§ 2-31-253. General requirements.

(a)

Direct connection.

(1)

The board may adopt, by resolution, fees and charges for direct connection, including, but not limited to, an initial period and any additional periods.

(2)

During construction of new single-family residences, contractors shall be required to use potable water through unmetered direct connection to potable water distribution lines. Exceptions to the requirement for direct connection may be granted by the county administrator for good cause shown.

(3)

An approved backflow prevention assembly shall be installed prior to any direct connection.

(4)

A direct connection shall continue until installation of a permanent meter and issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the residence. The permanent meter shall not be installed until the residence is ready for the meter and all required fees and charges are paid. If a permanent meter is not installed within one year from the commencement date of a direct connection, inspection of the direct connection by the county is required prior to extension for any additional period. At the discretion of the county administrator, a direct connection may be extended for additional periods until the residence meets the requirements of this paragraph.

(b)

No new potable water or reclaimed water meters owned and maintained by the county shall be approved for private lines or private systems after March 1, 2014. No new wastewater service connections or lift stations owned and maintained by the county shall be approved for private lines or private systems after March 1, 2014.

(c)

The application for the installation of meters and service connections requires the existence of a valid building or plumbing permit and a main line cleared for service. Exceptions to the requirement for a valid permit may be granted by the county administrator for good cause shown.

(d)

Any person or property is prohibited from obtaining service by connection to another source of water, including any other potable water customer, or other cross-connection which may contaminate the county's potable water supply. Approved backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed on service connections as required by Chapter 2-31, Article X, Manatee County Code of Ordinances.

(e)

The service charge for pulling an irrigation meter will not be charged to customers who qualify for rebates under the potable water conservation financial incentives as provided by resolution adopted by the board.

(f)

The use of potable water and reclaimed water from flushing the potable water and reclaimed water distribution systems is deemed to not be the providing of service. At the may be used for the following:

(1)

Filling/refilling of fire fighting equipment;

(2)

Filling/refilling area stormwater retention ponds; and

(3)

Any other beneficial use which does not constitute a permanent connection to the potable water or reclaimed water distribution system.

(g)

The use of potable water, reclaimed water, and wastewater for the public utilities system as determined by the county administrator is deemed to be integral to the operation of the public utilities system, and therefore does not constitute the providing of service and is not required to be billed.

(h)

Any retail potable water, reclaimed water, or wastewater customers located outside the geographic boundaries of the county shall pay all rates, fees, and charges at a multiplier of 1.5 times the retail rates, fees, and charges established in resolutions adopted by the board. Said multiplier shall be applicable but not limited to all connection fees, customer base charges, and quantity rates. Said multiplier shall apply regardless of whether the out-of-county customer has a current written contract with the county. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a retail customer that:

(1)

Does not have a written contract with the county approved by the board; and

(2)

Was a potable water, reclaimed water, or wastewater customer of the county as of August 1, 1997.

(i)

All large users are required to enter into a contract with the county for the purchase of potable water or wastewater service. The contract will specify a reserve capacity and may include provisions for changing the reserve capacity. The reserve capacities for large users are subject to upward adjustments by amendment of the contracts or in accordance with provisions specified in the contracts.

(Ord. No. 07-62, § 1, 8-7-07; Ord. No. 10-69, §§ 3, 4, 11-9-10; Ord. No. 14-09, § 2, 1-29-14)