The city cross connection control and backflow prevention article
is implemented to meet the requirements of the TCEQ’s “Rules
and Regulations for Public Water Systems,” 30 TAC sec. 290.46
et. Seq., as amended, the Texas Health and Safety Code, sec. 341.031
et. Seq., as amended, and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, 42
USC sec. 3000f et. Seq., as amended.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
The purpose of this article is to:
(1)
Protect the public potable water supply of the city from the possibility
of contamination or pollution by isolating within the customer’s
internal distribution system(s) or the customer’s private water
systen1(s) such contaminants or pollutants that could backflow into
the public water system; and
(2)
Promote the elimination or control of existing cross connections,
actual or potential, between the customer’s water system(s)
and nonpotable water system(s), plumbing fixtures, and industrial
piping systems; and
(3)
Provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection
control that will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination
or pollution of all potable water systems.
(b)
The department of public works shall be responsible for the protection
of the public potable water distribution system from contamination
or pollution due to the backflow of contaminants or pollutants through
any water service connection. If, in the judgment of the director
of public works, an approved backflow-prevention assembly is required
(at the customer’s water service connection; or, within the
customer’s private water system) for the safety of the public
water system, the director of public works or designated agent shall
give notice in writing to said customer to install such an approved
backflow-prevention assembly(s) at specific location(s) on his/her
premises. The customer shall immediately install such approved assembly(s)
at his/her own expense; and, failure, refusal, or inability on the
part of the customer to install, have tested, and maintain said assembly(s)
shall constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises
until such requirements have been satisfactorily met.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
A physical separation between the free flowing discharge
end of a potable water supply piping and/or appurtenance and an open
or nonpressure receiving vessel, plumbing fixture or other device.
An “approved air-gap separation” shall be at least twice
the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the overflow
rim of the vessel, plumbing fixture or other device, in no case less
than one inch.
A device used to prevent backsiphonage. This device cannot
be tested and cannot prevent backpressure backflow.
Any water source or system other than the public water system
that may be available in the building or on the property, including
ground water or surface waters used for industrial, irrigation or
any other purpose.
The flow in the direction opposite to the normal flow, or
the introduction of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into
the water system.
An assembly to counteract or prevent back-siphonage.
Any elevation of pressure in the downstream piping system
(by any means) above the supply pressure at the point of consideration,
which would cause, or tend to cause, a reversal of the normal direction
of flow.
The flow of water or other liquids, mixture or substances
into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply system from
any source other than its intended source caused by a sudden reduction
of pressure in the potable water supply system.
Providing adequate drainage for backflow prevention assemblies
installed in vaults through the use of an unobstructed drainpipe.
The City of Lorenzo or its designated representative.
Property or location which is used primarily for the manufacture.
production, storage, wholesaling or retailing of services which is,
or may be placed, in the flow of commerce or any property or location
which is used primarily for the provision of any service.
Any foreign material, solid, liquid or gaseous, that is not
common to the potable water supply, which makes the water unfit or
undesirable for human or animal consumption.
Any connection, physical or otherwise, between a potable
water supply 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 such potable water system under any condition
or set of conditions.
Any approved or recognized device placed upon any connection,
physical or otherwise, between a potable water supply system and any
plumbing fixture or any tank, receptacle, equipment or device, which
is designed to prevent nonpotable, used, unclean, polluted and/or
contaminated water, or their substances, from entering into any part
of such potable water system under any condition or set of conditions.
An inspection designed to detect any actual or potential
cross-connection hazards and/or exceedance of the lead action level
in solder or flux pipe or pipefittings.
The low or high hazard classification that shall be attached
to all actual or potential cross-connections.
Health hazard.
An actual or potential threat of contamination of a physical
or toxic nature to the public potable water system or the consumer’s
potable water system that would be a danger to health.
High hazard.
The classification assigned to an actual or potential cross-connection
that potentially could allow a substance that may cause illness or
death to backflow into the potable water system.
Low hazard.
The classification assigned to an actual or potential cross-connection
that potentially could allow a substance that may be objectionable
but not hazardous to one’s health to backflow into the potable
water supply.
Pollution hazard.
