Authority to implement and maintain this cross-connection control
program is contained in, but not limited to, the following:
(b) Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations Article
14 (Hazardous Cross-Connections).
(c) Cross-Connection Control, Colorado Department of Health, October
1, 1993.
(d) Occupational Safety and Health Administration Federal Register No.
202 Part 2, page 22234, Subpart J.
(e) 2000 Edition of the International Building Code or the more recently
adopted version.
(f) 2000 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code of the International Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials or the more recently adopted version.
(Amended during 2009 recodification; Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 1)
The following reference manuals shall constitute the City’s
general guidelines concerning cross-connection control:
(a) Colorado Cross-Connection Control Manual, Colorado Department of
Health, Revision October 1995.
(b) “Cross-Connection Control Manual,” EPA 570/9-89-007,
June 1989.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 2)
The following words shall have the meanings set forth:
Air gap
means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free
atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying
water to a tank, plumbing fixture, other device or vessel and the
flood level rim of said vessel.
Approved
means accepted by the water purveyor as meeting the applicable
specification or procedures as stated or cited in this chapter.
Approved backflow prevention device (assembly)
means a device listed in the latest University of Southern
California, Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic
Research “List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies.”
Auxiliary water supply
means any water supply on or available to the premises other
than the water purveyor’s approved potable water supply. These
auxiliary water supplies may include, but are not limited to, water
from another purveyor’s potable water supply or any natural
source(s) such as a well, spring, river, stream, pond, lake, etc.,
or “used waters” or “industrial fluids.” These
waters may be polluted or contaminated, or may be objectionable and
constitute an unacceptable water source over which the water purveyor
does not have sanitary control.
Backflow
means the undesirable reversal of, or the possibility thereof,
the direction of flow of the water or mixtures of water and other
liquid, gases, or other substances into the distribution pipes of
the potable water supply from any source or sources caused by back
pressure and/or back siphonage.
Back pressure
means backflow caused by a pump, elevated tank, boiler, or
“head” in pipe, or any means that could create greater
pressure within a piping system than that which exists within the
potable water supply.
Back siphonage
means the reverse flow of, or potential thereof, water or
other liquids, mixtures, gases or substances into the distribution
pipes of a potable water supply system caused by negative or subatmospheric
pressure in the potable water supply system.
Check valve
means a self-closing device which is designed to permit the
flow of fluids in only one direction. A single check valve is not
an approved backflow prevention device.
Containment.
Protection by containment shall mean the installation of
an approved backflow prevention device, or method, on the water service
line(s) serving any premises, location, facility or area. Protection
by containment shall be used when the potable water system may be
contaminated or polluted by substances used or stored within a building
or premises.
Contamination
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 a potential hazard to the public health
through a reduction in water quality or through the spread of disease
or hazardous materials.
Critical level
means the critical level or other regulated “C/L marking”
on a backflow prevention device or vacuum breaker which is a point
conforming to approved standards and established by testing laboratory,
which determines the minimum elevation above the flood level rim of
the fixture, highest point of usage, or receptacle served at which
the device may be installed. When a backflow prevention device does
not bear a critical level marking, the bottom of the vacuum breaker,
combination valve, or the bottom of any such approved device shall
constitute the critical level.
Cross-connection
means any physical arrangement whereby a potable water supply
is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply
system, sewer, drain, conduit, tank, plumbing fixture, or other device
which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other
waste, liquid or gas of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable
of imparting contamination or pollution to the potable water supply
as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections,
removable spools, swivel or changeover devices, four-way valve connections,
and other temporary or permanent devices through which, or because
of which, backflow could occur are included in the definition of cross-connection.
Cross-connections, controlled
means a connection made between a potable water system and
a nonpotable water system with an approved backflow prevention device,
properly installed and tested in accordance with this chapter, will
continuously afford the protection commensurate with the degree of
hazard as determined by the Director of Public Works of the City.
Double check valve assembly (“DC” or “DCVA”)
means an assembly of two independently operating approved
check valves between two tightly closing (resilient seated) shut-off
valves, plus four properly located test cocks for the testing of each
check valve. The entire assembly shall be an approved backflow prevention
device.
