(a)
It is the intent of this regulation to recognize that there are varying
degrees of hazards to potable water within the water main and water
supply systems, and it is the intent to apply the principle that the
degree of protection should be commensurate with the degree of hazard.
(b)
The purpose of this regulation is:
(1)
To protect the public water main against actual or potential cross
connections, backflow and backsiphonage by isolating, within the premises
or private property, contamination or pollution that has occurred
or may occur because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross connection
on the premises or private property.
(2)
To protect the water supply system within the premises or private
property against actual or potential cross connections, backflow and
backsiphonage by requiring such air gaps, vacuum breakers, backflow
preventers, reduced pressure principle backflow preventers and special
devices as required by this regulation or other applicable regulations.
(3)
To eliminate cross connections, backflow and backsiphonage of any
other source of water or process water used for any purpose whatsoever
which may jeopardize the safety of the water supply or which may endanger
the health and welfare of the general public.
(4)
To establish a cross connection, backflow and backsiphonage control
program.
(1991 Code, sec. 10.1001)
A vertical physical separation between the free-flowing discharge
end of a waste line, never on a potable water line. The air break
is also referred to as an indirect waste. The air break may extend
into a trap but must terminate to atmosphere, never a direct connection.
The air break must always be preceded by an air gap on the potable
end of the waste piping.
The vertical physical separation between the free-flowing
discharge end of the potable water supply line and the overflow rim
of the receiving vessel. The separation must be at least twice the
inside diameter of the supply line, but never less than one inch.
When located near walls, the air gap separation must be increased.
Approved in writing by the agency having jurisdiction.
A device which contains a float check (poppet), a check seat
and an air inlet vent. When water pressure is reduced to a gauge pressure
of zero or below, air enters the device, preventing backsiphonage.
It is designed to protect against backsiphonage only.
Any water supply on, or available to, a premises other than
the purveyor’s approved public potable water supply.
An auxiliary water supply which is not approved by the health
authority.
The flow of water or other liquids, gases or solids from
any source back into the distribution piping of the public potable
supply system.
A backflow prevention device such as a pressure vacuum breaker,
a double check valve, or a reduced pressure principle device; the
attached resilient seated shutoff valves on the inlet and outlet ends
of the device and the appropriate test cocks for testing the device
assembled as a unit.
Water pressure which exceeds the operating pressure of the
public potable water supply.
Backflow due to a negative or reduced pressure within the
public potable water.
A loop of pipe rising at least 35 feet at its uppermost point,
above the highest point on the downstream piping.
A person who is certified by the health authority, or other
approval agency, to test backflow prevention assemblies.
A person who is certified by the health authority, or other
approval agency, to administer a cross connection control program
and to conduct cross connection surveys.
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.
A space that:
Is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter
and perform assigned work; and
Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; i.e., tanks,
vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, reservoirs and pits
are space that may have limited means of entry; and
Is not designed for continuous occupancy by a person.
An impairment of the quality of the potable water by any
physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance that would
present an unreasonable risk to health. Also defined as high hazard.
The point on a vacuum breaker which determines the minimum
elevation above the flood level rim of the fixture or receptacle served
at which the vacuum breaker may be installed.
A point in the plumbing system where the public potable water
supply is connected directly, or has the potential of being connected,
to a source of nonpotable substance that is not a part of the public
potable water supply.
An approved assembly consisting of two approved double check
valve assemblies, set in parallel, equipped with a meter on the bypass
line to detect small amounts of water leakage or use. This unit must
be purchased as a complete assembly. The assembly may be allowed on
fire line water services in place of an approved double check valve
assembly upon approval by the local water authority.
An approved assembly consisting of two independently operating
check valves, loaded to the closed position by springs or weights,
and installed as a unit with, and between, two resilient seated shutoff
valves and having suitable connections for testing.
The highest level to which water, or other liquid, will rise
within a tank or fixture (i.e., the overflow rim of the receiving
vessel).
The appropriate state or provincial departments or districts
of public health or, in some cases, a local agency having jurisdiction.
