The cost of complying with these regulations shall be the responsibility
of the property owners and their lessees. These costs include but
are not limited to purchasing, installation, testing and repair of
the assembly. These costs shall also include point of use and premise
isolation assemblies. Any cost incurred by the city to enforce this
article is the responsibility of the property owners and their lessees.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
It is the responsibility of all property owners and lessees to abide
by the conditions of this article. If changes are made to a premises’
plumbing system, the property owner shall notify the director.
(b)
The owner of leased premises is responsible for the installation,
testing and repair of all backflow assemblies on the premises. When
the lessee changes, the owner shall immediately notify the city.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
A certified cross connection inspector employed by or under contract
with the city shall determine the type and location of backflow assembly
to be installed within the city’s water service area.
(b)
At a minimum, a backflow prevention assembly will be required in
each of the following circumstances:
(1)
When the nature and extent of any activity at a premises, or the
materials used in connection with any activity at a premises, or materials
stored at a premises, could contaminate or pollute the potable water
supply.
(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 reestablished.
(6)
When entry to a premises is unduly restricted so that inspections
for cross connections cannot be made with sufficient 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
deemed by an inspector to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of
these regulations.
(9)
When an appropriate cross connection survey report form has not been
filed with the director.
(10)
When a fire sprinkler system using nonpotable piping material is
connected to the city’s water system.
(11)
In all new nonresidential construction there shall be installed an
approved backflow assembly at the service connection. The type of
the assembly will be commensurate with the degree of hazard as determined
by an inspector.
(12)
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.
(13)
If a premises is required to have backflow prevention assemblies,
but water cannot be turned off during the testing of such assemblies,
the premises shall be equipped with dual backflow prevention assemblies
of the same type so that testing, repair and maintenance can be performed.
(14)
Any used water return system that has received approval from the
director.
(15)
If a point of use assembly has not been tested or repaired as required
by this article, a premise isolation assembly shall be required.
(16)
If an inspector determines that additions or rearrangements have
been made to the plumbing system without the proper permits as required
by the plumbing code, premise isolation shall be required.
(17)
All multistory buildings or any building with a booster pump or elevated
storage tank.
(18)
Retrofitting shall be required on all high hazard connections and
wherever else the director deems retrofitting necessary.
(c)
Any premises requiring multiple service connections for adequacy
of supply and/or fire protection shall have a backflow assembly on
each service connection. The assembly shall be commensurate with the
degree of potential hazard that could occur in the event of an interconnect
between any of the buildings on the premises.
(d)
A person commits an offense if the person owns or is in control of
any premises and knowingly fails to install and maintain backflow
prevention assemblies on said premises as required by this section.
(e)
A person commits an offense if the person owns, operates or manages
any premises and backflow from the premises enters the public water
supply system.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
If the director determines that residential premises have a
cross connection, said premises shall be equipped with an approved
backflow, prevention assembly installed in accordance with this article.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
As a condition of water service, customers shall install, maintain,
and operate their piping and plumbing systems in accordance with the
plumbing code. If there is a conflict between this article and the
plumbing code, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with
the following requirements to ensure their proper operation and accessibility:
(1)
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with
the plumbing code and this article. The assembly installer shall obtain
the required plumbing permits prior to installation and shall have
the assembly inspected by a certified cross connection inspector and
as required by the plumbing code.
(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)
Assemblies shall be installed at the point of delivery of the water
supply, before any branch in the line, and on private property located
just inside the boundary of the city’s right-of-way. An inspector
may specify other areas for installation of the assembly.
(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 director.
(6)
All vertical installations shall be approved in writing by the director
prior to installation.
(7)
The assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for maintenance
and testing. Assemblies two inches and smaller shall have at least
a six-inch clearance on all sides of the assembly. All assemblies
larger than two inches shall have a minimum clearance of 12 inches
on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock side, 12 inches below
the assembly and 36 inches above the assembly. “Y” pattern
double check valve assemblies shall be installed so that the checks
are horizontal and the test cocks face upward.
(8)
If the director grants written permission to install the backflow
assembly inside of a building, the assembly shall be readily accessible
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(9)
If an assembly is installed pursuant to subsection (a)(8), and is four inches or larger and is installed five feet or higher above the floor, it shall be equipped with a rigidly and permanently installed scaffolding acceptable to the director. This installation shall also meet all applicable requirements set out by the U. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state occupational safety and health laws.
(10)
RP assemblies may be installed in a vault only if relief valve discharge
can be drained to daylight 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.
