No person shall maintain a cross-connection without an approved
backflow prevention device. Backflow prevention devices shall comply
with the provisions of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection (MDEP) Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR Section 22.22
Cross Connections.
A. Plan approval and initial inspection. The Superintendent shall approve
all plans for the installation of backflow prevention devices and,
after installation, shall perform the initial inspection and test
of the backflow prevention devices.
B. Installation of backflow prevention. The owner, at its expense, shall
install backflow prevention devices, and the installation shall be
approved by the Superintendent. If continuous water service is necessary,
two approved backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a parallel
installation, so that water service will not be interrupted during
testing and maintenance operations. Backflow prevention devices shall
be installed in a horizontal position, three feet to four feet above
the floor, 12 inches from any wall, tightly closing shutoff valves
on either end, protected from freezing, flooding, mechanical damage,
and vandalism and shall be easily accessible for testing, inspection
and maintenance purposes. The Superintendent under certain circumstances
shall allow vertical installation of a backflow prevention device.
Installation of a backflow prevention device below grade in a pit
or chamber is prohibited.
C. Subsequent testing. The Superintendent shall conduct annual and semiannual
tests and inspections of all approved backflow prevention devices
at the owner's expense, to ensure proper operating condition. Any
approved backflow prevention device failing a Superintendent test
and inspection shall be repaired by a licensed plumber or licensed
sprinkler fitter and shall be subsequently retested and reinspected
within 14 days of failure at the owner's expense to ensure proper
operating condition.
D. Removal of backflow prevention devices. Removal of approved backflow
prevention devices is prohibited without prior notification to the
Superintendent by the property owner and subsequent approval by the
Superintendent.
The owner shall be liable to the City and shall reimburse the
City for all penalties, fines and monetary judgments levied against
or imposed upon the owner as a result of the owner's violation of
any provision of this chapter.
Violations of Articles
5.0 and
6.0 are subject to the imposition of fines and penalties as provided in Article
8.0 of this chapter.