A condition, device, or practice which is conducive to the
introduction of waterborne disease organisms, or harmful chemical,
physical, or radioactive substances into a public water system, and
which presents an unreasonable risk to health.
The practice of installing backflow prevention assemblies
at the point of hazard to protect one or more actual or potential
cross connections within a premises.
A check valve which is internally loaded, either by springs
or weights, to the extent it will be driptight with a 1 psi differential
in the direction of flow.
Authorized agent of the regulatory authority and/or the water
purveyor.
A hazard which could cause aesthetic problems or have a detrimental
effect on the quality of the public potable water supply.
The city manager or his authorized agent.
Any water, other liquid, gas or other substance which is
not safe for human consumption, or is not a part of the public potable
water supply as described by the health authority.
An impairment of the quality of the public potable water
supply which does not create a hazard to the public health, but which
does adversely affect the aesthetic qualities of such potable waters
for domestic use. Also defined as low hazard.
Water which is safe for human consumption, free from harmful
or objectionable materials, as described by the health authority.
The practice of protecting the public potable water supply
by installing backflow prevention assemblies at or near the point
where water enters the premises. This type of protection does not
provide protection to personnel on the premises.
Force per unit area. Example: pound/square inch.
Atmospheric pressure.
The pressure exerted by the 7½ mile high layer of
air resting on the surface of the earth. At sea level, the atmosphere
exerts an absolute pressure of 14.7 psi.
Gauge pressure.
Pressure values relative to the earth’s atmospheric
pressure, when the atmospheric pressure is given a value of zero.
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Examples:
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0 psig = atmospheric pressure
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10 psig = 10 psi above atmospheric pressure
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-10 psig = 10 psi below atmospheric pressure
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Absolute pressure.
Pressure values relative to absolute zero pressure. Absolute
pressure = gauge pressure + atmospheric pressure.
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Examples:
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14.7 = atmospheric pressure at sea level
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0 = perfect vacuum
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An approved assembly consisting of a spring-loaded check
valve loaded to the closed position, an independently operating air
inlet valve loaded to the open position and installed as a unit with
and between two resilient seated shutoff valves and with suitable
connections for testing. It is designed to protect against backsiphonage
only.
Any hydrant which is not owned, operated, or maintained by
the local water purveyor or his agent.
An approved assembly consisting of two independently operating
check valves, spring loaded to the closed position, separated by a
spring-loaded differential pressure relief valve loaded to the open
position, and installed as a unit with and between two resilient seated
shutoff valves and having suitable connections for testing.
Any potable water which is no longer in the purveyor’s
distribution system. In most cases, the potable water has moved past
(downstream of) the water meter and/or the property line.
Pressure below atmospheric pressure. The term “vacuum”
includes all degrees of partial vacuums.
Any agency, subdivision of the state, municipal corporation,
firm, company, mutual or cooperative association, institution, partnership,
person or other entity that owns or operates a public potable water
system. It also means the authorized agents of such entities as listed
above.
(1991 Code, sec. 10.1002)
(a)
Purpose.
Pursuant to title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, section 290.44, it is the responsibility of the city to protect
its drinking water supply by instituting and enforcing a cross connection
program. The purpose of this regulation, therefore, is to comply with
the above-cited regulatory requirements and to protect the water supply
of the city from contamination or pollution due to any cross connections.
(b)
Cost of compliance.
The cost of complying with these
regulations shall be the responsibility of the property owners and
their lessees. These costs include but are not limited to the purchasing,
installation, testing and repair of the assembly. These costs shall
also include point-of-use and premises isolation assemblies. Any cost
incurred by the city to enforce this regulation is the responsibility
of the property owners and their lessees.
(c)
Responsibilities of owners and lessees.
(1)
It is the responsibility of all property owners and lessees to abide
by the conditions of this regulation. If changes are made to a premises’
plumbing system, the property owner shall notify the city.
(2)
The owner of leased premises is responsible for the installation,
testing and repair of all backflow assemblies on the premises. When
the lessee changes, the owner shall immediately notify the city.
(d)
Backflow prevention assembly requirement.
