The purpose of this chapter is:
A.
To
protect the public water supply of the city by isolating the customer's
water system from the city water service, thus preventing contamination
or pollution from the customer's premises to the city water system;
B.
To
eliminate both potential and existing cross-connections between the
potable water system and nonpotable water systems within the customer's
premises;
C.
To
maintain the backflow prevention program by administering an inspection
and testing program of backflow prevention assemblies installed near
the meter.
(Prior code § 9-130; Ord. 4980 § 1, 1992; Ord. 5112 § 51, 1996)
A.
The
Glendale water and power department has a responsibility to protect
the public water system from contamination caused by the backflow
of contaminants through the water service connection. If in the judgment
of the department, where contamination is possible, an approved backflow
prevention assembly is required, the department shall give notice
to the customer to install the approved assembly or assemblies at
the service connection to the premises. The customer shall immediately
install the approved assembly or assemblies at the customer's own
expense. Failure, refusal or inability on the part of the customer
to install the approved assembly or assemblies shall constitute grounds
for disconnecting water service to the premises until the backflow
assembly or assemblies have been installed.
B.
These
regulations shall apply to all premises served water by the department.
C.
These
regulations are adopted pursuant to the state of California Administrative
Code Title 17, Public Health, entitled "Regulations Relating to Cross-Connections"
and all subsequent amendments. This title requires that each water
purveyor develop and implement a comprehensive backflow prevention
program for protecting the public water supply from contamination
or pollution.
(Prior code § 9-131; Ord. 4980 § 2, 1992; Ord. 5112 § 52, 1996; Ord. 5678 § 3, 2009)
The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed
to them, unless otherwise noted:
The words "air-gap separation," "cross-connection" and "recycled water" have been defined in Section 13.28.020.
means a device or a physical separation that has been designed
specifically for preventing the backflow of water or liquid from entering
the system and the device that has passed laboratory and field evaluation
tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated
their competency to perform such tests to the California Department
of Public Health.
means any water supply whose potability is regulated by the
state or local health agency.
means the assistant general manager—water of the department.
means any water supply on or available to the premises other
than the city water supply.
means an official standard developed and approved by the
American Water Works Association (AWWA).
means a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure,
that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or
substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water
from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source.
Back siphonage is one cause of backflow. Back pressure is the other
cause.
means a person, designated by and at the expense of the water
user, to maintain the backflow prevention assemblies and to prevent
cross-connections on the premises.
means the source facilities and distribution system under
the control of the public service department up to and including the
meter.
means an impairment of the quality of the potable water by
sewage, industrial fluids or waste liquids, compounds or other materials
to a degree which creates an actual or potential hazard to the public
health.
defined in Chapter 13.28, means and includes any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a potable water system used to supply for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome and potable. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or change-over devices and other temporary or permanent devices through which or because of which "backflow" can or may occur are considered to be cross-connections.
means and includes all facilities beyond the service meter.
The system or systems may include both potable and nonpotable water
systems.
when used in this chapter, means the water and power department
of the city.
means a backflow prevention device consisting of a line size
double check valve assembly in parallel with a detector meter and
meter size double check valve assembly. Each double check valve assembly
is to be equipped with properly located test cocks and a tightly closing
shutoff valve at the end of the assembly. Specific details of this
assembly are on file with the office of the assistant general manager.
means an assembly composed of at least two independently
acting check valves including tightly closing shutoff valves on each
side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing
the water-tightness of each check valve.
means a backflow prevention device consisting of two independently
operating spring-loaded check valves. In the event one valve is obstructed,
the second valve should close to prevent reverse flow. The device
should include tightly closing resilient seated shutoff valves at
each end of the assembly and be fitted with properly located resilient
seated test cocks.
"Degree of hazard" is a term derived from an evaluation of
the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the
hazard upon the potable water system.
"Health hazard"
means any condition, device, or practice in the water supply
system and its operation which could create, or in the judgment of
the division, county or state health official, may create a danger
to the health and well-being of the water customer.
"Plumbing hazard"
means a plumbing type cross-connection in a customer's potable
water system that has not been properly protected by an approved air-gap
or approved backflow prevention assembly.
"Pollutional hazard"
means an actual or potential threat to the physical properties
of the water system or to the potability of the public of the customer's
potable water system but which would constitute a nuisance or be aesthetically
objectionable or could cause damage to the system or its appurtenances,
but would not be dangerous to health.
