The purpose of this chapter is:
(1)
To protect the public water supply against actual or potential cross
connection by isolating within the premises contamination that may
occur because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross connection
on the premises; and
(2)
To eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems
and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable
for human consumption; and
(3)
To eliminate cross connections between drinking water systems and
sources of contamination; and
(4)
To prevent the making of cross connections in the future.
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These regulations are adopted pursuant to the state of California
Administrative Code, Title 17 — Public Health entitled "Regulations
Relating to Cross-Connections."
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It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation at any time
to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily
or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross connection
between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by
the city and any other source of water supply or to maintain any sanitary
fixture or other appurtenances or fixtures which by reason of their
construction may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances
into the water supply system of the city and/or the service of water
pipes or fixtures of any consumer of the city.
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(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
When used in this chapter, the following terms have the following
meanings:
means a physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving
vessel. The air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply
pipe measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, in no case
less than one inch.
means devices which have 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 Health Services.
means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a
state or local health agency.
means any water supply on or available to the premises other
than the approved 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.
Backsiphonage is one cause of backflow; back-pressure is the other
cause.
means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by
any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health
or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.
as used in this chapter means any unprotected actual or potential
connection between a potable water system used to supply water 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 changeover devices or other devices through which backflow
could occur, shall be considered to be cross-sections.
means the person appointed by the public works director to
represent the city and shall act on the behalf of the public works
director in all aspects and duties of this chapter.
means an assembly of at least two independently acting check
valves including tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the
check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the water-tightness
of each check valve.
means the California Department of Health Services, or the
local health agency with respect to a small water system.
means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership,
municipality, public utility or other public body or institution.
means any and all areas on a customer's property which are
served or have the potential to be served by the public water system.
means a system for the provision of piped water to the public
for human consumption which has five or more service connections or
regularly serves an average of twenty-five individuals daily at least
sixty days out of the year.
means as follows: the public works director in charge of
the water utility division of the city is invested with the authority
and responsibility for the implementation of an effective cross-connection
control program and for the enforcement of the provisions of this
chapter.
means a wastewater which as a result of treatment is suitable
for uses other than potable use.
refers to the point of connection of a user's piping to the
water supplier's facilities.
means the person who owns or operates the approved water
supply system.
means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply
system.
(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
(a)
General Provisions.
(1)
Unprotected cross connections with the public water supply are prohibited.
(2)
Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the city water
utility division, will require the water user to install an approved
backflow prevention device by and at his/her expense for continued
services or before a new service will be granted.
(3)
Wherever backflow protection has been found necessary on a water
supply line entering a water user's premises, then any and all water
supply lines from the city's mains entering such premises, buildings
or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention
device. The type of device to be installed will be in accordance with
the requirements of this chapter.
(b)
Where Protection is Required.
(1)
Each service connection from the city's water system for supplying
water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected
against backflow of water from the premises into the public water
system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional
source by the city, and is approved by the public health agency having
jurisdiction.
(2)
Each service connection from the city's water system for supplying
water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion
as may allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against
backflow of the water from the premises into the public system. This
shall include the handling of process waters and waters originating
from the city's water system which have been subjected to deterioration
in sanitary quality.
(3)
Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on the service connection
to any premises having: (A) internal cross connections that cannot
be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the
state or local health department and the city water utility division;
or (B) 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.
(c)
Type of Protection Required.
(1)
The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow
into the approved water supply shall be commensurate with the degree
of hazard that exists on the consumer's premises. The type of protective
device that may be required (listing in an increasing level of protection)
includes: double check valve assembly (DC), reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention device (RP) and an air-gap separation (AG). The
water user may choose a higher level of protection than required by
the city. The minimum types of backflow protection required to protect
the approved water supply, at the user's water connection to premises
with varying degrees of hazard are given in Table 1 of this subdivision.
Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on
a case-by-case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall
be determined by the city water utility division, or health agency.
