Property owners in Lyon County will be held responsible for delinquent water and sewer accounts and collection will be made through the tax roles.
Lyon County commissioners made the change when approving four ordinances updating old or creating new water and sewer service rules with minor changes in the wording.
Two ordinances covering water and sewer include a no shut-off component.
This was done to protect Lyon County Utilities employees from being faced with angry and abusive customers, said Utilities Director Mike Workman.
Water allowances for multi-family dwellings and in-park mobile homes will be decreased from .7 acre-feet per door to .45 acre-feet per door. Workman said a consumptive use study showed on average that multi-family units used only .33 acre-feet per year.
Water waste is prohibited under the new ordinances and creates a graduated fee schedule for violators. After eight violations, Workman said, a restrictive device will be placed on the water line of the offender.
Another ordinance covers wastewater discharges, requiring improved reporting and recordkeeping procedures.
The final ordinance establishes development standards to be begun in the planning stages for new development projects in order to protect wellheads and other infrastructure.
The commission approved the ordinances unanimously after public hearings last week.
Commissioner Bob Milz praised Workman for his efforts.
"I don't know how you put it all together, but you did a terrific job," he said.
"I stole it from other communities," Workman responded.
• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.