established in WUCOLS. Plants used in a landscape project not found in WUCOLS shall use the plant factor of a similar species included in WUCOLS. The plant factor ranges are:

0.0 – 0.1 for very low water use plants
0.1 – 0.3 for low water use plants
0.4 – 0.6 for moderate water use plants
0.7 – 1.0 for high water use plants

3.02.277 Premises

The property under the ownership or control of a water user and is served, or is readily capable of being served, with water via a service connection from the District’s system.

3.02.278 Premises Containment

Protection of the District’s system from backflow from a user’s premises through the installation of BPAs, installed as close as practical to the user’s service connection, in a manner that isolates the water user’s water supply from the District’s system.

3.02.280 Private Fire Protection Service

Water service and facilities for building sprinkler systems, hydrants, hose reels and other facilities installed on private property for fire protection.

3.02.283 PSI

Acronym for “pounds per square inch”, a unit of water pressure.

3.02.285 Rain Sensor

A rain sensing shutoff device that automatically suspends an irrigation event when it rains.

3.02.287 Recreational Area

Areas dedicated to active play or public assembly such as parks, sports fields, and golf courses where turf provides a playing surface.

3.02.290 Regular Water Service

Water service and facilities rendered for normal domestic, commercial and industrial purposes on a permanent basis.

3.02.292 Rehabilitated Landscape

Any modifications to landscape areas over a 12-month period at a site, excluding turf replacements on sports fields where the turf replaced provides a playing surface, routine weeding, brush removal where no new plant materials are installed, seasonal plantings, areas dedicated solely to edible plants, and landscape areas where only the irrigation system is retrofitted for the use of recycled water and only plantings that restore areas disturbed by the recycled water retrofits are installed.

3.02.293 Residence

A habitable structure served by a water meter.

3.02.295 Residential

Any single-family unit, any duplex or triple family unit not requiring licensing for occupancy and operation

3.02.297 Responsible

The capacity of an individual tester and their employer to satisfactorily perform testing of backflow prevention devices and includes such attributes as experience, possession of sufficient tools and equipment, maintenance of insurance for the protection of customers and the public, and absence of evidence of dishonesty or unsatisfactory performance.

3.02.300 RETR

An acronym for “reference evapotranspiration rate”, which is an estimate of the evapotranspiration rate of a large field of well-watered four-inch to seven-inch tall, cool-season grass.

3.02.303 RPP

An acronym for “Reduced Pressure Principle”, associated with a specific type of backflow device.

3.02.304 Runoff

Water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is applied resulting in flow leaving the landscape area and flowing onto adjacent property, walks, roadways, parking lots, structures, or non-irrigated areas.

3.02.305 SBFPD

An acronym for the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District.

3.02.306 Secretary

The Secretary to the District Board.

3.02.307 Service Connection

Either the point where a customer’s piping is connected to the District’s system, or the point in a water system where the District’s system can be protected from backflow using an air gap or backflow prevention assembly.

3.02.308 SF

An acronym for “square foot” or “square feet”, a unit of areal measurement.

3.02.310 SLA

An acronym for “Special Landscape Area”, which is an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, and water features and irrigated areas using all or part of non-potable water.

3.02.313 Soil Moisture Sensor

A device that measures the amount of water in the soil and may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.

3.02.315 Soil Texture

The classification of soil based on its percentage of sand, silt, and clay.

3.02.317 Station

An irrigation area served by one valve or by a set of valves that operate simultaneously.

3.02.319 Suspension Point

The point in time during an Implementation Period when there has been sufficient rainfall to achieve and maintain an aggregate minimum system storage level of 70% for seven consecutive days.

3.02.320 Swing Joint

An irrigation component that provides a flexible, leak-free connection between the emission device and lateral pipeline to allow movement in any direction and to prevent equipment damage.

3.02.317 SWRCB

An acronym for the California “State Water Resources Control Board”.

3.02.322 Temporary Water Service

Water service, not requiring a permanent installation, provided for construction work and other uses for a duration of less than 12 continuous months.

3.02.323 Trigger Point

The point in time when there has been insufficient rainfall to achieve and maintain an aggregate minimum system storage level of 70% for seven consecutive days.

3.02.325 Unimproved Land

Land on which no improvements exist or land which, although improved to a degree, is being further improved, such further improvement being the cause for augmented water service and requiring one or more land use approvals.

3.02.327 Water Feature

An architectural design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function (e.g. artificial ponds, lakes, waterfalls, and streams, and fountains, spas, and swimming pools). For the purposes of a water budget, the surface area of water features shall be included in the high water use hydrozone of the landscape area.

3.02.330 Water Service

The pipeline and appurtenant facilities including but not limited to the curb stop, service line and fittings, corporation stop, corporation stop lock, water meter, endpoint communicator and all associating wiring, and meter box used to extend long-term water service from the water main to a Customer premises including the laying thereof and the tapping of the main. Also referred to as Service Connection.

3.02.331 Water Shortage Emergency

Such time that the Trigger Point has occurred, and as declared by the Board, the start of the Implementation Period is determined. A water shortage exists because the ordinary demands and requirements of the water consumers in the District's service area cannot be met and satisfied by the water supplies available without depleting the water supply or diminishing its quality to the extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, and fire protection.

3.02.333 Water Waste

Usage of any excessive water that is not put to reasonable and beneficial use, including but not limited to leaking or a broken customer service lines between the house isolation valve and the service connection; leaking or broken house or irrigation plumbing; running toilet(s); irrigation use above the designated MAWA; irrigation overspray; or irrigation runoff.

3.02.335 Watermain Extension

The installation of new District watermain to allow for a new connection to the District’s existing water distribution system.

3.02.337 WUCOLS

An acronym for the document “Water Use Classification of Landscape Species” published by the University of California Cooperative Extension, the Department of Water Resources 2014, or subsequent editions as it may be updated.

Chapter 3.03: WATER SERVICE

3.03.010 Term of Service

Treated water service pursuant to an approved application shall be provided until the service is terminated by the customer or the District. A customer may terminate service at any time by notice to the District. The District may terminate service at any time pursuant to Chapter 3.05 of this Code. Restoration of a terminated service shall be treated as an application for new water service and charged applicable fees.

3.03.013 Application for New Water Service

Application for a new water service must be made to the District in writing, by the property owner or their authorized agent. Applications must be supported by data as required by the District, such as: service address; service Assessor Parcel Number (or map and/or legal description of the property to be served); new account holder’s name, mailing address, phone number and email; an overall site plan and topographic survey of the property to be served; a schedule of all intended water fixtures (including number, type and maximum flow for each); a landscape design plan and schedule; and landscaping MAWA calculations. The size of the water service will be determined by the District.

3.03.015 Application for Existing Water Service

A new application for an existing water service must be made to the District in writing, by the new property owner or their authorized agent. Application shall indicate the date water service is to begin, the address to which the water bill shall be mailed, the exact location of the property to be served, and provide such credit information as the District may require. Any person using water without submitting said application to the District shall be held liable for all basic service and water usage charges from the date of last billing at said service location.

3.03.017 Processing Water Service Applications

Applications requiring only fire service or requiring a service having a meter size equal to or less than one inch in diameter will be processed in the order of the date the application is received, provided all requirements of the District are met. All other applications will be processed in the order of the date the application is deemed complete provided the applicant meets all District requirements within 30 days of the initial application. If District requirements are not met within 30 days, the application shall be null and void and must be resubmitted to the District. The General Manager may extend the 30-day period if the District administrative staff is unable to process the application within that time frame.

3.03.020 Commitment of District

Receiving an application shall in no way represent a commitment or agreement by the District to serve water. Said commitment will be made only at the time service actually commences, or when the District executes a service Extension Agreement, whichever occurs first. In the case of a service extension agreement, the commitment of the District to supply water shall be limited to the number of connections to be installed pursuant thereto and in accordance with the terms thereof.

3.03.100 Conditions of Water Service

Water service will be provided subject to:

The existence of a water main of adequate capacity and pressure abutting the property to be served, or the construction of adequate mains, pumps and storage facilities under the provisions of these regulations.
Advance payment of the District’s connection charge for service as provided in these regulations or as subsequently amended or adopted by the Board.
Availability of onsite wastewater treatment subject to:
1. District issuance of a Design Approval Permit for a new OWTS designed per the District’s current Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code for the property to be served. Approval for a temporary water service may be granted to a property on which no structures exist until such time that the District determines an OWTS is required for said property pursuant to the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code; provided, however, that termination of temporary service will not alter the owner’s right to a water service; OR
2. District issuance of a Discharge Permit for an existing OWTS for a property on which development exists, following District review of the existing OWTS system design and determination that the OWTS as installed meets the standards set forth in the District’s current Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code. All services which have been granted prior to the effective date of these regulations for properties which do not currently have valid District-issued Discharge Permit shall be considered temporary services pursuant to (a) above.
Applicant compliance with all other applicable provisions of this Code.