(1)
A certified cross connection inspector employed by or under contract
with the city shall determine the type and location of backflow assembly
to be installed within the city water service area. This does not
include wholesale customers or their water users.
(2)
At a minimum, a backflow prevention assembly will be required in
each of the following circumstances:
(A)
Installation at the service connection to provide protection of the
public water supply in the event of the most hazardous use of the
building.
(B)
If a premises is required to have backflow prevention assemblies,
but water cannot be turned off during the testing of such assemblies,
the premises shall be equipped with dual backflow prevention assemblies
of the same type so that testing, repair and maintenance can be performed.
(C)
Any used water return system that has received approval from the
manager.
(D)
If a point-of-use assembly has not been tested or repaired as required
by this regulation, a premises isolation assembly shall be required.
(E)
If an inspector determines that additions or rearrangements have
been made to the plumbing system without the proper permits as required
by the plumbing code, premises isolation shall be required.
(F)
All multistory buildings or any building with a booster pump or elevated
storage tank.
(G)
Retrofitting shall be required on all high hazard connections and
wherever else the manager deems retrofitting necessary.
(3)
Any premises requiring multiple service connections for adequacy
of supply and/or fire protection shall have a backflow assembly on
each service connection. The assembly shall be commensurate with the
degree of potential hazard that could occur in the event of an interconnect
between any of the buildings on the premises.
(4)
A person commits an offense if the person owns or is in control of
any premises and knowingly fails to install and maintain backflow
prevention assemblies on said premises as required by this subsection.
(5)
A person commits an offense if the person owns, operates or manages
any premises and backflow from the premises enters the public water
supply system.
(e)
Residential service connections.
If the manager determines
that residential premises have a cross connection, said premises shall
be equipped with an approved backflow prevention assembly installed
in accordance with this regulation.
(f)
Plumbing code.
As a condition of water service, customers
shall install, maintain, and operate their piping and plumbing systems
in accordance with the plumbing code. If there is a conflict between
this regulation and the plumbing code, the more restrictive provision
shall apply.
(g)
Installation requirements.
(1)
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with
the following requirements, to ensure their proper operation and accessibility:
(A)
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with
the plumbing code and this regulation. The assembly installer shall
obtain the required plumbing permits prior to installation and shall
have the assembly inspected by a certified cross connection inspector
and as required by the commission and the city.
(B)
No part of a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly
shall be submerged in water or installed in a location subject to
flooding. If a double check valve assembly is installed in a vault,
brass plugs shall be maintained in the test ports at all times and
adequate drainage shall be provided.
(C)
Assemblies shall be installed at the point of delivery of the water
supply, before any branch in the line, and on private property located
just inside the boundary of the city’s right-of-way. An inspector
may specify other areas for installation of the assembly.
(D)
The assembly shall be protected from freezing and other severe weather
conditions.
(E)
All backflow prevention assemblies shall be of a type and model approved
the manager
(F)
All vertical installations shall be approved in writing by the manager
prior to installation.
(G)
The assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for maintenance
and testing. Assemblies two (2) inches and smaller shall have at least
a six-inch clearance on all sides of the assembly. All assemblies
larger than two (2) inches shall have a minimum clearance of twelve
(12) inches on the back side, twenty-four (24) inches on the test
cock side, twelve (12) inches below the assembly and thirty-six (36)
inches above the assembly. “Y” pattern double check valve
assemblies shall be installed so that the checks are horizontal and
the test cocks face upward.
(H)
If the manager grants written permission to install the backflow
assembly inside of a building, the assembly shall be readily accessible
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(I)
If an assembly is installed pursuant to subsection (g)(1)(H), and is four (4) inches or larger and is installed five (5) feet or higher above the flow, it shall be equipped with a rigidly and permanently installed scaffolding acceptable to the manager. This installation shall also meet all applicable requirements set out by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state occupational safety and health laws.
(J)
RP assemblies may be installed in a vault only if relief valve discharge
can be drained to daylight through a boresight type drain. The drain
shall be of adequate capacity to carry the full rated flow of the
assembly and shall be screened on both ends.
