The purpose of this article is to:
(1) 
Protect the city’s potable water system from contamination or pollution by preventing contaminants and pollutants originating from customers’ water systems from entering into the city’s potable water system that may jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of the customers.
(2) 
Provide for a continuing program of cross-connection control and backflow prevention by requiring the installation of approved backflow prevention assemblies or methods as required by this policy, the city plumbing code, the requirements of chapter 290, title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, and the requirements of chapter 341, subchapter C, Texas Health and Safety Code, all as amended, and requiring the certification and operational testing of all testable backflow prevention assemblies.
(3) 
Comply with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (title 42, United States Code, chapter 6A, subchapter XII) and state regulations as established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (title 30, Texas Administrative Code) related to cross-connections and backflow prevention.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
This article applies to all connections to the city’s potable water system and to all installations of backflow prevention assemblies related to the city’s potable water system.
(b) 
This article applies to all connections to the city’s potable water system within in and outside the city limits.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
Air gap.
A physical separation between the free flowing discharge end of a potable water supply pipe and an opening of a receiving vessel, plumbing fixture or other device. The air gap separation must be at least twice the diameter of the potable water supply pipe but never less than 1 inch.
American Water Works Association (AWWA).
An international nonprofit, scientific and educational association founded to improve water quality and supply.
Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB).
Consists of a float check, a check seat and an air inlet port. A shutoff valve immediately upstream may be an integral part of the assembly. The AVB is designed to allow air to enter the downstream water line to prevent backsiphonage. This unit may never be subjected to a backpressure condition or have a downstream shutoff valve or be installed where it will be in continuous operation for more than twelve (12) hours.
Auxiliary water supply.
Any water source or system that is available to a customer’s site from a source other than directly through the city’s potable water system. These auxiliary water supplies include, but are not limited to:
(1) 
Water from another public water system;
(2) 
Water from a natural source, such as a well, spring, pond, river, creek or lake;
(3) 
Reclaimed water;
(4) 
Harvested rain water and
(5) 
Gray water
Backflow.
The undesirable reversal of flow of water and/or the introduction of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances from a customer’s water service connection into the city’s water system.
Backflow prevention assembly.
An approved assembly to counteract or prevent backflow. The approved assembly must be listed, approved, manufactured, tested and installed for specific uses in accordance with the standards adopted by the AWWA (Manual M14, latest version) or approved and listed by the University of Southern California Foundation Manual for Cross-Connection Control (latest version) and is otherwise in compliance with this article and the plumbing code.
Backpressure.
Any situation or occurrence where the pressure in a customer’s system is higher than in the city’s water system and could cause a reversal of the normal direction of flow.
Backsiphonage.
Occurrence where the pressure in the city water system becomes less than that of the customer’s system due to a vacuum in the system causing flow of water to reverse.
Bypass.
A connection from the city side of a backflow prevention assembly to the customer side of the assembly for the purpose of diverting water around the assembly while it is being repaired or replaced.
Certified backflow prevention assembly tester or certified tester.
A person who:
(1) 
Holds a current professional certification as a backflow prevention assembly tester as required by 30 Texas Administrative Code§ 290.44(h)(4)(A), as amended; and
(2) 
Is currently registered with the city.
Check valve.
A valve that seats readily and completely in order to completely cease the flow of water.
City.
The City of Weimar or a designated representative.
City water system.
The entire potable water distribution system of the City of Weimar, including, without limitation, all pipes, facilities, valves, pumps, conduits, tanks, receptacles and fixtures and appurtenances between the water supply source and the point of delivery, used by the city to produce, convey, deliver, measure, treat or store potable water for public consumption or use.
Commercial establishment.
Property or location which is used primarily for the manufacture, production, storage, wholesaling or retailing of services.
Contamination.
Presence of any foreign substance that is not common to the potable water supply, which degrades the quality of the water and creates a health hazard.
Cross connection.