Flood level rim
means the edge of the receptacle from which liquid overflows.
Hazard, degree of
is the term derived from an evaluation of the potential risk
to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the potable
water system as determined by the Director of Public Works of the
City.
Hazard, health
means any condition, device, or practice in the water supply
system and its operation which could create, or in the judgment of
the water purveyor may create, a danger to the health and well-being
of a water consumer. An example of a health hazard is a structural
defect, including cross-connections, in a water supply system, or
a direct connection of a potable water supply line to a sanitary sewer.
Hazard, plumbing
means a plumbing type cross-connection in a potable water
system that has not been properly protected by an air-gap separation
or an approved backflow prevention device. Unprotected plumbing type
cross-connections are deemed to be a health hazard.
Hazard, pollution
means an actual or potential threat to the physical properties
of the water system or to the potability of the public or the consumer’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 a threat to life or be dangerous to health as determined
by the Director of Public Works of the City.
Hazard, system
means an actual or potential threat of severe damage to the
physical properties of the potable water system or the consumer’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 caused by a cross-connection.
Industrial fluids system
means any system containing a fluid or solution which may
be chemically, biologically, radiologically, or otherwise contaminated
or polluted in a form or concentration that would constitute a health,
system, pollution or plumbing hazard if introduced into an approved
water supply. This may include, but not be limited to: polluted or
contaminated waters; all types of process waters and “used waters”
originated from the potable water system which may have deteriorated
in sanitary quality; chemicals in fluid form; plating acids and alkalis:
circulated cooling waters connected to an open cooling tower and/or
cooling towers that are chemically or biologically treated or stabilized
with toxic substances; contaminated natural waters such as from wells,
springs, streams, rivers, lakes, dams, ponds, retention pits, irrigation
canals or system, etc.; oils, gases, glycerin, glycols, paraffins,
caustic and acid solutions and other liquid and gaseous fluids used
in industrial or other purposes or for fire-fighting purposes.
Isolation
means the control of cross-connections within a building’s
plumbing system by the installation of approved backflow prevention
devices or methods at or mean the potential sources of pollution or
contamination.
Nonpotable water
means water that is not safe for human consumption or that
does not meet the requirements set forth in the State of Colorado
Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Pollution
means the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic,
radiological or biological) in the water that may degrade the water
quality so as to constitute a nonhealth type hazard or impair its
usefulness.
Potable water
means water free from impurities in amounts sufficient to
cause disease or harmful physiological effects. The bacteriological,
chemical and radiological quality shall conform to State of Colorado
Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Reduced pressure principle device or reduced pressure zone device “RPZ”
means an assembly of two independently operating approved
check valves with a hydraulic automatic operating differential relief
valve between the two check valves. The assembly shall be located
between two tightly closing (resilient seated) shut-off valves and
have four properly located test cocks for the testing of the check
and relief valves. The entire assembly shall be an approved backflow
prevention device.
Submerged inlet
means a water pipe or extension thereof from a potable water
supply terminating below the flood level rim of a tank, vessel, fixture
or appliance which may contain water of questionable quality, waste
or other contaminant or pollutant.
Vacuum
means any pressure less than atmospheric pressure.
Vacuum breaker, atmospheric nonpressure type
means a vacuum breaker consisting of an air inlet opening
and a nonloaded floating check disk valve designed to prevent back
siphonage only. The device shall not be subjected to continuous static
line pressure or back pressure or be installed where it would be under
pressure for more than 12 continuous hours.
Vacuum breaker, pressure type
means a vacuum breaker, designed to prevent back siphonage
only, consisting of a spring-loaded check valve, a spring-loaded air
inlet opening, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the
device and two appropriately located test cocks. The device shall
not be subjected to back pressure. The entire assembly shall be an
approved backflow prevention device.
Water service connection
means the terminal end of the water purveyor’s service
connection from the potable water distribution system; i.e., where
the water purveyor loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the
water as its point of delivery to the customer’s stop box or
shut-off valve or meter, whichever comes first from the water main.