(K)
An approved air gap shall be located at the relief valve orifice
of RP assemblies. This air gap shall be at least twice the inside
diameter of the incoming supply line as measured vertically above
the top rim of the drain and in no case less than one (1) inch.
(L)
Upon completion of installation, the property owner shall notify
the manager to test and inspect the assemblies. The property owner
shall register all backflow assemblies with the manager. Registration
shall consist of date of installation, manufacturer, model, serial
number of the backflow prevention assembly, and initial test report.
(2)
A person commits an offense if the person installs a backflow prevention
assembly in violation of this subsection.
(3)
A person commits an offense if the person fails to notify the manager
to inspect a backflow prevention assembly after its installation as
required by this subsection.
(4)
A person commits an offense if the person fails to register a backflow
prevention assembly as required by this subsection
(h)
Testing of assemblies.
(1)
The manager will inspect and test, or cause to be inspected and tested,
all assemblies in each of the following circumstances:
(A)
Immediately after installation;
(B)
Whenever the assembly is moved;
(C)
A minimum of once a year for all double check assemblies and pressure
vacuum breakers;
(D)
Any premises that has RP assemblies as point-of-use protection without
high hazard premises isolation protection must be tested every six
months;
(E)
Any premises that has an RP assembly as premises isolation without
high hazard point-of-use protection must be tested every six months;
and
(F)
Immediately after repair.
(2)
Assemblies may be required to be tested more frequently if the manager
deems necessary.
(3)
All assembly testing shall be performed by a certified and registered
backflow prevention assembly tester, in accordance with city-approved
test procedures.
(4)
It is the responsibility of the property owner and the person in
control of the premises to have all assemblies tested in accordance
with this regulation.
(5)
A person commits an offense if the person owns or is in control of
any premises and knowingly fails or refuses to have the backflow prevention
assemblies installed on said premises inspected or tested as required
by this subsection.
(6)
The city shall not be liable for damage to an assembly that occurs
during testing, when such damage results from metal fatigue or deteriorated
metal, or when such damage occurs under standard testing procedures.
(i)
Maintenance of assemblies.
(1)
A person who owns, operates, or managers premises in which required
backflow prevention assemblies are installed shall maintain such assemblies
in proper working order at all times, including repair as required.
All maintenance and repair of assemblies shall be done in accordance
with all applicable regulations of the city and this section.
(2)
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be maintained in a manner that
allows them to be tested by a method that has been approved by the
manager.
(3)
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly fails to maintain
backflow prevention assemblies in compliance with this subsection.
(4)
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly fails to comply
with a repair order issued by the manager.
(j)
Thermal expansion.
It is the responsibility of the property
owner to eliminate the possibility of thermal expansion, if a closed
system has been created by the installation of a backflow assembly.
(k)
Pressure loss.
Any water pressure drop caused by the
installation of a backflow assembly shall not be the responsibility
of the city. The city may give reasonable assistance to a property
owner regarding information on adequate sizing of assemblies and proper
plumbing practices to provide for required pressure and flows for
fire protection.
(l)
Mobile units.
(1)
A person who owns or operates any vehicle that uses water from the
city’s public water system shall obtain a use permit from the
manager before accessing the public water system. The manager may
require a fixed air gap or backflow assembly mounted either on the
vehicle or piping.
(2)
The failure of the owner or operator of the vehicle to comply with
this regulation shall be grounds for the city to revoke any use permit
required under these regulations.
(3)
The manager may deny a use permit to any person who is not in compliance
with this regulation or who has a history of violating the requirements
of this subsection.
(4)
A person commits an offense if the person operates or causes to be
operated a vehicle in violation of this subsection.
(m)
Wholesale customers.
Every wholesale customer that has
a contract for water services with the city shall have an active,
ongoing cross connection program approved by the manager. The city
reserves the right to require a reduced pressure principle assembly
or air gap at the interconnect.
(n)
Right-of-way encroachment.
(1)
No person shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly
upon or within any city right-of-way except as provided by this subsection.