Any connection, physical or others, between the potable water system and any plumbing fixture or any tank, receptacle, equipment or device, through which it is possible for any nonpotable, used, unclean, polluted and/or contaminated water, or other substances, to enter into any part of the potable water system under any condition or set of conditions.
Customer service inspection.
Inspection of a customer’s system for the purpose of providing or denying water service. This inspection is designed to detect any actual or potential cross connections, potential contaminant hazards and illegal lead materials that may be in exceedance of the lead action level.
Customer’s system.
Entire plumbing system, including all pipes, tanks, receptacles, fixtures, equipment and apparatuses used to produce, convey, store or utilize potable or nonpotable water between the point of delivery and the customer’s point of use.
Double check valve assembly (DCVA).
An assembly which consists of two independently acting, approved check valves, including tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valves attached at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly located resilient seated test cocks. This assembly shall only be used to protect against a nonhealth hazard.
Hazard contaminant.
Any form of contamination that poses a health hazard with respect to the use of water for drinking or other domestic purposes.
Health hazard.
Actual or potential contamination or other situation involving any substance that can cause death, illness, spread of disease or has a high probability of causing such effects if introduced into the city’s potable water system.
Nonhealth hazard.
Cross connection, potential contamination hazard or other situation involving any substance that generally will not be a health hazard but will constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable, if introduced into the city’s potable water system.
Point of delivery.
The point at which water leaves the city water system and enters a customer’s system at or near the property line or the edge of an easement. When a water meter is installed on or near the property line or edge of an easement, the point of delivery is the terminal end on the discharge side of the water meter.
Pollutant.
Contaminant that impairs the quality of water in a manner or to a degree that does not create a hazard to public health but may adversely affect the aesthetic qualities of the water for domestic use.
Potable water supply.
Water supply intended or used for human consumption or other domestic use.
Potential contamination hazard.
A condition which, by its location, piping or configuration, has a reasonable probability of being used incorrectly, through carelessness, ignorance, or negligence, to create or cause to be created a backflow condition by which contamination can be introduced into the water supply.
Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB).
An assembly, which provides protection against backsiphonage but does not provide adequate protection against backpressure backflow. The assembly is a combination of a single check valve with an AVB and can be used with downstream resilient seated shutoff valves. In addition, the assembly has suction and discharge gate valve and resilient seated test cocks, which allows for the full testing of the assembly.
Public water system.
Public-owned water system, which supplies water for public domestic use. The system includes all services, reservoirs, facilities and any equipment used in the process of producing, treating, storing or conveying water for public consumption.
Reduced pressure backflow assembly (RPBA).
Consists of two independently acting check valves together with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves and below the first check valve. These units are located between two tightly closing resilient-seated shutoff valves as an assembly and are equipped with properly located resilient-seated test cocks.
Service connection.
Terminal end of service connection from the city’s potable water system in which city loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water at its point of delivery to the customer’s water system. If a meter is installed at the point of delivery, the service connection means the point at which the terminal end on the discharge side of the water meter connects to the customer’s system.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
The environmental agency for the State of Texas.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
Authority and responsibility.
In accordance with this policy and title 30, chapter 290 of the Texas Administrative Code, both as amended, is responsible for enforcing the requirements of this policy and may establish policies to implement the purposes of this policy.
(b) 
Adequate protection determination.
To ensure adequate protection in individual cases, the city may assess and determine the degree of hazard to the city’s potable water system posed in the case of individual connections, customers or users. When the city determines that a backflow prevention assembly is required for the protection of the city water system, the city will require the customer, at the customer’s expense, to properly install an approved assembly at each service connection or hazard point.
(c) 
Certified testing required.
In accordance with the TCEQ’s rules and regulations, the city shall require a certified testing report for all required and testable assemblies where an actual or potential hazard has been determined to exist in accordance with this policy:
(1) 
Prior to providing continuous water service to new construction;
(2) 
On any existing service when the city has reason to believe that cross connections or other unacceptable plumbing practices increase the risk of actual or potential contamination hazards entering into the city water system;
(3) 
After any installation, repair, relocation, alteration, or addition to a customer’s system that may affect the system’s compliance with this policy.
