HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 2001-29
ORDINANCE NO. 2001-29
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA RELATING TO
RECLAIMED WATER; AMENDING CHAPTER 174 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE; AMENDING SECTION 174-
1(5); AMENDING SECTION 174-7 TO REQUIRE MANDATORY
CONNECTION TO THE RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEM UNDER
CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AMENDING SECTION 174-8 TO
REQUIRE METERS FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS
USING REUSE WATER; AMENDING SECTION 174-10 TO CLARIFY
DISCONNECTION OF WATER UTILITY SERVICE FOR NON-
PAYMENT; UPDATING AND REVISING THE POLICY GOVERNING
THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF THE RECLAIMED WATER
SYSTEM AS REFERENCED IN SECTION 174-13; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OCOEE,
FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Authority. The City Commission of the City of Ocoee has the authority
to adopt this Ordinance pursuant to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Florida and
Chapter 166, Florida Statutes.
SECTION 2. Amendment to Chapter 174. Chapter 174 of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Ocoee, Florida, is hereby amended to read as follows:
See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or
portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent
provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion hereto.
006.232931.1
SECTION 4. Codification. It is the intention of the City Commission of the City that
the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of Ordinances of
the City; and that sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered and the word
"ordinance" may be changed to "chapter," "section," "article," or such other appropriate word or
phrase in order to accomplish such intentions; and regardless of whether such inclusion in the
Code is accomplished, sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered and the
correction of typographical errors which do not affect the intent may be authorized by the City
Manager, without need of public hearing, by filing a corrected or recodified copy of same with
the City Clerk.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon
passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this d ,i day of & c TO 6 ~t2-
,2001.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
(SEAL)
FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY
THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA;
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGALITY A jJ J
this ~ day of U ~6- ,2001.
::7:JD~
City A torney
ADVERTISED September 20, 2001
READ FIRST TIME September 18, 2001
REkD SECOND TIME AND ADOPTED
V c- ro "~f. J.. , 2001
UNDER AGENDA ITEM NO. V I. D
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fEXHIBIT "A" TO ORDINANCE NO. 2001-291
I Chapter 174, WATER, RECLAIMED
[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Commission of the City ofOcoee 6-7-1994 as Ord. No. 94-16.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
ARTICLE I, General Provisions
~ 174-1. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in
this section:
(1) BILLING -- The charge made for reclaimed water service. The charge may be
made on a separate invoice or may be included on the monthly utility bill.
(2) CITY -- The City of Ocoee, Florida, and its Utilities Department.
(3) CITY MANAGER -- The City Manager of the City ofOcoee.
(4) CUSTOMER -- The actual user of the reclaimed water.
(5) CROSS-CONNECTION -- Any physical connection or arrangement which could
allow the transfer of waters between the city's potable water supply and
distribution system, mmu the reclaimed water supply and distribution system or
any other nonpotable water source.
(6) DEVELOPMENT -- Any proposed change in land use which alters the demands
for water and/or wastewater services.
(7) DIRECTOR -- The Director of Public Utilities of the City ofOcoee.
(8) DISCONTINUATION OF SERVICE -- Cessation of a service by physical
separation from the system's service lines to ensure that no service can be
received.
(9) DISTRIBUTION MAIN -- A conduit used to supply reclaimed water from
transmission mains to service lines.
(10) EFFLUENT -- Treated wastewater flowing out of any treatment facility.
006.232931.1
(11) FDEP -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, or its successor in
function.
(12) PUBLIC EATING, DRINKING OR BATHING FACILITY -- Water fountains,
picnic tables, swimming pools, spas and food service facilities, such as tables and
beverage counters, that are open to and provide service for the public.
(13) RECLAIMED WATER -- Effluent from city-owned and operated wastewater
treatment plant, which effluent has been treated to advanced secondary treatment
standards in compliance with the requirements of the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection. Includes the term "treated effluent."
(14) RECLAIMED WATER REUSE SYSTEM -- Those reclaimed water mains, lines,
fittings, valves and appurtenances, installed in public right-of-way or utility
easements, which are owned by the City of Ocoee.
(15) REUSE SERVICE AREA (UTILITY SERVICE AREA) -- Those areas where the
installation of reclaimed water systems shall be available as provided in this
Article and shall be geographically defined as the existing Sewer Utility Service
Area of the City of Ocoee, all areas fnow or hereafter1 within the city limits of
the City of Ocoee and those areas which the City of Ocoee may designate by
resolution at a later date.
(16) TRANSMISSION MAINS -- These mains, together with the storage and pumping
facilities, transmit the reclaimed water to the distribution systems and other points
of use of the reclaimed water. This transmission (delivery) system has been
provided by the city.
~ 174-2. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a reclaimed water use program. The
establishment of a reclaimed water system is a vital ingredient in a program for conserving
potable water. As the general welfare, health, safety and convenience of the Ocoee community
are directly affected by the use of reclaimed water, it is in the interest of the public that the
reclaimed water system be designed and developed in accordance with sound rules and proper
minimum standards.
~ 174-3. Promulgation and enforcement water service procedures and regulations.
A. This chapter hereby establishes that the city's existing Public Utilities Department is
expanded to include services and responsibilities for reclaimed water facilities owned and
operated by the City of Ocoee.