3.03.103 Location of Water Service Connection

Water service will be provided at a meter located at the property line abutting a major frontage of the consumer’s property at a point determined by the District. The consumer may indicate the point on his property where they desire service, but the final location shall be determined by the District.

3.03.105 Land Use Approval Established

An application for water service to unimproved land shall not be deemed complete by the District unless the applicant presents to the District a document from the County of Marin Community Development Agency verifying that:

A valid Building Permit has been issued; or
Planned Unit Development Precise Plan has been approved.

3.03.200 Change of Existing Water Service

The District will change an existing water service when requested to do so by the consumer provided that a written application and supporting documentation has been submitted per Section
3.03.010. Unless otherwise specified herein, the District shall prepare a cost estimate for labor and materials required to perform the work by District staff. Applicant shall provide payment of any applicable fee or for initial cost estimate provided by District prior to District commencing work.

3.03.203 Relocation of Existing Water Service

The District will relocate its facilities subject to the application requirements specified in Section 3.03.200.

Relocation of a water service of less than ten feet not requiring a new connection to the main or removal or replacement of concrete or asphalt paving is subject to a flat fee, as established by the District.
Relocation of service lines exceeding ten feet in length, or requiring a new connection to the main, shall be made upon advance payment of the District’s initial cost estimate. If the actual cost of relocation exceeds or is less than the amount prepaid, the difference will be paid or refunded upon completion of the work.

3.03.205 Resizing of Existing Water Service

The District will resize its facilities subject to the application requirements specified in Section 3.03.200. If the actual cost of the work exceeds or is less than the amount prepaid, the difference will be paid or refunded upon completion of the work.

3.03.300 Multiple Water Services

Except as otherwise expressly authorized by this Code, a single water service shall serve no more than one separate dwelling unit or one separate commercial, agricultural or industrial enterprise on a single parcel or lot. If separate service connections present substantial mechanical problems as conclusively determined by the District, service through a single connection shall be furnished.
Exceptions shall be limited to the following situations:

A duplex, apartment building or residential structure in undivided ownership; or
A commercial or industrial building in undivided ownership; or
A building or group of buildings owned or exclusively occupied by a public entity or entities; or
A condominium served under a contract between the District and a responsible owners’ association as defined in Section 11003.1 of the Business and Professions Code.

For these exceptions, water usage charges for each dwelling unit shall be computed as though each unit were served with a meter of the size installed on the single service connection and as though the quantity delivered to each unit were the quantity of the water measured by the installed meter divided by the number of dwelling units connected thereto.

3.03.303 Subdivision of Ownership

If the ownership of a structure receiving service through a single service connection pursuant to Section 3.03.300, subparagraph 1 or 2 of this regulation is subdivided, new service connections shall be installed, and the fees and charges therefore shall be paid, to the extent necessary to provide a separate service connection to each separately owned unit or parcel, unless service is furnished under Section 3.03.300, subparagraph 4.

3.03.400 Temporary Water Service

The District will provide a temporary water service when requested to do so by the consumer provided that a written application and supporting documentation has been submitted per Section 3.03.070. The District shall prepare a cost estimate for labor and materials required to perform the work by District staff. Applicant shall provide payment of any applicable deposit for service and for the initial cost estimate provided by District prior to District commencing work. If the actual cost of the work exceeds or is less than the amount prepaid, the difference will be paid or refunded upon completion of the work.

3.03.403 Temporary Water Service Through Fire Hydrant

Temporary water service for construction or other approved purposes may be provided through hydrant meters upon written application to the District and the payment of applicable fees.

3.03.500 Service Interruption

The District will exercise reasonable care and diligence to deliver to its customers a continuous and sufficient supply of water. The District reserves the right at any time to shut off water delivery for the purpose of maintaining, repairing, altering or enlarging its facilities. To the extent practical, advance notice of an interruption of service shall be given to all users affected.

3.03.503 Non-Liability of District

The District shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or inconvenience to any person by reason of any shortage, reduction, interruption, or discontinuance of water service or the increase or decrease of water pressure, when the same is caused by an act of God, drought, an unavoidable accident, a shutdown, a disturbance or condition of any kind beyond the reasonable control of the District or when the same is reasonably necessary for the repair, maintenance, alteration, or extension of any facility of the District. In addition, the District shall not be liable for any injury to persons or damage to property which may result directly or indirectly from the installation, testing or repair of any device used to protect the District’s public water supply from contamination.

3.03.600 District Access to Facilities

By applying for or receiving water service from the District, each consumer irrevocably licenses the District and its authorized employees and agents to enter upon the consumer’s property at reasonable times for the purpose of reading, inspecting, testing, checking, repairing or replacing the District’s meters and other facilities.

3.03.700 Water Pressure

The District normally provides water service at pressures between 45 psi and 80 psi.

3.03.703 Low Pressure Service

Exceptions below the minimum water pressure specified in Section 3.03.700 are designated as a “Low Pressure Service” and will be furnished only upon compliance with all the following conditions:

The applicant applies for low pressure service and enters into a recordable agreement, running with the land to be served, agreeing to:
1. Accept service at the pressure the District can provide; and
2. Release the District from any liability from low pressure water service and from all responsibility to provide water service at higher pressure; and
3. Maintain in good condition and repair without cost to the District, any necessary pumping and storage facilities required by conditions 3 and 4 below.
The District will determine the feasibility to serve the applicant’s land from existing District facilities in the immediate vicinity, considering whether sufficient quantity can be furnished to said land.
The District determines what additional pumping and storage facilities are reasonably necessary to provide water service to said land from the District’s existing facilities.
1. The design and installation the customer’s pump and related piping shall not result in the creation of a negative suction pressure in the customer’s system or in the District’s system. Pump shall be of a centrifugal type, have a capacity of not less than 12 gallons per minute, and be capable of maintaining 20 psi at the highest point of use at the maximum use rate.
2. Storage shall be a pneumatic pressure tank having no less than 110 gallons nominal capacity, a working pressure equal to the shutoff pressure of the pump, an automatic air charging system, and a safety pressure relief valve having a release capacity equal to the customer’s maximum pumping rate.
Prior to the commencement of water service by the District, the applicant purchases and installs to the District’s satisfaction the additional pumping and storage facilities determined necessary by the District, at no cost to the District. Said facilities shall be located on said land and shall remain the property of the applicant or any successive landowner who shall maintain the same in good condition and repair.
Meter location shall be installed at an elevation which the District has determined will always result in a supply of water under normal operating conditions. The house service line shall be at least 1 inch in diameter.
Applicants for service must submit to the District written evidence from a registered engineer that applicant’s entire water system complies with the performance standards specified herein.

3.03.705 High Pressure Service

Exceptions above the maximum water pressure specified in Section 3.03.700 are designated as a “High Pressure Service”. In those cases, it shall be responsibility of the consumer to own and operate a pressure regulating device on the Customer’s System at their own expense. Said pressure regulating device shall reduce customer pressure to 65 psi or less. Each new consumer connecting to a High Pressure Service shall be notified by the District about the pressure and be required to provide written acknowledgement of said notification.

3.03.800 Water Quality

Treated water at the point of delivery by the District shall meet or exceed all federal and state regulations and be fit for human consumption.

Chapter 3.05: WATER SERVICE TERMINATION

3.05.010 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to satisfy the District’s obligations under California Government Code Section 60370 et seq., California Public Utilities Code Section 10001 et seq. and Health and Safety Code Section 116900 et seq., which govern the termination of certain utility service. Health and Safety Code Section 116900 et seq., the Water Shutoff Protection Act enacted by S8 998, which requires urban water suppliers and urban and community water systems, such as the District, to adopt a written policy regarding the discontinuation of water service due to non-payment.

3.05.013 Incorporation and Supersedence

This Chapter incorporates the provisions of and supersedes Board Resolution GB 2020-01 Establishing a Residential Water Service Termination Policy.

3.05.015 Payment for Water Service

Every person receiving water service from the District is required to pay for such service by the 28th day of every month. Except as prohibited by statute, the District will have the right to discontinue water service for the failure to make complete and timely payment.

3.05.017 Contesting a Charge

If a customer believes they were overcharged for residential water service or charged for residential water service not rendered, the customer may contest the amount due by notifying the District in writing within 5 calendar days after receiving the statement or billing at 3785 Shoreline Highway, P.O. Box 245, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, or by email at info@stinsonwater.org.

The General Manager will investigate the matter then shall make a decision based upon all the information available. The General Manager shall have the authority to adjust the amount due in a fair and equitable manner, if appropriate.
If the customer disagrees with the General Manager’s decision, the customer may, within 30 calendar days from the General Manager's decision, appeal the decision, in writing, to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will review the record and make a determination at its next regular Board of Directors' meeting. The decision of the Board of Directors will be final.

