For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall
apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different
meaning. If a word or term used in this article is not contained in
the following list, its definition, or other technical terms used,
shall have the meanings or definitions listed in the most recent edition
of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control published by the Foundation
for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of
Southern California.
A physical separation between the free flowing discharge
end of a potable water supply piping or appurtenance and an open or
non-pressure 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 person or entity holding a certificate of registration
as such issued by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.
A device used to prevent backsiphonage in non-health hazard
conditions. This device cannot be tested and cannot prevent backpressure
backflow.
An assembly to prevent backpressures or prevent backsiphonage
and which is listed as an approved assembly by the University of Southern
California (USC) Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic
Research or similar rating or standards organization recognized by
the Managing Director.
A flow in a direction opposite to the normal flow or the
introduction of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into the
public water system.
Providing adequate drainage for backflow prevention assemblies
installed in vaults through the use of an unobstructed drain pipe.
The entry into or presence in a public water supply system
of any substance which may be harmful to health or to the quality
of the water.
Any physical arrangement where a potable water supply is
connected, directly or indirectly (actually or potentially), to or
with any non-potable water system or source, used water system or
auxiliary water supply, sewer, drain conduit, swimming pool, storage
reservoir, plumbing fixture, evaporative coolers, air conditioner
units, fire protection system, or any other assembly which contains,
or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other liquid of unknown
or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination
to the public water system as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements,
jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or change-over assemblies,
or other temporary or permanent assemblies through which, or because
of which, backflow may occur are considered to be cross-connections.
An inspection designed to inspect and detect any actual or
potential cross-connection hazards and/or exceedence of the lead content
levels in solder or flux, pipe or pipe fittings.
The hazard classification (low or high) assigned to an actual
or potential cross-connection.
An assembly composed of a line-size approved double check
assembly with bypass containing a specific water meter and an approved
double check valve assembly. The meter shall register accurately for
very low rates of flow.
An assembly which consists of two independently operating
check valves which are spring-loaded or weighted, a gate valve on
each side of the checks, and test cocks to test the checks for tightness.
A tester who is employed by an Approved Fire Sprinkler Contractor
and is qualified to test backflow prevention assemblies on fire lines.
A tester who is qualified to test backflow prevention assemblies
on any domestic, commercial, industrial or irrigation service except
fire lines. Recognized backflow prevention assembly testers shall
have completed a TCEQ Executive Director approved course on cross-connection
control and backflow prevention assembly testing, pass an examination
administered by the TCEQ Executive Director, and hold a current license
as a backflow prevention assembly tester.
A cross-connection or potential cross-connection involving
any substance that could, if introduced into the potable water supply,
cause death or illness, spread disease, or have a high probability
of causing such effects.
A person who is recognized by the City of Garland as a licensed
inspector under the provisions of this article.
The classification assigned to an actual or potential cross-connection
that may allow contamination which may be objectionable but not hazardous
to health to backflow into the public water system.
The Managing Director of Water and Wastewater Utilities or
a person designated by the Managing Director or the City Manager.
Water used by any residential customer of the water supply
and include duplexes, multiplex, 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.
Water used by any person other than a residential customer
of the water supply and include all uses not specifically included
in residential uses as defined in the City of Garland Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance.
An actual or potential threat to the physical properties
of the water system or the potability of the public or consumer’s
potable water system or the consumer’s potable water system
but which would not constitute a health hazard. Maximum degree of
intensity of pollution which the potable water system could be degraded
under this definition would cause a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable
or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances.
Any water supply intended or used for human consumption or
other domestic use.
Any real property to which water is provided, including all
improvements, buildings, mobile and other structures located on it.
Backflow prevention at the service connection between the
public water system and the water user.
Backflow prevention at the point of use internally on the
customer’s premises.
Any public or privately owned water system which supplies
water for public domestic use including all service lines, reservoirs,
facilities, and any equipment used in the process of producing, treating,
storing or conveying water for public consumption.
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.
Water used by any residential customer of the water supply
and include single-family dwellings.
An assembly containing two independently acting approved
check valves, a hydraulically-operated, mechanically independent pressure
differential relief valve located between the check valves and at
the same time below the first check valve, and including properly
located test cocks and tightly closing shut-off valves at each end
of the assembly.
