Brief Description: Regulating water availability for residential fire sprinkler suppression systems.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson and Curtis.

Hearing Date: 1/25/06

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Within their respective jurisdictions, counties, cities, towns, and water districts are all authorized to provide residential water service. Generally, the rate charged for the provision of water service is directly proportional to the amount of water actually used by the consumer. However, some water service providers add charges for the maintenance of additional water service capacity where such enhanced capacity is necessary for the proper operation of a fire suppression sprinkler system. In some cases the water system connecting to a building or home must have flow and pressure capabilities exceeding normal parameters so as to ensure the optimal operation of the sprinkler system in the event it is activated. Accordingly, there are water service providers that impose extra charges to compensate for the maintenance of this extra capacity, whether or not it is actually used.

Summary of Bill:

A municipal water system or water district is prohibited from charging a residential property owner or a residential fire sprinkler system contractor with additional meter charges due to an increase in the water supply that must be made available to service a built-in automatic residential fire sprinkler suppression system. Residences with such fire sprinkler systems must be charged under standard residential pricing schedules based upon the actual water used and cannot be assessed additional charges based upon the mere availability of an increased water supply.

A municipal water system or water district is prohibited from imposing water system development assessments upon a property owner or fire sprinkler system contractor based upon the installation of a built-in automatic residential fire sprinkler suppression system.

In supplying water to a residence with a built-in automatic residential fire sprinkler suppression system, a municipal water system or water district must provide the water through a single metered connection that must be of sufficient size to adequately supply water for both domestic and fire suppression purposes.

Prohibits water supply systems within county jurisdiction from imposing charges on residential customers for available but unused water service with respect to connections installed for built-in automatic fire sprinkler suppression systems.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.