"System hazard"
means an actual or potential threat of severe damage to the
physical properties of the public potable water system or the customer's
potable water system or of a pollution or contamination which would
have a protracted effect on the quality of the potable water in the
system.
means the California Department of Public Health.
means the county of Los Angeles Department of Public Health.
means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership,
municipality, public utility or other public body or institution.
means the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic
or biological) in water which tends to degrade its quality so as to
constitute a hazard or impair the usefulness or quality of the water
to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health
but which does adversely and unreasonably affect such waters for domestic
use.
means any and all areas on a customer's property which are served or have the potential to be served, as defined in Section 13.04.010.
means a system for the provision of piped water to the public
for human consumption by the city.
means a backflow prevention device consisting of a line size
reduced pressure principle device in parallel with a detector meter
and meter size reduced pressure principle device. Each reduced pressure
principle device is to be equipped with properly located test cocks
and a tightly closing shutoff valve at each end of the assembly. Specific
details of this assembly are on file with the office of the assistant
general manager.
means an assembly incorporating not less than two independently
acting approved check valves together with an automatically operated
differential relief valve located between the check valves. The unit
shall include properly located test cocks and tightly closing shutoff
valves at each end of the assembly.
means the point of connection of a user's piping to the water
supplier's facilities.
means the Glendale water and power department.
means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply
system.
(Prior code § 9-132; Ord. 4980 § 3,1992; Ord.
5112 § 53, 1996; Ord.
5678 § 4, 2009)
No water service connection shall be installed or maintained
to any premises where actual or potential cross-connections are known
to exist unless such cross-connections are abated or controlled to
the satisfaction of the assistant general manager.
(Prior code § 9-133; Ord. 4980 § 4, 1992; Ord. 5678 § 5, 2009)
A.
Existing
Facilities. The customer's premises shall be open at all reasonable
times to the department for the purpose of conducting surveys and
investigations of the water use practices to determine whether there
are actual or potential cross-connections within the customer's premises
through which contamination or pollution could backflow into the city
water system.
B.
New
Buildings and Facilities. The city building section and permit services
section, in cooperation with the water service section of the Glendale
water and power department, will review plans and other conditions
to determine if a backflow assembly is required or waived as water
service protection for new buildings and facilities. If the installation
of a backflow prevention assembly is required in the building or as
a meter protection, a plumbing permit shall be issued by the permit
services section to comply with the city plumbing code. Existing commercial
and industrial buildings and facilities will be reviewed for compliance
with city backflow prevention ordinance when changes in occupancy
occur or when required by the assistant general manager.
(Prior code § 9-134; Ord. 4980 § 5, 1992; Ord. 5112 § 54, 1996; Ord. 5678 § 6, 2009)
A.
The
type of protective device that may be required to prevent backflow
into the approved water supply (listing in an increasing level of
protection) includes: double check valve assembly (DC), reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention assembly (RP), and an air-gap separation
(AG). The customer may choose a higher level protection than required
by the division.
B.
The
minimum types of backflow protection that shall be installed on customer's
premises at the service connection whenever the following degrees
of hazard exist are as follows:
|
Degree of Hazard
|
Prevention
|
Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention
|
|---|---|---|
|
1. Sewage and Hazardous Substances.
| ||
|
a.
|
A system where the city water system is used to supplement a
recycled water supply. If an emergency exists where potable water
is connected to a recycled water system, potable water system shall
be isolated by an air-gap separation as determined by the assistant
general manager and the health agency. An approved backflow prevention
assembly shall be installed on the potable water line.
|
AG
|
|
b.
|
A system where there are wastewater pumping and/or treatment
plants and there is no interconnection (but the potential exists)
with the city water system. This includes multifamily buildings, but
not a single-family residence, that has a sewage lift pump. A reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention assembly may be provided in
lieu of an air-gap if approved by the assistant general manager and
the health agency.
|
AG
|
|
c.
|
A system where recycled water is used and there is no interconnection
(but the potential exists) with the potable water system. A reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention assembly may be provided in
lieu of an air-gap if approved by the assistant general manager and
the health agency.
|
AG
|
|
d.
|
A system where hazardous substances are handled such as to create
an actual or potential hazard to the city water system. This shall
include systems having auxiliary water supplies, tanks or industrial
piping systems containing process fluids or used waters originating
from the city water system which are no longer under the sanitary
control of the city. This, however, does not include a single-family
residence that has a sewage lift pump. A reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention assembly may be provided in lieu of an air-gap
if approved by the assistant general manager and the health agency.
|
AG
|
|
e.
|
A system where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers,
herbicides or pesticides are, or can be, injected.
|
RP
|
|
2. Auxiliary Water Supplies.
| ||
|
a.
|
A system where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply
which is interconnected with the public water system. A reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention assembly may be provided in lieu of
an air-gap if approved by the assistant general manager and the health
agency.
|
AG
|
|
b.
|
A system where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply
and there are no interconnections with tire public water system. A
double check valve assembly may be provided in lieu of a reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention assembly if approved by the assistant
general manager and the health agency.
|
RP
|
|
3. Fire Protection Systems. All fire protection systems will
be required to have backflow prevention devices as described below.