An actual or potential threat to the physical properties
of the water system or the potability of the public or the consumer’s
potable water system, but which would not constitute a health or system
hazard, as defined. Maximum degree of intensity of pollution which
the potable water system could be degraded under this definition would
cause a nuisance or be aesthetically or objectionable or could cause
damage to the system or its appurtenances.
System hazard.
An actual or potential threat of severe danger to the physical
properties of the public or consumer’s potable water supply
or of a pollution or contamination that would have a detrimental effect
on the quality of the potable water in the system.
The director of public works or his designee who is vested
with the authority and responsibility for the implementation of an
effective cross-connection control program and for the enforcement
of the provisions of this article.
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.
An assembly composed of a line-size approved double check
assembly with a bypass containing a specific water meter and an approved
double check valve assembly. The meter shall register accurately for
very low rates of flow.
A tester who is employed by a state approved fireline contractor
and is qualified to test backflow prevention assemblies on firelines.
A tester who is qualified to test backflow prevention assemblies
on any domestic, commercial, industrial or irrigation service except
firelines.
The latest edition as published by the University of Southern
California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
(USC FCCCHR).
Any operation which may have the potential to introduce contaminants
into a potable water system from a mobile source. These include, but
are not limited to: carpet cleaning vehicles, water-hauling vehicles,
street-cleaning vehicles, liquid-waste vehicles, power-wash operations,
and pest control vehicles.
Water used by any person other than a residential customer
of the water supply and includes all uses not specifically included
in “residential uses.”
Any individual, partnership, association, corporation, firm,
club, trustee, receiver, and bodies political and corporate.
The appropriate backflow prevention within the consumer’s
water system at the point at which the actual or potential cross-connection
exists.
Any water supply intended or used for human consumption or
other domestic use.
Any piece of property to which water is provided, including
all improvements, mobile structures, and structures located on it.
The appropriate backflow prevention at the service connection
between the public water system and the water user.
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 AVB and
can be used with downstream resilient seated shutoff valves. In addition,
the assembly has suction and discharge gate valves and resilient seated
test cocks, which allows for the full testing of the assembly.
Any public or privately 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.
An assembly containing two independently acting approved
check valves together with a hydraulically operated, mechanically
independent pressure differential relief valve located between the
check valves and at the same time below the first check valve. The
assembly shall include properly located resilient seated test cocks
and a tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valve at each end of
the assembly.
An assembly composed of a line-size approved reduced pressure
principle assembly with a bypass containing a specific water meter
and an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
The meter shall register accurately for very low rates of flow.
Any municipal officer or department of the City of Lorenzo,
appointed by the director of public works to administer this article.
A person designated by the City of Lorenzo to perform cross-connection
control duties that shall include, but are not limited to, cross-connection
inspections and water use surveys.
Water used by any residential customer of the water supply,
including single-family dwellings, duplexes, multiplexes, housing
and apartments where the individual units are each on a separate meter
or in cases where two or more units are served by one meter; the units
are full-time dwellings.
The point of delivery at which the water purveyor loses control
of the water.
An assembly containing an independently operating, internally
loaded check valve and independently operating, loaded air inlet valve
located on the discharge side of the check valve. This assembly is
to be equipped with a properly located resilient seated test cock
and tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valves attached at each
end of the assembly.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
A person that is a certified backflow prevention assembly
technician approved by and registered with TCEQ.
Heated water that does not have the space to expand.
Water supplied by a public water system to a water user’s
system after it bas passed through the service connection.
A survey conducted or caused to be conducted by the local
authority designed to identify possible sources of pollution and/or
contamination of the potable water supply.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
No person shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly
upon or with any city right-of-way unless authorized by the city administrator
or their designee, provided as follows:
(1)
The city retains the right to approve the location, height, depth
of enclosure, and other requisites, or the assembly prior to its installation.
(2)
The assembly shall be installed below or flush with the surrounding
grade except when it is not practicable to install it in this manner.
Any assembly or portion of an assembly that extends above ground shall
be located no closer than eighteen (18) inches to the face of the
curb.
(3)
The city shall not be liable for any damage done to or caused by
an assembly installed in a right-of-way.
(4)
A property owner shall, at the request of the city and at the owner’s
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 for purposes of public safely.