B. The City Manager or the City Manager's designee shall have the power to promulgate
procedures and regulations with respect to the following matters, which procedures and
regulations shall become effective upon a resolution approving the same being adopted
by the City Commission:
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(1) Application procedures, forms and requirements and allowable uses other than
irrigation. All uses must be in accordance with applicable FDEP regulation.
(2) Installation requirements, including specification of acceptable materials, devices
and regulations to prevent backflow or cross-connections with other systems.
(3) Procedures for enforcement of the ordinances and regulations pertaining to
reclaimed water, including procedures for inspection of the customer's system.
(4) Procedures for the orderly expansion of the reclaimed water system.
(5) Procedures and regulations for the efficient operation of the reclaimed water
system.
C. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Manager or City Manager's designee may, when
necessary for the efficient operation of the reclaimed water system or for the health or
safety of the general public or the customer, establish regulations regarding the following
matters, which regulations shall become effective at the time of promulgation without the
need for City Commission approval:
(1) The time( s) of day or night which the reclaimed water may be used by customers.
(2) The maximum rate of use of the reclaimed water.
D. No person shall construct, operate, maintain or allow to remain present on property
owned or controlled by him any device or system which is connected to or which controls
a device or system connected to the city's reclaimed water system and which is not in
compliance with all provisions of FDEP Regulations and this Code related to reclaimed
water and with all procedures and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section.
Reclaimed water shall not be directed, conveyed or piped into any residence or building
used as dwelling unit. The person who owns or controls the property upon which such a
noncomplying device or system is found shall be liable to the city for the amount by
which the costs associated with the securing and/or removal of the noncomplying device
or system exceeds the cost of a normal discontinuance of service. These excess costs
shall constitute a lien against the property upon which the noncomplying device or
system is located.
E. Any customer whose reclaimed water system is in violation of any city ordinance,
regulation or procedure shall be subject to immediate discontinuance of reclaimed water
service. Such discontinuance of service shall not relieve any person of liability for civil
actions or for criminal or municipal ordinance violation prosecution.
~ 174-4. Areas embraced.
All territory within the City of Ocoee and the reuse service area served by the City of
Ocoee reclaimed water system shall be governed by this chapter to the extent permitted by law.
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~ 174-5. Public easement requirements.
Reclaimed water service mains and lines shall be provided for properties located within
the designated reuse service area at the same time and by the same person, entity or agency that
is providing new or replacement sewer service lines and mains. Reclaimed water service shall
comply with all provisions of such service as set forth in this Article.
A. No facilities will be installed under the provisions outlined herein and accepted by the
city for maintenance unless they are in dedicated public rights-of-way or dedicated public
easements. fA dedicated Dublic easement will be reouired for all Facilities located
within Drivate roadwavs.l Any new easement shall be adequately sized as approved by
the city to accommodate construction and maintenance of any reclaimed system
component. No obstruction of whatever kind shall be planned, built or otherwise created
within the limits of the easement or right-of-way without written permission of the city.
B. Reclaimed water system extensions and improvements shall be accepted by the city only
upon receipt of the proper dedication documentation and the acceptance of ownership by
the Director or his designee.
~ 174-6. Ownership.
All reclaimed water facilities and appurtenances within dedicated public f ril!hts-of-wav
or dedicated Dublic1 easements, when constructed or accepted by the city, shall become and
remain the property of the city. No person shall by payment of any charges provided herein or by
causing any construction of facilities accepted by the city acquire any interest or right in any of
these facilities or any portion thereof other than the privilege of having their property connected
thereto for reclaimed water service in accordance with this chapter and any amendments thereof.
ARTICLE II, Reclaimed Water Service
~ 174-7. Connection required.
A. Where available, the owner of every lot or parcel of land within the City of Ocoee
developed for public, commercial, office, industrial, warehousing and/or multifamily
use(s) shall connect or cause to be connected with the reclaimed water distribution
system.
B. Single-family home developments approved for construction after [the effective date of
this chapter) fJune 7. 19941 shall include reclaimed water distribution mains and shall
connect to the system when reclaimed water service becomes available.
C. Connection to the system is [voluntary) fmandatorv1 for all existing single-family
homes [; however, an ayailability charge 'Nill be assessed) fand for all sinl!le familv
homes constructed after June 7. 19941 where reclaimed water service is available -flmt
the owner declines to connect) .
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D. All connections shall be made in accordance with policies and regulations adopted by the
city. This provision shall not be construed to entitle any person to cross the property of
another to make such connection.
E. For purposes of this chapter, the term "available" or "availability" shall mean fthat a
Transmission Main is1 contiguous to or within one hundred (100) feet of any property
line ofa Class A unit or within one thousand (1,000) feet ofa Class AM or Class B unit.
F. [Except as provided in Subsection C above, required) fReouired1 connections shall be
made within ninety (90) days of notification by the city that reclaimed water service is
available.
~ All connections to the reclaimed water svstem shall be metered.1
~ 174-8. Reclaimed water user classification.
There is hereby established a uniform classification of water users as follows:
A. Class A. Detached single-family residential units. [Meters not) fMeterl required.
B. Class AM. Multifamily residential facilities. Master meter required.
C. Class B. Office, commercial, public, industrial and warehousing facilities. Meter
required.
~ 174-9. Reclaimed water rates and charges.
A. The City Commission shall establish by resolution rates and charges by class for the use
or availability ofthe city's reclaimed water system inside or outside the city.