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Table 1
TYPE OF BACKFLOW PROTECTION REQUIRED
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Degree of Hazard
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Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention
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(a)
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Sewage and Hazardous Substances.
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(1)
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Premises where the public water system is used to supplement
the reclaimed water supply.
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AG
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(2)
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Premises where there are wastewater pumping and/or treatment
plants and there is no interconnection with the potable water system.
This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage
lift pump. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the
health agency and the city water utility division.
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AG
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(3)
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Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no interconnection
with the potable water system. An RP assembly may be provided in lieu
of an AG assembly if approved by the health agency and the city water
utility division.
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AG
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(4)
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Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner
in which the substances may enter a potable water system. This does
not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump.
An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency
and the city water utility division.
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AG
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(5)
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Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers,
herbicides or pesticides are or can be injected.
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RP
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(b)
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Auxiliary Water Supplies.
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(1)
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Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply
which is interconnected with the public water system. An RP assembly
or DC assembly may be provided in lieu of an AG assembly if approved
by the health agency and the city water utility division.
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AG
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(2)
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Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply
and there are no interconnections with the public water system. A
DC assembly may be provided in lieu of an RP assembly if approved
by the health agency and the city water utility division.
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RP
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(c)
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Fire Protection System.
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(1)
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Premises where the fire system is directly supplied from the
public, water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply
on or to the premises (not inter-connected).
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DC
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(2)
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Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water
system and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply.
An RP assembly may be provided in lieu of an AG assembly if approved
by the health agency and the city water utility division.
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AG
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(3)
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Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water
system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps Which
take suction from the private reservoirs or tanks are used.
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DC
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(2)
Two or more services supplying water from different street mains
to the same building, structure or premises through which an interstreet
main flow may occur, shall have at least a standard check valve on
each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side
of the respective meters. Such check valve shall not be considered
adequate if backflow protection is deemed necessary to protect the
city's mains from pollution or contamination; in such cases the installation
of approved backflow devices at such service connections shall be
required.
(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
(a)
Approved Backflow Prevention Devices.
(1)
Only backflow prevention devices which have been approved by the
city water utility division, shall be acceptable for installation
by a water user connected to the city's potable water system.
(2)
The city water utility division, will provide, upon request, to any
affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention devices.
(b)
Backflow Prevention Device Installation.
(1)
Backflow prevention devices shall be in- stalled as close as possible
to the water user's building or structure. The city water utility
division, shall have the final authority in determining the required
location of a backflow prevention device.
(A)
Air-gap Separation (AG). The air-gap separation shall be located
on the user's side of and as close to the user's building or structure
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.
(B)
Reduced Pressure Principle (RP). The approved reduced pressure principle
backflow prevention device shall be installed on the user's side of
and as close to the user's building or structure as is practical.
The device shall be installed a minimum of twelve inches above grade
and not more than thirty-six inches above grade measured from the
bottom of the device and with a minimum of twelve inches side clearance.
The device 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 city.
(C)
Double Check Valve Assembly (DC). The approved double check valve
assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user's building
or structure and be installed above grade, if possible, and in a manner
where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double
check valve assembly is put below grade, it must be installed in a
vault such that there is a minimum of six inches between the bottom
of the vault and the bottom of the device, so that the top of the
device is no more than a maximum of eight inches below grade, so there
is a minimum of six inches of clearance between the side of the device
with the test cocks and the side of the vault, and so there is a minimum
of three inches between the other side of the device and the side
of the vault. 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
device. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed
on a three-inch layer of gravel.
(c)
Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.
(1)
The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow
prevention devices are installed, shall have the devices tested by
a person who has demonstrated their competency in testing of these
devices to the city. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at
least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair.
The city may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is determined
to be necessary. 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 city water utility division 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, repairs and maintenance shall be borne by
the water user.
(2)
The city will supply affected water users with a list of persons
acceptable to the city to test backflow prevention devices. The city
will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device
is needed and also supply users with necessary forms which must be
filled out each time a device is tested or repaired.