If a meter is installed at the end of the service connection, the
service connection shall mean the downstream end of the meter. There
shall be no unprotected takeoffs from the service line ahead of any
meter or backflow prevention device located at the point of delivery
to the customer’s water system. This shall include irrigation
systems and fire sprinkler systems. Service connection shall also
include water service connection from a hydrant and all other temporary
or emergency water service connections from the potable water system.
For customers outside the water purveyor limits, “water service
connection” shall mean the terminal end of the water purveyor’s
service connection from the potable water system to the customer’s
corporation stop.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 3)
All building plans must be submitted to the City of Grand Junction
Water Services Division for approval prior to the issuance of water
service. Building plans must show:
(a) Water service type, size and location;
(c) Backflow prevention device size, type and location; and
(d) Fire sprinkling system(s) service line, size and type of backflow
prevention device, if applicable.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 4)
(a) Any backflow prevention device required herein shall be of a model
and size approved by the City of Grand Junction. The term “approved
backflow prevention device” shall mean a device that has been
manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by
the Colorado Department of Health Cross-Connection Manual and by the
City of Grand Junction. The customer shall have 45 days to respond
to the City’s request for information on the “Cross-Connection
Questionnaire” (Exhibit A) and one year from date of notification by the City to
come into compliance if a backflow device is required.
(b) Applicability:
(1) No grandfathering exists or shall be asserted. All laws and regulations
apply as of the adoption hereof regardless of the age of the water
service and/or the age of the building, home, facility or structure.
(2) All fire sprinkler systems shall conform to the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) pamphlets Nos. 13 and 24.
(i) All fire sprinkling lines shall have a minimum protection of an approved
double check valve for containment of the system.
(ii)
Backflow devices used on fire lines shall have O.S. and Y. (outside
stem and yoke) valves and be listed by the National Fire Protection
Association.
(iii)
All glycol (ethylene or propylene) or anti-freeze fire suppression
systems shall have an approved reduced pressure zone device for containment.
(iv)
Dry fire systems shall have an approved double check valve installed
upstream of the air pressure valve.
(v) Single-family residence with a fire sprinkler system and domestic
water combined shall have a double check valve when no chemicals are
used.
(3) Only approved backflow prevention devices shall be used. The latest
University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection
Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR) “Approved Device List”
shall constitute the approved backflow devices for use in Grand Junction.
(4) Backflow preventers currently installed that are not approved shall
be replaced with an approved device at the time the device fails an
operational test specified by the City.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 5)
(a) Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in accordance with
instructions and approved designs.
(b) Backflow prevention device installations shall be inspected and approved
prior to use by the City of Grand Junction Water Services Division.
(c) All backflow devices shall be installed in the horizontal position.
Devices manufactured and identified for other alignments may be installed
if in accordance with the design and FCCCHR approval.
(d) A vacuum breaker pressure type shall be used where the device will
not be subjected to back pressure and installed a minimum of 12 inches
above the highest piping or outlet downstream of the device in a manner
to preclude back pressure, but no higher than 60 inches above ground
level.
(e) A vacuum breaker, atmospheric nonpressure type, shall be used only
where the device is:
(1) Never subjected to more than 12 hours continuous pressure; and
(2) Installed with the air inlet in a level position and a minimum of
six inches above the highest piping or outlet it is protecting;
(3) No valves shall be installed downstream of atmospheric vacuum breaker.
(f) The single check valve shall not be considered to be a backflow prevention
device.
(g) Double check valve assemblies may be installed in below grade vaults
when these vaults are property constructed, in accordance with approved
plans and insulated to prevent freezing.
(h) A reduced pressure backflow preventer shall be used only if:
(1) The reduced pressure assembly will not be submerged under water.
(i) There is a drain twice the diameter of the assembly to daylight.
(ii)
It is installed in a horizontal position unless the device is
approved by the FCCCHR for another installation.
(iii)
It is installed a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum of 36 inches
from the floor.
(2) Basement Installations.