The point of delivery at which the public water system connects
to the private supply line or lateral of a water user.
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.
The natural change in volume of a confined quantity of water
as a result of the raising of the temperature of that water.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Water supplied by a public water system to a water user’s
system after it has passed through the service connection.
A survey conducted or caused to be conducted by the local
authority designed to identify any possible source’s of contamination
to the potable water supply.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance
7396 adopted 1/17/2023)
(A)
With
the approval of the Managing Director, a licensed cross-connection
tester employed by or under contract or registered with the City shall
determine the type and location of any backfiow assembly to be installed
within the City’s water service area. The assembly shall be
required in each of the following circumstances, but the inspector
is in no way limited to the following circumstances:
(1)
When
the nature and extent of any activity at a premises, or the materials
or equipment used in connection with any activity at a premises, or
materials stored at a premises, could present a health hazard upon
entry into the public water system.
(2)
When
a premises has one or more cross-connections.
(3)
When
internal cross-connections are present that are not correctable.
(4)
When
intricate plumbing arrangements are present that make it impractical
to ascertain whether cross-connections exist.
(5)
When
a premises has a repeated history of cross-connections being established
or re-established.
(6)
When
entry to a premises is restricted so that inspections for cross-connections
cannot be made with sufficient thoroughness or frequency to assure
that cross-connections do not exist.
(7)
When
materials are being used such that, if backflow should occur, a health
hazard could result.
(8)
When
installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly is determined
by an inspector to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these
regulations.
(9)
When
an appropriate Cross-Connection Survey Form (CCSI) has not been filed
with the Managing Director.
(10)
On all multistory buildings or any building with a booster pump or
elevated storage tank.
(11)
For any used water return system that has received approval from
the Managing Director.
(B)
In all
new nonresidential construction, the Managing Director has the authority
to require an approved backflow assembly at the service connection.
The type of the assembly will correspond to the degree of hazard as
determined by the Managing Director. At any residence or establishment
where an actual or potential contamination hazard exists and an adequate
internal cross-connection control program is in effect, backflow protection
at the water service entrance or meter is not required.
(C)
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 shall be installed at the service
connection to provide protection of the public water supply in the
event of the most hazardous use of the building. The use of a backflow
prevention assembly 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 and enforced by
local plumbing codes.
(D)
If a
point-of-use assembly has not been tested or repaired as required
by this article, the installation of a reduced pressure principle
assembly will be required at the service connection.
(E)
If an
inspector determines that additions or rearrangements have been made
to the plumbing system of a premises without the proper permits as
required by the Plumbing Code, premises containment shall be required.
(F)
Retrofitting
shall be required on all point-of-use health hazard connections and
wherever else the Managing Director determines that retrofitting is
necessary due to circumstances that indicate that cross-connection
is likely to occur unless a back-flow prevention assembly is installed.
(G)
An approved
double detector check valve assembly shall be the minimum protection
on all new fire sprinkler systems. An RP assembly shall be installed
if any solution other than potable water can be introduced into the
sprinkler system. Retrofitting shall be required on all high hazard
systems, where improper maintenance has occurred, and wherever an
inspector determines that such measures are necessary under the conditions
found by the inspector.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance
7396 adopted 1/17/2023)
(A)
Commercial.
(1)
All
new and existing fire protection systems which utilize the City’s
potable water supply shall have installed an approved backflow prevention
device according to the degree of hazard.
(2)
An
approved double check detector backflow prevention assembly (DCDA)
or reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA) shall be the minimum
protection for fire sprinkler systems. A RPDA must be installed if
any solution other than potable water can be introduced into the sprinkler
system.
(3)
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 plumbing system, it is the responsibility
of the property owners to notify the City in writing of the change.
Notification shall be sent to the attention of the Managing Director.
All costs associated with this article and the purchase, installation,
testing and repair of a (DCDA) or (RPDA) device is the responsibility
of the property owner and persons in charge of any premises. Only
approved fire line testers registered with the City of Garland are
authorized to test fire line devices.
