(a) 
The city public works director is responsible for enforcing the requirements of this policy with respect to connections made to the city water system.
(b) 
To ensure adequate protection in individual cases, the city may assess and determine the degree of hazard to the public potable water system posed in the case of individual connections, customers or users.
(c) 
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 to have installed, at the customer’s expense, an approved assembly at each service connection or hazard point.
(d) 
The city may refuse to initiate service, or may discontinue service to any customer that maintains an actual or potential sanitary hazard in the customer’s system, or whose plumbing is susceptible to cross connections, or where the city determines that adequate protection against backflow is not provided.
(Ordinance 2014-20 adopted 6/10/14)
The building official is designated under this policy for enforcing all provisions of the plumbing code pertaining to cross connections (i.e., proper installation and location of each customer’s system), including the connection to the city water system. Additionally, the building official will coordinate all building permit approvals to ensure compliance with this policy.
(Ordinance 2014-20 adopted 6/10/14)
(a) 
Customer service inspection.
(1) 
Pursuant to TCEQ regulations, an inspection for cross-connection control shall be completed by the city prior to providing continuous water service in each of the following circumstances:
(A) 
A newly constructed facility or previously existing premises, which is requesting water service.
(B) 
Where any correction or addition to the plumbing of any facility or premises has occurred.
(C) 
The city deems it necessary to ensure the protection of its water system.
(2) 
Permanent water service shall not be supplied to a newly constructed facility(ies) until the inspection by the city is completed.
(3) 
Inspections will be carried out by an inspector employed by the city, or authorized by the city to perform inspections.
(b) 
Customer service inspectors.
Inspectors performing cross-connection control duties within the city must be authorized by the city, and shall be employed by or be an independent contractor for the city.
(c) 
Certified backflow prevention assembly testers and tester responsibilities.
(1) 
All backflow assembly testers operating within the city shall be certified in accordance with all applicable regulations and requirements of the TCEQ.
(2) 
At the time of registration, recertification, and upon the city’s request, each person certified as a backflow prevention assembly tester shall furnish evidence to show that they are insured and bonded to perform services on private property, and have current licenses as required by the state and the city to perform these services.
(3) 
Persons certified as backflow prevention assembly testers shall meet the following requirements:
(A) 
Hold a TCEQ-approved backflow prevention assembly tester certification.
(B) 
Maintain commercial general liability insurance: $500,000.00 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. This policy shall have no coverages removed by exclusions. Automobile liability insurance: $500,000.00 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Coverage should be provided as a “code 1,” any auto.
(C) 
Agree to abide by all requirements of OSHA, including but not limited to confined space requirements.
(4) 
No certified backflow assembly tester shall operate within the city without registering with the city, both initially and on an annual basis, and paying the required fees.
(5) 
A registration shall remain in effect provided:
(A) 
The tester maintains eligibility for registration and certification, as defined in this policy;
(B) 
The tester attends and successfully completes a recertification training course as required by the TCEQ;
(C) 
The tester’s registration is not revoked by the city; and
(D) 
An annual (January 1st through December 31st) registration fee as specified in appendix B to Ordinance 2014-20 shall be paid by each registered tester prior to any work commencing within the city. Fees are due and payable no later than January 31st for the registration year.
(6) 
Upon recertification, a backflow prevention assembly tester shall renew their registration with the city. If a certification remains expired for a period of one (1) year, the backflow prevention assembly tester may re-establish registration eligibility by showing proof that they have retaken the TCEQ-approved backflow prevention tester certification course.
(7) 
Each applicant for registration shall:
(A) 
Provide evidence to the city to establish that the applicant has available the necessary tools and equipment to properly test backflow prevention assemblies; and
(B) 
Identify all test gauges the applicant will use in testing backflow prevention assemblies.
(8) 
A registered backflow prevention assembly tester shall:
(A) 
File the serial number of each of their test gauges with the city;
(B) 
Annually, have each recorded test kit tested for accuracy and calibrated to within a maximum discrepancy of two percent (2%) of industry standards;
(C) 
Perform competent and accurate testing or inspection of each backflow prevention assembly and submit a written report, stating the backflow prevention assembly has been tested or inspected and is functioning properly. A copy of the test or inspection results along with a nonrefundable processing fee in the amount as specified in appendix B to Ordinance 2014-20 per each assembly tested or inspected, shall be submitted to the city within 15 days of testing the device;
(D) 
List registered serial numbers of test gauges on tests and maintenance reports prior to submitting them to the city; and
(E) 
Not change the design or operation characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly.
(9) 
The city may revoke a registration if it is determined 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 annually register the serial numbers of their test kits, or failed to calibrate gauges as required by this policy;
(G) 
Has failed to pay the annual registration fee as required by this policy;
(H) 
Has failed to maintain a current certification from TCEQ; or
(I) 
Has violated any other provision of this policy.
(Ordinance 2014-20 adopted 6/10/14)