[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 1]
1. Purpose. The purpose of this Part:
A. To protect the public water supply system from contamination or pollution
by isolating within the consumer's water system contaminants
or pollutants which could backflow through the service connection
into the public water supply system.
B. To promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections,
actual or potential, between the public or consumer's potable
water system and nonpotable water systems, plumbing fixtures and sources
or systems containing process fluids.
C. To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection
control which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination
or pollution of the public and consumer's potable water system.
2. Application. This Part shall apply to all premises serviced by the
public water supply system of the Township of North Fayette.
3. Policy. The public water supplier and the consumer have the joint
responsibility for protection of the public water supply system from
contamination due to backflow of contaminants through the water service
connection. If in the judgment of the public water supplier or his
authorized representative an approved backflow prevention device is
required the supplier shall give notice to the consumer to install
such approved backflow prevention device at each service connection
to his premises. The consumer shall immediately install such approved
device or devices at his own expense, and failure, refusal or inability
on the part of the consumer to install such device or devices shall
constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises
until such device or devices have been installed.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 2; as amended by Ord. 418,
1/29/2014]
AIR GAP SEPARATION
The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere
between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying potable
water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood level
rim of the receptacle. The differential distance shall be at least
double the diameter (2 x D) of the supply pipe measured vertically,
above the top of the rim of the vessel. In no case, shall the air
gap be less than one inch.
APPROVED
A backflow prevention device or method has been accepted
by the public water supplier as suitable for the proposed use.
ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER (ALSO KNOWN AS THE NON-PRESSURE TYPE
VACUUM BREAKER)
A device containing a shut-off valve followed by a valve
body containing a float-check, a check seat and an inlet port. When
the shut-off valve is open, the flow of water causes the float to
close the air inlet port. When the shut-off valve is closed, the float
falls and forms a check valve against backsiphonage and at the same
time opens the air inlet port.
AUXILIARY WATER SYSTEM
Any water source or system on the premises of or available
to the customer except connections to other approved community water
supply systems.
BACKFLOW
A flow condition, induced by a differential in pressure,
that causes the flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids,
gases or other substances into the distribution pipes of a potable
water supply system from a source other than its intended source.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER
A devise or other means which will prevent the backflow of
water or liquids of questionable quality into the public water supply
system.
BACKSIPHONAGE
The backflow of water or mixture of water and other liquids,
gases or other substances from a plumbing fixture or other customer
source, into a public water supply system.
CONSUMER
The owner or person in control of any premises supplied by
or in any manner connected to a public water system.
CONSUMER'S WATER SYSTEM
Any water system, located on the consumer's premises,
supplied by or in any manner connected to a public water supply system.
A household plumbing system is considered to be a consumer's
water system.
CONTAINMENT
Cross-connection control which isolates the customer's
entire facility from the public water supply system so as to provide
the protection necessary to prevent contamination of the public water
supply in the event of backflow from the customer's facility.
CONTAMINATION
The degradation of the quality of the drinking water by wastewaters,
processed fluids, or any water of a quality less than accepted drinking
water quality to a degree which would create an actual hazard to the
public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease.
CROSS-CONNECTION
An arrangement allowing either a direct or indirect connection
through which backflow, including backsiphonage, can occur between
the drinking water in a public water system and a system containing
a source or potential source of contamination.
DEGREE OF HAZARD
An evaluation of the potential risk to health and the adverse
effect upon the public water supply system.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY
An assembly composed of two single, independently acting,
check valves including tightly closing shut-off valves located at
each end of the assembly and suitable connections for testing the
water tightness of each check valve.
HEALTH HAZARD
Any condition, device, or practice in a water system or its
operation that creates, or may create, a danger to the health and
well being of its users. The word "severe" as used to qualify "health
hazard" means a hazard to the health of the user that could reasonably
be expected to result in the significant morbidity or death.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership association, company, corporation,
municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency
of federal or state government. The term includes the officers, employees
and agents of any partnership, association, company, corporation,
municipality, municipal authority, political subdivision or any agency
of federal or state government.
POLLUTION
The presence in water of any foreign substance that tends
to degrade its quality so as to constitute a hazard or impair the
usefulness or quality of the water to a degree which does not create
an actual hazard to the public health but which does adversely and
unreasonably affect such waters for domestic use.
POTABLE WATER
Water which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary, and domestic
purposes and meets the requirement of the Department of Environmental
Protection.
PROCESS FLUIDS
Any fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically
or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form or concentration such
as would constitute a health, pollution, or system hazard if introduced
into the public or a consumer's water system. This includes,
but is not limited to:
A.
Polluted or contaminated waters.
C.
Used waters originating from the public water system which may
have deteriorated in sanitary quality.
E.
Contaminated natural waters taken from wells, lakes, streams,
or irrigation systems.
F.
Chemicals in solution or suspension.
G.
Oils, gases, acids, alkalis, and other liquid and gaseous fluids
used in industrial or other processes, or for fire fighting purposes.
H.