(2)
No encroachment agreement as required by the “buildings”
chapter of the city code will be necessary, but all other permits
required by the city code to perform work in the right-of-way shall
be obtained.
(3)
A backflow prevention assembly required by this regulation may be
installed upon or within any city right-of-way only if the owner proves
to the city that there is no other feasible location for installing
the assembly, and installing it in the right-of-way will not interfere
with traffic or utilities. The city retains the right to approve the
location, height, depth, enclosure, and other requisites of the assembly
prior to its installation.
(4)
Any assembly or portion of an assembly which extends above ground
shall be located no closer than eighteen (18) inches to the face of
the curb.
(5)
A property owner shall, at the request of the city and at the owner’s
sole expense, relocate a backflow prevention assembly which encroaches
upon any city right-of-way when such relocation is necessary for street
or utility construction or repairs or for purposes of public safety.
(6)
A person commits an offense if the person installs or maintains a
backflow prevention assembly in violation of this subsection.
(7)
A person commits an offense if the person fails to relocate a backflow
prevention assembly located in or upon any city right-of-way after
receiving a written order from the city to do so.
(8)
A backflow prevention assembly installed or maintained in city right-of-way
in violation of this subsection or an order issued pursuant to this
subsection is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
(1991 Code, sec. 10.1003)
(a)
Certification required.
Inspectors performing cross
connection control duties within the city limits must be certified
by the manager and shall meet the following requirements:
(b)
Certified backflow prevention assembly tester responsibilities.
(1)
No certified backflow assembly tester shall operate within the city
limits without first registering with the manager. The manager shall
determine whether an applicant is eligible for registration.
(3)
Upon recertifying, a tester shall renew his/her registration with
the manager. If a certification remains expired for a period of one
year, the tester shall reestablish registration eligibility.
(4)
Each applicant for registration shall:
(A)
Provide evidence to the manager to establish that the applicant has
available the necessary tools and equipment to properly test backflow
prevention assemblies;
(B)
Provide evidence to the manager that the applicant has successfully
completed “Permit Confined Space Entry Training” as specified
by federal Occupational Safety and Health Agency’s 29 CFR 1910.146
or is aware of the danger/hazards associated with a confined space
entry; and
(C)
Identify all test gauges the applicant will use in testing backflow
prevention assemblies.
(5)
A registered backflow prevention assembly tester shall:
(A)
File the serial number of each of his/her test kits with the manager;
(B)
Annually have each recorded test kit tested for accuracy and calibrated
to maintain a 2% accuracy factor;
(C)
Perform competent and accurate certifications of each backflow prevention
assembly tested and shall submit complete reports thereof to the manager;
(D)
List registered serial numbers of test gauges on tests and maintenance
reports prior to submitting them to the manager; and
(E)
Not change the design or operation characteristics of a backflow
prevention assembly.
(6)
After notice the manager may revoke a registration if the manager
determines that the tester:
(A)
Has made false, incomplete, or inaccurate assembly testing reports;
(B)
Has used inaccurate gauges;
(C)
Has used improper testing procedures;
(D)
Has expired insurance;
(E)
Is not in compliance with safety regulations;
(F)
Has failed to register the serial numbers of his/her test kits or failed to calibrate gauges annually as required by subsection (b)(5); or
(G)
Has violated any other provision of this article.
(7)
A person commits an offense if the person operates as a backflow
prevention assembly tester within the city limits without a valid
registration issued by the manager.
(1991 Code, sec. 10.1004)
(a)
All backflow assembly testers operating within the city shall be
certified in accordance with all applicable regulations of the city
and this section. No person shall operate as a backflow prevention
assembly tester within the city without first being annually registered
by the manager.
(b)
At the time of certification, recertification, and upon the manager’s
request, each person certified as a backflow prevention assembly tester
shall furnish evidence to show that he/she is insured and bonded to
perform services on private property, and has current all licenses
required by the state and the city to perform the contemplated services.