However, Class I and Class II fire protection systems will be exempt
from these requirements. Class I and Class II fire protection systems
are defined under Section 13114.7 of the California Health and Safety
Code (Refer to AWWA Manual M-14).
| ||
|
a.
|
A fire system that is directly supplied or from the public water
system and an unapproved auxiliary water supply is available for use
on or to the premises (not interconnected). A double check valve assembly
may be provided in lieu of a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention
assembly if approved by the assistant general manager and the health
agency.
|
RP reduced pressure detector check assembly
|
|
b.
|
A fire system that is supplied from the public water system
and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply. A reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention assembly may be provided in
lieu of an air-gap if approved by the assistant general manager and
the health agency.
|
AG
|
|
c.
|
A fire system supplied by the recycled water and the department's
water system is used as a supplemental supply.
|
AG
|
|
d.
|
A fire system that is supplied from the department's water system
and there exists a recycled water supply to the premises (not interconnected).
An RP assembly may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the
assistant general manager and the health agency.
|
AG
|
|
e.
|
A fire system that is supplied from public water system and
where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which take suction
from the private reservoirs or tanks are used. A double check value
assembly may be proved in lieu of a reduced pressure principle backflow
prevention assembly if approved by the assistant general manager and
the health agency.
|
RP or reduced pressure detector check assembly
|
|
f.
|
A fire system that is interconnected with more than one service
connection from the city water system and check no other system hazard
exists.
|
DC or double check detector check assembly
|
|
4. Other Systems.
| ||
|
a.
|
A system that requires a booster pump on RP the service connection
line. (For fire service requirements, refer to subsection (B)(3)(e)
of this section.)
|
RP
|
|
b.
|
A system where there are intricate plumbing and piping arrangements
or where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible
for inspection purposes making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain
whether or not cross-connections exist.
|
RP
|
|
c.
|
A system that is restricted, classified or closed to on-site
inspection.
|
RP
|
|
d
|
A system where there is a repeated history of cross-connections
being established or reestablished within customer's premises.
|
RP
|
|
e.
|
A system with internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently
corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the assistant general
manager and the health agency.
|
RP
|
|
f.
|
Two or more services supplying water from different street mains
to the same building, assembly, structure or premises through which
an interstreet main flow may occur, shall have a double check valve
on each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property
side of the respective meters.
|
DC
|
|
g.
|
Other systems which may be specified by the department from
time to time.
|
Device to be specified
|
(Prior code § 9-13; Ord. 4980 § 6, 1992; Ord. 5112 § 55, 1996; Ord. 5678 § 7, 2009)
A.
Approved
Backflow Prevention Assemblies. Only backflow prevention devices which
have been approved by the assistant general manager shall be acceptable
for installation by a water user connected to the public water system.
B.
Backflow
Prevention Assembly Installation.
1.
The
approved backflow assembly shall be installed at the expense of the
customer.
2.
Air-Gap
Separation (AG). The air-gap separation shall be located on the customer's
premises as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping
from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade
and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point
between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water
inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two pipe diameters
of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow
rim of the receiving tank as specified in the current edition of the
Uniform Plumbing Code requirements for minimum air-gaps for water
distribution.
3.
Reduced
Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP). The approved
reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed
on the customer's premises of and as close to the service connection
as is practical. The device shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches
above grade and no more than 36 inches above grade measured from the
bottom of the device and with a minimum of 12 inches side clearance.
The assembly shall be installed so that it is readily accessible for
maintenance and testing. Water supplied from any point between the
service connection and the RP device shall be protected in a manner
approved by the assistant general manager.
4.
Double
Check Valve Assembly (DC). The approved double check valve assembly
shall be located as close as practical to the user's connection and
shall be installed horizontally above grade and in a manner where
it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If it is necessary
to put a double check valve assembly below the grade, upon the approval
of the assistant general manager and the local health agency, it must
be installed in a vault such that there is a minimum of 12 inches
between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the assembly so
that the top of the assembly is not more than a maximum of eight inches
below grade, so there is a minimum of 24 inches of clearance between
the side of the assembly with the test cocks and the side of the vault,
and a minimum of 12 inches clearance between the other side of the
assembly and the side of the vault. The vault must have adequate drainage
to prevent flooding. Special consideration must be given to double
check valve assemblies of the "Y" type. These devices must be installed
on their "side" with the test cocks in a vertical position so that
either check valve may be removed for service without removing the
assembly. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed
on a three-inch layer of gravel.
