[Adopted by the Board of Selectmen 3-5-1984 (Ch. 304, Art. VI, of the 1995
Code); amended 5-7-2001]
Backflow prevention devices are used to prevent the contamination
of the Salem Public Works Department, Water Division, system from
possible backflow of water or other contaminants into the system.
The Town of Salem follows the regulations set by the New Hampshire
Department of Environmental Services Administrative Order No. 2071,
as of July 1, 1982.
The purpose of this regulation is to identify and prevent the
contamination of the Salem water distribution system from possible
backflow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures and process chemicals
into said system by action with its origin beyond the outlet of the
customer's water meter.
The Water Division will determine, as part of its granting of
a water service, those sites which will require a backflow prevention
device. There must be an approved backflow prevention device installed
and inspected by the Salem Water Division at those designated sites
prior to the water service being activated. This regulation will apply
to all municipal water customers with the level of hazard established
by the Salem Department of Public Works.
The Town of Salem acknowledges its responsibility to protect
the sanitary and aesthetic quality of its distribution system by enforcing
this article.
A.
The Water Division will not permit any water connection to its system
that has the potential for backflow contamination without an approved
backflow prevention device. A permit will be supplied from this Department.
B.
The Water Division will specify the location and type of device to
be installed in each location.
D.
Testing of the devices will be performed by a responsible technician,
under the direction and approval of the Water Division.
E.
There will be an annual testing fee schedule implemented and updated
as necessary.[1]
F.
Water service turn-on will not be permitted without approval of the
device and the proper permit issued.
There will be installed a proper, approved backflow prevention
device at all water service locations as deemed necessary by the Water
Division. This installation is the customer's responsibility and will
be performed by competent plumbers, mechanical contractors, and those
licensed to provide plumbing services, under the direction of the
Water Division and/or the Building Division, as per the implementation
schedule:
A.
Where water service must be continuous, an approved bypass will be
installed.
B.
The device will be installed in an accessible location free from
debris, corrosive gases, electrical and/or industrial hazards, etc.,
and access will be provided for Salem Department of Public Works personnel
and/or their designee to inspect the device whenever they deem necessary.
C.
The customer is responsible for maintaining this device in proper
operating condition at all times.
D.
If the device is ever determined to be inoperative, proper repairs
must be implemented within 48 hours or a time satisfactory to the
enforcing agency.
E.
The Water Division must be notified if there is any physical damage
and/or modifications to be done to the backflow arrangement.
F.
All maintenance and repairs to the device are at the customer's expense.
The customer will provide the Water Division with proper maintenance
and repair records.
G.
The customer will further ensure the protection of the "in-plant"
water supply by the installation of other backflow prevention devices,
as determined by the Salem Department of Public Works.
H.
The customer will apply to the Town Hall, Water Division Office,
30 days prior to the permit expiration for renewal. The inspection/renewal
fee must be paid at that time.
A.
This regulation is vital to maintaining the safety and integrity
of the Town of Salem's Water Distribution System and will be strictly
enforced.
B.
Water service termination and/or fines will be implemented for the
following reasons:[1]
(1)
Failure to install the specified device(s).
(2)
Failure to maintain and repair such device as directed by the Salem
Department of Public Works or other such enforcing agency.
(3)
Any modification and/or tampering with the device without prior permission
of the Water Division.
(4)
Failure to renew the permit and/or pay applicable fees.
(5)
Refusal of entry of the Department of Public Works personnel for
inspection of device.
(6)
For any action or nonaction which is deemed by an authorized agency
not to be in the best interest of protecting the health and integrity
of the Town of Salem's municipal water supply and distribution system.
The applicability and enforcement of this article may be appealed
through the Salem Board of Adjustment.