(11)
An approved air gap shall be located at the relief valve orifice
of RIP assemblies. This air gap shall be at least twice the inside
diameter of the incoming supply line as measured vertically above
the top rim of the drain and in no case less than one inch.
(12)
Upon completion of installation, the property owner shall notify
the director to inspect the assemblies. The property owner shall register
all backflow assemblies with the director. Registration shall consist
of date of installation, manufacturer, model, serial number of the
backflow prevention assembly, and initial test report.
(b)
A person commits an offense if the person installs a backflow prevention
assembly in violation of this section.
(c)
A person commits an offense if the person fails to notify the director
to inspect a backflow prevention assembly after its installation as
required by this section.
(d)
A person commits an offense if the person fails to register a backflow
prevention assembly as required by this section.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
The property owner will cause the inspection and testing of all assemblies
in each of the following circumstances:
(1)
Immediately after installation.
(2)
Whenever the assembly is moved.
(3)
A minimum of once a year for all double check assemblies and pressure
vacuum breakers.
(4)
Any premise that has RP assemblies as point of use protection without
high hazard premise isolation protection must be tested every six
months.
(5)
Any premise that has an RIP assembly as premise isolation without
high hazard point of use protection must be tested every six months.
(6)
Immediately after repair.
(b)
Assemblies may be required to be tested more frequently if the director
deems necessary.
(c)
All assembly testing shall be performed by a certified and registered
backflow prevention assembly tester, in accordance with city-approved
test procedures.
(d)
It is the responsibility of the property owner and the person in
control of the premises to have all assemblies tested in accordance
with this article.
(e)
A person commits an offense if the person owns or is in control of
any premises and knowingly fails or refuses to have the backflow prevention
assemblies installed on said premises inspected or tested as required
by this section.
(f)
The city shall not be liable for damage to an assembly that occurs
during testing, when such damage results from metal fatigue or deteriorated
metal, or when such damage occurs under standard testing procedures.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
A person who owns, operates, or manages premises in which required
backflow prevention assemblies are installed shall maintain such assemblies
in proper working order at all times, including repair as required.
All maintenance and repair of assemblies shall be done in accordance
with all applicable regulations of the commission and this article.
(b)
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be maintained in a manner that
allows them to be tested by a method that has been approved by the
director.
(c)
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly fails to maintain
backflow prevention assemblies in compliance with this article.
(d)
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly fails to comply
with a repair order issued by the director.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
It is the responsibility of the property owner to eliminate
the possibility of thermal expansion, if a closed system has been
created by the installation of a backflow assembly.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
Any water pressure drop caused by the installation of a backflow
assembly shall not be the responsibility of the city. The department
may give reasonable assistance to a property owner regarding information
on adequate sizing of assemblies and proper plumbing practices to
provide for required pressure and flows for fire protection.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
A person who owns or operates any vehicle that uses water from the
city’s public water system shall obtain a use permit from the
director before accessing the public water system. The director may
require a fixed air gap or backflow assembly mounted either on the
vehicle or piping.
(b)
The failure of the owner or operator of the vehicle to comply with
this article shall be grounds for the city to revoke any permit or
license required under the city code to operate the vehicle or the
business for which such vehicle is used.
(c)
The director may deny a use permit to any person who is not in compliance
with this article or who has a history of violating the requirements
of this section.
(d)
A person commits an offense if the person operates or causes to be
operated a vehicle in violation of this section.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
No person shall install or maintain a backflow prevention assembly
upon or within any city right-of-way except as provided by this section.
(b)
No encroachment agreement as required by the “buildings”
chapter of the city code will be necessary, but all other permits
required by the city code to perform work in the right-of-way shall
be obtained.
(c)
A backflow prevention assembly required by this article 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, enclosure, and other requisites of the assembly prior
to its installation.
(d)
Any assembly or portion of an assembly which extends above ground
shall be located no closer than 18 inches to the face of the curb.
(e)
A property owner shall, at the request of the city and at the owner’s
sole 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, or for purposes of public safety.
(f)
A person commits an offense if the person installs or maintains a
backflow prevention assembly in violation of this section.
(g)
A person commits an offense if the person fails to relocate a backflow
prevention assembly located in or upon any city right-of-way after
receiving a written order from the city to do so.
(h)
A backflow prevention assembly installed or maintained in city right-of-way
in violation of this section or an order issued pursuant to this section
is hereby declared to be an offense.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
All backflow assembly testers operating within the city shall be
certified in accordance with all applicable regulations of the commission
and this article. No person shall operate as a backflow prevention
assembly tester within the city without first being annually certified
by the director.
