ATTACHMENT 1
Proposed Changes to GO 103
[Additions to the existing General Order are in italics, deletions are stricken-out, comments are in square brackets.]
PROPOSED GENERAL ORDER 103
RULES GOVERNING WATER SERVICE, INCLUDING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.b. Absence of Civil Liability. 11
4. Information Available to Public. 66
6. Discontinuance of Service. [delete entire section, See Tariff Rules No. 8 and 11] 77
7. Refusal to Serve [delete entire section. See Tariff Rule No. 11] 77
7. Accidents/Acts of Terror. 88
8.c. Reports to the Commission. 99
9. Deviations from Any of These Rules. 99
2. Water Supply Requirements. 1010
3.2. Continuity of Service 1515
A.a. Emergency Interruptions. 1515
B.b. Scheduled Interruptions. 1515
4. Water Supply Measurement 1717
2. Application for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity 1818
3.5. Materials and Specifications 2020
4.3. Mains. Distribution System. 2121
B. Layout of Water Mains. 2121
C. Minimum Water Main Diameter and Length of Run. 2222
5. Materials Standards for Water Mains 2525
6.4. Service Connections pipe and fittings 2626
B. Conditions for Adding Service Connections and Pipes 2626
7. Distribution Reservoirs. 2727
8. Subsurface Distribution Reservoirs 2929
9. Recycled water and reservoirs. 2929
10. Reliability Factors for Surface Treatment Plants and Energy Supplies. 2929
1. Method of Measuring Service 3333
2. Meter Test Facilities and Equipment. 3434
3. Accuracy Requirements of Water Meters. 3636
4. Initial Tests and Storage of Meters. 3838
5. Repaired or Tested Meters. 3838
6. Periodic Tests of Water Meters. 3939
7. Tests on Customer Request. [delete in its entirely. See Tariff Rule No. 18] 4040
3. Adjustment of Bills for Meter Error. [delete in its entirety. See Tariff Rule 18] 4141
2.a. Initial Construction, Extension, or Modification. 4242
3.(b) Replacement of Mains 4343
6. Fire Protection Service Agreement. 4444
1. Operations and Maintenance Plan (O&M Plan). 4646
A. All water and sewer systems should have an O&M Plan. 4646
B. The O&M Plan shall include at a minimum the following: 4646
2. Emergency/Disaster Response Strategy (E/DRS). 4747
5. Water Treatment Operators. 5050
C. Changes in distribution systems 5252
E. Hydraulic Analysis of the Transmission and Distribution System. 5353
F. Delineation of Minimum Normal Operating Pressures. 5353
7. Relations with Customers 5454
C. Telephone Performance Standards 5757
D. Response to consumer and regulatory complaints: 5959
E Billing Performance Standards 6060
F. Meter Reading Performance Standards 6161
G. Work Completion Performance Standards 6262
H. Customer Satisfaction Measures 6464
I. Worker Safety Performance Measures: 6565
J. Reliability Performance Standards 6666
Appendix A Non Potable Water Systems 7070
Appendix B Records Retentions Schedules 7171
Appendix C Calculation of System Demands 7676
Appendix D Calculation of System Supply 7777
Appendix E TMF Criteria Checklists 7878
Appendix F Report Card Billing 8181
I. GENERAL
1. Intent
The purpose of these rules is to promote good public utility practices, to encourage efficiency and economy and to establish minimum standards to be hereafter observed practiced in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of waterworks facilities by water and sewer system utilities operating under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
The standards herein prescribed are intended as minimum standards applicable after adoption and continued full utilization of existing facilities is contemplated. These rules do not supersede the filed tariff rules of the water and sewer system utilities.
C. Expiration of economic utilization
Nothing contained in any of the these rules herein promulgated shall be construed to require the replacement or abandonment prior to the expiration of their economic utilization of facilities in use at the time of adoption of these rules, prior to the expiration of their economic utilization, unless the Commission, after hearing, shall enter an orders directing the abandonment or replacement of particular facilities found to be inadequate for the rendition of proper public utility service.
2.b. Absence of Civil Liability
A. Establishment shall not impose civil liability
These rules are adopted by the Commission to establish minimum standards in relation to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of waterworks facilities by water and sewer system utilities operating under the jurisdiction of the Commission. Such establishment 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.
These rules are designed primarily for utility systems, sewer system and for water utilities supplying potable water under pressure, but shall also apply insofar as they may be when appropriate, to sewer systems and utility systems supplying water not intended or claimed to be potable from ditches, canals or other conduits. The paragraphs of these rules applicable to utility systems supplying such non-potable water are set forth in Appendix A hereto.