BL, The citv will charl!e to each customer connectinl! to the citv's reclaimed water
svstem a meter installation fee to defrav the citv's cost of the meter and meter
aDDurtenances and the cost of installation and related administrative and overhead
costs. The citv will reouire the Davment of such meter installation fee concurrentlv
with the reouest bv DrosDective customer for the meter installation. The meter
installation fee shall be chamed onlv one (1) time for the installation of a meter at
anv one (1) location: Drovided. however. that reouests to exchanl!e existinl! meters
for meters of a lamer size will result in a charl!e to the DrosDective customer of the
difference between the existinl! smaller size meter and the reouested larl!er sinl!le
size meter. The Citv Commission shall establish bv resolution the installation fees.
g. A customer whose service has been discontinued may resume reclaimed water service by
payment of past due amounts and a reconnection fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.);
provided, however, that where service has been discontinued for violation of the policies
and regulations relating to the use of the reclaimed water system, service will not be
reconnected until the city receives, in its opinion, reasonable and sufficient guaranty that
the violation will not reoccur.
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[CO \\'here these rates and charges result in inequitable and/or undue hardship on the property
owner, the Director of the Department of Public Utilities shall have the authority to
adjust the rates and charges based upon the follO'tving considerations:)
fS 174-10. Billinl! and Collection of Fees.1
((1) Speeial cORditioRs aRd circumstaRces exist which are peculiar to the laRd structure or
buildiRg iRvolved aRd which are Rot applicable to ather laRds, structures or
buildiRgs similarly situated.)
~ The reclaimed water fees and charl!es shall be billed and collected with the monthlv
utilitv bill for those DroDerties utilizinl! citv utilities. The reclaimed water fees and
chames shall be billed and collected seDaratelv for those develoDed lots or Darcels
and owners thereof not utilizinl! other citv utilities.l
((2) The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the property
owner.
(3) Mailing the adjustment will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of these
regulations and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the
public welfare.
D. The decision of the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to grant or deny a rate
adjustment shall be deemed final unless a request for revie'll by the City Commission is
filed by an aggrieyed party with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) days from the date of
such decision. The City Commission may either affirm, modify or reverse the decision,
and such action by the City Commission shall be considered final administrative action.
~ 171 10. Payment required.
A. Bills for the monthly reclaimed v:ater or availability charges shall be submitted by the city
and shall be paid by the users monthly. f~ customer's monthly account for service shall be
considered delinquent if any portion remains unpaid thirty (30) days after the date of the
bill for such service.
B. All other charges, including connection and reconnection charges, if not paid in full 'lIithin
thirty (30) days of the billing date, shall be considered delinquent.
C. The utility service to a customer shall be discontinued, unless otherv:ise pro':ided by la'll,
"'hen)
yy
~ All bills for reclaimed water fees and charl!es shall be rendered monthlv and shall
be Davable at the same time and in the same manner and subiect to the same
Denalties as utilitv bills of the citv under the terms and conditions of the Code of the
citv. The reclaimed water fees and charl!es is Dart of a consolidated statement for
utilitv customers which is I!enerallv Daid bv a sinl!le Davment. In the event that a
Dartial Davment is received. the Davment shall first be aDDlied to I!arbal!e and trash.
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next aDDlied to stormwater manal!ement. next aDDlied to sewer. next aDDlied to1 the
reclaimed water (charge becomes delinquent, and shall not be reconnected until all past
due charges, penalty charges and reconnection charges shall ha'/e been fully paid.) ~
and chames and finallv aDDlied to the water account.
C In addition to anv other remedies or Denalties Drovided bv this chaDter or anv other
ordinance of the citv. failure of anv user of citv utilities within the citv to Dav said
reclaimed water fees and charl!es DromDtlv when due shall subiect such user to
discontinuance of water and sewer utilitv services. and the Citv Manal!er is herebv
em Dowered and directed to enforce this Drovision as to anv and all delinouent users.
D.... In the case that an OCCUDant or tenant of anv lot or Darcel shall receive a reclaimed
water fees and charl!es bill Dursuant to this chaDter and shall fail to Dav such bill.
then the owner of such lot or Darcel shall be liable for such bill. and the citv shall
not be reouired to look to anv Derson whatsoever other than the owner for the
Davment of such bill. In the event that anv reclaimed water fees and chames bill
shall not be Daid as and when due. anv unDaid balance thereof. alonl! with all
interest accruinl! thereon. shall be and constitute a lien on anv lot or Darcel affected
therebv. The citv mav record in the Dublic records of Oranl!e Countv. Florida. a
notice of lien I!ivinl! notice to all Dersons that the citv is assertinl! a lien UDon the
affected lot or Darcel. In the event that anv such utilitv fee shall not be Daid as and
when due and shall be in default for thirtv (30) davs or more. the unDaid balance
thereof and all interest accrued thereon. tOl!ether with the costs of collection.
includinl! but not limited to attornevs' fees and costs. mav be recovered bv the citv
in a civil action. and anv such lien. accrued interest and anv additional costs mav be
foreclosed or otherwise enforced bv the citv bv action or suit in eouitv as for the
foreclosure of a mortl!al!e on real DrODertv.l
~ 174-11. Right to refuse service.
A. No connection shall be made to the reclaimed water system unless specifically approved
by the Director or his designee.
