The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning. If a word or term
used in this division is not contained in the following list, its
definition, or other technical terms used, shall have the meaning
or definitions listed in the most recent adopted edition of the International
Plumbing Code, as amended.
means a physical separation between the free-flowing discharge
end of a potable water supply piping and/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.
means a device used to prevent back-siphonage. This device
cannot be tested but can be field inspected to verify proper operation.
This device cannot prevent back-pressure backflow.
means any water source or system other than the public water
system that may be available in the building or on the property, including
groundwaters or surface waters used for industrial, irrigation or
any other purpose.
means the flow in the direction opposite to the normal flow
or the introduction of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into
the water system.
means an assembly to counteract back pressure or prevent
back-siphonage.
means 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.
means the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures 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.
means providing adequate drainage for backflow prevention
assemblies installed in vaults through the use of an unobstructed
drain pipe.
mean 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.
means the admission of contaminants into the potable water
supply system.
means 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 non-potable,
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.
means 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 non-potable, used, unclean, polluted and/or
contaminated water, or other substances, from entering into any part
of such potable water system under any condition or set of conditions.
means an inspection designed to inspect and detect any actual
or potential cross-connection hazards and/or exceedance of the lead
action level in solder or flux, pipe or pipe fittings.
means the low or high hazard classification that shall be
attached to all actual or potential cross connections.
High hazard
means the classification assigned to an actual or potential
cross connection that potentially can allow a substance to backflow
into the potable water supply that may cause illness or death.
Low hazard
means the classification assigned to an actual or potential
cross connection that potentially could allow a substance that may
be objectionable but not hazardous to a human's health to backflow
into the potable water supply.
Health hazard
means 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.
Plumbing hazard
means an internal or plumbing-type cross connection in a
consumer's potable water system that may be either a pollution or
a contamination hazard.
Pollution hazard
means 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. The maximum degree of intensity of the pollution
to which the potable water system could be degraded under this definition
would cause a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could
cause minor damage to the system or its appurtenances.
System hazard
means 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.
means 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.
means 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.
means a tester who is employed by a state-approved fire line
contractor and is qualified to test backflow prevention assemblies
on fire lines.
means a tester who is qualified to test backflow prevention
assemblies on any domestic, commercial, industrial or irrigation service
except fire lines.
means an actual or potential threat of contamination of a
physical or toxic nature to the public potable water system or the
customer's potable water system that would be a danger to health.
means 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 supply.
means 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.
means the latest edition as published by the University of
Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic
Research (abbreviated as USC FCCCHR).
means 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.
means water used by any person other than a residential customer
of the water supply and includes all uses not specifically included
in residential use as defined herein.
means the appropriate backflow prevention within the customer's
water system at the point at which the actual or potential cross-connection
exists.
means an actual or potential threat to the physical properties
of the water system or the potability of the public or the customer's
potable water system, but which would not constitute a health or system
hazard, as defined. The maximum degree of intensity of pollution to
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.
means any water supply intended or used for human consumption
or other domestic use.
means the appropriate backflow prevention at the service
connection between the public water system and the water user.
means an assembly which provides protection against back-siphonage,
but does not provide adequate protection against back-pressure backflow.
The assembly is a combination of a single check valve with an AVB
and can be used with downstream resilient-seated shutoff valves. In
addition, the assembly has suction and discharge gate valves and resilient-seated
test cocks which allows the full testing of the assembly.
means 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.
means 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.
means 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.
means a person designated by the city to perform cross-connection
control duties that shall include, but are not limited to, cross-connection
inspections and water use surveys.
means water used by any residential customer of the water
supply and includes single-family dwellings, duplexes, multiplexes,
housing and apartments where the individual residential units are
each on a separate meter or in cases where two or more units are served
by one meter, the residential units are full-time dwellings.
means the point of delivery where the water purveyor loses
control of the water.
means 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.
means an actual or potential threat of severe danger to the
physical properties of the public or customer'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.
means a person that is a certified backflow prevention assembly
technician approved by and registered with the city and the TCEQ.
means heated water that does not have the space to expand.
means water supplied by a public water system to a water
user's system after it has passed through the service connection.
means a survey conducted or caused to be conducted by the
city designed to identify possible sources of pollution and/or contamination
to the potable water supply.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
The city is entitled to pursue all criminal and civil remedies
available for violations of this division.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
A person commits an offense if:
(1)
The
person fails to maintain backflow prevention assemblies in compliance
with this division.