(4)
Upon
the approved installation of the DCDA or RPDA device, a cross-connection
test report completed by a Fire Line Tester shall be sent to the attention
of the Managing Director and include the information required by this
article.
(6)
Except
as provided in Texas Insurance Code, chapter 6003, any person performing
maintenance, repair, or testing on fire lines shall be a full-time
employee of an Approved Fire Sprinkler Contractor. Approved Fire Sprinkler
Contractors shall verify in writing that each tester is a full-time
employee and that the company carries general liability insurance
as required by state law.
(B)
Residential.
(1)
All
new and existing fire protection systems which utilize the City’s
potable water supply shall have installed an approved backflow prevention
device according to the degree of hazard.
(2)
An
approved double check valve backflow prevention assembly (DC) or reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) shall be the
minimum protection for the fire sprinkler systems. A RP must be installed
if any solution other than potable water can be introduced into the
sprinkler system.
(3)
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 plumbing system, it is the responsibility
of the property owners to notify the City in writing of the change.
Notification shall be sent to the attention of the Managing Director.
All costs associated with this article and the purchase, installation,
testing and repair of a DC or RP device is the responsibility of the
property owner and persons in charge of any premises. Only approved
Fire line Testers registered with the City of Garland are authorized
to test fire line devices.
(4)
Upon
the approved installation of the DC or RP device, a cross-connection
test report completed by a Fire Line Tester shall be sent to the attention
of the Managing Director and include the information required by this
article.
(6)
Except
as provided in Texas Insurance Code, chapter 6003, any person performing
maintenance, repair, or testing on fire lines shall be a full-time
employee of an Approved Fire Sprinkler Contractor. Approved Fire Sprinkler
Contractors shall verify in writing that each tester is a full-time
employee and that the company carries general liability insurance
as required by state law.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance
7396 adopted 1/17/2023)
(A)
A reduced
pressure assembly (RPD) shall be the minimum protection for fire hydrant
water meters used for a temporary water supply during any construction
or other uses which would pose a potential hazard to the public water
supply.
(B)
It is
the responsibility of all persons engaging in the use and rental of
a fire hydrant water meter to abide by the conditions of this article.
All fire hydrant water meter rentals shall meet the current requirements
as provided for by the City.
(C)
Only
City of Garland fire hydrant water meters with approved backflow prevention
assemblies are allowed to be used within the City limits.
(D)
A refundable
deposit in the amount specified in section 50.34(2) is required to
insure the return of all water meters and backflow assemblies to the
City. Failure to return the assemblies can result in the forfeiture
of deposit and enforcement action being taken against the responsible
party, as allowed for in the enforcement section in this article.
(E)
All
non-approved fire hydrant meters which are found to be in use in the
City of Garland will be confiscated and enforcement action may be
taken against the responsible party, as allowed for in the enforcement
section in this article.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
The connection of a mobile unit to any potable water system
is prohibited unless such connection is protected by an air gap or
an approved backflow prevention assembly. Prior approval and annual
device testing of any backflow prevention assembly must be received
from the City before connecting to any potable water system.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
As a condition of water service, a customer shall install, maintain,
and operate the customer’s piping and plumbing systems in accordance
with the Plumbing Code provisions adopted by the City of Garland.
In the event of a conflict between this article and the Plumbing Code,
the more restrictive provision shall apply.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
It shall be the responsibility of the premises owner to provide
for the possibility of damage or injury which might be caused by thermal
expansion, if a closed system has been created by the installation
of a backflow assembly.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
Any water pressure drop caused by the installation of a backflow
assembly shall be the responsibility of the premises owner and not
the City. The City may provide reasonable assistance to a premises
owner regarding information on adequate sizing of assemblies and proper
plumbing practices to provide for required pressure and flows but
shall not be obligated to provide assistance or alternative measures
to increase water pressure.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
For all landscape irrigation system installations a permit shall
be required. Such permit shall be issued by the Building Inspection
Department. Installation requirements for any device or equipment
to be installed must comply with the current City plumbing code and
the guidelines and requirements of this article. Interconnections
of the potable water supply with an alternate water source are prohibited
unless appropriate backflow protection is installed. Health hazard
backflow protection devices must be installed if any mechanical injection
stations are used with the irrigation system and shall conform to
the device testing requirements as provided in this article.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
An approved backflow prevention assembly must be installed to
prevent nonpotable water from entering the potable system. All piping
that contains nonpotable water must be labeled (Untreated Rainwater
- Do Not Drink) and an air gap or reduced-pressure principle backflow
prevention assembly be installed to protect the water system.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
A residential premises that has been determined to have an actual
or potential cross-connection shall be equipped with an approved backflow
prevention assembly installed in accordance with this article. This
device can be required to be installed either at the customer meter
or at the point-of-use at the expense of the owner/occupant and shall
conform to the device testing requirements as provided in this article.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
A customer service inspection (CSI) is an examination of water distribution facilities for the purposes set forth in section 51.60 of this article. Permanent water service to a new facility will not be granted until the water facilities pass a customer service inspection.