(d) 
Authority to enforce report production.
The city may require from any person the submission of any records relating to the installation, maintenance, repair or testing of backflow prevention assemblies performed in accordance with this policy.
(e) 
Authority to refuse or terminate service.
The city may refuse to initiate service or discontinue present service to any customer where the city determines that:
(1) 
An actual or potential hazard in the customer’s system exists; and/or
(2) 
Adequate protection against backflow has not been provided or reported in accordance with this policy. Notice of terminating service is not required where the actual or potential threat of contamination endangers the health, safety and welfare of the city water system and the customers the system serves.
(f) 
Authority to revoke certified tester registration with the city.
The city may revoke a certified tester’s registration with the city in the following cases:
(1) 
Failure to register the serial number or have the gauge tested for accuracy annually;
(2) 
Use of a test gauge that does not meet the manufacturer’s calibration standards in preparation of a city backflow test and maintenance report;
(3) 
Two (2) testing or reporting discrepancies within a one (1) year period, beginning on the date of the first discrepancy, including;
(A) 
False, incomplete or inaccurate reporting of test completion or certification of a backflow prevention assembly;
(B) 
Use of inaccurate gauges;
(C) 
Improper operational certification methods;
(D) 
Failure to maintain licensure or registration with TCEQ;
(E) 
Failure to complete and submit to the city an original city backflow prevention assembly test and maintenance report within ten (10) days of the completed test.
(g) 
Revocation of a registered certified tester.
Revocation of a registered certified tester with the city is effective upon receipt of written notice from the city sent via certified mail, return receipt requested. Receipt is presumed to occur five (5) calendar days following the date the notice is mailed. Nonreceipt of the notice does not affect the validity of a revocation notice. Written notice shall provide specific written findings justifying revocation. Test and maintenance reports from certified tester’s that have had a registration revoked shall not be accepted for a period of one (1) year following the effective date of revocation.
(h) 
Appeal of registration revocation.
A request for appeal and reconsideration of registration revocation by a certified tester shall be delivered to the city within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the revocation notice and shall specifically contest or justify the city’s findings as outlined in the revocation notice. The city shall have fifteen (15) calendar days to reconsider revocation and shall then issue a written final determination via certified mail, return receipt requested.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
Each customer has a duty to prevent contaminants from entering into the customer’s and city’s water system. This duty begins at the point of delivery and includes the customer’s entire internal water system. If the city determines that an actual or potential hazard exists in the customer’s system, this policy, including the requirements to implement an adequate cross-connection control program and/or install a backflow prevention assembly at the service connection and compliance with the applicable testing requirements, shall apply.
(b) 
Each customer, as a condition of receiving water service, consents to allow city personnel access to the customer’s property during normal business hours to inspect and survey the customer’s system for potential contamination, backflow hazards and cross connections. Written consent for access shall be requested by the city prior to conducting an inspection and the property owner shall grant such consent within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the request for access by the city. If a customer refuses to allow access to city personnel for an inspection or survey in the time frame provided, the city may discontinue or refuse the customer’s water service, and/or assume that a high contamination health hazard exists and, therefore, require the highest degree of protection to be used in the customer’s system prior to providing water service. If access is denied, the city may immediately discontinue water service without further notice until proper backflow protection is installed.
(c) 
Each customer, at the customer’s expense, shall install, operate, maintain and test approved backflow prevention assemblies as required by this policy.
(d) 
Testing requirements:
(1) 
If the city determines that a backflow prevention is required at the service connection or internally, the customer shall:
(A) 
Initiate the install and testing required;
(B) 
Complete any maintenance of current backflow prevention assemblies installed;
(C) 
Ensure that an original city backflow prevention assembly test and maintenance report is submitted to the city within ten (10) days of the completed test.
(2) 
All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a certified tester upon installation, repair, alteration, relocation, annually and prior to being placed into service.