3.05.100 Water Service Termination – Customer Request

The District will terminate water service at the point of delivery during regular working hours on any business day requested by a customer provided the request is received by the District not later than five business days prior to the date of termination. The customer shall be responsible for payment for all service rendered prior to actual termination.

3.05.200 Water Service Termination – District Discretion

The District may disconnect any water service line or shut off any facility used to deliver water from the District for any of the following reasons:

Non-use of water for a period of 12 consecutive months; or
The customer or any agent or tenant of the customer are in default in the payment of any bill, charge, fee, or indebtedness to the District; or
The customer or any agent or tenant of the customer fails to comply with any regulation of the District; or
Water service is being furnished without a proper application or pursuant to an application containing a misrepresentation of material fact; or
There is evidence of unlawful tampering or interference with the District's facilities by the customer; or
The District, the County Health Officer, or the State Department of Health Services finds that there exists a condition hazardous to the health and safety of the customer or any water user of the District, including, without limitation, the absence or malfunctioning of a required backflow prevention device; or
The customer or occupant of the land served fails, after notice from the District, to remove an obstruction that prevents or unreasonably impairs the reading of the meter.

Any breach of a regulation of the District that endangers or threatens to endanger the public health and safety may result in disconnection without prior notice.

3.05.210 Water Service Termination Limitations

No water service termination shall be made on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, or at any time when the business office of the District is not open, or during the pendency of any District investigation of a contested bill, charge, fee, or indebtedness involved, or for any delinquent balance less than 60 days past due. In addition, no water service termination shall be made for any water service meeting all criteria established in California Health and Safety Code section 116910.

3.05.220 Notice of Water Service Termination

The District will provide customers and/or actual users with notice of a delinquent payment and the impending service termination at least 10 business days before the possible termination of service. The written notice shall be sent by certified mail to the account’s billing address on file at the District.

3.05.300 Averting Water Service Termination

Customers and/or actual users of the water service may contact a District representative at (415) 868-1333, or at info@stinsonwater.org to discuss options for averting termination of residential service for nonpayment.

3.05.310 Alternative Payment Options

Within 10 business days of receiving a notice of termination or any time prior to receiving such notice, a customer may request an alternative payment option to avert termination, including a deferred or reduced payment plan, an alternative payment schedule, or an agreement to amortize the delinquent amounts. The District may choose which payment option the customer undertakes and may set the parameters of that payment option, in the District's sole discretion. Any selected repayment option should result in full repayment of the outstanding balance within 12 months, but the District may grant a longer term if it would be necessary to avoid undue hardship based on the customer's particular circumstances.

Chapter 3.07: CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

3.07.010 Purpose

To provide for an adequate means of protection of District’s water distribution system from cross connection and backflow, the requirements hereinafter set forth are reasonable and necessary. District adopts these requirements for the protection of the District’s water distribution system from cross connection and backflow. New water service connections shall be installed, and existing water service connections shall be modified to conform to the requirements hereinafter set forth.

3.07.013 Authority

The SWRCB has adopted its “Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook” that cites the standards and principles for public water systems in California. These standards apply to all Public Water Systems, as defined in California’s Health and Safety Code Section 116275(h) and compliance is mandatory. The District is a Public Water System within the meaning of the California Health and Safety Code.

3.07.015 Incorporation

The SWRCB CCCPH, is hereby adopted, incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof, insofar as the same are applicable to the protection of District’s system.

3.07.017 General Requirements

In general, a RPP backflow prevention device, or other appropriate device as specified herein or determined by the District’s General Manager, shall be installed by the consumer at their own expense. These devices are required for all service connections within the District’s jurisdictional boundary.

3.07.020 Cross-Connection Control Program Coordinator

The District’s Water Operations Supervisor, or their designee, shall serve as the District’s Cross-Connection Control Program Coordinator, as required by the CCCPH.

3.07.100 RPP Backflow Prevention Device Standard

Acceptable backflow prevention devices shall be:

Watts Model 009M2; or
Watts Model 009M3; or
Wilkins Model 975XL; or
Wilkins Model 975XL2; or
Equivalent model to those listed above, with review and approval by the General Manager.

3.07.103 Backflow Prevention Device Location

A RPP backflow prevention device shall be located as close as practical to the user's connection and shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches above grade and not more than 36 inches above grade measured from the bottom of the device and with a minimum of 24 inches side clearance.

3.07.200 Separation Requirements

The District’s system shall always be isolated from private sources of supply and wastewater systems. The residential water supply must have a minimum separation to any OWTS as specified in the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code.

3.07.203 Systems Carrying Hazardous Substances

The District’s system shall be separated by a properly installed air gap system satisfactory to District, the plans for which must be approved in writing by the District’s Engineer prior to installation, for any service connection to any chemical plant systems, or other systems carrying hazardous substances which may jeopardize the safety of the drinking water supply or at any private or public premise on which any material dangerous to health or any toxic substance in toxic concentration is or may be handled under pressure. The air gap shall be located as close as practicable to the service cock, and all piping between the service cock and receiving tank shall be exposed. All portions of the air gap system installed, including piping, shall be exposed and accessible for inspection at any time.

3.07.205 Sewage Lift or Ejector Stations

The District’s system shall be separated by a properly installed air gap system satisfactory to District, the plans for which must be approved in writing by the District’s Engineer prior to installation, for any service connection to any sewage lift or ejector station. For a single hose bib water service to the vicinity of a sewage lift station, the District may accept a RPP Device assembly, located as close as practicable to the service connection. The service hose bib and connecting riser must be located at the discharge end of the RPP Device assembly. All portions of the system installed, including piping, shall be exposed and accessible for inspection at any time.

3.07.300 Backflow Prevention Device Installation

It shall be the customer’s responsibility, at their own expense, to provide and install a new backflow prevention device in accordance with District standards at a location approved by the District. Installation must be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor and is subject to District inspection, testing and approval following installation. The customer shall retain full ownership of their backflow prevention device.

3.07.303 Inspection of Premises

Per Section 3.03.600, the District reserves the right to inspect the premises of any existing water service at any time, which in the opinion of the General Manager, may have inadequate backflow protection. District-required abatement of any cross-connection(s) on the customer’s property shall be the responsibility of the customer.

3.07.305 Termination of Water Service

If the District determines at any time that insufficient backflow protection exists or if an existing backflow prevention device is inadequate or defective and cannot be repaired, the property owner shall be notified, and installation of a new backflow prevention device shall be a condition of continued water service. Installation of a new backflow device is required within 30 calendar days of notice and shall conform to the provisions of Sections 3.07.100 and 3.07.407. Failure to test backflow device and submit testing results to the District within the timeframes specified herein shall result in immediate termination of water service and is subjection to Section 3.07.407.

3.07.400 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

All backflow prevention devices shall be inspected and tested annually for proper operation at the expense of the owner. Inspection and testing shall only be performed by an individual holding a valid Backflow Testing Certificate issued by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited certifying organization, accredited in accordance with subsection (b) and ISO/IEC 17024, and as required by the CCCPH. The results of each test, a detailed description of any repairs made, and a copy of the testers certification shall be submitted to the District within 7 days upon completion of the inspection/testing. If the device is found to be defective and cannot be repaired, the customer shall notify the District and replace the backflow device subject to Section

3.07.305.

Failure to submit inspection and testing results to the District within the timefame indicated shall result in immediate termination of water service.

3.07.403 Initial Testing After Installation

All backflow prevention devices must be tested within 24 hours of installation and all testing results shall be immediately submitted to the District, subject to Section 3.07.305.

3.07.405 Testing by District

At customer expense, District personnel may be used to inspect and test a backflow prevention device at the customer’s request, or shall be used if a customer fails or refuses to inspect and test their device in a timely manner. Customers shall be notified of any test failures by the District and shall be subject to the provisions in Section 3.07.305.

3.07.407 Noncompliance

Any person or persons, company, corporation or association shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 per day per violation or imprisonment in the County jail for a period not exceeding six months, or both fine and imprisonment for any of the following:

Willfully failing to install, or permit to be installed backflow prevention assemblies as required by this Code; or
Willfully by-passing, altering or refusing to maintain a backflow prevention assembly as required by this Code; or
Failing to perform or have performed the required inspection and testing within the time intervals indicated, as required by this Code.

Chapter 3.10: AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLIES

3.10.010 Permit Application

The auxiliary water supply permit application and review process shall be the same as design review process for a wastewater system, as specified in the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code. In addition to other required information, the plans submitted shall:

Provide sufficient information to determine whether the standards of the California Department of Water Resources Bulletin No. 74 will be met; and
Indicate the approximate location of wastewater systems located within 200 feet of the proposed well or water system; and
Include any additional information or supporting documentation as requested by the District.