(2)
The
person fails to comply with a repair order issued by the city.
(3)
Backflow
from premises owned, operated or managed by the person enters the
public water supply system.
(4)
The
person fails to pay any fees required by this division.
(5)
The
person violates any part of this division.
(6)
The
person reinstates water service to a premises discontinued or disconnected
under this division, except as directed by the city.
(7)
The
person allows an unregistered tester to perform testing work at the
person's establishment.
(8)
The
person tests a backflow prevention assembly within the city without
being registered with the city.
(9)
The
person tests a backflow prevention assembly within the city without
being certified by the TCEQ.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
(a)
Property
owner.
It is the responsibility of all property owners
and/or persons in charge of any premises to comply with the following:
(1)
Payment of all costs associated with this division and the purchase,
installation, testing and repair of backflow prevention assemblies.
(2)
To install and maintain all backflow prevention assemblies in accordance
with this division and acceptable industry practice.
(3)
All commercial customers shall cause to have all backflow prevention
assemblies on their premises tested annually. Such testing must be
conducted by a certified tester who is registered with the city.
(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 city.
(6)
All records related to backflow prevention assembly installation,
testing, and repair shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum
of three years.
(b)
Certified
backflow prevention assembly testers.
Certified backflow
prevention assembly testers shall comply with the following requirements:
(1)
Annually register with the city and pay the required fee.
(2)
Maintain testing equipment in proper working condition/calibration.
(3)
Maintain the design or operation characteristics of an assembly.
(4)
Ensure that devices are tested according to accepted industry practice
and TCEQ rules and regulations.
(5)
Enter required testing data, including test gauge serial numbers,
on backflow prevention device test forms that have been approved by
the city.
(6)
Report test results to the city within 30 days of testing.
(7)
Provide a copy of the completed test report to the property owners
and/or persons in charge of any premises.
(8)
Maintain testing and/or repair records for a minimum of three years.
(c)
Other
provisions.
The city shall ensure the inspection and
testing of all backflow prevention assemblies installed pursuant to
the requirements of this division. 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.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
(1)
Backflow
prevention assembly registration fee.
There is established
here a nonrefundable registration fee for each nonresidential backflow
prevention assembly device.
(2)
Certified
backflow prevention device tester registration fee.
There
is established here an annual registration fee for approved testers,
which shall be a nonrefundable fee.
(3)
Testing
form booklet fee.
There is established here a fee for
a testing form booklet of 30 test forms. Other forms may be used with
prior approval from the city.
(4)
Deposit
fee for fire hydrant water meter with backflow prevention device.
There is established here a refundable deposit fee for fire
hydrant meters with backflow prevention devices. This fee shall be
refunded when the meter/device is returned in good working order.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
Every source of contamination or possible contamination from
any contaminant which originates from or is located at a residential
or commercial customer, that is connected to any public water supply
or that provides water to the public, shall be equipped with the protection
required under the provisions of this division.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
All lawn irrigation system installations shall obtain a permit
issued by the city for such installations. Installation requirements
must comply with the International Plumbing Code as amended and guidelines
for the appropriate device found in this division. Interconnections
of the potable water supply with an alternate water source are prohibited
unless appropriate backflow protection is installed.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
No person shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly
upon or within any city right-of-way except as provided in this division.
(1)
A backflow
prevention assembly required by the city may be installed upon or
within any city right-of-way only if the owner proves to the city
that there is no other feasible location for installing the assembly,
and installing it in the right-of-way will not interfere with traffic
or utilities. The city retains the right to approve the location,
height, depth of enclosure, and other requisites of the assembly prior
to its installation.
(2)
All
permits and inspections required by this Code to perform work in the
right-of-way shall be obtained.
(3)
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 18 inches to the face of the curb.
(4)
The
city shall not be liable for any damage done to or caused by an assembly
installed in a right-of-way.
(5)
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 safety.
(6)
A person
commits an offense if, after receiving a written order from the city,
the person fails to relocate a backflow prevention assembly located
in or upon any city right-of-way.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
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 interconnect between any of the water systems on
the premises.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
(a)
The
backflow prevention assembly protection which is required under this
division shall be any of the USC FCCCHR recognized and approved backflow
prevention assemblies, or as approved by the city. The city, prior
to installation, must have approved each backflow prevention 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 city. The city 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 any one or more cross-connections and the cross-connection
is protected by an atmospheric vacuum breaker device (AVB).