(B)
A customer
service inspection certification form shall be completed and filed
with the Managing Director under each of the following circumstances:
(1)
New
construction.
(2)
Material
improvement, correction, or addition to the private water distribution
system (defined as plumbing work that requires a permit and involves
a major modification to the private water distribution system). The
private water system refers to the facilities on the owner’s
side of the meter.
(3)
When
the Managing Director believes that a cross-connection or other potential
contamination hazard exists. In this instance, the Managing Director
shall notify the customer that an inspection will be conducted and
will identify the threat that is believed to exist prior to discontinuation
of water service.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
A person
who performs customer service inspections or who prepares customer
service inspection certification forms shall be registered as a licensed
customer service inspector with the City and shall meet all the requirements
of Rule 290.46(j)(1) of the TCEQ Rules and Regulations of Public Water
Systems for accreditation as a customer service inspector. The Building
Inspection Department conducts all customer service inspections for
the City of Garland; however, the City reserves the right to outsource
these inspections.
(B)
In order
to perform the customer service inspections, the City of Garland may:
(1)
Provide
a list of certified inspectors to the customer, from which list the
customer may select and hire an inspector;
(2)
Provide
qualified employees to perform the inspections at a cost to the customer
in order to complete the state required inspection; or
(3)
Hire
independent, qualified contractors to perform the inspections.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
All
testers operating within the City shall be licensed in accordance
with all applicable regulations of TCEQ and this article. No person
shall operate as a backflow prevention assembly tester within the
City without being annually registered with the Managing Director
of the City.
(B)
Persons
licensed as backflow prevention assembly testers shall meet the following
requirements: obtain and maintain TCEQ approved certification as a
backflow prevention assembly tester and confined-space entry training
certification.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
Only
approved TCEQ licensed backflow prevention assembly testers that are
registered with the City in accordance with this article can test
backflow prevention assemblies in the City of Garland.
(B)
An annual
licensed backflow assembly tester registration shall remain in effect
so long as:
(C)
Upon
recertifying with TCEQ, a tester shall renew the tester’s registration
with the Managing Director.
(D)
An applicant
for registration shall:
(1)
Demonstrate
to the Managing Director that the applicant has available the necessary
tools and equipment to properly test backflow prevention assemblies;
(2)
Provide
evidence to the Managing Director that the applicant has successfully
completed a TCEQ accredited 8-hour hands-on “permit confined-space
entry training,” as specified by the occupational safety and
health administration (29 CFR 1910.146) within the past 5 years. Non-TCEQ
accredited “confined space entry training” will need to
be verified and approved by the managing director. Additionally, a
TCEQ accredited 8 hours “online confined-space entry training,”
successfully completed within the previous twelve (12) months, will
also need to be verified and approved by the managing director;
(3)
Identify
all test gauges the applicant will use in testing backflow prevention
assemblies. Gauges used in the testing of backflow prevention assemblies
shall be tested for accuracy annually in accordance with the University
of Southern California’s Manual of Cross-Connection Control
or the American Water Works Association Recommended Practice for Backflow
Prevention and Cross-connection Control (Manual M14). Testers shall
include test gauge serial numbers on “Test and Maintenance”
report forms and demonstrate that gauges tested for accuracy; and
(4)
Testers
must register annually with the City, provide proof of TCEQ licensing,
and pay an annual, non-refundable tester registration fee.