(c)
Persons certified as backflow prevention assembly testers shall meet
the following requirements:
(1)
High school diploma, or equivalent;
(2)
Attend a city-approved backflow assembly tester certification training
course. Alternatively, if the tester holds a current certification
accepted by the commission, the tester must meet all other requirements
of this section;
(3)
Successfully pass a written examination conducted by the city or
its designee;
(4)
Successfully pass a hands-on proficiency examination conducted by
the city or its designee;
(5)
Submit a completed application form for “The City of Granbury
Certified Backflow Assembly Tester” to the manager.
(6)
Receive confined space entry training certification; and
(7)
Maintain general commercial liability insurance and automobile liability
insurance with the state.
(1991 Code, sec. 10.1005)
(a)
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP).
(1)
RPs may be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that
would be hazardous to the public health if introduced into the potable
water system. An RP is normally used in locations where an air gap
is impractical. An RP is effective against both backsiphonage and
backpressure.
(2)
RPs shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard.
Consult manufacturer’s specifications for specific performance
data.
(3)
Premises where interruption of water supply is critical shall be
provided with two assemblies installed in parallel. They shall be
sized in such a manner that either assembly will provide the minimum
water requirements while the two together will provide the maximum
flow required.
(4)
Bypass lines are prohibited. Pipe fittings which could be used for
connecting a bypass line shall not be installed.
(5)
(A)
The assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance
and shall be located in an area where water damage to buildings or
furnishings will not occur from relief valve discharge. An approved
air gap funnel assembly may be used to direct minor discharges away
from the assembly; this assembly will not control flow in a continuous
relief situation. Drain lines to accommodate full relief valve discharge
flow should be considered.
(B)
RPs are typically installed above grade in well-drained areas, but
may be installed below grade if an adequate drain to daylight is provided.
(C)
Enclosures shall be designed for ready access and sized to allow
for the minimum clearances established below. Removable protective
enclosures are typically installed on the smaller assemblies. Daylight
drain ports shall be provided to accommodate full pressure discharge
from the assembly.
(D)
All assemblies larger than two (2) inches shall have a minimum of
twelve (12) inches on the back side, twenty-four (24) inches on the
test cock side, and the relief valve opening shall be at least twelve
(12) inches plus nominal size of assembly above the floor or highest
possible water level. Headroom of six (6) feet is required in vaults
without a fully removable top. A minimum access opening of twenty-four
(24) inches square is required on all vault lids.
(E)
Assemblies installed more than five (5) feet above floor level must
have a suitable platform for use by testing or maintenance personnel.
(6)
The assembly must be protected from freezing and other severe weather
conditions.
(7)
Vertical installation is prohibited.
(8)
Lines shall be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer
with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(9)
The property owner assumes all responsibility for leaks and damage.
The owner shall also see that the vault is kept reasonably free of
silt and debris.
(10)
All RP assemblies shall be tested in accordance with this regulation.
Any premises that have RP assemblies that are point-of-use protection
without high hazard premises isolation protection shall be tested
every six months. Any premises that have an RP assembly as premises
isolation without high hazard point-of-use protection assembly shall
be tested every six months. Tests are the responsibility of the assembly
owner. The owner shall notify the manager upon installation of any
backflow prevention assembly.
(11)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. Any deviations shall be prohibited without prior written approval
of the manager.
(b)
Double check valve backflow prevention assembly (DC).
(1)
Double check valve assemblies may be utilized at premises where a
substance is handled that would be objectionable but not hazardous
to health if introduced into the potable water system.
(2)
DCs shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard.
Consult manufacturer’s specifications for specific performance
data.
(3)
Premises where interruption of water supply is critical shall be
provided with two assemblies installed in parallel. They shall be
sized in such a manner that either assembly will provide the minimum
water requirements while the two together will provide the maximum
flow required.
(4)
Bypass lines are prohibited. Pipe fittings which could be used for
connecting a bypass line shall not be installed.
(5)
(A)
The assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for testing
and maintenance. DCs may be installed below grade, providing all test
cocks are fitted with brass pipe plugs. All vaults shall be well drained,
constructed of suitable materials, and sized to allow for the minimum
clearances established below.