5.
Approved
backflow assemblies shall have at least the same cross-sectional area
as the water meter. If a continuous water supply is necessary, two
sets of approved backflow assemblies shall be installed in parallel.
Where parallel assemblies are required, the sum of the cross-sectional
areas of the assemblies shall be at least equivalent to the cross-sectional
area of the meter.
6.
There
shall be no outlet, tee, tap or connection of any sort between the
water meter and the approved backflow assembly. A "Y" strainer and/or
pressure-reducing valve installed before the approved backflow assembly
are the only exceptions.
7.
Approved
backflow assemblies shall not be bypassed, made inoperative or removed
without specific written authorization by the assistant general manager.
8.
Approved
backflow assemblies shall be protected, when necessary, from extreme
weather or site condition that could cause physical damage to or malfunction
of the backflow assembly.
C.
Backflow
Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.
1.
The
owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow
prevention assemblies are installed, shall have the assemblies tested
by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester licensed by the
local health agency. Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested
at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or
repair. The department may require a more frequent testing schedule
if it is determined to be necessary by the assistant general manager.
No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning
as required. A report in a form acceptable to the city shall be filed
with the public service department each time a device is tested, relocated
or repaired. These devices shall be serviced, overhauled or replaced
whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing,
repair and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.
2.
The
department will supply affected water users with a list of certified
backflow assembly testers licensed by the local health agency to test
backflow prevention assemblies. The department will notify affected
customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and also
supply users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each
time a device is tested or repaired.
D.
Backflow
Prevention Assembly Removal.
1.
Approval
must be obtained from the assistant general manager before a backflow
prevention assembly is removed, relocated or replaced.
a.
Removal. The use of a device may be discontinued and the device removed
from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the assistant
general manager to verify that a hazard no longer exists or is not
likely to be created in the future.
b.
Relocation. An assembly may be relocated following confirmation by
the assistant general manager that the relocation will continue to
provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements.
A re-test will be required following the relocation of the device.
c.
Repair. An assembly may be removed for repair, provided the water
use is either discontinued until repair is completed and the device
is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with
other backflow protection approved by the assistant general manager.
A re-test will be required following the repair of the assembly.
d.
Replacement. An assembly may be removed and replaced provided the
water use is discontinued until the replacement assembly is installed.
All replacement assemblies must be approved by the assistant general
manager and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.
(Prior code § 9136; Ord. 4980 § 7, 1992; Ord. 5112 § 56, 1996; Ord. 5678 § 8, 2009)
At each of the premises, where a determination has been made
that backflow protection is necessary, a "backflow prevention supervisor"
shall be designated by and at the expense of the water customer. Such
backflow prevention supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring
of the backflow prevention assemblies and for avoidance of cross-connections.
In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking water system
due to a cross-connection on the premises, the assistant general manager
shall be promptly notified by the backflow prevention supervisor so
that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination.
The water customer shall inform the assistant general manager of the
backflow prevention supervisor's identity, mailing address, email
address and telephone number on an annual basis and whenever a change
occurs.
(Prior code § 9-137; Ord. 4980 § 8, 1992; Ord. 5112 § 57,1996; Ord. 5678 § 9, 2009)
A.
Water
Supply Survey.
1.
The
assistant general manager shall review all requests for new services
to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications
must be submitted to the assistant general manager upon request for
review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service
for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention
assembly is necessary to protect the public water system, the required
device must be installed before service will be granted.
2.
The
assistant general manager may require an on-premises inspection to
evaluate cross-connection hazards. Any customer who cannot or will
not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be
required to install the backflow prevention assembly the assistant
general manager considers necessary.
3.
The
assistant general manager may require a re-inspection for cross-connection
hazards of any premises to which water is serviced by the department.
Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on-premises reinspection
of their piping system shall be required to install, at the meter,
the backflow prevention assembly the assistant general manager considers
necessary.
B.
Customer
Notification—Device Installation.
1.
The
assistant general manager shall notify the water user of the survey
findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period
of 30 days shall be given to complete all corrective action required
including installation of backflow prevention assemblies. The notice
shall be in writing and shall also state that service to the water
use may be terminated should the water user fail to take the required
corrective actions within the allotted time period.
C.
Customer
Notification—Testing and Maintenance.
1.
