ATTACHMENT 1
GENERAL ORDER 103-A
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
RULES GOVERNING WATER SERVICE, INCLUDING MINIMUM
STANDARDS FOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE,
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. General 1
1. Intent 1
A. Purpose 1
B. Limits of Order 1
C. Expiration of Economic Life 1
D. Absence of Civil Liability 1
E. Applicability 1
2. Definitions 1
3. Abbreviations and Acronyms: 5
4. Information Available to Public 6
5. Access to Property 7
A. When 7
B. Secure Access 7
C. Proper Identification 7
6. Accidents/Acts of Terror 7
7. Reports and Notifications to the Commission 8
8. Exemptions or Variances from These Rules 8
9. Preemption of Local Authority 8
II. Standards of Service 9
1. General 9
2. Water Quality and Supply Requirements 9
A. Quality of Water 9
B. Quantity of Water 10
(1) Source 10
(2) Operation of Supply System 11
(3) Potable Water System Capacity 11
(4) Sewer System Capacity 12
3. Continuity of Service 12
A. Emergency Interruptions 12
B. Scheduled Interruptions 12
C. Minimum Standards for Repairs 12
D. Records of Interruptions 13
E. Reports to Commission 13
4. Water Supply Measurement 13
A. Measuring Devices 13
B. Records 14
III. Standards of Design and Construction 14
1. General 14
2. Materials and Specifications 15
A. Suitability 15
B. Specification 15
C. Newly Developed Materials and Equipment 16
3. Distribution System 16
A. Mains 16
B. Layout of Water Mains 16
C. Minimum Pipe Sizes 16
D. Water Main Separations 17
E. Water Main Valves 17
4. Materials Standards for Water Mains 17
5. Service Connection Pipe and Fittings 17
A. General 17
B. Conditions for Adding Service Connections 17
C. Size of Water Service Line 18
D. Depth of Water Service Line 18
6. Distribution Reservoirs 18
7. Recycled Water and Reservoirs 18
8. Reliability for Water Facilities 18
9. Sewer Systems 19
A. Mains and Submains 19
B. Utility Service Laterals 19
IV. Measurement of Service 19
1. Method of Measuring Service 19
A. Metering 19
B. Registration of Meter 19
C. Irrigation Meters 20
D. Report on Meter Readings to the Commission 20
2. Meter Test Facilities and Equipment 20
A. Test Facilities 20
B. Shop Equipment 20
C. Test Measurement Standards 20
3. Accuracy Requirements of Water Meters 21
A. General 21
B. Test Flows 21
C. Determination of Accuracy 22
D. Sealing of Meter 22
E. Record of Test 22
4. Initial Tests of Meters 22
5. Repaired or Tested Meters 22
6. Periodic Tests of Water Meters 23
A. Maximum Time Periods for Meters in Service 23
B. Frequency of Periodic Tests 23
C. Report of Periodic Tests of Meters 23
7. Meter Records 23
A. Contents and Retention of Meter Records 23
V. Rates and Billing 24
VI. Fire Protection Standards 24
1. Design Requirements 24
A. Standards of Local Fire Protection Agencies Govern 24
B. Application of the Utility's Main Extension Rule 24
2. Initial Construction, Extension, or Modification 25
3. Replacement of Mains 25
A. Changes to Fire Code 25
B. Replacement for Other Reasons 25
4. Fire Hydrants 25
5. Fire Hydrant Service Agreement 25
VII. Operation and Maintenance 26
1. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plans 26
A. Water Quality Procedures for Water Utilities 26
B. Contents of O&M Plan for Water Utilities 26
C. Submission of the O&M Plan for Water Utilities to the Commission 27
D. Submission of Department O&M Plans for Water Utilities to the Commission 28
E. Submission of O&M Plans for Wastewater System Utilities to the Commission 28
2. Asset Management Requirements 28
3. Emergency/Disaster Response Plan 29
4. Records and Reports 29
A. System Plans, Maps, Drawings and Other Records 29
B. Updates and Review 29
C. Underground Damage Prevention 30
5. Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operators 30
A. General 30
B. Treatment Facility Operator Certification 30
C. Distribution System Operator Certification 30
D. Cross-Connection Operator Certification 30
E. Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Distribution Operators 30
6. Pressures 30
A. Variations in Pressure 30
B. New Systems 31
C. Changes to Existing Distribution Systems 31
D. Pressure Requirement Exceptions 31
E. Pressure Recorders 31
F. Pressure Surveys 32
VIII. Customer Service and Reporting Standards for Water and Wastewater Utilities 32
Appendix A - Non Potable Water Systems
Appendix B - Sewer Systems
Appendix C - Records Retention Schedules
Appendix D - Report Card Billing
Appendix E - Customer Service and Reporting Standards for Class A and B Utilities
I. General
1. Intent
The purpose of these rules is to establish minimum standards to be followed in the design, construction, location, maintenance and operation of the facilities of water and wastewater utilities operating under the jurisdiction of the Commission. Each of these rules is subject to active oversight and enforcement by the Commission.