3.10.013 Operating Permit

Upon completion of the construction of an auxiliary water supply in conformance with these regulations, in addition to final inspection and approval by the District, an operating permit shall be issued in a manner similar to issuance of a discharge permit as specified in the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code. No auxiliary water supply shall be operated without an operating permit, nor shall it be cross connected to the District's water system.

3.10.015 Separation Requirements

All auxiliary water supplies shall be isolated from the District’s system as well maintain proper setback to any OWTS component as specified in the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code. If this minimum setback cannot be maintained, then the auxiliary water supply shall be abandoned or an OWTS variance request shall be submitted as required by the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code.

3.10.017 Cross Connection Control

Installation of any auxiliary water supply also requires installation of a backflow device that complies with the provisions set forth in Chapter 3.07 of this Code.

3.10.020 Inspection and Testing

Every auxiliary water supply permitted by the District, pursuant to these regulations, shall be inspected and tested for bacteriological contamination annually.

3.10.023 Revocation of Operating Permit

If the water quality from an auxiliary water supply fails to meet the bacteriological standards listed below, the operating permit shall be revoked. Upon permit revocation, the auxiliary water supply shall be abandoned according to techniques specified in the California Department of Water Resources Bulletin No. 74.

The water quality standards for auxiliary water supplies are as follows:

Use of Water Food crop irrigation
(for human consumption) Yard and ornamental plant irrigation
(casual human contact exposure) Human Consumption

Bacteriological Standard < 2.2 MPN < 23 MPN As regulated by the State

Chapter 3.13: POOLS AND HOT TUBS

3.13.010 Construction Permit

No pool or hot tub shall be constructed without a District permit.

3.13.013 Setback Requirements

Setback requirements from any pool or hot tub to any OWTS component shall be as indicated in the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code.

3.13.015 Discharge

Water from a swimming pool or hot tub shall not be discharged into an OWTS, into a creek or stream, or into any storm drains. Water from a swimming pool or hot tub shall not be discharged, spilled, or otherwise disposed of onto or into the ground, or into a subsurface drainage structure without a discharge permit issued by the District, per the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code. For regulatory purposes, a swimming pool or hot tub which is designed to discharge water onto or into the ground shall be considered an OWTS and subject to the provisions of the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code.

3.13.017 Cross Connection Control

Installation of any pool and/or hot tub also requires installation of a backflow device that complies with the provisions set forth in Chapter 3.07 of this Code.

3.13.020 Covers

All pools and hot tubs require a cover to be installed during non-use.

Chapter 3.17: WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS AND USE OF WATER

3.17.100 Water Service Connections

The District shall install, set, and maintain a meter on each active water service connection, except public fire hydrants, and connections used exclusively for fire protection in accordance with Chapter 3.27 of this Code. This Chapter does not apply to a sub-meter as that term is defined in Water Code Section 517 that is installed to measure the quantity of water supplied to an individual residential dwelling unit located within a newly constructed multi-unit residential structure or newly constructed mixed-use residential and commercial structure.

3.17.103 Consumer Facilities

The District’s system ends at the water meter, but includes the meter box. The consumer shall, at their own risk, furnish, install, maintain, repair and retain ownership and control over all pipes, valves, devices, appurtenances and other ancillary water equipment from the outlet of the District’s water meter. If the consumer’s facilities cause damage, nuisance or inconvenience to the District or its other consumers, the District shall have the right to compel the owner or user of such facilities to adjust, repair and/or replace the same, or the District shall terminate water service.

3.17.105 Location of Meter

The location of meters shall be governed by the following:

The service line from the meter to the District's water main shall normally be straight and perpendicular to the main.
The meter shall be installed along the principal boundary of the parcel of land to be served that abuts a street or right-of-way satisfactory to the District and shall be near the limit line of the abutting street or right-of-way.
The meter shall be installed outside of driveways, sidewalks, or areas used by heavy equipment.
Subject to the foregoing, the customer may determine the point along the abutting boundary of the property where the meter shall be installed, subject to approval of the District. The District shall take into consideration the physical circumstances and the efficient installation and maintenance of District facilities and customer service lines.

3.17.107 Connection to Meter

The consumer shall be responsible for connecting their facilities to the District’s meter. However, except for private fire protection services, the District will make the necessary connection if the consumer’s pipeline is properly placed prior to meter installation.

3.17.110 Changing Meter Size

A meter will be replaced by a meter of a different size on a customer’s request or when the District, in its sole discretion, determines that increases in water demand have occurred or will occur due to changes affecting the amount of capacity needed for the customer’s property. In making said determination, the District will consider and evaluate factors affecting the capacity needed to meet the increases in water demand including, but not limited to:

Addition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) determined by the District to exceed the capacity of the existing meter.
Addition of plumbing fixture units, determined by the District to exceed the capacity of the existing meter, in other situations through construction, conversion or expansion of the primary residence.
Alternate uses of the premises, which the District determines warrant the installation of a larger water meter.

Meter replacement of a different size will be subject to applicable fees for the replaced meter plus the District’s actual costs in making any necessary modifications or replacement of the service line from the main up to and including the meter and backflow device. The District may, at its discretion, change the size of the meter for the purposes of ensuring the accurate measurement of water usage. The District will bear the cost of meter size changes that it initiates.

3.17.113 Meter Testing

The District will test the accuracy of any of its meters upon request of a customer, who will advance the cost of such test, as determined by District. The customer may, if they desire, witness the test. If a meter is found to be working improperly, it will be replaced by the District. If it is determined that the meter is registering more than 2% over the actual quantities passing through it, the cost of said test deposited by the customer shall be refunded.

3.17.115 Shutoff Valve

The consumer shall be responsible for the installation of water shut off valve located immediately past the meter outlet, outside the meter box. This shutoff valve shall be a ball valve pressure rated to a minimum of 125 psi and enclosed in a concrete box or 6-inch diameter PVC riser with lid for ease of access.

3.17.117 Pressure Devices

Where it is desired to reduce or increase the water pressure supplied by the District, the consumer shall be responsible for installing and maintaining the necessary equipment as specified in Sections 3.03.703 and 3.03.705. In such cases, the equipment shall be installed on the consumer’s side of the meter and at their own risk and expense.

3.17.120 Electrical Grounding Liability

No electric circuit shall be grounded to any pipe or other facility of the District or to any plumbing or metal in contiguity therewith. Any person who makes, or permits to be made, such a connection will be liable for any damage to the District and for personal injury resulting therefrom.

3.17.123 District Non-Liability

The District shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by a negligent or wrongful act or omission of a consumer or any of their tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees, or permittees in installing, maintaining, using, operating or interfering with any water receiving equipment. The District shall not be responsible for damage caused by faucets, valves, and other equipment which may be open at any time that water service is interrupted.

3.17.200 Use of Water

The consumer shall not use, or permit the use of any water furnished by the District on any premises other than those specified in their application for service. No water received from the District may be resold without the specific approval and authorization of the District.

3.17.203 Unauthorized Use of Water

The District may prosecute violators of Section 498 and 625 of the California Penal Code which make it a misdemeanor to tamper with or bypass meters, to take water without payment, or to take water from or through a connection that has been shut off by the District.
Anyone using water without having made application to the District for water service shall be held liable for the service from the date of any previous meter reading that most nearly coincides with the actual date the service was first used by such customer.

3.17.205 Pollution of Water Supply

No person shall place any waste matter, rubbish, or foreign material in any well, reservoir, tank, or conduit operated by the District. The District may prosecute violators of Section 374.7 and 592 of the California Penal Code, which makes it a misdemeanor to pollute public water supplies.

3.17.210 Transfer of Responsibility

The risk of loss, and full responsibility for the carriage, handling, storage, disposal and use of water delivered by the District shall pass from the District to the consumer at the outlet of the District’s meter.

3.17.213 Change of Use

No substantial change in the character of water use through an existing connection shall be made except by the filing and processing of a new service application. The District shall determine what constitutes a substantial change in the character of water use which shall include, but is not limited to, change from single-family dwelling service to multiple dwelling service or from residential use to commercial or industrial use.

Chapter 3.20: WATER CONSERVATION

3.20.010 Purpose

The purpose of this Chapter is to:

Establish design criteria for water efficient indoor plumbing by adopting the recommendations of the EPA WaterSense program.
Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and managing water efficient landscaping and irrigation by:
1. Establishing provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes; and
2. Promoting using water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA), using state mandated formulas and accounting for local climatic conditions, that will serve as an upper limit for water use by irrigated landscapes; and
3. Complying with the requirements of Article 10.8 of the California Government Code, enacted by the State as the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act; and
4. Complying with the requirements of the California Green Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11) and the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 2.7); and
5. Delineating the conditions under which the District provides water for landscape irrigation uses.
Establish a policy expressly prohibiting water waste.