B. No payment of any costs, submittal of any petition or any other act to receive reclaimed
water reuse service shall guarantee such service. The city shall have the right, at all
times, to refuse to extend services on the basis that a use is detrimental to the system; or
there is an inadequate supply of reclaimed water; or lack of payment of required service
charges; or for any other reason which, in the judgment of the Director, will cause the
extension not to be in the best interests of the city.
~ 174-12. Service interruption.
A. The city reserves the right to temporarily discontinue service to any portion of or the
entire reclaimed water system as deemed necessary by the Director.
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B. The Director shall have the authority to establish schedules to control the use ofthe water
reuse system in order to reduce maximum pressure demands on the system and to
regulate usage of reuse water to balance with supply and storage availability.
ARTICLE III, Installation and Use of the Reclaimed Water System
~ 174-13. Policies and regulations adopted; compliance required.
The city adopts by reference the Policy Governing the Installation and Use of the
Reclaimed Water System, dated May 10, (1991.EN(I)) rt994. as revised SeDtember. 2001.
said Dolicv beinl! attached hereto as Schedule "A" and made a Dart of this ChaDter.1
Compliance with the policy is hereby required.
~ 174-14. Use of reclaimed water.
A. Reclaimed water may be used for the irrigation of crops not intended for human
consumption; residential lawns; golf courses; cemeteries; parks; landscaped areas;
highway medians and rights-of-way; or for any other purpose specifically approved by
the Director.
B. Reclaimed water may not be used inside of any residential dwelling or to fill swimming
pools, hot tubs, spas or wading pools.
C. The use of reclaimed water shall be restricted so that no wetted surfaces are located
within one hundred (100) feet of any public eating, drinking or bathing facility.
D. Reclaimed water shall not be applied to impervious surfaces that allow drainage to
surface waters. Reclaimed water shall not be applied to properties containing subsurface
drainage tiles or plates.
E. All uses of reclaimed water shall require a reuse permit, issued by the Utilities
Department, following procedures established by the Director.
~ 174-15. Maintenance.
A. All portions of the system owned by the city will be operated and maintained by the city.
No person shall do any work or be reimbursed for any work on the system unless written
authorization is provided prior to beginning any part of the work.
B. The customer or property owner shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of all
on-site facilities, including irrigation lines, spray heads and appurtenances on property
served by the city. Failure to maintain the on-site system in the proper manner will be
grounds for discontinuance of service until such time as the city certifies that the required
maintenance has been performed.
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~ 174-16. Petition for distribution main extension.
Reclaimed water service may be provided to portions of the reuse service area as a part of
the city's ongoing reclaimed water distribution main extension program. Property owners or
residents may request extension of service to a street or within a subdivision or contiguous part
thereof by filing a petition for reclaimed water service with the city. Forms for the petition are
available from the Utilities Department. Upon receipt of completed and signed petitions from at
least fifty-one percent (51 %) of all properties along a street or within a contiguous area, the city
shall consider such petition and, if approved, schedule the installation of the reclaimed water
distribution system at the earliest practicable date.
~ 174-17. Inspections.
A. Duly authorized employees of the city bearing proper credentials and identification shall
be permitted to enter any building, structure or property serviced by a connection to the
reclaimed water system of the city for the purposes of inspecting the piping system or
systems, backflow preventer, valves and/or all devices installed by the customer which
connect to or control the reclaimed water distribution system or use of reclaimed water
on such property.
B. Consent to such access shall be obtained from a person of suitable age and discretion
therein or in control thereof. The refusal of such information or refusal of access, when
requested, shall be deemed evidence of the presence of violation of the policies and
regulations adopted herein.
C. Inspections shall be at reasonable times and with reasonable frequency. Where there
exists cause to believe that a violation is committed, the city may cause the property to be
inspected as necessary to prevent or terminate the occurrence of such violation( s).
~ 174-18. Discontinuance of service.
The Director of Public Utilities or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to
discontinue reclaimed water service to any property, after notice, where any violation of this
chapter exists, and to take such other precautionary measures deemed necessary to eliminate any
danger of contamination of the public potable water supply system. Reclaimed water service to
such property shall not be restored until the violation has been eliminated in compliance with the
provisions of this chapter.
~ 174-19. Unlawful works or connections to the reclaimed water system.
A. No person shall be allowed to work on the reclaimed water distribution system without
written consent of the city, and then only under the direction and supervision of the city.
No person shall tamper with, alter, damage, cut into or make connection with the
reclaimed water system or a city reclaimed water facility.
B. No person shall open or close valves to the system, turn on hydrants or cause water to
flow from the reclaimed water system without prior written consent of the city.
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C. Any person found violating this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties
provided in Chapter 1 of this Code.
~ 174-20. Exemptions and variances.
Exemptions and variances shall be approved or denied by the City Commission of the
City of Ocoee after public hearing, based upon the recommendation of the Director, and upon
consideration of the following conditions:
A. Alternate reuse sites. Properties being developed as planned unit developments or
developments of regional impact may be exempted from the requirements of reuse
connection if a binding contract is executed for the provision of alternate reuse sites and
lines that otherwise would not require the installation of reuse lines. For each acre of
wetted surface to be exempted from the reuse requirement, one and five-tenths (1.5) acres
of alternate reuse wetted surface will be provided, including all lines and sprayheads
necessary to irrigate the area. Any site considered as an alternate site shall be ready to
receive reclaimed water concurrent with the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy
in the exempted area. For the purpose of this exemption, golf courses are normally
required to utilize reuse and therefore are not considered as an alternate site.