(e) 
Each customer, when contracting for the installation, repair or maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies shall employ a person, entity or contractor lawfully permitted to perform such services under state law. A customer must apply for and obtain a permit from the city’s code department before installing, replacing, re-piping or relocating a backflow prevention assembly and must be a registered backflow tester with the city.
(f) 
With the installation of backflow prevention assemblies, the potential for creating a “closed-system” occurs. This closed system could result in injury to the water system customer if adequate safety measures, including thermal expansion valves, are not functioning properly. Thermal expansion of heated water may occur wherever potable water is heated in a closed system. This expansion may cause damage ranging from leaking faucets to a ruptured water heater if the condition is not addressed. The city shall not accept any liability resulting from the implementation of this policy.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
The city requires certified backflow prevention assembly testers to be registered with the city. To register as a backflow prevention assembly tester, a tester must submit a certified backflow tester application annually in person at the city secretary [office] located at 106 E Main, Weimar, Texas, 78962 or sent via email to the city secretary citysec@weimartexas.org with proper documents. Upon submission and approval, the tester will be added to the approved list which can be furnished to all customers requiring testing of their backflow prevention assemblies. Test and maintenance reports shall not be accepted if the tester is not currently registered with the city. Registrations will be valid for one (1) year and must be renewed annually.
(b) 
The certified tester shall furnish the city with the serial number of the tester’s test kit, and the tester’s test gauge must be tested when purchased and annually thereafter.
(c) 
The certified tester is responsible for the competency and accuracy of all tests and reports certifying assemblies to be operating within specifications performed or submitted by the certified tester. Certified testers shall certify that all backflow prevention assemblies comply with the specifications provided in the University of Southern California’s Manual of Cross-Connection Control (latest edition) or the American Water Works Association Manual of Cross-Connection Control requirements (Manual M14, latest edition) and that such assemblies are otherwise in compliance with this policy.
(d) 
A city backflow prevention assembly test and maintenance form must be completed by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester for each assembly tested. The signed and dated original must be submitted to the city within ten (10) days of the completed test for recordkeeping purposes. Only city backflow prevention assembly test and maintenance forms will be accepted. All test and maintenance reports shall be retained for at least three (3) years from the date of any such test.
(e) 
If a backflow prevention assembly test fails or an assembly malfunctions and the actual or potential hazard of contamination is not immediately curable through repair or replacement, the certified tester shall notify the city and the customer immediately in person or by telephone. This notification shall also be submitted in writing within five (5) calendar days. If the failure or malfunction of a backflow prevention assembly is not immediately curable through repair or replacement, the city upon notification, shall take all necessary steps, including the immediate cessation of water service through the assembly, to prevent the possible contamination of the city’s water system.
(f) 
It is a violation of this article for a certified tester to alter the design, material, or operational characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly during testing, repairing or maintaining the assembly.
(g) 
Certified backflow prevention assembly testers are qualified to test and repair assemblies on any domestic, commercial, industrial, or irrigation service. However, certified testers shall only test and repair assemblies on fire lines if they are permanently employed by an approved fire line contractor as required by the state’s fire marshal’s office.
(h) 
The city may revoke a certified tester’s registration with the city in regards to the city’s authority previously listed.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
Plumbing permits shall be obtained from the city’s code department prior to installing, replacing, modifying or relocating existing backflow prevention assemblies.
(b) 
No person shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly upon or within any city right-of-way unless authorized by the city.
(c) 
Any premises requiring multiple service connections that require backflow prevention must install a backflow prevention assembly on each service connection.
(d) 
Installation of any required backflow prevention assembly shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. Installations shall be consistent with the installation specifications in chapter 4.2 of AWWA M14 - Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control. All backflow prevention assemblies required for internal fixture protection shall be installed in accordance with the city’s plumbing code and TCEQ regulations.