(B)
Assemblies two (2) inches and smaller shall have at least a three-inch
clearance below and on both sides of the assembly, and if located
in a vault, the bottom of the assembly shall be not more than twenty-four
(24) inches below grade. All assemblies larger than two (2) inches
shall have a minimum clearance of twelve (12) inches on the back side,
twenty-four (24) inches on the test cock side, and twelve (12) inches
below the assembly. Headroom of six (6) feet is required in vaults
without a fully removable top. A minimum access opening of twenty-four
(24) inches square is required on all vault lids.
(C)
Assemblies installed more than five (5) feet above floor level shall
have a suitable platform for use by testing or maintenance personnel.
(6)
Vertical installations are allowed on sizes up to and including four
(4) inches that meet the following requirements:
(7)
The assembly shall be protected from freezing and other severe weather
conditions.
(8)
Lines shall be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer
with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(9)
The property owner assumes all responsibility for foundation or basement
wall penetration, leaks, and damage. The owner shall also see that
the vault is kept reasonably free of silt and debris.
(10)
All DCs shall be tested in accordance with this regulation. Tests
are the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner shall notify
the manager upon installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
(11)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. No deviations shall be permitted without prior written approval
of the manager.
(c)
Double detector check valve assembly (DDC).
Double detector
check valve assemblies may be utilized in all installations requiring
a double check valve assembly and detector metering. DDCs shall comply
with the installation requirements applicable for double check valve
assemblies (DCs).
(d)
Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB).
(1)
PVBs may be utilized at point-of-use protection only and where a
substance is handled that would be objectionable but not hazardous
to health if introduced into the potable water system. PVBs protect
against backsiphonage only and shall not be installed where there
is potential for backpressure.
(2)
The assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above
the highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
(3)
PVBs shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where
damage would occur from water discharge.
(4)
The assembly shall be protected from freezing.
(5)
The assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance,
with a minimum clearance of twelve (12) inches all around the assembly.
(6)
PVBs shall be located between twelve (12) inches and sixty (60) inches
above ground level.
(7)
A strainer with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(8)
All PVBs must be tested in compliance with this regulation. Tests
are the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner shall notify
the manager upon installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
(9)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. No deviations shall be permitted without prior written approval
of the manager.
(e)
Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB).
(1)
AVBs provide minimal protection and are approved for very low hazard
application only. AVBs protect against a backsiphonage only and are
prohibited where there is potential for backpressure.
(2)
The assembly shall be installed a minimum of six (6) inches above
the highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
(3)
Shutoff valves downstream from the assembly are prohibited.
(4)
AVBs shall be allowed only for those applications where there is
less than twelve (12) hours per day continuous use.
(5)
AVBs shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where
damage may occur from water discharge.
(6)
AVBs shall be allowed for point-of-use protection only in accordance
with the plumbing code. AVBs are not recognized as adequate protection
by the manager, so additional protection may be required.
(f)
Air gap separation.
(1)
Air gap separations provide maximum protection from backflow hazards
and may be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that
would be hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water
system.
(2)
An air gap separation shall be at least twice the diameter of the
supply pipeline measured vertically above the top rim of the receiving
vessel–in no case less than one (1) inch. If splashing is a
problem, tubular screens may be attached or the supply line may be
cut at a 45-degree angle. The air gap distance is measured from the
bottom of the angle. Hoses shall not be allowed.
(3)
Air gap separations shall not be altered in any way without prior
approval from the manager and shall be available for inspection at
all reasonable times.
(4)
Sidewalls, ribs or similar obstructions do not affect air gaps when
spaced from the inside edge of the spout opening a distance greater
than three times the diameter of the effective opening for a single,
or a distance greater than four times the effective opening for two
intersecting walls.
(5)
In cases where there are three or more sidewalls, ribs or similar obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane of the spout opening other than as specified in subsection (f)(4) above, the air gap shall be measured from the top of the wall.