(b)
At the time of certification, recertification, and upon the director’s
request, each person certified as a backflow prevention assembly tester
shall furnish evidence to show that he is insured and bonded to perform
services on private property, and has current all licenses required
by the state and the city to perform the contemplated services.
(c)
Persons certified as backflow prevention assembly testers shall meet
the following requirements:
(1)
High school diploma, or equivalent.
(2)
Attend a TCEQ approved backflow assembly tester certification training
course.
(3)
Successfully pass a TCEQ approved written examination.
(4)
Submit a completed application form for “The City of Willow
Park Certified Backflow Assembly Tester” to the director.
(5)
Receive confined space entry training certification.
(6)
Maintain general commercial liability insurance and automobile liability
insurance with the following minimum limits: $250,000.00 per person
and $500,000.00 per accident for bodily injury and $100,000.00 per
accident for property damage, or $500,000.00 if combined.
(d)
A person commits an offense if the person knowingly operates as a
backflow prevention assembly tester within the city without a valid
certification issued by the director.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
No certified backflow assembly tester shall operate within the city
without first registering with the director. The director shall determine
whether an applicant is eligible for registration.
(b)
A registration shall remain in effect provided:
(1)
The tester maintains eligibility for registration and certification;
(2)
The tester tests a minimum of 5 assemblies a year in the city;
(3)
The tester annually attends and successfully completes a recertification
training course approved by the director; and
(4)
Registration is not revoked by the director.
(c)
Upon recertifying, a tester shall renew his/her registration with
the director. If a certification remains expired for a period of one
year, the tester shall reestablish registration eligibility.
(d)
Each applicant for registration shall:
(1)
Provide evidence to the director to establish that the applicant
has available the necessary tools and equipment to properly test backflow
prevention assemblies;
(2)
Provide evidence to the director that the applicant has successfully
completed “permit confined-space entry training” as specified
by Federal Occupational Safety and Health Agency’s 29 CFR 1910.146;
and
(3)
Identify all test gauges the applicant will use in testing backflow
prevention assemblies.
(e)
A registered backflow prevention assembly tester shall:
(1)
File the serial number of each of his test kits with the director;
(2)
Annually have each recorded test kit tested for accuracy and calibrated
to maintain a 2% accuracy factor;
(3)
Perform competent and accurate certifications of each backflow prevention
assembly tested and submit complete reports thereof to the director;
(4)
List registered serial numbers of test gauges on tests and maintenance
reports prior to submitting them to the director; and
(5)
Shall not change the design or operation characteristics of a backflow
prevention assembly.
(f)
The director may revoke a registration if the 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)
Has expired insurance;
(5)
Is not in compliance with safety regulations;
(6)
Has failed to register the serial numbers of his test kits or failed to calibrate gauges annually as required by subsection (e); or
(7)
Has violated any other provision of this section.
(g)
A person commits an offense if the person operates as a backflow
prevention assembly tester within the city without a valid registration
issued by the director.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
RPs may be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that
would be hazardous to the public health if introduced into the potable
water system. An RP is normally used in locations where an air gap
is impractical. An RP is effective against both backsiphonage and
backpressure.
(b)
RPs shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard.
Consult manufacturer’s specifications for specific performance
data.
(c)
Premises where interruption of water supply is critical shall be
provided with two assemblies installed in parallel. They 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.
(d)
Bypass lines are prohibited. Pipefittings which could be used for
connecting a bypass line shall not be installed.
(e)
(1)
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; this assembly will not control flow in a continuous
relief situation. Drain lines to accommodate full relief valve discharge
flow should be considered.
(2)
RPs are typically installed above grade in well drained areas, but
may be installed below grade if an adequate drain to daylight is provided.
(3)
Enclosures shall be designed for ready access and sized to allow
for the minimum clearances established below. Removable protective
enclosures are typically installed on the smaller assemblies. Daylight
drain ports shall be provided to accommodate full pressure discharge
from the assembly.
(4)
All assemblies larger than two inches shall have a minimum of 12
inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock side, and the
relief valve opening shall be at least 12 inches plus nominal size
of assembly above the floor or highest possible water level. Headroom
of six feet is required in vaults without a fully removable top. A
minimum access opening of 24 inches square is required on all vault
lids.
(5)
Assemblies installed more than five feet above floor level must have
a suitable platform for use by testing or maintenance personnel.
(f)
The assembly must be protected from freezing and other severe weather
conditions.
(g)
Vertical installation is prohibited.