(E)
A registered
backflow prevention assembly tester shall:
(1)
File
the serial number of each of the tester’s test kits with the
Managing Director;
(2)
Annually
have each recorded test kit tested for accuracy and calibrated to
maintain a plus or minus 2% accuracy factor;
(3)
Perform
competent and accurate certifications of each backflow prevention
assembly tested and submit complete reports thereof to the Managing
Director;
(4)
List
registered serial numbers of test gauges on tests and maintenance
reports prior to submitting the reports to the Managing Director.
(F)
A registered
backflow prevention assembly tester shall not change the design or
operating characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly.
(G)
After
notice and hearing, the Managing Director may revoke a registration
if the Managing Director determines that the tester:
(1)
Has
made false, incomplete, or inaccurate assembly testing reports;
(2)
Has
used inaccurate gauges;
(3)
Has
used improper testing procedures;
(4)
Is
not in compliance with safety regulations;
(5)
Has
failed to register the serial numbers of the tester’s test kits
or has failed to calibrate gauges annually; or
(6)
Has
violated any other provision of this article.
(7)
Upon
the discretion of the Managing Director upon notice that inappropriate
testing activities have taken place.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance 6857, sec. 7, adopted 9/6/16; Ordinance 7396 adopted 1/17/2023)
Testers shall pay an annual registration fee in the amount set forth in section 50.38 of the Code of Ordinances. Payment shall be made upon initial application for registration and annually thereafter on or before January 1st of each succeeding calendar year.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance 6428, sec. 1, adopted 9/21/10)
(A)
All
multifamily residential use and nonresidential use backflow prevention
assemblies shall be inspected and tested or caused to be inspected
and tested by the City in each of the following circumstances:
(B)
Duly
authorized employees of the City bearing proper credentials and identification
are entitled to enter any public or private property for the purpose
of enforcing this article. Persons and occupants of the property which
are provided water service by the City, either directly or indirectly,
shall allow the City or its representatives ready access at all reasonable
times to all parts of the property for the purpose of inspection,
testing, records examination, or in the performance of their duties.
When persons or occupants of the property have security measures in
force which would require proper identification and clearance before
entry into the property, the persons and occupants of the property
shall make necessary arrangements with their security personnel so
that upon presentation of suitable identification, personnel from
the City will be permitted to enter, without delay, for the purposes
of performing their specific responsibilities.
(C)
The
City shall not be liable for damage to an assembly that occurs during
testing.
(D)
A water
use survey may be conducted at any establishment located in the City
which is served by a public water supply or which provides water to
the public. Upon determination that the establishment falls under
the provisions of this article and requires a backflow prevention
assembly, a notice to abate the condition or to install the proper
backflow prevention assembly shall be issued.
(E)
It is
the responsibility of the person who owns or controls property to
have all assemblies tested in accordance with this article. Assemblies
may be required to be tested more frequently if the City deems necessary.
(F)
All
results from assembly testing by a licensed backflow prevention assembly
tester shall be placed on a form designated by the City.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
A person who owns, operates, or manages a premises in which
a required backflow prevention assembly is installed shall maintain
such assemblies in proper working order at all times, including such
repairs as may be necessary to keep the assembly in proper working
order. The maintenance and repair of all assemblies shall be done
in accordance with the applicable regulations of the TCEQ and this
article. A backflow prevention assembly shall be maintained in a manner
that allows the assembly to be tested by a method that has been approved
by TCEQ.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
A backflow prevention assembly shall be installed in accordance
with the following requirements in order to ensure the proper operation
of and accessibility to the assembly:
(1)
A backflow
prevention assembly shall be installed in accordance with current
TCEQ rules and this article. The assembly installer shall obtain the
required plumbing permits prior to installation and shall have the
assembly inspected by the City.
(2)
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.
(3)
At facilities
which require a backflow prevention assembly to be installed at the
point of delivery of the water supply, installation of the assembly
must be before any branch in the line and on private property located
just inside the boundary between the City’s right-of-way and
the landowner’s property. The Managing Director may authorize
other areas for installation of the assembly. Assemblies that must
be installed in or are located in City rights-of-way are the responsibility
of the business or entity that the water line is serving.