The
assistant general manager shall notify each affected water user when
it is time for the backflow prevention assembly installed on their
service connection to be tested and verified, by a certified assembly
device tester, to be functioning correctly. Said notice shall be in
writing and shall provide the water user 30 days to have the device
tested. The notice shall include the necessary form(s) to be completed
and resubmitted to the department by the water user. The written notice
shall also state that service to the water user may be terminated
should the water user fail to take the required corrective actions
within the allotted time period.
(Prior code § 9-138; Ord. 4980 § 9,1992; Ord.
5112 § 58,1996; Ord. 5678 § 10, 2009)
A.
General.
When the department encounters water uses that represent a clear and
immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately
abated, the assistant general manager shall institute the procedure
for terminating the water service.
B.
Basis
for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis of water
service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following
items:
1.
Refusal
to install required backflow prevention assembly;
2.
Refusal
to test a backflow prevention assembly;
3.
Refusal
to repair a faulty backflow prevention assembly;
4.
Refusal
to replace a faulty backflow prevention assembly;
5.
Removal
and/or bypassing without prior approval of a backflow assembly where
required;
6.
Direct
or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer
line;
7.
Unprotected
direct or indirect connection between the public water system and
a system or equipment containing contaminants;
8.
Unprotected
direct or indirect connection between the public water system and
an auxiliary water system;
9.
A
situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public
water system;
10.
Nondesignation of a user's supervisor when required within a specific
time period;
11.
Nonsubmission of records of tests, repairs and maintenance to the
department upon a second letter request of their submission; and
12.
Nonpayment of fees/charges incurred by the division in connection
with the administration of the backflow prevention program.
13.
Maintenance and utilization of backflow prevention device(s) which
is/are not approved by the department.
C.
Water
Service Termination Procedures.
1.
For conditions in subsection (B)(1), (2), (3), (4), (10), (11) or (12) of this section, the water service to a customer's premises shall be terminated after two written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done, if no action is taken within the allowed time period.
2.
For conditions in subsection (B)(5), (6), (7), (8) or (9) of this section, the following steps shall be taken by the department:
a.
Make reasonable effort to advise water user of intent to terminate
water services;
b.
Terminate water supply and lock service valve. The water service
shall remain inactive until correction of violations has been approved
by the assistant general manager and any charges due to the department
have been paid by the water customer.
(Prior code § 9-139; Ord. 4980 § 10,1992; Ord. 5112 § 59, 1996; Ord. 5678 § 11, 2009)
Where backflow prevention assemblies must be maintained and
tested, an administrative fee established by resolution of city council
to be billed per month per backflow prevention assembly shall be charged.
(Prior code § 9-140; Ord. 4980 § 11, 1992; Ord. 5315 § 3, 2002; Ord. 5678 § 12, 2009)
A.
Upon noncompliance by the water user following the 30 days notice pursuant to Section 13.32.090(C)(2) regarding the periodic testing of the backflow prevention assembly, the department shall have the option, at its sole discretion, of either hiring a certified contractor to test the backflow prevention assembly or terminating water service. The department shall charge and collect a civil penalty in the amount of $250 per assembly device in addition to any other amounts due from the customer including, but not limited to, costs associated with the testing, repair and/or replacement of the assembly device, any related equipment and city personnel time and resources connected to the necessary remedial actions. Nonpayment of such expenses and fee shall result in termination of water service.
B.
Upon noncompliance by the user following the 30 days notice pursuant to Section 13.32.090(B)(1) regarding the installation of the required backflow prevention assembly, the department shall have the option, at its sole discretion, of either installing or hiring a licensed contractor to install the approved assembly or terminating water service. The department shall charge and collect a civil penalty in the amount of $250 per assembly device in addition to any other amounts due from the customer including, but not limited to, costs associated with the installation of the device and city personnel time and resources connected to the necessary remedial actions. Nonpayment of such fee and expenses shall result in termination of water service.
C.
Any water user whose water service has been terminated in accordance with the provisions set forth in subsection (A) or (B) above, shall have the service reconnected only upon proper installation, assembly and/or testing of the assembly device(s) and the payment of all outstanding penalties, fees and costs.
D.
Any user who has been assessed civil penalties and costs by the department as a result of noncompliance pursuant to the provisions contained in subsection A or B above, may appeal the assessment of civil penalties and costs described thereto the Glendale water and power commission pursuant to Section 2.72.140(E) within 15 calendar days after the date of the notice of the assessed charges. The decision rendered by the Glendale water and power commission on appeal shall be final.
(Prior code § 9-141; Ord. 4980 § 12, 1992; Ord. 4983 § 1, 1992; Ord. 5112 § 60, 1996; Ord. 5678 § 13, 2009)