B. Low-income housing subdivisions. Those housing projects receiving federal housing
subsidies and other similar financial assistance may be exempted, upon recommendation
of the Director, after submittal of information documenting that the future residents of the
project will be unable to purchase and maintain the necessary in-ground irrigation
equipment.
~ 174-2lr. InsDection Fees.
~ The citv reserves the ril!ht to insDect the installation of all reclaimed water facilities
installed bv a develoDer or develoDer's contractors. which facilities are DrODosed to
be transferred to the city for ownershiD. oDeration and control. Such insDection is
desil!ned to assure the city that reclaimed water lines are installed in accordance
with aDD roved desil!ns and are further consistent with the criteria and sDecifications
I!overninl! the kind and oualitv of such installation. The citv further reserves the
ril!ht to be Dresent at tests of comDonent Darts of the reclaimed water facilities for
the DurDose of determininl! that the facilities. as constructed. conform to the citv's
criteria. Such tests will be Derformed bv the develoDer or develoDer's contractor but
onlv under the direct sUDervision of the citv's enl!ineer or authorized insDector.
B.. The citv shall charl!e an insDection fee not to exceed two Dercent (2%) of the cost.
either actual or estimated, of the subiect reclaimed water facilitv as installed bv the
develoDer. The citv maintains full-time insDection availabilitv. and the cost for
insDection services as set forth herein is and shall continue to be desil!ned to defrav
the actual cost of conductinl! such insDections and testinl!.
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ARTICLE IV, Enforceability
S 174-221. Violation liability.
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punishable
as provided in ~ 1-12 of Chapter 1, Article II, f and ChaDter 7. Enforcement of Code.l
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ocoee. Each day such violation is committed or
permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense fand additional violationl. In
addition, such person or customer shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case,
including attorney's fees.
B. Any person or customer in violation of any of the provisions in this chapter shall become
liable to the city for any expense, loss or damage incurred by the city by reason of such
violation, including attorney's fees and costs of correcting unauthorized work, tampering
or damage to the system.
C. In addition to any penalty provided by law for the violation of any provisions of this
chapter, the city may bring suit in the appropriate court to enjoin, restrain or otherwise
prevent the violation.
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fSCHEDULE "1 "1
POLICY GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION
AND USE OF THE RECLAIMED
WATER SYSTEM
City of Ocoee
Public Utilities Department
May 10, 1994J. as revised SeDtember 2001
Page 1 of 11
City of Ocoee
Reclaimed Water System Policy
Page 2 of 11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION I
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Benefits 1
1.3 Source and Quality of Reclaimed Water 1
2.0 DEFINITIONS 2
2.1 General 2
3.0 POLICIES RELATING TO RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE 4
3.1 In-City Service 4
3.2 Outside-City Service 4
3.3 Availability of Service 4
3.4 Use of the Reclaimed Water Distribution System 4
3.5 Restrictions on Use of Alternative Water Source 5
3.6 Property Service Connection 5
3.7 Customer's System - Single Dwelling Units (Class A) 5
3.8 Customer's System - Public, Commercial, Office,
Industrial/Warehouse (Class B) and Multi-Family
Developments (Class AM) 6
3.9 Backflow Prevention 6
3.9.1 Single Family Dwelling Units (Class A) 7
3.9.2 Multi-Family Developments (Class AM) 7
3.9.3 Public, Commercial, Office, Industrial (Class B) 8
3.10 Property Service Connection 8
3.11 Discontinuance of Service by Customer 8
3.12 Service Not Guaranteed 9
4.0 APPLICATION FOR RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE 9
4.1 The Distribution System 9
4.2 Application for Reclaimed Water Service, Class AM
and Class B Customers 9
4.3 Application for Reclaimed Water Service, Class A
Customer 10
APPLICATION FOR RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE 11
Page 3 of 11
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background.
The City [Council) rCommission1 of the City of Ocoee has adopted a reclaimed water
program which provides guidelines, requirements and an implementation (permitting) process
that both encourage and require the use of reclaimed water in a manner that is beneficial to the
environment and non-detrimental to the public health and welfare. This program is required to
regulate and manage the comprehensive reclaimed water distribution system which conveys
reclaimed water throughout the City's Utility Service District. This reclaimed water is primarily
used for the irrigation of residential, commercial and public properties, parks, highway medians,
and other athletic and recreational facilities. Other potential uses for the reclaimed water include:
toilet flushing in new office and industrial buildings, cooling water, industrial process water,
supply for automatic car washes, and, in specific cases, lake level control and ornamental uses
such as fountains and waterfalls.
1.2 Benefits.
The benefits to be derived from the success of this program are several, and include
conservation of the potable water supply, reuse of a valuable water resource, recharge of the
upper aquifer, reduction in nutrient discharge to surface waters, reduction in transfer of saltwater
contamination to the aquifer, and utilization of an environmentally safe and sensible method of
disposing of effluent (reclaimed water).
1.3 Source and Quality of Reclaimed Water.
The source of reclaimed water, which is delivered to the point of use by the reclaimed
water distribution system, is the effluent from the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. The major
treatment processes at the plant include secondary treatment followed by dual media filtration
and high level disinfection. These treatment processes produce a reclaimed water with the
following qualities: good appearance, good clarity, non-staining, odorless, low turbidity and
bacteriologically safe. The water contains low-levels of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus)
which, if properly applied, will be beneficial to plant and turf growth. While you should not
drink the reclaimed water, there is no known danger to an individual's health from casual contact
when the water is being used for the intended purposes.