(e) 
No bypass piping of a backflow prevention assembly is allowed unless an equal backflow prevention assembly is installed on the bypass pipe.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
This policy, the TCEQ Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems provided in title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the city plumbing code and other applicable state and federal laws, all as amended, will govern the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the city water system with respect to cross-connection control and backflow prevention. Each person shall comply with all applicable provisions of these rules and regulations.
(b) 
It is unlawful for a person to cause or allow water from an auxiliary water supply or reclaimed water system to enter the city water system. Where a customer is served by an auxiliary water supply or utilizes a reclaimed water system in addition to the city water system, all applicable TCEQ regulations shall be followed, and the city will determine the type of backflow prevention assembly to be used.
(c) 
It is unlawful for a person to make a connection from the city water system to a customer’s system where an actual or potential contamination hazard to the city water system exists and there is no air gap separation between the drinking water supply and the source of potential contamination. Where a containment air gap is impractical and instead, an individual internal air gap or mechanical backflow prevention assembly is used, a backflow prevention assembly will be required at the service connection in accordance with AWWA standards on those establishments handling substances that are harmful or hazardous to the public health. This requirement does not apply if the customer maintains an adequate internal cross-connection control program that includes an annual inspection by a certified tester.
(d) 
Overhead bulk water dispensing stations must be provided with a proper air gap between the filling outlet hose and the receiving tank to protect against backsiphonage and cross contamination or a properly installed RPBA.
(e) 
The use of a backflow prevention assembly at a service connection will be considered additional backflow prevention and does not negate backflow prevention on internal hazards as provided by this policy.
(f) 
All bypasses on backflow prevention assemblies must themselves include a backflow prevention assembly as described in this policy.
(g) 
This policy shall not apply at any residence or facility where there is no actual or potential contamination hazard as determined by the city.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
Cross connections vary widely in degree of potential contamination hazards. Backflow may occur under many different pressure differentials, varying from vacuum to very high pressures. The protection by a backflow prevention assembly depends upon its type, the circumstances in which it is installed and on its proper installation, maintenance and testing. Only approved assemblies shall be used.
(b) 
Specific backflow prevention assembly requirements for all affected customers shall comply with this policy, TCEQ regulations as provided in title 30, chapter 290 of the Texas Administrative Code and the city’s plumbing code, all as amended. In the event that a conflict exists, the most stringent requirement shall control. Only approved assemblies shall be used. The tables provided below, details the types of premises isolation and internal protections that are commonly subject to compliance with this policy, however, despite this policy or the tables below, the city shall retain final approval authority in each individual case.
Guide to Selection of Assemblies for Premises Isolation
Description of Premises or Activity
Assessment of Hazard
Required Assembly at the Service Connection
Aircraft and missile plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Animal feedlots
Health
RPBA or AG
Automotive plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Breweries
Health
RPBA or AG
Canneries, packing houses, and rendering plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Commercial carwash facilities
Health
RPBA or AG
Commercial laundries
Health
RPBA or AG
Cold storage facilities
Health
RPBA or AG
Connection to sewer pipes/septic systems/on-site sewage facilities
Health
RPBA or AG
Dairies
Health
RPBA or AG
Docks and dockside facilities
Health
RPBA or AG
Dye works
Health
RPBA or AG
Fire hydrant meters and overhead bulk water stations
Health
RPBA or AG
Food and beverage processing plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Hospitals, morgues, mortuaries, medical clinics, dental clinics, veterinary clinics, autopsy facilities, sanitariums, and medical labs
Health
RPBA or AG
Irrigation systems with chemical additives without chemical additives
Health Nonhealth+
RPBA DCVA or AG
Metal manufacturing, cleaning, processing, and fabrication plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Microchip fabrication facilities
Health
RPBA or AG
Paper and paper products plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Petroleum processing or storage facilities
Health
RPBA or AG
Photo and film processing labs
Health
RPBA or AG
Plants using radioactive material
Health
RPBA or AG
Plating or chemical plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Pleasure-boat marinas
Health
RPBA or AG
Private/individual water systems/unmonitored water wells
Health
RPBA or AG
Reclaimed water systems
Health
RPBA or AG
Restricted, classified or other closed facilities
Health
RPBA or AG
Rubber plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Sewage lift stations
Health
RPBA or AG
Sewage treatment plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Slaughterhouses
Health
RPBA or AG
Steam plants
Health
RPBA or AG
Tall buildings or elevation differences where the highest outlet is 80 ft or more above the meter
Nonhealth+
DCVA
* The use of backflow prevention assemblies at the service connection shall be considered as additional backflow protection and shall not negate the use of backflow protection on internal hazards as outlined in the “Guide to the Assessment of Hazard and Selection of Assemblies for Internal Protection.”
