A. 
Cross-connections must be suitably protected to prevent the occurrence of water supply contaminations. The DPW operates a cross-connection control program to promote the elimination or control of cross-connections between customers' plumbing and the public water supply of the City. The DPW cross-connection control program fulfills the responsibilities of the DEP's cross-connection regulations, 310 CMR 22.22, and is conducted in compliance with DEP regulations.
B. 
The DPW has the authority to terminate any water service connection to any building where cross-connections exist without the required backflow prevention devices that are required by the reviewing authority. If the DPW determines at any time that a serious threat to the public health exists due to a cross-connection, the water service will be terminated immediately.
All commercial, industrial, and institutional premises shall have a reduced pressure backflow preventer installed immediately downstream of the water meter. Water users are required to notify the DPW of any existing cross-connections that the owner is aware of.
The backflow of nonpotable water, other fluids, gases or foreign materials into the City's water distribution system or plumbing systems of properties served by the public water system is prohibited. Public and private water mains, plumbing systems and fire protection/suppressions systems supplied by the City's water distribution system shall be protected against cross-connection and backflow from any plumbing fixture or other equipment or appliance capable of affecting the quality of the water supply. The City shall approve the installation of backflow prevention devices utilized to protect a cross-connection.
A. 
The location and type of each approved backflow prevention device with respect to the customer's plumbing and the service connection to the premises shall be based on the degree of existing or potentially existing health hazard.
B. 
Types of backflow prevention devices can include:
(1) 
Double-check valve assemblies;
(2) 
Reduced pressure backflow preventer;
(3) 
Backflow preventer with intermediate atmospheric vent;
(4) 
Pressure vacuum breaker;
(5) 
Atmospheric vacuum breaker;
(6) 
Barometric loop; and
(7) 
Air gap.
A. 
No person shall maintain a cross-connection without an approved backflow prevention device. Backflow prevention devices shall comply with the provisions of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) Drinking Water Regulations, 310 CMR 22.22, Cross Connections Distribution System Protection.
B. 
No person shall construct or install any air gap separation with tank and pump arrangement, reduced pressure backflow preventer, or double-check valve assembly required for control of a cross-connection unless approval of installation of such device is obtained from the DPW. A device data sheet shall be submitted to DPW with the application for approval. Prior to the installation of such a device, a permit must be obtained from the Plumbing Inspector. Additionally, the owner shall apply annually to the DEP for a permit for each reduced pressure backflow preventer and double-check valve assembly installed on the premises. The City shall perform the initial inspection and test of the backflow prevention devices.
C. 
The owner, at its expense, shall install backflow prevention devices. If continuous water service is necessary, two approved backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a parallel installation, so that water service will not be interrupted during testing and maintenance operations. The owner shall not install a bypass around any backflow prevention device. Installation of backflow prevention devices shall be performed by licensed plumbers. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a horizontal position, three feet to four feet above the floor, 12 inches from any wall, tightly closing shutoff valves on either end, protected from freezing, flooding, mechanical damage, and vandalism and shall be easily accessible for testing, inspection and maintenance purposes. A repair kit shall be provided with the backflow preventer and located and stored within 20 feet of the installed backflow preventer. The City under certain circumstances shall allow vertical installation of a backflow prevention device. Installation of a backflow prevention device below grade in a pit or chamber is prohibited.
The owner shall inform the DPW in advance of any proposed modifications to cross-connections. Removal of an approved backflow prevention device is prohibited without prior notification to the City by the property owner and subsequent approval by the City.
A. 
The City shall conduct annual and/or semiannual tests and inspections, as applicable, of all approved backflow prevention devices at the owner's expense, to insure proper operating condition. Any approved backflow prevention device failing a City test and inspection shall be repaired by a licensed plumber or licensed sprinkler fitter and shall be subsequently retested and reinspected within 14 days of failure at the owner's expense to insure proper operating condition. Failure, refusal, or inability on the part of the owner to install and maintain the required device(s) shall constitute grounds for termination of water service to the premises.
B. 
The City shall not be responsible for any damage resulting from the shutoff of water or the subsequent resumption of water in conducting required tests and inspections of approved backflow prevention device installations.
The owner shall be liable to the City, and shall reimburse the City, for all penalties, fines and monetary judgments levied against or imposed upon the City as a result of the owner's violation of any provision of this article.