(6)
The effective opening shall be the minimum cross-sectional area at
the seat of the control valve or the supply pipe or tubing which feeds
the assembly or outlet. If two or more lines supply one outlet, the
effective opening shall be the sum of the cross-sectional areas of
the individual supply lines or the area of the single outlet, whichever
is smaller.
(g)
Fire systems.
An approved double check valve assembly
shall be the minimum protection for fire sprinkler systems using piping
material that is not approved for potable water use and/or that does
not provide for periodic flow-through during each twenty-four-hour
period, unless a variance has been issued in writing from the manager.
An RP assembly shall be installed if any solution other than the potable
water can be introduced into the sprinkler system.
(h)
Offense.
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly
installs or maintains backflow prevention assemblies or air gaps in
violation of this section.
(1991 Code, sec. 10.1006)
(a)
Access to premises.
(1)
Every person provided water service by the city directly or indirectly
shall during the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. permit the manager
to enter their premises and buildings for the purpose of inspecting
pipes and fixtures and the manner in which the water is used to determine
compliance with this regulation.
(2)
If any water user refuses access to a premises during said times
for inspection by an inspector, the water user shall install a reduced
pressure principle assembly at the service connection to that premises.
(3)
Any temporary or permanent obstruction to safe and easy access to
the premises to be inspected shall be promptly removed by the water
user at the written or verbal request of the manager and shall not
be replaced. The costs of clearing such access shall be borne by the
user.
(4)
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly fails to install
a reduced pressure principle assembly in accordance with this subsection
after receiving notice from the manager to do so.
(b)
Emergency suspension of utility service.
(1)
The manager may, without prior notice, suspend water service to any
premises when such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened
backflow which:
(2)
As soon as is practicable after the suspension of service, the manager
shall notify the owner or person in charge of the premises of the
suspension in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested,
and shall order such person to correct the cross connection which
allowed the backflow to occur. When time permits, the manager should
also notify the owner or person in charge prior to suspending water
service.
(3)
If the person fails to comply with an order issued under subsection (b)(2), the manager may take such steps as the manager deems necessary to prevent or minimize damage to the public water supply or to minimize danger to persons.
(4)
The manager shall not reinstate suspended services until:
(A)
The person presents proof, satisfactory to the manager, that the
backflow has been eliminated and its cause determined and corrected;
(B)
The person pays the city for all costs the city incurred in responding
to the backflow or threatened backflow; and
(C)
The person pays the city for all costs the city will incur in reinstating
service.
(5)
A person whose service has been suspended may appeal such enforcement
action to the manager in writing, within ten days of notice of the
suspension. A person whose service has been suspended may also appeal
such enforcement action to the city council.
(6)
A person commits an offense if the person reinstates water service
to premises suspended pursuant to this subsection without the prior
approval of the manager.
(7)
The city may obtain a lien against the property to recover its response,
abatement, and remediation costs.
(8)
The remedies provided by this subsection are in addition to any other
remedies set out in this article. Exercise of this remedy shall not
be a bar against, nor a prerequisite for, taking other action against
a violator.
(c)
Nonemergency termination of water supply.
(1)
The manager may terminate the city-provided water supply of any water
user who violates the following conditions:
(A)
Refusing the manager reasonable access to the water user’s
premises for the purpose of inspection;
(B)
Hindering or denying the manager access to backflow prevention assemblies;
(D)
Failing to install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies in
compliance with this regulation; or
(E)
Failing to install, maintain, and operate their piping and plumbing
systems in accordance with the plumbing code.
(2)
The manager will notify a water user of the proposed termination
of its water supply. The water user may petition the manager for a
reconsideration and hearing. The water user may also petition the
city council for a reconsideration and hearing.
(3)
Exercise of this enforcement option by the manager shall not be a
bar to, nor a prerequisite for, taking any other action against the
water user.
(5)
A person commits an offense if the person reinstates water service
to premises terminated pursuant to this subsection, without the prior
approval of the manager.
(1991 Code, sec. 10.1007)
Rates and charges required in this section are provided for in article 1.50 fee schedule, of this code.
(Ordinance 16-37, sec. 9, adopted 9/6/16)
