RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE

Fort Worth City Code ch. 35, art. VIII, div. 2

in effect

Fort Worth City Code § 35-173 PROVISION OF RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE.

§ 35-173 PROVISION OF RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE. (a) Upon the director’s recommendation that the provision of reclaimed water is feasible, the city manager may enter into a standard reclaimed water agreement for the provision of reclaimed water to properties within the reclaimed water service area upon application, and in compliance with this article and all applicable laws and regulations. (b) A person who requests reclaimed water service from the city must meet all requirements provided in this article and all minimum design, construction and operation standards for reclaimed water facilities. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-174 REQUEST FOR RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE.

§ 35-174 REQUEST FOR RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE. (a) To request reclaimed water service, a person must own or manage the property for which the service is to be provided. (b) A person must submit an application to the director and agree to abide by all requirements for reclaimed water service as described in this article. If a person meets the requirements described herein, then that person must enter into a standard reclaimed water agreement prior to the delivery of reclaimed water. (c) The director shall review each submitted application and shall make such investigation, to include site visits, as is reasonably necessary to determine if such service is feasible. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-175 PROOF OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE MINIMUM DESIGN AND OPERATION STANDARDS.

§ 35-175 PROOF OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE MINIMUM DESIGN AND OPERATION STANDARDS. (a) A person making an application for reclaimed water service shall submit the following information to the director for his or her approval, prior to construction or retrofit of an onsite facility that will use or receive reclaimed water: (1) Design drawings and specifications which must be in compliance with the city’s policies and regulations; (2) Drawings of the final installed onsite facility and the entire proposed use area; (3) Proof that the user will be compliant with Chapter 12.5, Article 5, Division 3 Cross-Connection Control and has the required backflow prevention assembly on the reclaimed water service line; and (4) Proof, as requested by the director, that the user has sufficient storage facilities for the reclaimed water and will be in compliance with Chapter 210. (b) The director may issue written notice to the applicant to proceed with construction and/or retrofit upon satisfaction that the applicant meets or shall meet the minimum design and operation standards for reclaimed water service. (c) After completion of the construction or retrofit of the onsite facilities for reclaimed water service, the applicant must make a written request for inspection by the city. The inspection shall include the cross-connection control and an operational test. (d) The director shall grant the user approval of reclaimed water onsite facilities if: (1) The director determines that the applicant meets the city’s minimum design and operation standards; and (2) The system passes the inspection and the operational tests of the cross-connection control. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-176 CROSS-CONNECTIONS WITH POTABLE WATER MAINS PROHIBITED.

§ 35-176 CROSS-CONNECTIONS WITH POTABLE WATER MAINS PROHIBITED. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to make or to maintain any cross-connection or to allow any cross-connection to exist at any place under the control of any person. (b) Any switchover system potentially allowing use of potable water as a temporary substitute for reclaimed water if reclaimed water is not available shall be built to ensure that reclaimed water does not back flow into the potable water system. (c) To ensure the complete separation of a user’s onsite potable water system from the lines supplying reclaimed water, the city shall inspect or cause to be inspected by a third party contractor, the user’s onsite potable water system prior to supplying reclaimed water. Any recommended piping modifications shall be completed prior to commencement of the reclaimed water service. A re-inspection shall be conducted every year or as deemed necessary by the director. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-177 DISTRIBUTION MAINS AND THE POLICY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

§ 35-177 DISTRIBUTION MAINS AND THE POLICY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES. (a) Any person who desires the extension of reclaimed water distribution mains for the provision of reclaimed water service shall bear all costs of extending the distribution main from the transmission main to the user’s property line and comply with the city’s policy for the installation of community facilities as it relates to reclaimed water service. The size of such distribution mains are to be determined by the city, based on the user’s expected reclaimed water consumption. (b) Any distribution main construction which includes oversizing of a distribution main at the request of the city shall be advertised for bids or using the city’s approved unit prices for water mains in the manner generally required for city construction and shall also comply with the city’s policy for the installation of community facilities. All qualified bids submitted shall be publicly opened and let in the same manner as other city construction contracts are bid and let. The construction contract shall be between the user and contractor. Prior to commencement of the work under the contract for construction of an oversize distribution main, the contractor must have complied with the city’s policy for the installation of community facilities. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-178 RECLAIMED WATER AGREEMENT.

§ 35-178 RECLAIMED WATER AGREEMENT. (a) Upon approval of the reclaimed water service onsite facilities, the applicant must execute a standard reclaimed water service agreement with the city to receive reclaimed water service. (b) The reclaimed water service agreement shall incorporate the requirements of this article, Tex. Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 210 and other terms and conditions prescribed by the city. (c) Prior to delivery of reclaimed water, the applicant must sign the reclaimed water agreement acknowledging that the applicant, as the user, is now responsible for onsite facilities and related activities; that the user shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to Chapter 210; and shall agree to hold the city harmless from any and all claims related to the reclaimed water and the operation and maintenance of the onsite facilities and related activities. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-179 DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE.