(h)
Lines shall be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer
with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(i)
The property owner assumes all responsibility for leaks and damage.
The owner shall also see that the vault is kept reasonably free of
silt and debris.
(j)
All RIP assemblies shall be tested in accordance with this article.
Any premises that have RIP assemblies that are point of use protection
without high hazard premise isolation protection shall be tested every
six months. Any premises that have an RP assembly as premise isolation
without high hazard point of use protection assembly shall be tested
every six months. Tests are the responsibility of the assembly owner.
The owner shall notify the director upon installation of any backflow
prevention assembly.
(k)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. Any deviations shall be prohibited without prior written approval
of the director.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
Double check valve assemblies may be utilized at premises where a
substance is handled that would be objectionable but not hazardous
to health if introduced into the potable water system.
(b)
DCs shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure
for the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard.
Consult manufacturer’s specifications for specific performance
data.
(c)
Premises where interruption of water supply is critical shall be
provided with two assemblies installed in parallel. They 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.
(d)
Bypass lines are prohibited. Pipefittings which could be used for
connecting a bypass line shall not be installed.
(e)
(1)
The assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for testing
and maintenance. DCs may be installed below grade, providing all test
cocks are fitted with brass pipe plugs. All vaults shall be well drained,
constructed of suitable materials, and sized to allow for the minimum
clearances established below.
(2)
Assemblies two 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 24 inches
below grade. All assemblies larger than two inches shall have a minimum
clearance of 12 inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock
side, and 12 inches below the assembly. Headroom of six feet is required
in vaults without a fully removable top. A minimum access opening
of 24 inches square is required on all vault lids.
(3)
Assemblies installed more than five feet above floor level shall
have a suitable platform for use by testing or maintenance personnel.
(g)
The assembly shall be protected from freezing and other severe weather
conditions.
(h)
Lines shall be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer
with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(i)
The property owner assumes all responsibility for foundation or basement
wall penetration, leaks, and damage. The owner shall also see that
the vault is kept reasonably free of silt and debris.
(j)
All DCs shall be tested in accordance with this article. Tests are
the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner shall notify the
director upon installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
(k)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. No deviations shall be permitted without prior written approval
of the director.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
Double detector check valve assemblies may be utilized in all
installations requiring a double check valve assembly and detector
metering. DDCs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable
for double check valve assemblies (DCs).
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
PVBs may be utilized at point of use protection only and where a
substance is handled that would be objectionable but not hazardous
to health if introduced into the potable water system. PVBs protect
against backsiphonage only and shall not be installed where there
is potential for backpressure.
(b)
The assembly shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches above the
highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
(c)
PVBs shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where
damage would occur from water discharge.
(d)
The assembly shall be protected from freezing.
(e)
The assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance,
with a minimum clearance of 12 inches all around the assembly.
(f)
PVBs shall be located between 12 inches and 60 inches above ground
level.
(g)
A strainer with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
(h)
All PVBs must be tested in compliance with this article. Tests are
the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner shall notify the
director upon installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
(i)
Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis. No deviations shall be permitted without prior written approval
of the director.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
AVBs 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.
(b)
The assembly shall be installed a minimum of six inches above the
highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
(c)
Shutoff valves downstream from the assembly are prohibited.
(d)
AVBs shall be allowed only for those applications where there is
less than 12 hours per day continuous use.
(e)
AVBs shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where
damage may occur from water discharge.
(f)
AVBs shall be allowed for point of use protection only in accordance
with the plumbing code. AVBs are not recognized as adequate protection
by the director, so additional protection may be required.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
(a)
Air gap separations provide maximum protection from backflow hazards
and may be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that
would be hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water
system.
(b)
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; 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 shall not be allowed.
(c)
Air gap separations shall not be altered in any way without prior
approval from the director, and shall be available for inspection
at all reasonable times.
(d)
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.
(e)
In cases where there are three or more side walls, ribs or similar obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane of the spout opening other than as specified in subsection (d) above, the air gap shall be measured from the top of the wall.
(f)
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-sectional areas of
the individual supply lines or the area of the single outlet, whichever
is smaller.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
An approved double check valve assembly shall be the minimum
protection for fire sprinkler systems using piping material that is
not approved for potable water use and/or that does not provide for
periodic flow-through during each twenty-four-hour period, unless
a variance has been issued in writing from the director. An RIP assembly
shall be installed if any solution other than the potable water can
be introduced into the sprinkler system.
(Ordinance 788-19 adopted 1/22/19)