(5)
A person commits an offense if after receiving a written order from
the regulatory authority, he or she fails to relocate a backflow prevention
assembly located in or upon any city right-of-way.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
Any premises requiring multiple service connections for adequacy
of supply and/or fire protection will be required to install a backflow
assembly on each of the service lines to the premises. The type of
assembly will be determined by the degree of hazard that could occur
in the event of an interconnection between any of the water systems
on the premises.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
The backflow prevention assembly protection, which is required under
this article, shall be any of the University of Southern California
Foundation for Cross-Connection Control Hydraulic Research (USC FCCCHR)
recognized and approved backflow prevention assemblies, or others
as approved by the regulatory authority. Prior to installation, the
regulatory authority must approve each backflow assembly. Failure
to obtain such approval prior to installation of the backflow prevention
assembly may result in the backflow prevention assembly failing to
meet final approval by the regulatory authority. The regulatory authority
shall determine the type and location of backflow assembly to be installed
within the area served by the city. An assembly will be required in
each of the following circumstances, but the customer is in no way
limited to the following circumstances:
(1)
The nature and extent of any activity of the premises, or the materials
used in connection with any activity of the premises, or materials
stored on the premises, if said activity or material could contaminate
or pollute the potable water supply.
(2)
Premises having one or more cross-connections that are identified
as present.
(3)
Premises having one or more cross-connections, and the cross-connection(s)
are protected by an atmospheric vacuum breaker device (AVB).
(4)
Internal cross-connections are present that are not correctable.
(5)
Intricate plumbing arrangements are present which make it impractical
to ascertain whether cross-connections exist.
(6)
There is a repeated history of cross-connections being established
and reestablished.
(7)
There is unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross-connections
cannot be made with sufficient frequency to assure that cross-connections
do not exist.
(8)
Materials are being used such that if backflow should occur a health
hazard could result.
(9)
Installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly is deemed
to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these regulations in
the judgment of the city.
(10)
An appropriate cross-connection survey report form has not been filed
with the city upon request of the city.
(11)
A fire suppression system that is connected to the city’s water
system.
(12)
All new construction, if deemed necessary by the city. The type of
assembly required will be determined by the degree of hazard.
(13)
When a building is constructed on commercial premises, and the end
use of such building is not determined or could change, a reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention assembly may be installed at
the service connection that supplies water for public domestic use.
(14)
Any used water return system.
(15)
In the event a point-of-use assembly has not had the testing or repair
done as required by this article, a premises isolation assembly will
be required.
(16)
Retrofitting will be required on all high hazard connections and
wherever else the city deems necessary to meet the intent of this
article.
(b)
All backflow prevention assemblies installed after the effective
date of this article shall be installed in a manner designed to facilitate
ease of inspection and testing by the regulatory authority of the
city or its chosen representative. Any current installed backflow
prevention assemblies, which are located in inaccessible locations
or where the tester is subject to physical danger, shall be relocated
to approved locations.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
The regulatory authority shall require all backflow prevention assemblies
to be inspected and tested in each of the following circumstances.
(b)
A state certified backflow prevention assembly tester, approved by
the regulatory authority, shall perform all assembly testing.
(c)
Duly authorized employees of the city are entitled to enter any public
or private property at any reasonable time for the purpose of enforcing
this article. Persons and occupants of premises which are provided
water service by the city, either directly or indirectly, shall allow
the city or its representative ready access at all reasonable times
to all parts of the premises for the purposes of inspection, testing,
records examination, or in the performance of any of its duties.
(d)
The city is not liable for damage to a backflow prevention assembly
which may occur during testing.
(e)
It is the responsibility of any person who owns or controls property
to have all assemblies tested annually in accordance with this article.
Assemblies may be required to be tested more frequently if the regulatory
authority deems necessary.
(f)
All results from assembly testing by a certified backflow prevention
assembly tester shall be turned in to the city.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
It is the responsibility of any person who owns or controls
property to eliminate the possibility of thermal expansion if a closed
system has been created by the installation of a backflow prevention
assembly.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
Any reduction in water pressure caused by the installation of
a backflow assembly is not the responsibility of the city.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
Any person who owns or controls any residential property which
has been determined to have an actual or potential cross-connection
will be required to eliminate the actual or potential cross-connection
will he required to eliminate the actual or potential cross-connection
or have an approved backflow prevention assembly installed in accordance
with this article.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
Any person who owns or controls rental property is responsible
for the installation, test and repair of all backflow assemblies on
their property.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
Pursuant to TCEQ rules and regulations for public water systems,
a customer service inspection for cross-connection control shall be
completed by the regulatory authority prior to providing continuous
water service in each of the following circumstances:
(1)
Newly constructed facility or previously nonexistent premises.