Heating system waters from boilers or heat pumps.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
A system which provides water to the public for human consumption
which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average
of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year.
The term is either a community or noncommunity water system and includes
any collection, treatment, storage and distribution facilities under
control of the operator of the system and used in connection with
the system. The term includes collection or pretreatment storage facilities
not under such control which are used in connection with the system.
The term also includes a system which provides water for bottling
or bulk hauling for human consumption.
REDUCED PRESSURE ZONE (RPZ) DEVICE
A minimum of two independently acting check valves, together
with an automatically operated pressure differential relief valve
located between the two check valves. During the normal flow and at
the cessation of normal flow, the pressure between these two checks
shall be less than the supply pressure. In case of leakage of either
check valve, the differential relief valve, by discharging to the
atmosphere, shall operate to maintain the pressure between the checks
at less than the supply pressure. The unit must include tightly closing
shut-off valves located at each end of the device, and each device
shall be fitted with properly located test cocks.
SERVICE CONNECTION
The terminal-end of a service line form the public water
supply system. If a meter is installed at the end of the service,
then the service connection means the downstream end of the meter.
SYSTEM HAZARD
A condition posing an actual or potential threat of damage
to the physical properties of the public water system or the consumer's
potable water system.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 3]
1. The water system shall be considered as made up of two parts: the
public water supply system and the consumer's water system.
2. The public water supply system shall consist of the source facilities
and the distribution system, and shall include all those facilities
of the public water supply system under the control of the public
water supplier up to the point where the consumer water system begins.
3. The source shall include all components of the facility utilized
in the production, treatment, storage, and delivery of water to the
public distribution system.
4. The public distribution system shall include the network of conduits
used for delivery of water from the source to the consumer's
water system.
5. The consumer's water system shall include all facilities beyond
the service connection which are utilized in conveying water from
the public distribution system to points of use.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 4]
1. No water service connection shall be installed or maintained to any
premises where actual or potential cross-connections to the public
water supply system or consumer's water system may exist unless
such actual or potential cross-connections are abated or controlled
to the satisfaction of the public water supplier.
2. No connection shall be installed or maintained whereby water from
an auxiliary water supply may enter a public or consumer's water
system unless such auxiliary water supply and the method of connection
and use of such supply shall have been approved.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 5]
1. The consumer's premises shall be open at all reasonable times
to the public water supplier, or his authorized representative, for
the purposes of conducting surveys and whether there are actual or
potential cross-connections to the consumer's water system through
which contaminants or pollutants could backflow into the public potable
water system.
2. On request by the public water supplier the consumer shall furnish
information on water use practices within his premises.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the water consumer to conduct periodic
surveys of water use practices on his premises to determine whether
there are actual or potential cross-connections to his water system
through which contaminants or pollutants could backflow into the public
water supply system.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 6; as amended by Ord. 418,
1/29/2014]
1. An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed prior to
the first branch line leading off each service line to a consumer's
water system where, in the judgment of the public water supplier,
an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply system exists.
2. An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each
service line to a consumer's water system where the following
conditions exist:
A. Systems having an auxiliary water supply, unless such auxiliary supply
is accepted as an additional source by the public water supplier and
approved by the Department of Environmental Protection.
B. Systems where any substance is handled in such a fashion as to create
an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply system. This
shall include systems having sources or auxiliary systems containing
process fluids or waters originating from sources or auxiliary systems
containing process fluids or waters originating from the public water
supply system which are no longer under the sanitary control of the
water purveyor.
C. Systems having internal cross-connections that, in the judgment of
the public water supplier, are not correctable or intricate plumbing
arrangements which make it impractical to determine whether or not
cross-connections exist.
D. Systems where, because of security requirements or other prohibitions
or restrictions, it is impossible or impractical to make a complete
cross-connection survey.
E. Systems having a repeated history of cross-connection being established
or re-established.
F. Others specified by the public water supplier.
3. An approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each
service line to a consumer's water system serving, but not necessarily
limited to, the following types of facilities unless the public water
supplier determines that no actual or potential hazard to the public
water supply system exists.
A. Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, nursing homes.
C. Piers, docks, waterfront facilities.
D. Sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping station or stormwater pumping
station.
E. Food or beverage processing plants.
G. Metal plating industries.
H. Petroleum processing or storage plants.
I. Radioactive material processing plants.
K. Others specified by the water purveyor.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 7]
1. The type of protection required under §
26-106, Subsections
1,
2, and
3, of this Part shall depend on the degree of hazard which exists as follows:
A. An approved air gap separation shall be installed where the public
water supply system may be contaminated with substances that are dangerous
to the public health and could cause a severe health hazard.
B. An approved air gap separation or an approved reduced pressure zone
backflow prevention device shall be installed where the public water
supply system may be contaminated with a substance that could cause
a system or health hazard.
C. An approved air gap separation or an approved reduced pressure zone
backflow prevention device or an approved double check valve assembly
shall be installed where the public water supply system may be polluted
with substances that would be objectionable but not dangerous to health.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 8]
1. Any backflow prevention device required by this Part shall be of
a model or construction approved by the public water supplier and
shall comply with the following:
A. Air gap separation to the approved shall be at least twice the diameter
of the supply pipe, measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel,
but in no case less than one inch.