§ 35-179 DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE. (a) The city may discontinue reclaimed water service if the user: (1) Violates the terms of the reclaimed water service agreement or this article; (2) Fails to pay any and all fees assessed on the user’s water bill; (3) Tampers with any facilities related to the service, including the meter; (4) Cross-connects the reclaimed water system with a potable water source; (5) Refuses to permit an authorized city representative to enter his or her premises to inspect the user’s reclaimed water system; or (6) Performs an act that the director determines may be detrimental to the water, wastewater and/or reclaimed water system or the health and safety of the public. (b) A user shall pay for the reclaimed water provided by the city until the reclaimed water service is properly disconnected. (c) A user may not reconnect a discontinued service without the director’s approval. (d) If a user reconnects a discontinued service without the director’s approval, the water department may remove the service and charge an additional fee. (e) A user may apply for reinstatement of service after paying all fees or charges assessed. (f) The director shall charge a fee for reinstatement of reclaimed water service. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-180 CITY’S RESPONSIBILITIES.

§ 35-180 CITY’S RESPONSIBILITIES. (a) The city and its authorized agents, employees or contractors are responsible for the operation, management and control of the offsite facilities and the oversight of reclaimed water. (b) The city shall: (1) Obtain necessary commission authorizations for the offsite use of reclaimed water under Chapter 210; (2) Conduct reclaimed water quality assessments; and (3) Have the right to take any action at such times that it deems necessary to safeguard the public health and safety. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-181 USER’S RESPONSIBILITIES.

§ 35-181 USER’S RESPONSIBILITIES. A user shall: (a) Be responsible for constructing an onsite service line to an established point of connection; (b) Provide supervision of onsite facilities to assure compliance with this article and Chapter 12.5, Article V, Division 3 (Cross-Connection Control) of the city code; (c) Provide access to on-site facilities at reasonable times for inspections by the city; (d) Train all onsite facilities operations personnel consistent with the worker training and safety plan approved by the commission, pursuant to Tex. Administrative Code Title 30, § 210.4(a)(4)(F), as it may be amended from time to time; and (e) Conduct all operations related to reclaimed water service in compliance with this article. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-182 USE OF RECLAIMED WATER.

§ 35-182 USE OF RECLAIMED WATER. (a) Reclaimed water may be used only for the following purposes: (1) Turf and general landscape irrigation in compliance with § 35-167; (2) Non-food processing industrial processes; (3) Nonresidential toilet and urinal flushing; (4) Construction activities; (5) Vehicle washing; (6) Air conditioning cooling towers; and (7) Other lawful uses as authorized by the director. (b) A user may use reclaimed water only in locations and for uses as designated and approved in the user’s executed reclaimed water service agreement. (c) Each user of reclaimed water or action related to reclaimed water must comply with Tex. Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 210 and these provisions of this article. (d) Reclaimed water service agreements are non-transferrable to subsequent property owners and/or users. Each user must enter into a reclaimed water service agreement for the provision of reclaimed water. (e) Reclaimed water used for cooling or processing must be discharged to a sanitary sewer, in compliance with all applicable permits and laws governing such discharges, or obtain written approval from the director for any other proposed use, disposal or discharge of such water. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-183 ANNUAL INSPECTION; RIGHT OF INSPECTION OF RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEM ONSITE FACILITIES.

§ 35-183 ANNUAL INSPECTION; RIGHT OF INSPECTION OF RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEM ONSITE FACILITIES. (a) The user shall conduct an annual inspection of the onsite facilities, either through the city water department or through the use of a city approved third party contractor. (b) Additionally, the director may inspect devices installed by the user to control the flow of reclaimed water and may remove, or secure such devices if installed in violation of this article or any term of the reclaimed water service agreement. (c) Director may inspect any offsite or onsite facilities, as well as use areas and adjoining property belonging to the user and shall be granted access, without prior notice to the user during normal business hours. If access is needed by the director during non-business hours, the user shall allow access at a reasonable time upon a prior request by the director. (d) The user and his or her operators shall cooperate with the city and its authorized representatives and assist in performing inspections and operational tests. (e) Any modifications to the user’s onsite facilities must meet all criteria in this article and is subject to inspection. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-184 IDENTIFICATION OF RECLAIMED WATER ONSITE FACILITIES.

