Abstract: A unique piping arrangement of a water pump system is designed to prevent backflow of non-potable liquid into a potable water source thereby complying with plumbing codes to provide a safe cross connection. These codes are required when a water ejector uses pressurized potable water as an energy source. When the water ejector valve is open due to a high sump level and when the potable water pressure drops below atmospheric, the non-potable liquid can be siphoned into the potable water source thereby causing contamination, a significant unsafe health hazard to consumers. The present invention complies with plumbing codes by creating the required vertical air gap from the potable water source down to the non-potable liquid in the discharge piping as well as the inlet piping, the sources of contamination. In the piping arrangement are vents and drains to create the required air gap and transparent piping to provide required inspection and verification of proper operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stepwise method to transform and improve a Water and/or Water Reclamation Utility rate structure. Schedules of charges that customers pay for their water and water reclamation service, called rates structures, impose financial losses in income on a utility when water consumption is decreased. One major factor that decreases water consumption is water conservation although there are others. Because of the financial losses, utilities have a disincentive to encourage conservation. The method of the present invention includes the addition of a customer asset charge to the current fixed and water use charges that eliminates the utilities financial losses in income while enabling the maintenance of comparable total charges to customers. With this method, both the utility and the customers save money with water conservation and the utility has a positive motivation to support water conservation.