(d)
Backflow Prevention Device Removal.
(1)
Approval must be obtained from the city water utility division before
a backflow prevention device 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 city
water utility division, to verify that a hazard no longer exists or
is not likely to be created in the future.
(B)
Relocation. A device may be relocated following confirmation by the
city water utility division, that the relocation will continue to
provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements.
A retest will be required following the relocation of the device.
(C)
Repair. A device may be removed for repair, provided the water use
is either discontinued until the repair is completed and the device
is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with
other backflow protection approved by the city. A retest will be required
following the repair of the device.
(D)
Replacement. A device may be removed and replaced provided the water
use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All
replacement devices must be approved by the city water utility division
and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.
(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the
public works director, a user supervisor shall be designated by and
at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible
for the monitoring of the backflow prevention devices 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 public works director shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor
so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination.
The water user shall inform the public works director of the user
supervisor's identity on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever
a change occurs.
(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
(a)
Water System Survey.
(1)
The city water utility division shall review all requests for new
services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and
specifications must be submitted to the water utility division 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 device is necessary to protect the public water
system, the required device must be installed before service will
be granted.
(2)
The city water utility division, may require an on-premises inspection
to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The water utility division will
transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to
each affected water user. Any customer which cannot or will not allow
an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required
to install the backflow prevention device the city deems necessary.
(3)
The water utility division, at its discretion, requires a reinspection
for cross-connection hazards of any premises to which it serves water.
The water utility division will transmit a written notice requesting
an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer
which cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their
piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention
device the city considers necessary.
(b)
Customer Notification—Device Installation.
(1)
The water utility division will notify the water user of the survey
findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period
of sixty days will be given to complete all corrective action required
including installation of backflow prevention devices.
(2)
A second notice will be sent to each water user which does not take
the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within
the sixty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water
user a two-week period to take the required corrective action. If
no action is taken within the two-week period, the city may terminate
water service to the affected water user until the required corrective
actions are taken.
(c)
Customer Notification Testing and Maintenance.
(1)
The city will notify each affected water user when it is time for
the backflow prevention device installed on their premises to be tested.
This written notice shall give the water user thirty days to have
the device tested and supply the water user with the necessary form
to be completed and resubmitted to the city.
(2)
A second notice shall be sent to each water user which does not have
his/her backflow prevention device tested as prescribed in the first
notice within the thirty-day period allowed. The second notice will
give the water user a two-week period to have his/her backflow prevention
device tested. If no action is taken within the two-week period, the
city may terminate water service to the affected water user until
the subject device is tested.
(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
(a)
General. When the city encounters water users that represent a clear
and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately
abated, the city shall institute the procedure for discontinuing the
city's water service.
(b)
Basis for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis
for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to,
the following items:
(1)
Refusal of entry to premises for the purpose of inspections, examinations
and tests of the pipes, fixtures or attachments used in connection
with the water supply;
(2)
Refusal to install a required backflow prevention device;
(3)
Refusal to test a backflow prevention device;
(4)
Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device;
(5)
Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention device;
(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.
(c)
Water Service Termination Procedures.
(1)
For subsection (B)(1) of this section, the city will terminate service
to a customer's premises after giving a twenty-four-hours' notice
to the owner or occupant of such premises of his intention to do so.
(2)
For subsections (B)(2), (B)(3), (B)(4) or (B)(5) of this section,
the city will terminate service to a customer's premises 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, water service may be terminated.
(3)
For subsections (B)(5), (B)(6), (B)(7), (B)(8) or (B)(9) of this
section, the city will take the following steps:
(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence,
clause or phrase of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or any
part thereof, is for any reason held to be invalid such decision shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portion of the ordinance
codified in this chapter or any part thereof. The city council declares
that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that
any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences,
clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
(Ord. 1750 § 1, 1988)