The following policies and regulations govern the installation and uses of the reclaimed
water distribution system and its related sub-systems and facilities within the Utility Service
District of the City of Ocoee, Florida.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
2.1 General.
The following definitions of titles, terms and system components, as well as definitions
included in [Ordinanee No. 94 16) fChaDter 174 of the Citv Codel, are presented for the
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purposes of uniformity and to afford a more specific understanding of the following policies and
regulations governing the installation and use of the City's reclaimed water utility. The other
utilities owned and operated by the City which have varying degrees of relationship with the
reclaimed water utility are the potable water system and the wastewater collection and treatment
system.
Approved Uses for Reclaimed Water -- Reclaimed water shall be used for irrigation of public
and private landscaped areas and such other uses as are permitted by law. Reclaimed water may
be used in conjunction with a drip-type irrigation system to irrigate vegetable gardens. Overhead
irrigation of vegetables is acceptable only if the vegetables are peeled, cooked, or thermally
processed before human consumption. Current FDEP Regulation (17-610) does not permit the
use of reclaimed water for drinking purposes and/or in swimming pools.
Available or Availability -- Shall mean contiguous to or within one hundred (100) feet of any
property line.
Backflow Prevention Device/Assembly -- Shall mean an approved device as designated for a
particular application and as described in the Cross-Connection Control Manual which has been
adopted by reference as part of (Ordinance Number 90 13.EN(2)) fArticle VII of ChaDter 173
of the Code of the Citv of Ocoee.1
Cross Connection Control Ordinance -- Shall mean (Ordinance Number 90 13) fArticle VII of
ChaDter 1731 ofthe Code ofthe City of [Ocoee.EN(3)) fOcoee.l
Cross Connection Control Supervisor -- Shall mean the City employee in the Public Utilities
Department who is responsible for the cross connection control program.
Customer Category -- Customer Class B shall mean all public, commercial, office,
industrial/warehousing. Customer Class AM shall mean all multi-family developments.
Customer Class A -- Shall mean all single family dwelling units.
Dual Distribution System -- Is a general term used by the American Water Works Association to
describe a two-component water distribution system designed to serve an area. One component
delivers potable water for drinking, cooking, bathing and other uses requiring potable water. The
other component delivers non-potable water (in the case of Ocoee, reclaimed water) for
irrigation and other uses not requiring potable water. While these two systems may parallel one
another and both may serve a property, there is no interconnection and their separation is strictly
defined and carefully monitored.
Irrigation System -- Shall mean the customer's in-ground piped system which delivers water to
spray or drip-type irrigation devices located throughout the property. The system may be
controlled by an electric timer or may be controlled manually. The system shall be equipped with
special lockable hose bibb boxes providing irrigation by hose and/or portable sprinkler devices
in addition to the in-ground piped system.
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Irrigation Well -- Shall mean a well located on private property and used to supply water to an
in-ground irrigation system or other irrigation devices which serve the property.
Metered Connection All service connections to public, commercial, office,
industrial/warehousing faHdtrJ multi-family fun its and sinl!le-familv homes1 customers shall
be metered. [Single family residential service connections will not be metered.)
Reclaimed Water Charges -- Shall mean all other charges relating to providing or discontinuing
reclaimed water service.
Reclaimed Water Distribution System -- A comprehensive piping system provided to deliver
reclaimed water to customers within the City's Utility Service District. The reclaimed water
distribution system is made up of the following components: storage basins, high service
delivery pumps, transmission mains and distribution mains and (property) service connections.
Reclaimed Water Rates -- Shall mean the monthly charges for reclaimed water service, which
have been established by, and may be changed by, the City Commission.
Service Connection -- Shall mean the reclaimed water service connection from the transmission
or distribution main to the customer's property line, and shall include a corporation stop tapping
valve at the main, the service connection pipe and a lockable curb stop, box, and shutoff valve at
the property line.
3.0 POLICIES RELATING TO RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE
3.1 In-City Service.
Reclaimed water service shall be provided for properties located within the City of
Ocoee, on a first priority basis, which comply with the provisions for such service as set forth in
these policies. Reclaimed water service shall be available to these properties as the transmission
and distribution systems are extended.
3.2 Outside-City Service.
Reclaimed water service may be provided to properties located outside of the City but,
within the boundaries of the City's Utility Service Area, on a second priority basis. At the City's
option and convenience, service to such properties strategically located along transmission main
routes may be provided on a first priority basis.
3.3 Availability of Service.
Reclaimed water service is available from either the primary transmission mains or the
installed distribution mains. Distribution mains will be extended into areas not presently served
in accordance with procedures outlined in these policies and regulations.
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3.4 Use of the Reclaimed Water Distribution System.
Connection to the system is required for all public, commercial, office,
industrial/warehousing, multi-family development and single family residential development in
accordance with (Ordinance No. 91 16) rChaDter 174 of the Code ofthe Citv ofOcoeel.