(2)
Alter any material improvement to building(s) premises.
(3)
Any correction or addition to the plumbing of any facility or premises.
(4)
The regulatory authority deems it necessary.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
General.
To ensure proper operation accessibility of
all backflow prevention assemblies. the following shall be required:
(1)
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with
the current TCEQ rules and these regulations. The assembly installer
must obtain the required plumbing permits and have the installation
inspected by a representative of the regulatory authority.
(2)
At those facilities where the regulatory authority requires a backflow
prevention assembly be installed at the point of delivery of the water
supply, such installation of the assembly must be before any branch
in the line and on private property located just inside the boundary
between the city right-of-way and the landowner’s property and
on the service line side of the city meter. The regulatory authority
may specify other areas for installation of the assembly. Assemblies
that must be installed or are located on city rights-of-way are the
responsibility of the business or entity that the water line is serving.
(3)
The assembly must be protected from freezing and other severe weather
conditions.
(4)
All premises that require continuous, uninterrupted water service
and are required to have a backflow assembly must make provisions
for the parallel installation of assemblies of the same type so that
testing, repair and maintenance can be performed.
(5)
All backflow prevention assemblies shall be of a type and model approved
by the regulatory authority.
(6)
All vertical installations of backflow assemblies must have prior
approval by the regulatory authority.
(7)
The property owner assumes all responsibility for any damage resulting
from installation, operations, and/or maintenance of a backflow assembly.
The owner shall be responsible for keeping all backflow prevention
assembly vaults reasonably free of silt and debris.
(8)
Upon completion of installation, the regulatory authority shall be
notified and all assemblies must be inspected and tested. All assemblies
must be registered with the regulatory authority and shall provide
the date of installation, manufacture, model, type, size, serial number
of the backflow assembly, physical location and initial test report.
(9)
Assemblies must be sized and flow characteristics must be sufficient
to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure for the premises
being served.
(10)
Assemblies must be readily accessible for testing and maintenance
and must be located in an area where water damage to building or furnishings
would not occur from water discharge. The property owner assumes all
responsibility for any damage caused by water discharge from an assembly.
An approved air gap shall be located at the relief valve orifice of
RPs.
(11)
No part of a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly
shall be submerged in water or installed in a location subject to
flooding. RPs are typically installed above grade in well-drained
areas, but may be installed below grade (ground level) if a boresight
drain to daylight is provided. The drain shall be of adequate capacity
to carry the full rated flow of the assembly and shall be screened
on both sides.
(b)
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies (RPs) may
be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that would be
hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water system. The
RP is normally used in locations where an air gap is impractical.
The RP is effective against both backsiphonage and backpressure.
(1)
RPs must be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
of the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard.
Consult manufacturer’s specifications for specific performance
data.
(2)
The assembly must be readily accessible for testing and maintenance
and must be located in an area where water damage to buildings or
furnishing would not occur from relief valve discharge. The property
owner assumes all responsibility for any damage caused by water discharge
for an RP assembly. 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.
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.
(3)
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 must be provided to accommodate full pressure discharge
from the assembly.
(4)
Assemblies two (2) inches and smaller shall have at least six (6)
inches clearance on both sides and on top of the assembly, and twelve
(12) inches below and behind the assembly. 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 zero (0) inches in required in vaults without a fully
removable top. A minimum access opening of thirty-six (36) inches
is required on all vault lids.
(5)
Vertical installation is prohibited.
(6)
All RP assemblies must be tested in accordance with this article.
Tests are the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner must
notify the regulatory authority upon installation of any backflow
prevention assembly.
(7)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. Any deviations must have prior written approval of the regulatory
authority.
(c)
Reduced pressure principle detector backflow prevention assemblies
(RPDA) may be utilized in all installations requiring a reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention assembly and detector metering.
(1)
RPDAs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable
for reduced pressure principal backflow assemblies.
(2)
The line-size RP assembly and the bypass RP assembly must each be
tested. The certified tester must complete a separate test report
for each assembly.