B. A double check valve assembly or a reduced pressure zone backflow
prevention device shall be approved by the public water supplier and
shall mean a device that has been manufactured in full conformance
with standards established by the American Water Works Association
entitled:
|
AWWA C506, "Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle and Double
Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices."
|
|
Said AWWA standards are herein adopted by the public water supplier.
Final approval, however, of the "reduced pressure principle backflow
preventer" and the "double check valve assembly" shall be evidenced
by a "certificate of full approval" issued by an approved testing
laboratory certifying full compliance with the said AWWA standards.
|
C. An interchangeable connection to be approved shall be either a swing
type connector or a four-way valve of the lubricated plug type that
operates through a mechanism which unseats the plug, turns it 90°
and reseats the plug. Four-way valves shall not be used as stop valves
but must have separate stop valves on each pipe connected to the valve.
The telltale port on the four-way valve shall have no piping connected
and the threads or flange on this port shall be destroyed so that
a connection cannot be made.
2. Existing backflow prevention devices approved by the public water supplier at the time of installation and properly maintained shall, except for inspection and maintenance requirements, be excluded from the requirement of Subsection
1 of this section providing the public water supplier is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the public potable supply system. Whenever the existing device is moved from the present location or requires more than minimum maintenance or when the public water supplier finds that the maintenance of the device constitutes a hazard to health, the device shall be replaced by a backflow prevention device meeting the requirements of this Part.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 9]
1. Backflow prevention devices required by this Part shall be installed
at a location and in a manner approved by the public water supplier
and shall be installed by a person properly qualified and at the expense
of the water consumer.
2. Backflow prevention devices installed on the service line to a consumer's
water system shall be located on the consumer's side of the water
meter, as close to the meter as is reasonably practical, and prior
to any other connection.
3. Pits or vaults shall be of water-tight construction, be so located
and constructed as to prevent flooding and shall be maintained free
from standing water by means of either a sump and pump or a suitable
drain. Such sump pump or drain shall not connect to a sanitary sewer
nor permit flooding of the pit or vault by reverse flow from its point
of discharge. An access ladder and adequate natural or artificial
lighting shall be provided to permit maintenance inspection and testing
of the backflow prevention device.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 10]
1. It shall be the duty of the consumer at any premises on which backflow
prevention devices required by this Part are installed to have inspections,
tests and overhaul made in accordance with the following schedule
or more often where inspections indicate a need.
A. Air separation shall be inspected at time of installation and at
least every 12 months thereafter.
B. Double check valve assemblies shall be inspected and tested for tightness
at the time of installation and at least every 12 months thereafter.
C. Reduced pressure zone backflow prevention devices shall be inspected
and tested for tightness at the time of installation and at least
every 12 months thereafter.
D. Interchangeable connections shall be inspected at the time of installation
and at least every 12 months thereafter.
2. Inspections, tests, and overhaul of backflow prevention devices shall
be made at the expense of the water consumer and shall be performed
by the public water supplier or a person certified to inspect, test
and overhaul backflow prevention devices.
3. Whenever backflow prevention devices required by this Part are found
to be defective, they shall be repaired, or replaced at the expense
of the consumer without delay.
4. The water consumer must maintain a complete record of each backflow
prevention device from purchase to retirement. This shall include
a comprehensive listing that includes a record of all tests, inspections
and repairs. Records of inspections, tests, repairs and overhaul shall
be submitted to the public water supplier upon request.
5. Backflow prevention devices shall not be bypassed, made inoperative,
removed or otherwise made ineffective without specific authorization
by the water supplier.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 11]
1. Where a booster pump has been installed on the service line to or
within any premises, such pump shall be equipped with a low pressure
cut-off device designed to shut-off the booster pump when the pressure
in the service line on the suction side of the pump drops to 10 pounds
per square inch gauge or less for a period of 30 seconds or longer.
2. It shall be the duty of the water consumer to maintain the low pressure
cut-off device in proper working order and to certify to the public
water supplier, at least once a year, that the device is operating
properly.
[Ord. 206, 3/14/1989, § 12; as amended by Ord.
418, 1/29/2014]
1. The public water supplier may deny or discontinue, after reasonable
notice to the occupants thereof, the water service to any premises
wherein any backflow prevention device required by this Part is not
installed, tested and maintained in a manner acceptable to the public
water supplier, or if it is found that the backflow prevention device
has been removed or by-passed, or if an unprotected cross-connection
exists on the premises, or if a low pressure cut-off device required
by this Part is not installed and maintained in working order.
2. Water service to such premises shall not be restored until the consumer
has corrected or eliminated such conditions or defects in conformance
with this Part and to the satisfaction of the public water supplier.
3. Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of
this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a magisterial
district judge in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary
offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall
be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and,
in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment
not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues
or each section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated
shall constitute a separate offense.