§ 35-184 IDENTIFICATION OF RECLAIMED WATER ONSITE FACILITIES. A user must identify reclaimed water onsite facilities with signs having a minimum size of eight inches by eight inches posted at all storage areas and on all hose bibs and faucets, in both English and Spanish, the words “Reclaimed Water, Do Not Drink” or a similar warning in accordance with Tex. Administrative Code Title 30, § 210.25. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-185 MAINTENANCE OF RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE PIPES.

§ 35-185 MAINTENANCE OF RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE PIPES. All persons using reclaimed water shall keep their onsite facilities in good repair, so as to prevent leakage. Maintenance is the owner’s responsibility. All onsite transportation, holding and distribution facilities for reclaimed water shall comply with the standards of Tex. Administrative Code Title 30, Chapter 210. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-186 VIOLATIONS; PROHIBITED USES.

§ 35-186 VIOLATIONS; PROHIBITED USES. A person commits an offense if a person: (a) Uses reclaimed water for a purpose not approved by this article and/or authorized in the reclaimed water agreement; (b) Uses or applies reclaimed water for any purpose, including approved uses, by direct application or by windblown spray, to an area other than the approved use area; (c) Uses hose bibs or faucets on a reclaimed water system unless they are designed and installed to prevent connection to a standard water hose, as defined in Tex. Administrative Code Chapter 210.25; (d) Allows any obstruction to impede access to meter boxes or other onsite or offsite facilities; (e) Gives, sells, trades or transfers reclaimed water to another area without the prior written approval of the director; (f) Discharges airborne or surface reclaimed water from the user’s property, other than to a wastewater treatment system or wastewater collection system, without notifying the city of its permit granted by TCEQ and authorizing the discharge; (g) Interrupts reclaimed water service in a portion of the city’s system without the prior written approval of the director; (h) Stores or applies reclaimed water in such a way as to cause runoff or ponding. If such conditions occur, in addition to any other corrective action taken or required by law, the user shall immediately alter its method of application to prevent any further runoff or ponding; (i) Tampers with, works on, or in any way alters or damages any part of the city’s reclaimed water system. Tampering or work shall include, but is not limited to, opening or closing of valves, or causing of any reclaimed water to flow from the system; (j) Cuts into or makes any improper connection with the system; (k) Causes or allows their reclaimed water system to have any cross-connections (between two or more water supplies), any illegal connections or tie-ins, or any discharge of reclaimed water into the public wastewater system; (l) Takes or uses reclaimed water without payment; or (m) Removes or defaces any warnings, labels or signs pertaining to reclaimed water use. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-187 OFFENSES.

§ 35-187 OFFENSES. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates any provision of this article. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 in accordance with § 1-6(c). (c) Each instance of a violation of this article is a separate offense. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011; Ord. 23569-02-2019, § 2, passed 2-12-2019, eff. 2-23-2019)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-188 RATES AND CHARGES.

§ 35-188 RATES AND CHARGES. (a) The rate for all reclaimed water users, effective October 1, 2018, shall be $1.7364 per 1,000 gallons, with an annual increase of 5% thereafter. (b) The city council shall adopt a schedule of fees for reimbursement of costs of permitting and inspecting this Article VIII as follows: (1) Application fee; (2) Reclaimed water volume charge; (3) Tap fee; (4) Meter charges; (5) Engineering or other professional services or inspection fees; (6) Reclaimed water front footage charges; (7) Reclaimed water main capacity charge; (8) Reconnection fee; and (9) Service reinstatement fee. (c) The fee schedule may be amended from time-to-time as the city council deems reasonably necessary. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011; Ord. 23377-09-2018, § 4, passed 9-11-2018, eff. 10-1-2018)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-189 INACCURATE METER READINGS.

§ 35-189 INACCURATE METER READINGS. Should any meter fail to register correctly the amount of reclaimed water used by a user since the previous reading, the right shall exist on the part of the water department to charge for reclaimed water service on the basis of three month’s average. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-190 BILLING.

§ 35-190 BILLING. Bills for reclaimed water service shall become due and payable to the city, at the office of the Water department, city hall, 1000 Throckmorton Street, within 21 days from the date of the bill. If a customer has not paid the bill in full within 24 days of the date of the bill, a 5% late fee shall be assessed against all unpaid current charges on the bill. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Fort Worth City Code § 35-191 NO GRANT OR TRANSFER OF WATER RIGHT OR OWNERSHIP INTEREST.

§ 35-191 NO GRANT OR TRANSFER OF WATER RIGHT OR OWNERSHIP INTEREST. The delivery of reclaimed water by the city and the acceptance and use of the reclaimed water by the user is not a transfer or an acquisition by the user of a water right or an ownership interest in any of the offsite facilities. (Ord. 19543-02-2011, § 1, passed 2-8-2011)

Source: City of Fort Worth, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Zoning Ordinance (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftworth/latest/ftworth_tx/0-0-0-32648Fetched: 10/26/2026