Guide to the Assessment of Hazard and Selection of Assemblies for Internal Protection
Description of Possible Cross Connections
Assessment of Hazard
Required Assembly at the Service Connection
Aspirators
Health
RPBA
Autoclaves
Health
RPBA
Autopsy and mortuary equipment
Health
RPBA
Bedpan washers
Health
RPBA
Connection to industrial fluid systems
Health
RPBA
Connection to plating tanks
Health
RPBA
Connection to saltwater cooling systems
Health
RPBA
Connection to sewer pipe
Health
AG
Cooling towers with chemical additives
Health
AG
Cuspidors
Health
RPBA
Degreasing equipment
Nonhealth+
DCVA
Dental clinic equipment
Health
RPBA
Domestic space-heating boiler
Nonhealth+
RPBA
Dye vats or machines
Health
RPBA
Firefighting system (toxic liquid foam concentrates)
Health
RPBA
Flexible shower heads
Nonhealth+
AVB or PVB
Heating equipment commercial domestic
Nonhealth+ Nonhealth+
RPBA DCVA
Hose bibbs
Nonhealth+
AVB
Kitchen equipment to include ice and soda machines
Nonhealth+
PVB or RPBA
Lab bench equipment
Health or Nonhealth+
PVB or RPBA
Ornamental fountains
Health
RPBA
Dye vats or machines
Health
RPBA
Swimming pools private public
Nonhealth+ Nonhealth+
PVB or AG RPBA or AG
Sewage pump or ejectors
Health
AG
Shampoo basins
Nonhealth+
AVB or PVB
Specimen tanks
Health
RPBA
Steam generators
Nonhealth+
RPBA
Steam tables
Nonhealth+
DCVA
Sterilizers
Health
RPBA
Tank vats or other vessels containing toxic substances
Health
RPBA
Trap primers
Health
AG
Vending machines
Nonhealth+
RPBA or PVB
Water softeners
Health
RPBA
Watering troughs
Health
AG or PVB
NOTE: AG = air gap; AVB = atmospheric vacuum breaker; DCVA = double check valve backflow prevention assembly; PVB = pressure vacuum breaker; RPBA = reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
+ Where a greater hazard exists (due to toxicity or other potential health impact) additional area protection with RPBA’s are required.
Uses not listed in this table may require backflow prevention through air gaps or backflow prevention assemblies depending on the nature of the use, the equipment and the plumbing system. These will be determined on an individual basis by the city.
(c) 
The selection of an appropriate backflow prevention assembly depends upon the degree of hazard involved and will be based on the following criteria:
(1) 
Whether the assembly could ever be subject to backpressure due to the customer’s internal pumping pressures or elevation differentials;
(2) 
The nature of contaminating material under the most critical circumstances;
(3) 
The extent to which additions may be made to the plumbing system at a later date which would affect the initial selection of the assembly;
(4) 
The frequency with which a water supply could be exposed to a hazardous condition; and
(5) 
The degree of protection of the water supply required, as provided by this article, the city’s plumbing code and title 30, chapter 290 of the Texas Administrative Code.