(3)
Lines should be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer
with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(4)
All facilities that require continuous, uninterrupted water service
and are required to have a backflow assembly must make provisions
for the parallel installation of assemblies of the same type so that
testing, repair and maintenance can be performed.
(5)
Upon completion of installation, the regulatory authority shall be
notified and all assemblies must be inspected and tested. All assemblies
must be registered with the regulatory authority and shall provide
the date of installation, manufacturer, model, type, size, serial
number of the backflow assembly, and initial test report.
(d)
Double check valve backflow prevention assemblies (DCs) 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.
(1)
DCs must be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served.
(2)
Premises where an uninterrupted water supply is critical should be
provided with two (2) assemblies installed in parallel. Assemblies
should be sized in such a manner that either assembly will provide
the minimum water requirements while the two (2) together will provide
the maximum flow required.
(3)
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 he well drained,
constructed of suitable materials, and sized to allow for the minimum
clearances established below.
(4)
Assemblies two (2) inches and smaller shall have at least six (6)
inches 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 twelve (12) inches below
the assembly. Headroom of six (6) feet zero (0) inches in required
in vaults without a fully removable top. A minimum access opening
of thirty-six (36) inches is required on all vault lids. “Y”
pattern double check valve assemblies shall be installed so that the
checks are horizontal and the test cocks face upward. These clearance
standards apply to all assemblies installed in vaults, enclosures,
and meter boxes.
(5)
All DCs must be tested in accordance with this article. Tests are
the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner must notify the
regulatory authority upon installation of any backflow prevention
assembly.
(6)
Variances from these specification will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. Any deviations must have prior written approval of the regulatory
authority.
(7)
Vertical installations of DCs are allowed only on sized up to and
including four (4) inches that meet all of the following requirements:
(e)
Double check detector backflow prevention assemblies (DCDA) may be
utilized in all installations requiring a double check valve assembly
and detector metering.
(f)
Pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies (PVB) may
be utilized as 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.
(1)
PVBs shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where
damage would occur from water discharge.
(2)
The assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above
the highest downstream piping.
(3)
The assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance,
with a minimum clearance of twelve (12) inches all around the assembly.
(4)
All PVBs must be tested in compliance with this article. Tests are
the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner must notify the
regulatory authority of installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
(5)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. Any deviations must have prior written approval of the regulatory
authority.
(g)
Spill resistant pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies
(SVB) may be utilized in all installations requiring a pressure vacuum
breaker. SVBs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable
for pressure vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
Air gaps provide maximum protection from backflow hazards and
should be utilized at all locations where hazardous substances are
at risk of entering the potable water system.
(1)
An air gap separation shall be at least twice the diameter of supply
pipeline measured vertically above the top rim of the receiving vessel
and 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
forty-five (45) degree angle. The air gap distance is measured from
the bottom of the angle. Hoses are not allowed.
(2)
Air gap separations shall not be altered in any way without prior
approval from the regulatory authority and must be available for inspection
at all reasonable times.
(3)
Side walls, ribs or similar obstructions do not affect air gaps when
spaced from the inside edge of the spout opening a distance greater
than three (3) times the diameter of the effective opening for a single,
or a distance greater than four (4) times the effective opening for
two intersecting walls.
(4)
Side walls, ribs or similar obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane of the spout opening other than specified in subsection (3) above. The effect of three (3) or more such side walls or ribs has not been determined. In such cases, the air gap shall be measured from the top of the well.
(5)
The effective opening shall be the minimum cross-sectional area at
the seat of the control valve or the supply pipe or tubing which feed
the assembly or outlet. If two (2) or more lines supply one (1) 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.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
All new installations of fire suppression systems, which utilize
the city’s potable water supply, shall have installed an approved
backflow prevention device according to the degree of hazard.
(b)
An approved double check detector backflow prevention assembly (DCDA)
or reduced pressure detector assemblies (RPDA) 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 (24) hour period, unless
a variance has been issued in writing from the regulatory authority.
A RPDA must be installed in any solution other than the potable water
can be introduced into the sprinkler system.
(1)
It is the responsibility of all property owners and persons in charge
of any premises to abide by the conditions of this article. In the
event of any changes to the fire suppression system, it is the responsibility
of the property owner(s) to notify the regulatory authority. All costs
associated with this article and the purchase, installation testing
and repair of the (DCDA) or (RPDA) devices are the responsibility
of the property owner and persons in charge of any premises.