3.20.100 Water Efficient Indoor Plumbing

All applications for water service for new construction, remodel construction, or a new OWTS shall meet the following requirements.

All lavatory faucets shall be lead free, fitted with an aerator or laminar flow device, and conform to the current EPA WaterSense Specification for High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucets with a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gpm.
All showerheads, including rain showers and hand-held showers, shall conform to the current EPA WaterSense Specification for Showerheads (Version 1.1, and as updated), with a maximum flow rate of 2.0 gpm.
All toilets and associated flush valves shall conform to the EPA WaterSense Specification for Tank–Type Toilets (Version 1.2, and as updated), with a maximum flush volume not exceeding 1.28 gallons per flush.
All urinals shall be either non-flush or conform to the current EPA WaterSense Specification for Flushing Urinals with a maximum flush volume not exceeding 0.5 gallons per flush.
All laundry washing machines shall be ENERGY STAR qualified, high-efficiency, front-loading, horizontal-axis type.
All hot water piping and hot water recirculation systems shall be insulated.

3.20.200 Water Efficient Landscaping and Irrigation

Unless otherwise specified herein, all provisions of this Chapter shall only apply to all public agency, residential, and commercial new landscape projects and rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate modified landscape area equal to or greater than 1,000 sf.
Unless otherwise specified herein, all provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to all the following projects and activities:

All public agency, residential, and commercial new landscape projects and rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate modified landscape area of less than 1,000 sf.
All registered local, state or federal historical sites where the landscape is maintained as part of the historical integrity of the site.
All ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system.
All plant collections or animal habitat areas, as part of botanical gardens, zoological gardens, and arboretums open to the public.

The General Manager may waive some or all requirements of this Chapter if, after a site inspection, they determine that compliance is not feasible due to one or more of the following conditions.

Wet soil conditions stemming from proximity to naturally occurring water features such as a high-water table, springs, ponds, lakes, creeks, and wetlands; or
Substantial health or safety related risk of injury or harm to property owner, users or workers; or
Disproportionately high costs are required for achieving minor or minimal water savings.

3.20.203 Landscaping MAWA Requirements

The design and operation of irrigation systems for all landscaping and landscape projects shall adhere to a Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) which shall be the upper limit of water that may be lawfully applied through the irrigation system. The MAWA for any irrigation system shall be calculated using the following equation:
MAWA = RETR x 0.62 x [(ETAF x LA) + ((1-ETAF) x SLA)]
Where:

MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
RETR = 35.1 inches per year, for San Francisco
ETAF = 0.55 for residential areas; or 0.45 for non-residential areas
LA = Landscape Area (sf)
SLA = Special Landscape Area (sf)

3.20.210 Landscape Project General Requirements

Landscape irrigation shall not exceed the applicable MAWA specified herein.
Any turf area, planned or installed, shall not exceed 25% of the landscape area.
At least 75% of the landscape area shall consist of climate appropriate plants.
Prior to commencing installation or modification of landscape, the project applicant shall submit to the District for approval by the General Manager a landscape project application, prepared and certified by a landscape architect or other landscape professional, consisting of, at a minimum, the following information:
1. Project information sheet; and
2. Water efficient landscape worksheets and calculations that establish the project ETWU based on the MAWA specified herein; and
3. One set of half-size (11”x17”) landscape design plans; and
4. One set of half-size (11”x17”) irrigation design plans; and
5. One set of half-size (11”x17”) grading design plans.
Project shall use the water efficient design and operation criteria specified herein.
Project application submittal deadlines:
1. For landscape projects installed as part of the construction or renovation of a building, the landscape project application shall be submitted to the District not more than 100 calendar days following issuance of the first construction document issued by the County.
2. For landscape projects that are not required to obtain any building permits and/or approvals from the County, a landscape application shall be submitted to the District prior to commencing installation or modification of landscape.
Within 30 calendar days upon completion of the project, the project applicant shall submit to the District:
1. Final record documents (as-built construction drawings and updated specifications) indicating all variations made during construction, and any updated water efficient landscape worksheets and calculations that revise the originally approved project MAWA and ETWU if the project was not installed as originally designed
2. Owner operating instructions regarding required irrigation frequency and duration, and the resulting ETWU that complies with the Tier 2 project MAWA requirements specified herein for the project installed, including parameters used to set the controller.
3. Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule as specified herein.
4. Irrigation audit report, as specified herein.
5. Certificate of Landscape Completion, prepared by a licensed landscape architect or other landscape professional, certifying the work was performed pursuant to the District-approved landscape project application in the form specified below:
  
  “I [name of landscape professional, professional title, and state registration number (if applicable)] do hereby certify that the project has been designed and installed to conform to the Water Efficient Design and Operation Criteria set forth in the Stinson Beach County Water District Title III – Water System Management Code, and when operated properly according to the instructions provided to the owner, does not consume water at a rate that exceeds the project Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA) as set forth in the Stinson Beach County Water District Title III – Water System Management Code. Based upon my inspections of the work performed, I do hereby also certify that the project conforms to the design calculations and final record documents prepared by me as submitted to the Stinson Beach County Water District on [date of submission to District].”
  
  This certification shall be dated and signed under penalty of perjury.
If the complete documentation as specified herein has not been submitted to the District on or before the deadlines indicated herein, the General Manager shall request the County to place an address restriction on the property such that no further construction permits or addenda shall be issued and no further inspections by the County shall occur, unless and until all such documentation, developed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter has been submitted to the District and approved by the General Manager.

3.20.213 Landscape Project Design Plan

Landscapes shall be carefully designed for the intended function of the project.

The landscape design plan, at a minimum, shall include:
1. All applicable water efficient design and operation criteria as specified herein; and
2. Identification of all plants to be installed as part of the landscape project including common name, botanical name, quantity, type (e.g. grass, succulent, vine, shrub, and tree), and plant factor; and
3. Delineation and label of each hydrozone; and
4. Identification of each hydrozone as low, moderate, high water, or mixed (low/moderate) water use, as defined by WUCOLS, including temporarily irrigated areas of the landscape in any low water use hydrozone for the purpose of water budget calculation; and
5. Identification of any recreational areas; and
6. Identification of any areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants or edible fruit or nut trees; and
7. Identification of any areas irrigated with gray water or harvested rainwater; and
8. Identification of mulch type and application depth; and
9. Identification of any soil amendments, specifying type and quantity; and
10. Identification of any water features, specifying type and surface area; and
11. Identification of any hardscape, specifying type and surface area; and
12. The location and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices including, but not limited to rain gardens, bioretention areas, infiltration basins, constructed wetlands, pervious pavements, and rainwater harvesting systems.
The plan shall also bear the seal, signature and license expiry date of the licensed landscape architect who prepared the landscape design plan.

3.20.215 Landscape Project Irrigation Design Plan

The irrigation system and its related components shall generally follow the manufacturers’ recommendations and be designed to allow for proper installation, operation and maintenance.

The irrigation design plan, at a minimum, shall include:
1. The water efficient design and operation criteria as specified herein; and
2. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape (if applicable); and
3. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture or rain sensing devices, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention assemblies; and
4. The static water pressure at the point of connection to the public water supply. If a booster pump is used, include the operating pressure downstream from the pump; and
5. The flow rate (in gpm), application rate (in inches/hr), and design operating pressure (in psi) for each station; and
6. Location and flow rate (in gpm) of any auxiliary water systems used for irrigation.

3.20.217 Landscape Project Grading Design Plan

If the landscape project area will be graded, the grading shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff, and water waste.

The project applicant shall submit a landscape grading plan that indicates finished configurations and elevations of the landscape area including:
1. Height of graded slopes; and
2. Drainage patterns; and
3. Pad elevations; and
4. Finish grade; and
5. Stormwater retention improvements, if applicable.

