§ 18-226. Procedure in case of excessive use or waste of water.

(a)

The board of water commissioners is authorized to impose charges for excessive use and to prohibit waste of water which, in the opinion of the board of water commissioners, the water system cannot supply to the general public.

(b)

The owner, or the agent of the owner, or the tenant who is responsible for any premises where a waste of water occurs for the first time in a calendar year, shall be given a written warning. In case of a subsequent waste, the fine, penalty or charge shall be $50.00. Each calendar day of waste shall be subject to a separate fine, penalty or charge. The board may respond to chronic waste of water by restricting the flow of water to the premises. The board is authorized to achieve noncriminal dispositions of violations of this section and other ordinances or regulations regarding the public water supply pursuant to M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21D, or other lawful authority. Unpaid charges shall be added to water bills and, together with interest and costs, shall constitute a lien against the premises pursuant to M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 42D, or other lawful authority. The employees of the board of water commissioners and the employees of the police department are authorized to enforce this section by initiating water charges or noncriminal penalties. The police officers of the police department are authorized to initiate enforcement of this section by fines imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(Ord. No. 1623, 4-2-15)