These rules do not supersede the effective tariff rules of the water and wastewater utilities or any other subsequent Commission order.
C. Expiration of Economic Life
Nothing contained in these rules shall be construed to require the replacement or abandonment of facilities in use at the time of adoption of these rules, prior to the expiration of their economic life, unless the Commission orders the abandonment or replacement of particular facilities found to be inadequate for the provision of proper public utility service.
These rules are adopted by the Commission to establish minimum standards in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of water and wastewater utilities operating under the jurisdiction of the Commission. Such rules shall not impose upon these utilities, and these utilities shall not be subject to, any civil liability for damages, if liability would not exist had these rules not been adopted.
The following rules relating to the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and operation of water and wastewater facilities shall be observed in this state unless otherwise authorized or directed by the Commission. The sections of these rules applicable to wastewater utilities are specified in Appendices A and B.
2. Definitions
A. Bill. Any invoice for water or wastewater service including final invoices and invoices for maintenance or repair service.
B. Commission. The Public Utilities Commission of the State of California.
C. Complaint. A request requiring an investigation or action on the part of the utility to address an alleged problem, deficiency, or inadequacy in the utility's provision, pricing, or billing for its service. An inquiry to the utility not requiring an investigation or action is not a complaint.
D. County Health Department. The county agency governing water quality for the county.
E. Customer. Any person, firm, association, corporation or governmental agency supplied or entitled to be supplied with water or wastewater service for compensation by a utility.
F. Customer Service Lateral. All pipe, tubing, valves and fittings connecting a customer sewer system to the point where the lateral enters the public right of way including all pipe, fittings and valves necessary to make the connection.
G. Department. The Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management of the Department of Public Health of the State of California, or its successor; or the County Health Department, that has jurisdiction over the utility.
H. Distribution System. All physical parts of the water system, including, but not limited to pipes, valves, pumping stations, storage tanks or reservoirs, and service lines that are located between the water treatment plant or the source if there is no treatment, and the consumer's service connection.
I. Maximum Day Demand. The actual, estimated or projected amount of water utilized by consumers during the highest day of use, midnight to midnight, excluding fire flow as defined in Waterworks Standards, CCR Title 22, Section 64551.30.
J. Normal Business Hours. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding utility holidays, unless otherwise posted at the utility's office.
K. Peak Hour Demand. The amount of water utilized by consumers during the highest hour of use during the maximum day, excluding fire flow as defined in Waterworks Standards, CCR Title 22, Section 64551.35.
L. Pressure Zone. Sections of the water system that are segregated by a controlled change in the hydraulic grade line.
M. Regional Board. The Regional Water Quality Control Board that has jurisdiction over the specific wastewater or reclamation facilities.
N. Recycled water system. Water recycling, also known as reclamation or reuse, is an umbrella term encompassing the process of treating wastewater, and then storing, distributing, and using the recycled water. Recycled water is defined in California Water Code Section 13050(n) to mean "water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur." A recycled water system includes all real estate, fixtures, and personal property owned, controlled, operated, or managed in connection with or to facilitate the collection, treatment, creation, development, storage, supply, distribution, sale, furnishing, carriage, apportionment, or measurement of recycled water.