3.20.220 Water Efficient Design and Operation Criteria

Landscape projects shall be designed and operated to maximize water efficiency using the following criteria:

Plant Material
1. Plants shall be chosen and arranged appropriately based upon the site’s climate, soil characteristics, sun exposure, wildfire susceptibility and other factors. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped within hydrozones.
2. Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% or in areas less than 10 feet wide. Exceptions include public areas such as parklands or public recreation areas, sports fields, golf courses, cemeteries; or areas irrigated with non-potable water.
3. The use of invasive plant species or noxious weeds is prohibited.
4. The use of local California native plant species is strongly encouraged.
5. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development (including community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives) shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
Irrigation System
1. District landscape water meters are required for landscape areas greater than 1,000 sf to facilitate water management. Owner shall submit to the District an application for a landscape meter, and pay all applicable fees.
2. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required.
3. Rain sensors either integral or auxiliary, which suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions, shall be required on all irrigation systems.
4. Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
5. Flow sensors are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes 5,000 square feet or larger.
6. The irrigation hardware for each hydrozone shall include a separate valve.
7. The irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray and other similar conditions.
8. Low volume irrigation shall be required in mulched areas, in areas with slope greater than 25%, within 24 inches of a non-permeable surface or in any irregularly shaped areas that are less than 8 feet in width. These restrictions do not apply if:
  1. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or
  2. The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape irrigation efficiency of 81% for drip irrigation and 75% for overhead spray.
9. Irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, American Society of Agricultural Biological Engineers’/International Code Council’s (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014 “Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard”. All sprinklers in the landscape must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
Hydrozones
1. Each valve shall irrigate only hydrozones with similar plant factors or site conditions such as slope, sun exposure, and soil conditions.
2. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
3. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf.

3.20.220 Water Efficient Design and Operation Criteria

Landscape projects shall be designed and operated to maximize water efficiency using the following criteria:

Plant Material
1. Plants shall be chosen and arranged appropriately based upon the site’s climate, soil characteristics, sun exposure, wildfire susceptibility and other factors. Plants with similar water needs shall be grouped within hydrozones.
2. Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% or in areas less than 10 feet wide. Exceptions include public areas such as parklands or public recreation areas, sports fields, golf courses, cemeteries; or areas irrigated with non-potable water.
3. The use of invasive plant species or noxious weeds is prohibited.
4. The use of local California native plant species is strongly encouraged.
5. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development (including community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives) shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
Irrigation System
1. District landscape water meters are required for landscape areas greater than 1,000 sf to facilitate water management. Owner shall submit to the District an application for a landscape meter, and pay all applicable fees.
2. Automatic irrigation controllers utilizing either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data utilizing non-volatile memory shall be required.
3. Rain sensors either integral or auxiliary, which suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions, shall be required on all irrigation systems.
4. Master shut-off valves are required on all projects except landscapes that make use of technologies that allow for the individual control of sprinklers that are individually pressurized in a system equipped with low pressure shut down features.
5. Flow sensors are required for all non-residential landscapes and residential landscapes 5,000 square feet or larger.
6. The irrigation hardware for each hydrozone shall include a separate valve.
7. The irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray and other similar conditions.
8. Low volume irrigation shall be required in mulched areas, in areas with slope greater than 25%, within 24 inches of a non-permeable surface or in any irregularly shaped areas that are less than 8 feet in width. These restrictions do not apply if:
  1. The landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing and no runoff occurs; or
  2. The adjacent non-permeable surfaces are designed and constructed to drain entirely to landscaping. Irrigation systems shall be designed, maintained, and managed to meet or exceed an average landscape irrigation efficiency of 81% for drip irrigation and 75% for overhead spray.
9. Irrigation emission devices must meet the requirements set in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, American Society of Agricultural Biological Engineers’/International Code Council’s (ASABE/ICC) 802-2014 “Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard”. All sprinklers in the landscape must document a distribution uniformity low quarter of 0.65 or higher using the protocol defined in ASABE/ICC 802-2014.
Hydrozones
1. Each valve shall irrigate only hydrozones with similar plant factors or site conditions such as slope, sun exposure, and soil conditions.
2. Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plant type within that hydrozone.
3. Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turf.
4. Individual hydrozones that mix plants of moderate and low water use shall use the higher water using plant factor. High water use plants shall not be mixed with low or moderate water use plants.
5. On the landscape design plan and irrigation design plan, hydrozone areas shall be designated by number, letter, or other designation. On the irrigation design plan, designate the areas irrigated by each valve, and assign a number to each valve.
Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments
1. Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need to meet this requirement.
2. A minimum 3 inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil surfaces of planting areas except in direct seeding (i.e. hydro-seed) applications.
3. Compost at a rate of a minimum of four cubic yards per 1,000 sf of permeable area shall be incorporated to a depth of 6 inches into the soil for planting areas. Soils with greater than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.
4. Stabilizing mulching products shall be used on slopes.
5. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected.
6. Organic mulch materials made from recycled or post-consumer shall take precedence over inorganic materials or virgin forest products unless the recycled post-consumer organic products are not locally available. Organic mulches are not required where prohibited by applicable local ordinances.
Water Features
1. Only recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
2. Where available, non-potable water shall be used as a source for decorative water features.
3. Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
Irrigation Scheduling
1. Irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria:
  1. Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers.
  2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am unless weather conditions prevent it.
  3. Irrigation schedules for each station shall consider:
    1. Irrigation interval (days between irrigation); and
    2. Irrigation run times (time period per irrigation event to avoid runoff); and
    3. Number of cycle starts required for each irrigation event to avoid runoff; and
    4. Application rate setting; and
    5. Plant type setting; and
    6. Soil type; and
    7. Slope factor setting.
Landscape and Irrigation Maintenance Schedule
1. Landscapes shall be maintained to ensure water use efficiency. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted and shall include routine inspection, adjustment and repair of the irrigation system and its components, aerating and de-thatching turf areas, replenishing mulch, fertilizing, pruning, weeding in all landscape areas, replacement of failed plants with same or equivalent plants, and removing obstruction to emission devices.
2. Materials used in repair of all irrigation equipment shall be consistent in make, model and material type as the originally installed components, or equivalent.
Irrigation Audits
1. Irrigation audits for landscape projects shall be conducted after the landscaping and irrigation system have been installed, as specified herein. The audit may be conducted by the project applicant or by a certified landscape irrigation auditor.

3.20.223 Irrigation Audit Requirements

Irrigation audits for landscape areas shall be required following installation of the landscaping and irrigation system, as specified herein. In addition, the General Manager may require irrigation audits to evaluate water use on any existing landscape areas, regardless of total area, if:

Water waste is discovered by District staff; or
The monthly water usage for the property exceeds 300% of the average monthly usage for all residential users in the system.

When such an audit is required, it must be completed by a certified landscape irrigation auditor within 60 days of notice.

Irrigation Audit Reporting
1. The findings of the landscape audit shall be submitted to the District within 30 days of completion and include site inspection results, system tune-up recommendations, results of system test with distribution uniformity, report of overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of a recommended irrigation schedule.
2. Annotation of any changes from the project record documents, or if record drawings are unavailable, a sketch of the existing irrigation system showing, at a minimum:
  1. Location and size of separate water meters for landscape (if applicable); and
  2. Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including controllers, main and lateral lines, valves, sprinkler heads, moisture or rain sensing devices, quick couplers, pressure regulators, and backflow prevention assemblies as applicable; and
  3. The flow rate (in gpm), application rate (in inches/hr), and design operating pressure (in psi) for each station; and
  4. Location and flow rate (in gpm) of any auxiliary water systems used for irrigation; and
  5. Location and annotation of all hydrozones.
3. Calculation of ETWU for the system, compared to the calculated MAWA as specified herein.
4. System tune-up recommendations, results of system test with distribution uniformity, report of overspray or runoff that causes overland flow, and preparation of an irrigation schedule.
Irrigation Audit Enforcement
1. Upon review of the findings and recommendations submitted to the District in the irrigation audit report, the General Manager may require adjustments to the irrigation usage, irrigation hardware, and/or landscape materials to reduce irrigation water use to ensure that the ETWU does not exceed the MAWA for the property. Failure of property owner complete irrigation audit as required, or to make the required adjustments as determined by the General Manager, shall be subject to enforcement in accordance with this Code, and any other available legal remedies, at the sole discretion of the General Manager

3.20.225 Non-Potable Water

Landscapes employing non-potable water, including irrigation retrofit projects, shall employ best management practices to prevent runoff, ponding and overspray as directed in their auxiliary water supply permit and comply with all applicable local and state regulation. Landscapes using non-potable water are exempt from the turf limitations, but shall comply with the MAWA requirements as specified herein.

3.20.300 Water Waste Prevention

Water waste is strictly prohibited for all properties within the District’s jurisdictional boundary. If water waste has been found to occur, the General Manager may issue a written warning delivered to the customer via mail, personal service, or other reasonable means. The letter will include information regarding the violation, education information on the restrictions, resources available from the District to assist in complying with regulations, and a deadline for correcting the violation.
If the violations are not corrected to the satisfaction of the General Manager within the timeframe indicated, the property owner, and project applicant where appropriate, shall be subject to enforcement in accordance with this Code, and any other available legal remedies, at the sole discretion of the General Manager.

Chapter 3.23: MANDATORY WATER RATIONING

3.23.010 Water Shortages

The District reserves the right to fix the time and rate of flow of all deliveries of water to each of its customers and, in the event of shortage, to allocate between its customers the water supply from time to time available to the District and to establish such priorities to the available supply as the District shall consider necessary and in the public interest with particular regard to domestic use, sanitation, and fire protection.