3.5 Restrictions on Use of Alternative Water Sources.
Existing private irrigation systems which connect to the reclaimed water system and are
presently served by an on-site well or other water source shall disconnect the well or other water
source permanently. Dual or temporary connections of wells to irrigation systems served by
reclaimed water are not permitted. Dual or temporary connections may be made to natural
surface waters or artificially created surface impoundments as permittable by FDEP when
declared exempt by the Public Utilities Director. The Public Utilities Director may make such
declaration of exemption as to a limited area or particular lake or as to a particular property or
class of properties (i.e., commercial, multi-family, etc.) and for such a limited time period as
determined necessary by the Director of Public Utilities to serve and protect the public interest.
In making such determinations, the Director of Public Utilities shall consider, among other
things, the following factors:
a. Whether city-wide reuse irrigation utilization is high;
b. Whether such irrigation would not be detrimental to the body of water;
c. Whether the particular property or class of properties has the physical means to
take water from the body of water using available facilities which can be isolated
from other piping systems so as not to pose cross connection control problems. A
declaration of exemption issued under this section shall not exempt the user or
property from compliance with all other regulatory requirements of the St. Johns
River Water Management District, State of Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, the City of Ocoee, and all other applicable local, regional, state or
federal agencies.
3.6 Property Service Connections.
Property service connections shall be as required by the property served, but in no case
shall be less than one inch in diameter. Each service connection shall be equipped with a
lockable corporation stop or shutoff valve at the main and a curb stop or shutoff valve and box at
the property line. The City's valve box cover at the property line shall be square and marked
"Reclaimed Water." This service connection, together with its valves, are the property of the
City. The customer may install his own shutoff valve immediately inside his property line for his
own use. Two (2) or more customers may be served by one service connection if sufficient
capacity is available. Such common service lines will be sized to provide adequate supply to
each customer.
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3.7 Customer's System - Single Dwelling Units (Class A).
The customer's on-site system may be either a standard in-ground landscape irrigation
system with a specially designed lockable in-ground control box or a specially designed lockable
hose bibb box containing one hose bibb to be used to irrigate the property by means of garden
hoses or portable sprinklers. The in-ground system may be controlled either by a manually-
operated zone valve or automatically by a timer and related zone valve. If the customer elects to
use the in-ground lockable hose bibb box, it will be supplied and installed by the City. The box
may be installed anywhere along the property frontage on the property side of the sidewalk, and
will be equipped with a special locking device to provide the customer the capability to control
the use of reclaimed water on his or her property. The lid of the hose bibb box will be clearly
marked -- Reclaimed Water. The service connection contains a tag stating "Irrigation --
Reclaimed Water -- Do Not Drink." The City will provide a quick disconnect device to be
installed by the City, on the customer's 5/8-inch garden hose. The hose containing the device
must be used for connection to the reclaimed water system ONL Y. Above ground hose bibbs on
the reclaimed system are NOT allowed under current FDEP regulations.
3.8 Customer's System -- Public, Commercial, Office, IndustriallWarehouse (Class B)
and Multi-Family Developments (Class AM).
The customer's on-site system for these types of development may be a standard in-
ground landscape irrigation system. The City prefers that the system be zoned and controlled by
a timer. Low trajectory or drip-type systems are recommended; however, they are not
mandatory. Signs as approved by the City shall be placed in conspicuous locations within the
landscaped areas of the developments. They shall read, "Irrigation with Reclaimed Water, Do
Not Drink." If the owner or manager of these types of developments permits or causes vehicles
to be washed on the property, a special area shall be set aside for that purpose and it shall be
served by one or more lockable in-ground hose bibb boxes connected to the on-site reclaimed
water system. The hose bibb rack shall be clearly marked and readily visible with at least one
sign stating "Auto Washing, Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink."
3.9 Backflow Prevention.
Backflow prevention devices will be required on potable water lines when reclaimed
water is delivered to the property in accordance with FDEP regulation 17-555.360 and the City's
adopted "Manual of Cross Connection Control." The City will install (dual check valve)
faDDroDriatel backflow prevention devices on single family potable service connections when
reclaimed water is delivered to the property. The following summarizes Section II, Reclaimed
Water Systems, of the City's adopted "Manual of Cross Connection Control" and defines
backflow prevention device requirements on the reclaimed system. Other sections of the
"Manual of Cross Connection Control" should be referred to for specific information regarding
backflow prevention assembly or device installation and testing.
3.9.1 Single Family Dwelling Units (Class A).
Backflow prevention assemblies or devices will -fHett be required on -fat mID single
family reclaimed water (service '.'lith either a lockable in ground bibb connection or an in
Page 8 of II
ground irrigation system which is connected to the reclaimed system through a lockable control
in ground box. However, the City does require that a backflo'll prevention assembly (RPBA) be
installed on the reclaimed service of a single family irrigation service connection vlhen a
chemical injection system or other special hazard is proposed or detected) fservicesl. The
homeowner will be required to maintain the (RPR^,") fbackflow Drevention1 assembly
f(RPBA)l in these situations. Where a backflow prevention assembly has been installed on an
irrigation service connection to the potable water system, that assembly may be eliminated by
City personnel (or City Contractor) when the reclaimed system replaces the potable service
connection. The degree of hazard of the existing irrigation system will be a determining factor in
deciding whether the assembly must remain on the irrigation system to the reclaimed service
connection. The homeowner will be required to maintain the assembly in these situations. If the
assembly is eliminated it remains the property ofthe homeowner.