(4)
The
assembly shall be protected from freezing and other severe weather
conditions.
(5)
All
backflow prevention assemblies shall be of a type and model approved
by the Managing Director.
(6)
All
vertical installations of backflow prevention assemblies shall be
approved in writing by the Managing Director prior to installation.
(7)
An assembly
installed five (5) feet or higher above floor level shall be equipped
with a rigid and permanently installed scaffolding acceptable to the
Managing Director which shall contain a platform for use by testing
and maintenance personnel. The installation shall meet all applicable
requirements of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
and State occupational safety and health laws.
(8)
Upon
completion of the installation, the premises owner shall notify the
Managing Director and schedule the inspection and testing of all assemblies.
The premises owner shall register all backflow assemblies with the
Managing Director by providing the date of installation, the manufacturer,
model and serial number of the backflow prevention assembly, and the
initial test report for the assembly.
(9)
The
premises owner assumes all responsibility for any damages resulting
from installation, operation, and maintenance of a backflow assembly.
The owner shall also see that any vault in which a backflow prevention
assembly is contained is kept free of silt and debris that may interfere
with the proper operation, inspection or testing of the assembly.
(10)
Lines
shall be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer with
blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(11)
Bypass
lines are prohibited. Pipefittings which could be used for connecting
a bypass line must not be installed.
(12)
Premises
with two assemblies installed in parallel shall be sized in such a
manner that either assembly will provide the maximum flow required.
(13)
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 and size
so that testing, repair and maintenance can be performed.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
RPs shall be utilized at any premises where a substance is handled that could be hazardous to the public health if introduced into the potable water system. In addition to the provisions of section 51.76, an RP shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements in order to ensure the proper operation of and accessibility to the assembly:
(1)
RPs
shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served.
(2)
On premises
where non-interruption of water supply is critical, two assemblies
of the same type installed in parallel shall be provided. The assemblies
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.
(3)
Bypass
lines are prohibited. Pipe fittings that could be used for connecting
a bypass line shall not be installed.
(4)
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
provided the air gap funnel assembly will not control flow in a continuous
relief situation. Daylight drain ports shall be provided to accommodate
full pressure discharge from the assembly.
(5)
All
RP assemblies larger than two (2) inches shall have a minimum of twelve
(12) inches clearance on the back side, twenty-four (24) inches clearance
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. All
RP assemblies two (2) inches and smaller shall have at least a six-inch
clearance on all sides. RP assemblies may be installed in a vault
only if relief valve discharge can be drained to a free and unrestricted
space 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.
(6)
An approved
air gap shall be located at the relief valve orifice of RP assemblies.
The 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.
(7)
No deviations
from this section shall be permitted without prior written approval
of the Managing Director.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
Double check valve assemblies may be utilized at a premises where a substance is handled that could be objectionable - but not hazardous to health - if the substance is introduced into the potable water system. In addition to the provisions of section 51.76, a DC shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements in order to ensure the proper operation of and accessibility to the assembly:
(1)
DCs
shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served.
(2)
On premises
where non-interruption of water supply is critical, two assemblies
of the same type installed in parallel shall be provided. The assemblies
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.
(3)
Bypass
lines are prohibited. Pipe fittings that could be used for connecting
a bypass line shall not be installed.
(4)
The
assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for testing
and maintenance. DCs may be installed below grade provided all test
cocks are fitted with brass pipe plugs. All vaults containing a DC
shall be well drained, constructed of suitable materials, and sized
to allow for the minimum clearances established below.
(5)
DC 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 DC 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.
(6)
Vertical
installations are allowed on sizes up to and including four (4) inches
that meet the following requirements:
(7)
No deviations
shall be permitted without prior written approval of the Managing
Director.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
Double detector check valve assemblies may be utilized in any
installation that requires a double check valve assembly and detector
metering. DDCs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable
for double check valve assemblies (DCs).
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
Pressure
vacuum breaker (“PVB”) assemblies may be utilized at point-of-use
protection only and only if a substance is handled at the premises
where the assembly is installed that could be objectionable but not
hazardous to health - if the substance introduced into the potable
water system. PVBs protect against backsiphonage only and shall not
be installed where there is potential for backpressure.