3.23.013 Incorporation and Supersedence

This Chapter incorporates the provisions of and supersedes Ordinance GB 2014-02 Amended and Restated Water Rationing Ordinance, adopted pursuant to the District's authority under California Water Code Sections 350 et seq. and 31026 et seq.

3.23.100 Declaration of a Water Shortage Emergency

If the Trigger Point occurs at any time, the Board may declare a Water Shortage Emergency within the service boundaries of the District. The effective date of the Implementation Period shall be the start of the next billing cycle, generally the first calendar day of the month following the Water Shortage Emergency declaration.
Only upon the Suspension Point will the District declare that the Water Shortage Emergency has ended. The effective date of termination of the Implementation Period shall be the end of the current billing cycle, generally the 28th calendar day of the current month.

3.23.110 Notification of a Water Shortage Emergency

If a Water Shortage Emergency is declared or ended, the District shall notify its customers via the District’s website, its monthly newsletter, and through physical postings at the Stinson Beach Market, the US Post Office, the Stinson Beach Community Center, and at the District office.

3.23.200 Water Rationing – Residential Accounts

Within an Implementation Period, the maximum Allotment for each residential account shall be limited to 125 gpd for the month billed.

3.23.210 Additional Allotment for Large Households

Account holders with Large Households may request and submit to the District an Additional Allotment application that includes all supporting documentation including, but not limited to verification of full-time residency of each resident in the household for which the additional Allotment is requested. All information submitted in the application shall be presented under penalty of perjury. The application will be reviewed by the General Manager who may issue approval within 10 business days of submission.

If the application is not approved, the General Manager will explain, in writing, the reason for the decision. The Applicant may appeal the General Manager’s decision to the Board.
1. The appeal will be heard at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting and is subject to submission to the District at least 10 business days before that meeting.

For Large Households, the maximum Allotment may be increased to the following amounts:

Four residents – 145 gpd for the month billed
Five residents – 160 gpd for the month billed
Six residents – 175 gpd for the month billed
Seven or more residents – 185 gpd for the month billed

In no case shall the additional Allotment exceed the average daily flow allowed by the current OWTS Discharge Permit granted to the subject property.

3.23.220 Multi-Unit Residential Customers

Within an Implementation Period, where water usage for two or more households is measured by only one residential account, the maximum Allotment for the month billed will be the lesser of:

The value obtained by multiplying the number of households by 125 gpd; or
80% of the total monthly usage billed from the same month of the prior year.

The account holder, or at least one full-time resident of the multi-unit residence (or one representative of each household) may apply for additional Allotments as follows:

An Applicant shall complete and submit to the District an Additional Allotment application that includes all supporting documentation including, but not limited to verification of full-time residency of each resident in the household for which the additional Allotment is requested, the number of units served by the single meter and a copy of the use permit issued by the County for the multi-unit residence served by the meter. All information submitted in the application shall be presented under penalty of perjury. The application will be reviewed by the General Manager who may issue approval within 10 business days of submission.
If the application is not approved, the General Manager will explain, in writing, the reason for the decision. The Applicant may appeal the General Manager’s decision to the Board.
1. Any appeal must contain a copy of the original application, a copy of the written explanation of the General Manager’s decision, and a written explanation of why the Applicant believes the decision should be changed.
2. The appeal will be heard at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting and is subject to submission to the District at least 10 business days before that meeting.

In no case shall the additional Allotment exceed the average daily flow allowed by the current OWTS Discharge Permit granted to the subject property. The domiciliaries of the multi-unit residences shall be responsible for dividing the allocated water among themselves.

3.23.230 Additional Residential Allotment for Special Needs

If an additional residential Allotment is necessary to preserve the health and safety of a full-time resident or household, the General Manager may increase the allocation to the Residence during the period of need according to the needs of the Applicant; however, in no case shall the additional Allotment exceed the average daily flow allowed by the current OWTS Discharge Permit granted to the subject property.
An Applicant shall complete and submit to the District an Additional Allotment application that includes all supporting documentation including, but not limited to verification of full-time residency of each resident in the household for which the additional Allotment is requested, the amount of the requested allotment, and a general statement in support of the need. Where appropriate, Applicant shall provide a letter from a licensed doctor stating the need for additional water usage and projected duration of that need, or other appropriate justification for the special need. All information submitted in the application shall be presented under penalty of perjury. The application will be reviewed by the General Manager who may issue approval within 10 business days of submission.

If the application is not approved, the General Manager will explain, in writing, the reason for the decision. The Applicant may appeal the General Manager’s decision to the Board.
1. Any appeal must contain a copy of the original application, a copy of the written explanation of the General Manager’s decision, and a written explanation of why the Applicant believes the decision should be changed.
2. The appeal will be heard at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting and is subject to submission to the District at least 10 business days before that meeting.

3.23.300 Water Rationing – Commercial Accounts

Within an Implementation Period, the maximum Allotment for each commercial account shall be limited to 80% of the total monthly usage billed from the same month of the prior year.
Commercial account holders may request and submit to the District an Additional Allotment application that includes all supporting documentation including, but not limited to the additional Allotment requested and the justification for it. All information submitted in the application shall be presented under penalty of perjury. The application will be reviewed by the General Manager who may issue approval within 10 business days of submission.

If the application is not approved, the General Manager will explain, in writing, the reason for the decision. The Applicant may appeal the General Manager’s decision to the Board.
1. Any appeal must contain a copy of the original application, a copy of the written explanation of the General Manager’s decision, and a written explanation of why the Applicant believes the decision should be changed.
2. The appeal will be heard at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting and is subject to submission to the District at least 10 business days before that meeting.

3.23.400 Drought Excess Water Use Rate

Within any Implementation Period, the District shall impose a drought excess water use rate for all accounts in the amount of $0.1337 for each gallon used exceeding the Allotment assigned to the account. This drought excess water use rate shall be in addition to the tiered water use rate normally charged and as indicated in the District’s current rate and fee schedule.
The drought excess water use rate shall be over and above any fines and/or actions imposed as specified in Section 3.23.500.

3.23.500 Enforcement

Within any Implementation Period, the District shall implement the following fines as penalty and all fines shall be paid within 30 days of notice. The calculus for the number of offences determining the fine imposed need not be consecutive, and shall not include the number of offences from any previous Implementation Period.
If total water usage for the account exceeds the maximum Allotment, then:

For the first offence, the account holder will receive a written warning of overuse along with information regarding requesting additional Allotments.
For the second offence, the account holder shall be fined $100.00.
For the third offence, the account holder shall be fined $500.00.
For the fourth offence, failure to pay any imposed fine within the timeframe indicated, or failure to implement a Board-approved water use reduction plan within the timeframe specified, the

District may proceed with termination of the account holder’s water service.
Any account holder against whom any action has been taken as specified in this Section, may appeal such action to the Board. Such appeal shall be in writing and include a detailed rationale for the overuse and a reasonable plan to reduce water usage to the designated Allotment or below within 30 calendar days of acceptance. The appeal will be heard at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting and is subject to submission to the District at least 10 business days before that meeting. After reviewing the information presented, the Board, at its discretion, may alter the amount of any fine, and/or impose other conditions on the use of water.

Chapter 3.25: WATERMAIN EXTENSIONS AND RELOCATION

3.25.010 Applicability

Watermain extensions include, without limitation, all watermains, storage tanks, pumps and pumping stations, fire hydrants and appurtenances, constructed to serve new consumers whose lands do not have direct access to or do not abut a street or easement containing an existing watermain with sufficient conveyance capacity hydraulically connected to sufficient storage facilities. Property with direct access to a street or easement containing an adequate distribution main, but which does not have a major frontage on the street or easement (flag lot or land locked property with access), will be served at such street frontage or easement provided that such property and adjacent properties cannot be further subdivided or developed.

3.25.100 Watermain Extension Project Application

Applications for all watermain extension or relocation projects shall be submitted to the District and contain:

A legal description of the property requiring water service, including a map clearly depicting the property to be served; and
A master plan of the site with estimates of proposed and future water requirements (if applicable), and details of building construction for the purpose of designing the fire protection elements of the water system; and
Construction documents that include but are not limited to detailed plans and drawings, engineering calculations, and specifications for the watermain extension that include the area of proposed service, the proposed water demand, the name and address of the owner, developer and engineer of the project or development, and other project information as may be required by the District.

3.25.110 Watermain Extension Project Design and District Review

All watermain extension projects shall be designed by a Professional Civil Engineer licensed in the State of California and shall conform to all District standards and master planning. The location, size, type and design of all such watermain extensions shall be sufficient to provide adequate water service to the site and shall be subject to District review and approval.

