The purpose of this chapter is to protect, preserve, and maintain existing and potential public drinking water sources in order to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare of city residents and visitors. The intent of this chapter is to establish and designate drinking water source protection zones and groundwater recharge areas for all sources of public drinking water within city boundaries and jurisdiction. This chapter establishes criteria for regulating the storage, handling, use or production of hazardous or toxic substances within identified areas where groundwater is, or could be affected by the potential contaminant source. This shall be accomplished by the designation and regulation of property uses and conditions that may be maintained within such zones or areas. The provisions of this chapter shall apply only to developments that take place after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or to existing property uses that change their character to such an extent as to constitute a new use and different use. The provisions of this chapter shall also apply to the handling, movement and storage of potentially hazardous materials.

The degree of protection afforded by this chapter is considered adequate for regulatory purposes. This chapter does not ensure that public drinking water sources will not be subject to accidental or intentional contamination, nor does it create liability on the part of the city, or an officer or employee thereof, for any damages to the public water supplies from reliance on this chapter nor any administrative order lawfully made thereunder.

A notice to cease or an exemption issued under this chapter shall not relieve the owner of the obligation to comply with any other applicable federal, state, regional or local regulations, rule, ordinance or requirement, nor shall said notice or exemption relieve any owner of any liability for violation of such regulations, rules, ordinances, or requirements. (Ord. 2-17-98 § 2)