3. Definitions
Aa. Commission. In the interpretation of these rules, the word "Commission" shall mean tThe Public Utilities Commission of the State of California.
Bb. Utility. Any person, firm, or corporation, their leasees, trustees, receivers or trustees appointed by any court, owning, controlling, operating, or managing any water system within this State, who sells water to any person, firm corporation, municipality, or any other political subdivision of the State, whether under contract or otherwise, is a public utility, except as provided in Sections 2704, 2705, and 2706 of the Public Utilities Code. Commission-regulated water or sewer system utility.
Cc. Customer. The word "customer" shall be construed to mean a Any person, firm, association, corporation or governmental agency supplied or entitled to be supplied with water or sewer service for compensation by a utility.
D. Corporation. A corporation, a company, an association, or a joint stock association.
E. Department. The Department of Public Health, Field Operations Drinking Water Branch, or the County Department of Environmental Health.
F.d. Meter. The word "meter" shall mean a Any device used for the purpose of measuring the quantity of water delivered by a utility to a customer.
G. Person. An individual, a firm, or a partnership.
H. Sewer system. All real estate, fixtures, and personal property owned, controlled, operated, or managed in connection with or to facilitate sewage collection, treatment, or disposition for sanitary or drainage purposes, including any and all lateral and connecting sewers, interceptors, trunk and 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.
I.i. Sewer system utility. A Commission-regulated utility that provides sewer service.
J.e. Service Pipe. The term "service pipe" shall mean t The connection between the utility's mains and the service connection. It and shall includes all of the pipe, fittings and valves necessary to make the connection.
K. Service Connection. The point of connection to the customer's piping or ditch with the meter, user service line or ditch owned by the utility.
L. Source Capacity. The total amount of water supply available from all sources permitted for use by the water system, including approved surface water, groundwater, and purchased water.
M. Storage Capacity. The total amount of water supply available from used and useful storage tanks or reservoirs designated as an active part of the utility's water system.
N. Tariff Rule. A Rule in the tariffs that has been approved by the Commission.
O. User Service Line. The pipe, tubing, and fittings connecting a water main to an individual water meter or service connection.
P. Utility. A water or sewer system utility.
Q. Water Main. Any pipeline, except for user service lines, within the distribution system.
R. Distribution System. All physical parts of the water system, including, but not limited to: Pipes, valves, pumping stations, storage tanks or reservoirs, and user service lines, that are located between the water treatment plant, or the source if there is no treatment, and the consumer's service connection.
S. Water Utility. A Commission-regulated utility that provides water service.
T. Water System. The interconnected reservoirs, pipes, and sources of supply, and all other real estate, fixtures, used to provide water service to a particular set of customers.
U. Recycled water. Sewage water that, because of treatment, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur.
V. Water treatment operator. A person who has met the requirements for a specific water treatment operator grade pursuant to the Department.
W. Water treatment operator-in-training. A person who has applied for and passed the written examination given by the department but does not yet meet the experience requirements for a specific water treatment operator grade pursuant to the rules of the Department.
X. Water distribution operator. A person who has met the requirements for a specific water distribution operator grade pursuant to the Department.
Y. Water treatment plant. A group or assemblage of structures, equipment, and processes that treat, blend, or condition the water supply of a public water system for the purpose of meeting primary drinking water standards.
Z. As used in this order, "person" and "corporation" include the lessees, trustees, receivers or trustees appointed by any court whatsoever, of the person or corporation.
AA. Secondary drinking water standards. Standards that specify maximum contaminant levels that, in the judgment of the Department, are necessary to protect the public welfare. Secondary drinking water standards may apply to any contaminant in drinking water that may adversely affect the odor or appearance of the water and may cause a substantial number of persons served by the public water system to discontinue its use, or that may otherwise adversely affect the public welfare. Regulations establishing secondary drinking water standards may vary according to geographic and other circumstances and may apply to any contaminant in drinking water that adversely affects the taste, odor, or appearance of the water when the standards are necessary to assure a supply of pure, wholesome, and potable water.
AB. Bill: Bills for water and sewer service. Exclude final bills and bills for maintenance or repair service.
AC. Escalation: An escalation is a complaint to the utility or to the CPUC that, following investigation, is determined to be something the utility reasonably could or should have done to satisfy the consumer and thereby prevent the complaint from arising. Each party's discretion shall determine whether or not a complaint to it is classified as an escalation.
AD. Normal Business Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Utility holidays.
AE. Outside of Normal Business Hours: weekends, utility holidays and 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday.