(B)
In addition to the provisions of section 51.76, a PVB shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements in order to ensure the proper operation of and accessibility to the assembly:
(1)
The
assembly shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above
the highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
(2)
A
PVB shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where
damage could occur from water discharge.
(3)
The
assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance,
with a minimum clearance of twelve (12) inches all around the assembly.
PVBs shall be located between twelve (12) inches and sixty (60) inches
above ground level.
(4)
No
deviations shall be permitted without prior written approval of the
Managing Director.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance
7396 adopted 1/17/2023)
Atmospheric vacuum breakers (“AVB”) provide minimal protection and are approved for very low hazard application only. AVBs protect against backsiphonage only and are prohibited where there is potential for backpressure. In addition to the provisions of section 51.76, an AVB shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements in order to ensure the proper operation of and accessibility to the assembly:
(1)
The
AVB assembly shall be installed a minimum of six (6) inches above
the highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
(2)
Shutoff
valves downstream from the assembly are prohibited.
(3)
An AVB
shall be not be used on any application where there is more than twelve
(12) hours per day continuous use.
(4)
An AVB
shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where damage
may occur from water discharge.
(5)
AVBs
shall be allowed for point-of-use protection only, in accordance with
the plumbing code.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance
7396 adopted 1/17/2023)
Air gap separations provide maximum protection from backflow
hazards and shall be utilized at all locations where health hazard
substances are at risk of entering the potable water system when applicable.
(1)
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,
and in no case less than one (1) inch. If splashing may occur, tubular
screens may be attached or the supply line may be cut at a 45°
angle. The air gap distance shall be measured from the bottom of the
angle. Hoses shall not be allowed.
(2)
Air
gap separations shall not be altered in any way without prior approval
from the Managing Director and must be available for inspection at
all reasonable times.
(3)
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-connectional areas
of the individual supply lines or the area of the single outlet, which
is smaller.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
No person
shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly upon or within
any City right-of-way except as allowed by this section.
(B)
The
Managing Director, with the concurrence of the Director of Engineering,
may grant a license to install a backflow prevention assembly required
by this article upon or within a City right-of-way only if the owner
demonstrates to their satisfaction that there is no other feasible
location for installing the assembly, and that installing it in the
right-of-way will not interfere with traffic, utilities or any other
public use of the right-of-way. The City retains the right to approve
the location, height, depth, enclosure and other requisites of the
assembly prior to its installation.
(C)
Any
person performing work in the City rights-of-way shall obtain all
permits and inspections required by the Code of Ordinances.
(D)
The
assembly shall be installed below or flush with the surrounding grade
except when it is not practical to install it in this manner. Any
backflow prevention assembly or portion of an assembly which extends
above ground must have final approval from the Managing Director.
RPs, AVBs and SVBs are not allowed to be installed below grade.
(E)
The
owner of a backflow prevention assembly that has been installed upon
or within a City right-of-way as provided by this section shall, at
the request of the City and at the owner’s sole expense, relocate
the assembly when such relocation is necessary for street or utility
construction or repairs or for purposes of public safety or convenience.
(F)
The
City shall not be liable for any damage done to or caused by an assembly
installed in the right-of-way.
(G)
A person
commits an offense if he fails to relocate a backflow prevention assembly
located in or upon any City right-of-way after receiving a written
order to do so from the Managing Director.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
The
customer to whom water service is provided at a premises within the
City shall be responsible for the installation, testing, maintenance
and repair of all backflow prevention assemblies serving that customer.
The Managing Director may, without prior notice, suspend water service
to any premises when such suspension is necessary to prevent or stop
an actual or threatened backflow which:
(B)
As soon
as is practicable after the suspension of service, the Managing Director
shall notify the customer of the suspension in person or by certified
mail, return receipt requested, and shall order such person to correct
the cross-connection that allowed the backflow to occur.
(C)
The
Managing Director shall not reinstate suspended water service until:
(1)
The
customer presents proof, satisfactory to the Managing Director, that
the backflow has been eliminated and its cause determined and corrected;
(2)
The
customer pays the City for all costs the City incurred in responding
to the backflow or threatened backflow; and
(3)
The
customer pays the City for all costs the City will incur in reinstating
service.