O. Service Line. All the pipe, tubing, valves and fittings connecting a water main to an individual water meter or service connection, including all pipe, fittings and valves necessary to make the connection.
P. Source Capacity. The total amount of water supply available expressed as a flow from all active sources permitted for use by the water system, including approved surface water, groundwater, and purchased water. (Waterworks Standards, CCR Title 22, Section 64551.40.)
Q. State Board. State Water Resources Control Board
R. Storage Capacity. The total volume of water supply available from used and useful storage tanks or reservoirs approved by the Department as an active part of the utility's water system.
S. Sewer system. As defined in Public Utilities Code Section 230.5, all real estate, fixtures, and personal property owned, controlled, operated, or managed in connection with or to facilitate sewage collection, treatment, and disposition for sanitary or drainage purposes. Sewer system(s) include any and all trunk lines and connecting sewers, interceptors, outfall lines and sanitary sewage treatment or disposal plants or works, and any and all drains, conduits, and outlets for surface or storm waters, and any and all other works, property or structures necessary or convenient for the collection or disposal of sewage, industrial waste, or surface or storm waters.
T. Tariff Rule. A Rule in the tariffs that has been approved by the Commission.
U. Urban Water Management Plan. A plan prepared in response to California Water Code Sections 10610 through 10656.
V. Utility. A person, a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability corporation, a company, an association, or a joint stock association that provides water or sewer service and is under Commission jurisdiction. As used in this order, a utility includes the lessees, trustees, receivers or trustees appointed by any court whatsoever, of the corporation.
W. Utility Service Lateral. All the pipe, tubing, valves and fittings connecting a customer service lateral to the sewer main.
X. Wastewater Meter. Any device used for the purpose of measuring the quantity of wastewater produced.
Y. Wastewater system. Any sewer service system or recycled water system subject to the Commission's regulation. The wastewater system does not include the service lateral from the premise to the entrance into the public right-of-way for eventual connection to the utility system.
Z. Wastewater utility. Any corporation or person owning, controlling, operating, or managing any wastewater system subject to the Commission's regulation. A sewer system utility as defined in Public. Utility Code Section 230.5 is a wastewater utility.
AA. Water Main. Any pipeline, except for user service lines, within the distribution system.
AB. Water Meter. Any device used for the purpose of measuring the quantity of water delivered.
AC. Water Service Connection. The point of connection from a service line or ditch owned by the utility or from the outlet connection of a utility water meter assembly or other measurement device, or the service connection point, to the customer's piping or ditch.
AD. Water System. The interconnected reservoirs, pipes, sources of supply, real estate, and facilities used to provide water service to a particular set of customers.
AE. Water Treatment Plant. A group or assemblage of structures, equipment, and processes that treat or condition the water supply of a public water system for the purpose of meeting drinking water standards, consistent with the definition of Water Treatment Facility in the Department's CCR Title 22, Chapter 13 (Operator Certification).
AF. Waterworks Standards. Regulations adopted by the Department that take cognizance of the latest available "Standards of Minimum Requirements for Safe Practice in the Production and Delivery of Water for Domestic Use" adopted by the California section of the American Water Works Association (Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code.) The Waterworks Standards may be found in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 16.
AG. Water Utility. Any corporation or person owning, controlling, operating or managing any water system subject to the Commission's regulation.
