§ 154-94. Use and misuse of fire hydrants.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to use water from any fire hydrant from which city water is drawn without permission from the department.

(b)

In case of a violation of subsection (a) of this section, the department shall impose a charge for the unauthorized use of water of:

(1)

$300.00 plus retail cost for water used for first-time offenders.

(2)

$500.00 plus retail cost for water used for second-time offenders.

(3)

$750.00 plus retail cost for water used for third-time offenders.

(4)

$1,000.00 plus retail cost for water used for fourth-time offenders.

The retail cost for water used will be the rate in effect.

(c)

Tampering. It shall be unlawful to tamper, plug or interfere with any fire hydrant from which city water is drawn without written authorization.

(d)

Apparatus without backflow prevention. It shall be unlawful to connect any vehicle, container or equipment which is subject to the danger of backflow or back siphonage to a fire hydrant.

(e)

Penalty. In addition to the costs and charges listed above, any violation shall subject the offender to punishment pursuant to the penalty set forth in section 1-8 of the Code of Ordinances, as may be amended from time to time.

(Code 1977, § 9-4037; Ord. No. 1998-87, § 31, 12-10-98)