(d) 
Where an actual or potential contamination hazard is determined to be highly detrimental to the general health of the city water system, the city may require a total containment backflow prevention system to provide for backflow prevention assemblies on each internal branch line. The proper backflow protection assembly shall be maintained on each service connection or separation of internal systems. At the point of delivery, an assembly must be installed on each leg or branch (i.e., industrial and domestic). The type of backflow prevention assembly required on each leg or branch shall be in accordance with the highest degree of actual or potential contamination hazard found on the premises.
(e) 
Any person connecting any part of a vehicle or other container to the city water system shall utilize an air gap method or permanently install an approved backflow prevention assembly on the vehicle or container and shall have the assembly tested in accordance with this policy prior to connecting to the city water system.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
All new facilities are required to comply with the requirements of this article. Compliance by a new city water system customer with the requirements for installation of one or more backflow prevention assemblies shall be verified in conjunction with the customer’s application for water service or with the customer’s building and plumbing permits.
(b) 
The city may require field inspection of the customer’s premises in addition to building plan submittal and review to determine the actual or potential contamination hazards and backflow prevention assembly requirements.
(c) 
All plumbing layouts or building plans submitted to the city’s code department shall be reviewed to assure compliance with the requirements of this policy and the plumbing code.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
The city may inspect existing facilities of city water system customers that do not have a record of backflow prevention assembly installation or current annual certified testing report(s) on file and at other times as determined necessary by the city in accordance with this policy. The city shall prioritize these inspections based on the severity of the potential health hazard as listed in this policy. After the inspection is completed, the city will provide a written notice to the customer advising of any backflow prevention assembly requirements for the customer’s system.
(b) 
Upon the receipt of written notice, the customer shall have ninety (90) calendar days from the date of receipt of the notice to have the appropriate backflow prevention assemblies installed, replaced or repaired and certification of testing submitted to the city. Notice is presumed to be received five (5) calendar days after the notice is mailed. Upon written request of the customer and for cause, the city may extend this time period if an immediate threat of contamination does not exist for additional time periods, which, when combined, shall not exceed one hundred eighty (180) calendar days.
(c) 
Plans submitted to the city’s code department for approval of plumbing modifications or extensions to an existing plumbing system, will be reviewed to determine if a backflow prevention assembly is required.
(d) 
In the event that the city has an oversight of reviewed plans that should require the installation of a backflow prevention assembly(ies), it is still the responsibility of the customer to ensure the proper installation of backflow prevention assembly(ies) in compliance with this policy.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
A customer service inspection shall be completed prior to providing continuous water service to all new facilities, for any existing facility when the city has reason to believe that potential cross connections or other contaminant hazards exists or after any material improvement, correction, or addition to the private distribution facilities that may affect the system’s compliance with this policy.
(b) 
Only individuals with the following credentials shall be recognized as qualified to conduct a customer service inspection):
(1) 
Plumbing inspectors and water supply protection specialists that have been licensed by the state board of plumbing examiners;
(2) 
Customer service inspectors who have completed a TCEQ-approved course, passed an examination administered by the TCEQ and hold current professional certification or endorsement as a customer service inspector.
(c) 
The customer service inspection must certify that:
(1) 
No direct connection between the city water system and a potential source of contamination exists and potential sources of contamination are isolated from the city water system by a properly installed air gap or an appropriate backflow prevention assembly;
(2) 
No cross connection between the city water system and a private water source exists;
(3) 
No connection exists which would allow water to be returned to the city water system;
(4) 
No pipe or pipefitting containing more than 0.25% lead has been used for the installation or repair of plumbing at any connection that provides water for human use;
(5) 
No solder or flux containing more than 0.2% lead has been used for the installation or repair of plumbing at any connection that provides water for human use. A minimum of one lead test shall be performed for each inspection.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)
(a) 
The city or a designated representative shall have the authority to enter the property or premises of a customer to inspect the customer’s water system for compliance of this article.
(b) 
A violation of any provisions of this article will result in a class C misdemeanor in addition to fines not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).
(c) 
At any time, the city may terminate water services due to noncompliance of this article.
(Ordinance 01-2019 adopted 1/10/19)