3. Abbreviations and Acronyms:
A. AWWA. American Water Works Association.
B. WEF. Water Environment Federation.
C. CCR. California Code of Regulations.
D. DPH. Department of Public Health of the State of California.
E. MDD. Maximum Day Demand.
F. PHD. Peak Hour Demand.
G. BOD. Biochemical Oxygen Demand.
H. TSS. Total Suspended Solids.
I. TDS. Total Dissolved Solids.
J. PDC. Peak Daily Capacity.
K. MGD. Million Gallons per Day.
L. mg/L. milligrams per liter.
M. psi. Pressure measurement of "pounds per square inch" as registered on a gauge.
N. US EPA. United States Environmental Protection Agency.
O. UWMP. Urban Water Management Plan.
4. Information Available to Public
The utility shall maintain and make available for public inspection at one or more of the utility's commercial offices, in structure and languages to properly inform the customer, information regarding the service rendered, including the following:
A. A description in writing of the utility services provided;
B. Copies of all active Tariffs including rates, general rules of the utility, service area maps and forms of contracts and applications applicable to the territory served from that office;
C. Information about the utility's method of reading meters;
D. Bill Analysis. A statement of the past readings of the meters serving a customer's own premises for a period of two years;
E. Consumer Confidence Report. Each utility operating a potable water system must annually mail or deliver a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to each customer;
F. Conservation programs and opportunities;
G. Low-income ratepayer assistance programs;
H. Customer rights and obligations;
I. Information on obtaining emergency assistance; and
J. How customers can make suggestions or complaints.
This information, except for items (B), (D), and (E) above shall be made available in language(s), other than English, that are predominantly spoken in each utility's service territory. In addition, this information, except for item (D) above, shall be available in electronic form on the company's website, if a website is maintained. All Class A and B water utilities shall maintain a website with the above listed information, except for item (D).
5. Access to Property
The utility shall at all reasonable hours have safe access to meters, service connections, customer service laterals and any utility-owned property located on the customer's premises for the purposes of installation, maintenance, operation, or removal.
The utility may request the customer to secure any animals to ensure the safety of the utility's representative or the utility may enlist the aid of appropriate agencies, if required, to ensure safe access, particularly when animals on the customer's premises prevent access in times of an emergency.
(1) Any utility representative whose duties require entering the customer's premises shall wear a distinguishing uniform or other insignia, identifying the utility representative as an employee of the utility, or carry other identification such as a badge to verify employment by the utility, to be shown by the utility representative upon request.
(2) The utility shall inform the customer in such a manner that the utility can prove the customer was aware of impending access to utility-owned property, except in events associated with the safety of the water supply. This requirement includes language barriers or issues covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
6. Accidents/Acts of Terror
A. The utility shall cooperate with the Commission to promote a reduction in hazards within the industry and to the public.
B. The utility shall keep a record of any accident endangering the public in general, its employees, or disrupting the facilities for supplying water or wastewater service to the public which may have caused substantial property damage, personal injury or death. This information shall be available for inspection by the Commission for the period prescribed by the California Code of Civil Procedure, or as prescribed by the Federal Department of Homeland Security, or for five years, whichever is greater. The utility shall fully cooperate with the Commission in the event of an investigation by the Commission staff.
7. Reports and Notifications to the Commission
A. The utility shall furnish to the Commission staff, at such times and in such form as the staff may require results or summaries of any tests required by these rules and any information concerning the utility's facilities or operations which the Commission may request for assessing the practices of the utility.
B. Reports and notifications to the Commission required by this General Order shall be filed with the Division of Water and Audits, or its successor, with a copy sent to the Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), or its successor. Class C and D utilities are not required to provide copies of the reports required by this General Order to DRA.
8. Exemptions or Variances from These Rules
A. This General Order may be amended to ensure consistency with applicable statutes, Commission orders and industry standards. The Commission may adopt the amendments by resolution, with such modification as the Commission deems appropriate, following notice and opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments. After being amended, the text of this General Order will be published at the Commission's Internet site.
B. A utility may request exemption from the requirements of this General Order by application. Any utility that proposes an exemption or variance from this General Order must explain to the Commission any effects the proposed exemption or variance would have on public health risks, service quality, or rates and must bear the burden of justifying any adverse effect.
C. Where exceptions to this General Order are requested that are of minor importance or temporary in nature, the utility may file a request and showing of necessity for relief by an Advice Letter, in accordance with General Order 96-B.
9. Preemption of Local Authority
Local agencies acting pursuant to local authority are preempted from regulating water production, storage, treatment, transmission, distribution, or other facilities (including the location of such facilities) constructed or installed by water or wastewater utilities subject to the Commission's jurisdiction. However, in locating such projects, the utility should consult with local agencies regarding land use matters.