3.9.2 Multi-Family Developments (Class AM).
Backflow prevention assemblies will -{flett be required on fat !!!Ill multi-family
reclaimed irrigation service (conneetion except where a chemical injection system or other
special hazard is proposed or detected) fconnectionsl. Where a backflow prevention assembly
has been installed on an irrigation system connected to the potable water system, that assembly
may be eliminated by City personnel (or City Contractor) when the potable service connection is
changed to a reclaimed service connection. Whether the use of the assembly must be continued
will depend upon the degree of hazard associated with the existing irrigation system. If the
assembly is eliminated it remains the property of the facility owner.
The property owner of multi-family units is responsible for maintaining all backflow
prevention assemblies on the reclaimed system.
3.9.3 Public, Commercial, Office, IndustriallWarehouse (Class B).
Backflow prevention assemblies will -{flett be required on fat !!!Ill commercial
reclaimed irrigation service (connection unless a chemical injection system or other special
hazard is proposed or detected.) fconnections.1
Where a backflow prevention assembly has been installed on an irrigation system
connected to the potable water system, that assembly may be eliminated by City personnel (or
City Contractor) when the potable service connection is changed to a reclaimed service
connection. Whether the use of assembly must be continued will depend upon the degree of
hazard associated with the existing irrigation system. If the assembly is eliminated it remains the
property of the facility owner. The property owner of a commercial facility is responsible for
maintaining all backflow prevention assemblies on the reclaimed system. ( Backflow prevention
assemblies will not be required on an in ground lockable hose connection serving a low hazard
commercial property. Howeyer, the City will require the installation of a dual check valve
backflow prevention device, as a minimum, on the potable service connection v/hen reclaimed
water is delivered to the property, ';lith a service conneetion.)
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3.10 System Pressures.
The City will provide reclaimed water at pressures which are adequate to satisfactorily
operate all standard irrigation systems and devices. Should the customer require pressures which
are higher, he shall provide, at his cost, whatever devices are necessary to provide the higher
pressures. Before installing such devices, the customer shall obtain a permit from the City Utility
Department. Electrical permits are separate permits which are still required.
3.11 Discontinuance of Service by Customer.
If the customer desires a temporary discontinuance of service (, a request must be filed
with the City's Utility Billing Department at least two (2) working days prior to the desired date
for discontinuance of service. City personnel ':Iill then shut off the service using the City owned
shutoff valve. A charge for this serviee will be assessed. A request to re establish service must be
received by the City at least two days in ad'lance of the desired date for reestablishing the
service.) fthe Drocedures aDDlicable to a temDorarv discontinuance of water service shall
aDDlv.l
3.12 Service Not Guaranteed.
The source of the reclaimed water is the City's Wastewater Treatment Facility which can
produce a finite quantity of reclaimed water. The City will carefully monitor the number of
connections being made to the system so as not to overtax its capacity; however, at the same
time, it is the desire of the City, and the intent of the program, to provide the service to the
maximum number of customers. During extended dry periods, it may be necessary to limit a
customer's water use or, under extreme conditions, to temporarily discontinue service.
4.0 APPLICATION FOR RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE
The requirements for site plans, building permits and the like that presently exist are not
altered by these regulations, but where connection is proposed to the reclaimed water system,
there will be an additional submittal to the Utility Department, as hereinafter described.
4.1 Obtaining Application Forms.
Application forms for reclaimed water service may be obtained from the Utility Billing
Office in City Hall or from the offices of the Utility Department. All questions relating to
completing the application form should be directed to the Utility Department. Completed
application forms should be mailed or hand delivered to the Utility Department. The application
form must be accompanied by a check or money order, made payable to the City of Ocoee, in an
amount sufficient to cover any fees and charges for the reclaimed water service connection. The
application shall specify whether the customer requires increased reclaimed water pressures
which are higher than standard as described below.
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4.2 Application for Reclaimed Water Service, Class AM and Class B Customers.
Applications for reclaimed water service to Class AM or Class B Customers, including
public, commercial, office, industrial/warehouse or multi-family developments, shall be
accompanied by a detailed site plan showing the size and location of the service connection to
the distribution main, the layout of the primary delivery mains within the development and the
location and type of irrigation devices to be installed in the irrigation system. The maximum
steady-state demand for reclaimed water that the irrigation system will require to function
properly must also be provided. The irrigation system may be a standard in-ground type with
permanently placed sprinkler devices. The service connection shall be equipped with a shutoff
valve just inside the public right-of-way, a meter, and a customer shutoff valve on the customer
side of the meter. The size of the service connection and meter will be determined by City
personnel based upon the maximum steady-state demand of the irrigation system. Small, neat
signs stating "Irrigation with Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink" shall be placed in conspicuous
locations throughout the landscaped areas. If auto washing is permitted on the property, a special
area shall be set aside for this activity and it shall utilize reclaimed water. A sign, or signs, shall
be placed on the hose bibb rack stating "Auto Washing, Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink."
4.3 Application for Reclaimed Water Service, Class A Customer.
The application must state the type of irrigation system which will be used; that is, a
standard in-ground system with fixed sprinkler devices or the special hose bibb box to be
furnished at cost by the City. A single residential service connection will consist of a corporation
stop at the distribution main, the service pipe and a curb stopf. meter1 and box at the property
line. A single reclaimed water service connection will be one inch in diameter. [ No meter ,,,,ill be
required. ) Immediately inside the property line, the customer may choose to install a shutoff
valve for his use in repairing, extending and maintaining the on-site system. If the customer
presently uses an irrigation well, he must so state and agree to disconnect that well from the
system.
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