(3)
Internal cross-connections are present that are not correctable.
(4)
Intricate plumbing arrangements are present which make it impractical
to ascertain whether cross-connections exist.
(5)
There is unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross-connections
cannot be made with sufficient frequency to ensure that cross-connections
do not exist.
(6)
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.
(7)
An appropriate cross-connection survey report form has not been filed
upon request of the city.
(8)
A fire suppression system that is connected to the city's water system.
(9)
All new construction if deemed necessary in the customer service
inspection. The type of assembly required will be determined by the
degree of hazard.
(10)
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.
(11)
Any used water return system.
(12)
In the event a point-of-use assembly has not had the testing or repair
done as required by this division, a premises isolation assembly will
be required.
(13)
If it is determined that additions or alterations have been made
to the plumbing system without obtaining proper permits, premises
isolation may be required.
(14)
All multistory buildings or any building with a booster pump or elevated
storage tank.
(15)
Retrofitting will be required on all high hazard connections and
wherever else the city deems necessary to meet the intent of this
division.
(b)
All
backflow prevention assemblies installed after the effective date
of the ordinance from which this division is derived shall be installed
in a manner designed to facilitate ease of inspection and testing
by the city or its chosen representative. Any currently 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.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
(a)
The
city shall require all backflow prevention devices and assemblies
to be both field inspected and tested in each of the following circumstances:
(1)
Immediately after installation.
(2)
Whenever the device or assembly is moved.
(3)
A minimum of once a year for all commercial applications other than
lawn irrigation systems.
(4)
For premises that have been vacated and unoccupied for one year,
prior to re-occupancy.
(5)
Immediately after repairs.
(6)
Once every five years for residential and commercial lawn irrigation
systems.
The AVB shall be excepted from the requirement in this subsection
that such device be both field inspected and tested. The city shall
require that the AVB be field inspected in each of the circumstances
listed in this subsection.
(b)
All
assembly testing shall be performed by a state-certified backflow
prevention assembly tester, approved by the city.
(c)
Duly
authorized employees of the city bearing proper credentials and identification
are entitled to enter any public or private property at any reasonable
time for the purpose of enforcing this division. Persons and occupants
of premises 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 premises for the purposes
of inspection, testing, records examination, or in the performance
of any of its duties. Where persons or occupants of premises have
security measures in force which would require proper identification
and clearance before entry into their premises, the persons and occupants
of the premises shall make necessary arrangements with their security
guards 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.
(d)
The
city is not liable for damage to a backflow prevention assembly which
may occur during testing.
(e)
The
city may cause a water use survey to 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 by the city that
the establishment falls under the provisions of this division and
requires a backflow prevention assembly, the city shall issue a notice
to abate the condition or order the establishment to install the proper
backflow prevention assembly.
(f)
It
is the responsibility of any person who owns or controls property
to have all assemblies tested annually in accordance with this section.
Assemblies may be required to be tested more frequently if the city
deems necessary.
(g)
All
results from assembly testing by a certified backflow prevention assembly
tester shall be placed on a form that has been approved by the city.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
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.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
Any reduction in water pressure caused by the installation of
a backflow assembly is not the responsibility of the city.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
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
or have an approved backflow prevention assembly installed in accordance
with this division.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
Any person who owns or controls property is responsible for
the installation, testing and repair of all backflow assemblies on
their property.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
(a)
All
water distribution infrastructure must be constructed, installed and
tested in accordance with TCEQ Rules and Regulations for Public Water
Systems, as amended.
(b)
Permanent
water service shall not be supplied to any newly constructed infrastructure
until after the city has received the results of the bacteriological
test and the results show that no bacteria is present.
(c)
Permanent
water service shall not be supplied to any newly constructed infrastructure
until an inspection is completed by the city to ensure that all state
regulations and local codes have been met.
(d)
Temporary
water services which pose a potential cross-connection threat to the
potable water supply shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention
assembly.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
(a)
Pursuant
to TCEQ Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems, a customer
service inspection for cross-connection control shall be completed
by the city prior to providing continuous water service in each of
the following circumstances:
(b)
Permanent
water service shall not be supplied to a newly constructed facility
until after the customer service inspection is completed by the city.