(2)
Upon the approved installation of the (DCDA) or (RPDA) device, a
device test report completed by a licensed fireline tester must be
sent to the attention of the regulatory authority or its representative
and include the information.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
An air gap separation shall be the minimum protection for fire
hydrant water meters which are being used for a temporary water supply
during any construction or other times, which would pose a potential
hazard to the public water supply.
(1)
It is the responsibility of all persons engaging in the use of a
fire hydrant water meter to abide by the conditions of this article.
(2)
Only city fire hydrant water meters will be allowed within the potable
water system.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
Property owner.
It is the responsibility of all property
owners and/or persons in charge of any premises to abide by the conditions
of this article and to comply with the following:
(1)
Payment of all costs associated with this article and the purchase,
installation, testing and repair of backflow prevention assemblies.
(2)
To install and maintain all backflow prevention assemblies in accordance
with this article and acceptable industry practice.
(3)
All commercial establishments shall cause to have all backflow prevention
assemblies on their premises tested annually. A certified tester must
conduct such testing.
(4)
Maintain all backflow prevention assemblies in proper working order
at all times, including repairs as required.
(5)
Maintain all backflow prevention assemblies in a manner that allows
them to be tested by a method that has been approved by the regulatory
authority.
(6)
All records related to backflow prevention assembly installation
testing and repair shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum
of three (3) years.
(b)
Certified backflow prevention assembly testers shall comply with
the following requirements:
(1)
Maintain testing equipment in proper work condition/calibration.
(2)
Maintain the design or operation characteristics of an assembly.
(3)
Ensure that devices are tested according to accepted industry practice
and TCEQ rules and regulations.
(4)
Enter required testing data, including test gauge serial numbers,
on backflow prevention device test forms that have been approved by
the regulatory authority.
(5)
Report test results to the regulatory authority within thirty (30)
days of testing.
(6)
Provide a copy of the completed test report to the property owners
and/or persons in charge of any premises.
(7)
Maintain testing and/or repair records for a minimum of three (3)
years.
(c)
Regulatory authority.
The regulatory authority shall
ensure the inspection and testing of all backflow prevention assemblies
installed pursuant to the requirements of this article. For new facilities,
permanent water service shall not be provided until all backflow prevention
assemblies have been tested and are operational. The city shall not
be liable for damage caused by any backflow prevention assembly as
a result of the inspection or testing.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
To be an approved backflow prevention assembly tester, an individual
must register annually with the regulatory authority, provide proof
of TCEQ certification and proof that testing equipment is able to
maintain a calibration of plus or minus 0.2 psid accuracy. The regulatory
authority will maintain a current list of licensed testers, which
will be made available to facilities, which may need testers to perform
their annual testing.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
All lawn irrigation system installations must comply with the current
city plumbing code and guidelines for the appropriate device found
in this article.
(b)
Interconnections of the potable water supply with an alternate water
source are prohibited unless appropriate backflow protection is installed.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
The connection of a mobile unit to any potable water system
is prohibited unless all air gap or an approved backflow prevention
assembly protects such connection. Prior approval and annual device
testing of any backflow prevention assembly must be received from
the regulatory authority before connecting to any potable water system.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
(a)
Violation.
An offense is considered committed if:
(1)
There has been a failure to maintain backflow prevention assemblies
in compliance with this section.
(2)
There bas been failure to comply with a repair order issued by the
regulatory authority.
(3)
Backflow from premises owned, operated or managed enters the public
water supply system.
(4)
There is violation of any section of this article.
(5)
Water service is reinstated to premises discontinued or disconnected
under this article, except as directed by the regulatory authority.
(6)
An unregistered tester is allowed to perform testing work at an establishment.
(7)
A backflow prevention assembly is tested within the city without
being registered with the regulatory authority.
(8)
A backflow prevention assembly is tested within the city without
being certified by the TCEQ.
(b)
Penalty.
The city is entitled to pursue all criminal
and civil remedies available for violation of this article.
(c)
Sanction for failure to pay fees.
In addition to sanctions
provided for by this article, the city is entitled to exercise sanctions
provided for by other ordinances of the city for the failure to pay
for water and sanitary sewer services when due.
(Ordinance 2019-0812 adopted 8/12/19)