(D)
Failure
on the part of a customer to discontinue the use of a cross-connection
and to physically separate a cross-connection is sufficient cause
for the immediate discontinuance of public water service to the premises.
(E)
A customer
whose service has been suspended may appeal such suspension to the
Managing Director, in writing, within ten working days of notice of
the suspension.
(F)
A person
commits an offense if the person, without the prior written approval
of the Managing Director, reinstates water service to a premises for
which water service has been suspended pursuant to this section.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
The
Managing Director may terminate, after written notice and opportunity
for a hearing, the water service of any customer who:
(1)
Fails
or refuses to install a reduced pressure principle assembly when required
by this article;
(2)
Fails
or refuses to install and maintain backflow prevention assemblies
in compliance with this article; or
(3)
Fails
or refuses to install, maintain, and operate the customer’s
piping and plumbing systems in accordance with the plumbing code.
(B)
The
Managing Director shall notify the customer of the proposed termination
of water service at least ten working days before the proposed termination.
The customer may request a hearing on the proposed termination by
filing a written request for a hearing with the Managing Director
not more than ten days after receipt of notice of the proposed termination.
(C)
If water
service is terminated, the Managing Director shall not reinstate water
service until:
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
A commercial
water service customer may, in lieu of the mandatory installation
of a backflow prevention assembly, provide the City access during
reasonable business hours to the customer’s premises for the
purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this article.
Such access shall be unobstructed and safely accessible.
(B)
A commercial
water service customer who fails or refuses to provide the optional
access shall install and maintain a reduced pressure principle assembly
at the water service connection to the premises.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10)
(A)
This
article shall be enforced by the Managing Director.
(B)
The
City shall inspect and initially test, or cause to be tested, 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. Except in cases where the testing of backflow
prevention assemblies must be delayed until the installation of internal
production or auxiliary equipment, the City shall not approve a certificate
of occupancy until all backflow prevention assemblies have been tested
and are operational. The City shall not be liable for damage caused
to any backflow prevention assembly as a result of the inspection
or testing.
(C)
Violations.
(1)
A
person commits an offense if there is failure to maintain backflow
prevention assemblies in compliance with this section.
(2)
A
person commits an offense if there is failure to comply with a repair
order issued by the City.
(3)
A
person commits an offense if backflow from premises owned, operated
or managed by the person enters the public water supply system.
(4)
A
person commits an offense if there is a failure to pay any fees required
by this article.
(5)
A
person commits an offense by violating any section of this article.
(6)
A
person commits an offense if discontinued or disconnected water service
to premises under this article is reinstated except as directed by
the City.
(7)
A
person in charge of any facility commits an offense by allowing an
unregistered tester to perform testing work at their establishment.
(8)
A
person commits an offense by testing backflow prevention assembly
within the City without being registered with the City.
(9)
A
person commits an offense by testing backflow prevention assembly
within the City without being licensed by the TCEQ.
(10)
A person commits an offense by using non-approved fire hydrant meters.
(11)
A person commits an offense by testing fire line backflow devices
without the proper license as stated in the State Fire Code.
(D)
Sanction
for failure to pay inspection fees.
(1)
In
addition to sanctions provided for by this article, the City is entitled
to exercise sanctions provided for by other ordinances of the City.
(E)
A licensed
tester’s registration may be reviewed and revoked by the City
if it is determined that the tester:
(1)
Has
falsely, incompletely, or inaccurately reported assembly reports;
(2)
Has
used inaccurate gauges;
(3)
Has
used improper testing procedures;
(4)
Has
created a threat to public health or the environment;
(5)
Is
not in compliance with safety regulations;
(6)
Has
failed to register the serial numbers of the tester’s test kits
or has failed to calibrate gauges annually;
(7)
Has
violated any other provision of this article; or
(8)
Upon
the discretion of the Managing Director upon notice that inappropriate
testing activities have taken place.
(Ordinance 6393, sec. 1, adopted 4/20/10; Ordinance
7396 adopted 1/17/2023)