(c)
Temporary
water service which poses a potential cross-connection threat to the
potable water supply shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention
assembly.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
To ensure proper operation and accessibility of all backflow
prevention assemblies, the most current guidelines contained in the
Manual of Cross-Connection Control, which is adopted hereto by reference
and incorporated herewith, shall apply to the installation of these
assemblies. Additionally, the following shall also be required:
(1)
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.
(2)
The
property owner assumes all responsibility for any damage resulting
from installation, operation, 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.
(3)
Upon
completion of installation, the city shall be notified and all assemblies
must be inspected and tested. All assemblies must be registered with
the city and shall provide the date of installation, manufacturer,
model, type, size, serial number of the backflow assembly, physical
location and initial test report.
(4)
Assemblies
must be sized and flow characteristics must be sufficient to provide
an adequate supply of water and pressure for the premises being served.
(5)
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 RP assemblies.
(6)
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 ends.
(7)
Reduced
pressure principal detector backflow prevention assemblies (RPDA)
may be utilized in all installations requiring a reduced pressure
principal backflow prevention assembly and detector metering.
(9)
Double
check detector backflow prevention assemblies (DCDA) may be utilized
in all installations requiring a double check valve assembly and detector
metering.
(10)
Pressure
vacuum breaker backflow prevention assemblies (PVB) may be utilized
as point-of-use protection against back-siphonage only and shall not
be installed where there is potential for back-pressure. PVBs shall
not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where damage would
occur from water discharge.
(11)
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.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
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.
(a)
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 inch. If splashing is a problem, tubular
screens may be attached or the supply line may be cut at a 45-degree
angle. The air gap distance is measured from the bottom of the angle.
Hoses are not allowed.
(b)
Air
gap separations shall not be altered in any way without prior approval
from the city and must be available for inspection at all reasonable
times.
(c)
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 times the diameter of the effective opening for a single, or
a distance greater than four times the effective opening for two intersecting
walls.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
(a)
All
new installations of fire suppression systems which utilize the city's
potable water supply shall have installed approved backflow prevention
devices according to the degree of hazard.
(b)
An
approved double check detector backflow prevention assembly (DCDA)
or reduced pressure detector assembly (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 24-hour period, unless a variance
has been issued in writing from the city. An RPDA must be installed
if any solution other than 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 division. In the
event of any changes to the fire suppression system, it is the responsibility
of the property owners to notify the city. All costs associated with
the purchase, installation, testing and repair of DCDA or RPDA devices
are the responsibility of the property owner and persons in change
of any premises.
(2)
Upon the approved installation of the DCDA or RPDA device, a device
test report completed by a licensed fire line tester must be sent
to the city and include the information required by this division.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
An approved double check device backflow prevention assembly
(DCD) or reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA) 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. An RPDA
must be installed if any solution other than potable water can be
introduced into the system.
(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 division. All
fire hydrant water meters shall meet the current requirements as provided
for by Richland Hills Utilities.
(2)
Only
city fire hydrant water meters with approved backflow prevention assemblies
are allowed to be used within the potable water system.
(3)
A refundable
deposit is required to ensure the return of all water meter and backflow
assemblies to the city. Failure to return or any misuse of the assemblies
can result in the forfeiture of deposit and/or enforcement action
being taken against the responsible party.
(4)
All
non-approved fire hydrant meters which are found to be in use in the
city will be confiscated and enforcement action taken against the
responsible party.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
The connection of a mobile unit to any potable water system
is prohibited unless an 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 city before connecting to any potable water system.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
Only approved TCEQ licensed backflow prevention assembly testers
are permitted to conduct tests in the city. Testers must register
annually with the city, provide proof of TCEQ certification, and provide
proof that testing equipment is able to maintain a calibration of
plus or minus 0.2-psid accuracy and pay an annual, non-refundable,
tester registration fee.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
A certified tester's registration may be reviewed and revoked
by the city if the city determines that the tester:
(1)
Has
falsely, incompletely, or inaccurately reported assembly test reports;
(2)
Has
used inaccurate gauges;
(3)
Has
used improper testing procedures; or
(4)
Has
created a threat to public health or the environment.
[Ord. No. 1389-19, § 1, 4-22-2019]