3.25.120 Watermain Extension Project Costs

All watermain extension project design and construction costs, District Engineer review costs, District costs for installation of service lines, and all District application fees shall be borne entirely by the applicant.
The District may at its discretion cover the cost difference in oversizing a watermain if:

The District determines that oversizing the watermain extension is required to conform with any District master planning; or
The District determines that oversizing the watermain will address an unrelated, existing operational issue; and
The Board has determined that it is within the District’s financial ability to finance its share of the improvement.

3.25.130 Watermain Extension Agreement

Upon District review and approval of the watermain extension project design submission, the applicant shall submit a written application for service pursuant to these regulations. Upon applicant meeting all requirements, the District shall prepare an Extension Agreement that shall specify the terms of payment, requirements for easement or property, special service conditions and other details. All other Extension Agreements must be approved by the Board.

3.25.140 Land Easements and Rights of Way

All watermain extensions of the District’s distribution system shall always be the property of, and be controlled by, the District. District facilities shall be located only in dedicated and accepted public streets or rights of way or within easements owned by the District. No facilities will be constructed until all rights of way easements and facility sites as required by the District shall have been conveyed to the District at the sole cost and expense of the applicant. In the event such rights of way, easements or lands are not conveyed by the applicant, the applicant shall pay the District its entire cost of acquisition thereof, including appraiser’s fees, escrow charges, title insurance premiums and legal expenses.

3.25.150 Watermain Extension Construction

The applicant may elect to construct watermain extensions to the District’s water distribution system with District approval; however, the District reserves the right to construct, with its own personnel or by private contract, any pumping plants, storage facilities, water transmission lines, small watermain extensions, or watermain extensions involving complicated connections to, or interference with, the District’s existing facilities.

3.25.153 Watermain Extension Construction by Applicant

Construction by the applicant shall be subject to the following conditions:

Prior to construction, the applicant shall execute an Extension Agreement, advance to the District all costs of materials to be furnished by or work to be performed by the District (if any), provide all necessary land easements and/or rights of way to the District, and furnish the District with a corporate surety or performance bond satisfactory to the District in an amount equal to 100% of estimated cost of the construction; and
All work shall be performed by a competent and experienced contractor licensed for underground construction and with experienced laborers; and
All work shall be performed in a good, workmanlike and safe manner and in accordance with the District-approved plans and specifications, under its inspection, and to the satisfaction of the General Manager; and
Risk or of loss or damage to materials shall be borne by the applicant until the facilities constructed are accepted by the District; and
All facilities shall be warrantied and maintained by the contractor that installed the same for one year, or such longer period as shall be specified by the District, following the acceptance thereof by the District; pursuant to a warranty in the agreement between the applicant and the contractor which expressly benefits the District; and
The applicant shall indemnify and hold the District, its officers, employees and agents harmless from any liability arising out of or in any way connected with such work done by or on behalf of the applicant, their employees, agents or contractors.

3.25.155 Watermain Extension Construction by District

Prior to construction by the District, the applicant shall:

Execute an Extension Agreement with the District; and
Advance all costs for materials to be furnished and work to be performed by the District; and
Submit a corporate surety or performance bond satisfactory to the District in an amount equal to 100% of estimated cost of the construction; and
Provided all necessary land easements and/or rights of way to the District.

The District shall determine its actual cost of all watermain extensions which will include but not be limited to labor, tools, equipment, material, overhead, engineering, legal and administrative expenses allocable to such work. If the actual cost of such work exceeds the amount paid to the District, the District will invoice the applicant for the excess. If such invoice is not paid promptly, the District shall have the right to refuse water service through such facilities or to the applicant. In the event the actual cost of such facilities is less than the amount advanced to the District, the District will promptly refund such difference.

3.25.200 Watermain Relocation

The District, at its discretion, may relocate and/or reconstruct existing watermains for the following reasons:

To accommodate construction widening or relocation of streets and roadways; however, the District shall only release easements no longer considered useful to the District if the entire cost of the relocation or reconstruction is be paid by the party requesting the same, the new location is such that it will not, in the opinion of the District, be subject to future relocation, and there shall be conveyed to the District without cost, such easements or rights of way for new facilities locations as the District shall consider necessary.
As required under assessment proceedings; however, the District will not bear any cost of any relocation and/or alteration of its facilities made necessary by improvements undertaken pursuant to an improvement act or other assessment proceedings, and the public agency undertaking such relocation shall coordinate with the District for any such relocation or alteration of the District’s facilities. Work will not be performed by the District until after it receives satisfactory guarantees of reimbursement of actual costs and the amount of said costs, and once ascertained, shall be paid to the District promptly. The public agency shall furnish the District with detailed plans, drawings, specifications, surveys, and time schedules necessary to allow the District to conveniently and efficiently relocate and/or alter its facilities.
As required by public drainage works; the District will undertake at its own expense reasonable and normal relocations of its distribution watermains as required by routine drainage projects undertaken by a public agency. Extensive relocation of distribution watermains, relocation of major transmission lines, pumping stations, or regulation structures and their appurtenances, will be undertaken by the District only on a cost-sharing basis mutually satisfactory to the District and the public agency undertaking the drainage project.
As required by underground or overhead utilities; the District will not bear any part of the cost of relocating or altering any of its facilities to accommodate the construction of publicly or privately owned gas lines, telephone and electric cables, sanitary sewers, or other underground or overhead utilities. The District will undertake such relocation or alteration of its facilities only after the District’s cost thereof is paid to the District, or such payment is guaranteed to the District’s satisfaction.

Chapter 3.27: FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES

3.27.010 Condition of Service

The District will provide water service for fire hydrants and other facilities used exclusively for fire protection at such pressure and at such rates of flow as may be available from time to time resulting from the operation of the District's storage, transmission, and distribution facilities. The District will review all fire protection system changes upon receipt of notification. All connections will be required to meet current District standards. The District does not warrant or guarantee any pressure or range of pressures or rates of flow. The District shall not be liable for any damage in any manner arising out of the non-availability of water or water pressure at any hydrant or facility used for fire protection.

3.27.100 Public Fire Hydrants

Public fire hydrants will be installed and connected to the District's watermains when requested by the SBFPD or when required as a condition of a building permit or subdivision. When a hydrant is installed on an existing main at the request of the public fire protection entity, the work will be performed by the District and the entity will reimburse the District for the cost of the hydrant run, hydrant and bury unit. When a hydrant is installed as a condition of a building permit or subdivision, the District's cost of design, materials and installation of the connection to the District's main, fire hydrant assembly, and all facilities and appurtenances thereto shall be paid by the holder of the building permit or the developer of the subdivision. Fire hydrants will be removed or relocated at the expense of the person or entity requesting it.
The SBFPD shall be responsible for testing all public fire hydrants and reporting to the District any malfunctions or leaks. The District shall retain ownership and be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and/or replacing all public fire hydrants in its water distribution system.

3.27.110 Use of Public Fire Hydrants

Only District and SBFPD personnel are authorized to operate and use fire hydrants in the course of their duties. No other person shall operate or draw water from any fire hydrant connected to the District’s water distribution system without prior authorization of the District and use of a District hydrant meter assembly.

3.27.200 Private Fire Protection Systems

The installation of facilities to provide water supply to privately owned and maintained fire protection systems, sprinklers, hydrants, standpipes or other facilities shall be exclusively for firefighting and subject to the following conditions:

The applicant for private fire protection system shall pay the total actual cost of installation of the service line from the distribution watermain to the service location (including but not limited to the cost of the detector check assembly, meter or other equivalent suitable device, valve and meter vault) and said installation from the water main to and including the meter, shall be the property of the District; and
There shall be no connection between the fire protection system and any other water distribution system on the premises; and
There shall be no water used through the fire protection system except to extinguish fires and for testing the firefighting equipment, such as sprinklers; and
Any usage recorded on the meter will be charged per the District’s current rate and fee schedule except that no charge will be made for water used to extinguish fires where such fires have been reported to the SBFPD; and
If water is used from a private fire protection system in violation of these regulations, the District may impose an additional charge; and
When a fire protection system connection is installed and tested, the owner shall notify the District for final inspection. The valve governing same will remain closed until the inspection is completed and approved by District; and
If the District does not require a meter, and if water is used through a fire protection system for any other purpose than extinguishing of fire, the District shall have the right to place a meter on the fire service connection at the owner’s expense; and
The District may utilize a domestic, commercial or industrial service connection at the curb to supply water to a private fire protection system serving the same premises. The Board shall determine the portion of installation costs chargeable to each service connection, if such segregation of costs becomes necessary; and
Each fire protection system shall be installed with a cross connection control device per Chapter 3.07 of this Code; and
The applicant for a private fire protection service shall be responsible for all operation and maintenance of facilities downstream of the cross connection control device.

Back to District Codes

Skip To