Acronyms:
A. AWWA. American Water Works Association.
B. CCR. California Code of Regulations.
C. DPH. Department of Public Health of the State of California.
D. MDD. Maximum Day Demand. The actual, estimated or projected amount of water utilized by consumers during the highest day of use, excluding fire flow.
E. PHD. Peak Hour Demand. The actual, estimated or projected amount of water utilized by consumers during the highest hour of use during the maximum day, excluding fire flow.
F. psi. Pressure measurement of "pounds per square inch" as registered on a gauge.
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, pertinent information regarding the service rendered including the following:
(1)a. Characteristics of Water.
A description in writing of the kind of water to be furnished, whether filtered or unfiltered and whether treated or untreated and the extent thereof.
(2)b. Rates and Rules.
A copy of the tariff schedules consisting of rates, general rules of the utility, service area maps and forms of contracts and applications applicable to the territory served from that office.
(3)c. Reading Meters.
Information about method of reading meters.
(4)d. Bill Analysis.
A statement of the past readings of the meters serving a customer's own premises for a period of two years.
(5) Consumer Confidence Report.
Each water system must annually mail or deliver a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to each customer.
5. Access to Property
The utility shall at all reasonable hours have safe access to meters, service connections and other property owned by it which may be utility-owned property located on the customer's premises for the purposes of installation, maintenance, operation, or removal. of its property at the time service is to be terminated.
The utility may request the customer to secure any animals on the customer's property 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. The customer's system should be open for inspection at all reasonable times to authorized representatives of the utility.
Any utility employee of the utility representative whose duties require him to enter the customer premises entering the customer's premises shall wear a distinguishing uniform or other insignia, identifying him the utility representative as an employee of the utility, or carryon his person a badge or other identification which will identify him as an employee of the utility, other identification such as a badge to verify employment by the utility, the same to be shown by him the utility representative upon request. The utility shall inform the customer in such a manner that the utility can prove the customer was aware of impending access of 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. Discontinuance of Service. [delete entire section, See Tariff Rules No. 8 and 11]
7. Refusal to Serve [delete entire section. See Tariff Rule No. 11]
6.8. Complaints
A. Upon complaint to the utility by a customer either at its office, by letter, or by telephone, or by email to the utility's internet web page if it supplies a site for customer service, the utility shall promptly will contact the customer within 72 hours and make a suitable investigation. and The utility will advise the complainant of the results thereof investigation's results.
B. A complaint is a request requiring an investigation or action on the part of the utility. A customer that makes an inquiry to the utility requiring neither investigation nor action is therefore not making a complaint.
C. It The utility shall keep a record of all complaints, categorized by the nature of the complaint, which shall that shows the name and address of the complainant, the date and nature of the complaint, and the adjustment or disposition thereof for a period of two years lasting from the time the complaint is filed with the utility until issuance of its next general rate case final decision.
D. After two years issuance of the general rate case final decision subsequent to the filing of the complaint, the utility shall keep, at its option, either the original complaints or a summary of such complaints. for an additional three years. Complaints Inquiries with reference to rates or charges, which require no further action by the utility, need not be recorded. Complaints that are determined to be out of the direct control of the utility (including but not limited to natural disasters) may be recorded in a summary list only.
7. 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, or its employees, or disrupting the facilities for supplying water to the public which may have caused substantial property damage, serious personal injury or death, which shall be available for inspection by the Commission for the period prescribed by the California Code of Civil Procedure, or as proscribed by the Federal Department of Homeland Security, for the commencement of actions thereon but in no instance less than five years. The utility shall assist fully cooperate with the Commission in the event of an investigation by the Commission staff.
8.c. Reports to the Commission.
The utility shall furnish to the Commission, at such times and in such form as the Commission may require, results or summaries of any tests required by these rules. The utility shall also furnish the Commission with any information concerning the utility's facilities or operations which the Commission may request and need for determining rates or judging the practices of the utility.
9. Deviations from Any of These Rules.
A. In those cases where the application of any of the rules incorporated herein in this General Order results in unreasonable and undue hardship or expense to the utility, it may request specific relief by filing a formal application in accordance with the Commission's Rules of Procedure, except that where the relief to be requested is of minor importance or temporary in nature (six months or less), the Commission may accept an application and showing of necessity by advice letter.
B. All requested deviations from any of these rules must be noticed to the public at least 20 days in advance except in deviations due to an emergency or natural disaster. Any utility that proposes to use an alternative to the requirements in this General Order must demonstrate to the Commission how it will ensure that the proposed alternative would not result in an increased in risk to public health, decreased service quality or higher rates.