(i) A drain large enough to allow the maximum flow of water the size
of the reduced pressure backflow preventer is capable of discharging
under twice the normal static pressure for the system. See flow chart
in Colorado Cross-Connection Control Manual Appendix 3.
(ii)
An acceptable high water alarm system is installed.
(3) There are no electrical components in the general area of the assembly.
(4) Only factory-supplied funnels shall be used to remove the periodic
discharge from the assembly and the piping system must have adequate
air gate at the termination of the run.
(5) The reduced pressure backflow preventer shall be kept from freezing.
(6) All assemblies installed within a confined area must allow enough
room for testing and maintenance.
(7) Device must be tested and approved by the City of Grand Junction
Water Services Division when installed.
(8) In no case is it permissible to connect the relief valve discharge
on the reduced pressure device to a sump, drainage ditch, etc.
(i) All backflow prevention devices shall be installed in an accessible
location to facilitate maintenance, testing and repair.
(j) All backflow prevention devices shall be installed downstream of
the water meter.
(k) Before installing a backflow prevention device, pipelines should
be thoroughly flushed to remove foreign material.
(l) Backflow prevention valves are not to be used as the inlet or outlet
valve of the water meter. Test cocks are not to be used as supply
connections.
(m) In order to ensure that backflow prevention devices continue to operate
satisfactorily, it will be necessary that the device(s) be tested
at the time of installation and on an annual schedule thereafter.
Such test(s) shall be conducted in accordance with ASSE field test
procedures, as directed by the Colorado Department of Health, to ASSE
performance standards.
(n) The City of Grand Junction Water Service Division shall inspect all
installations.
(o) All costs for design, installation, maintenance, repair and testing
are to be borne by the customer.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 6)
(a) At least once per year, each customer/user at any home, building, facility or structure where any backflow prevention device(s) is (are) installed shall have a certified test made of the device(s) and deliver to the City a copy of the test results. In those specific instances where the director of Public Works of the City deems the hazard to be great enough, certified inspections and/or tests may be required more often. Any and all tests shall be at the expense of the water user and shall be performed by a State of Colorado certified technician. An inspection of the device may be performed at any time. Inspections shall comply with GJMC §
13.24.080.
(b) As necessary or required, the device(s) shall be repaired or replaced
at the expense of the customer/user whenever the device(s) is/are
found to be defective. Records of all such tests, repairs or replacement
shall be kept by customer/user, a copy of which shall be submitted
to the City of Grand Junction Water Services Cross-Connection Control
Coordinator.
(c) All testing gauges used in the City water system shall be checked
yearly for accuracy. Testing shall be with a water column yearly,
or more often, and the City of Grand Junction Water Services Division
shall maintain proof of compliance.
(d) The City retains the right to test or otherwise check the installation
and operation of any device(s) at any time to assure proper operation.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 7)
Representatives of the City shall carry proper identification
of his/her office. By previously arranged appointment and upon presentation
of proper identification, the City representative shall have the right
of entry to inspect any and all buildings and premises for cross-connections
and possible water contamination hazards. This right of entry shall
be a condition of water service in order to protect the health, safety
and welfare of the people throughout the City distribution system.
Where building security is required, the backflow device(s) shall
be located in an area not subject to security. Questions regarding
proper credentials should be directed to the City Director of Public
Works and/or the City Attorney.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 8)
(a) Failure of the customer to cooperate in the installation, maintenance,
testing or inspection of backflow prevention devices required by this
chapter shall be grounds for the discontinuance of water service to
the premises and/or the requirement for an air-gap separation from
the public potable water system.
(b) Service of water to any premises may be discontinued by the City
if cross-connections exist on the premises. When any defect is found
in an installed backflow prevention device, or if a backflow prevention
device has been removed or bypassed, the service may be discontinued.
Service shall not be restored until such condition(s) or defect(s)
are corrected.
(c) Discontinuance of service may be summary, immediate and without written
notice whenever, in the judgment of the City, such action is necessary
to protect the purity of the public potable water supply or the safety
of the water system.
(Res. 89-99, 8-4-99; Res. 92-94, 10-19-94. Code 1994 App. F § 9)