Pursuant to title 30, Texas Administrative Code, section 290.44,
it is the responsibility of the city to protect its drinking water
supply by instituting and enforcing a cross-connection program. The
purpose of this article, therefore, is to comply with the above-cited
regulatory requirements and to protect the water supply of the city
from contamination or pollution due to any cross-connections.
(Ordinance 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
Unless a provision explicitly states otherwise, the following
terms and phrases, as used in this article, shall have the meanings
hereinafter designated. If a word or term used in this article is
not contained in the following list, it shall have the definition
provided for such word or term in the latest edition of the Manual
of Cross-Connection Control published by the Foundation for Cross-Connection
Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California.
An assembly to counteract backpressure or prevent backsiphonage.
This assembly must appear on the list of approved assemblies issued
by the City of Fort Worth water department.
Any water source or system other than the public water system
that may be available in a building or on a property.
Atmospheric vacuum breaker.
Providing adequate drainage for backflow prevention assemblies
installed in vaults through the use of an unobstructed drainpipe.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and its successor
agencies.
The presence in or entry into a public water supply system
of any substance which may be deleterious to the public health and/or
the quality of the water.
Any physical arrangement where a potable water supply is
actually or potentially connected with any nonpotable water system,
used water system or auxiliary water supply, sewer, drain conduit,
swimming pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, swamp cooler,
air conditioning unit, fire protection system, or any other assembly
which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage, or other
liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting
contamination to the public water system as a result of backflow.
Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel
or change-over assemblies, or other temporary or permanent assemblies
through which, or because of which, backflow may occur are considered
to be cross-connections.
Double check valve backflow prevention assembly.
Double detector check valve assembly.
The low or high hazard classification that shall be attached
to all actual or potential cross-connections.
The water department of the City of Willow Park.
The city's director of public works and the director's
authorized representatives.
An assembly which consists of two independently operating
check valves which are spring loaded or weighted. The assembly comes
complete with a gate valve on each side of the checks, as well as
test cocks to test the checks for tightness.
Water distributed for human consumption, for use in preparing
food or beverages, or for use in cleaning a utensil or article used
in preparing food or beverages for, or consuming food or beverages
by, human beings.
An actual or potential threat or contamination of a physical
or toxic nature dangerous to health to the public potable water system
or a consumer's potable water system.
The classification assigned to a cross-connection that could
potentially allow a substance that may cause illness or death to a
person to backflow into the potable water supply.
Uses by humans in which water can be ingested into or absorbed
by the human body. Examples of these include, but are not limited
to, drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, bathing, washing hands, preparing
foods, and washing dishes, utensils, and other articles used in the
preparation or consumption of food.
A person that is a certified cross-connection inspector employed
by or under contract with the city.
The classification assigned to a cross-connection that could
potentially allow a substance that may be objectionable but not hazardous
to a person's health to backflow into the potable water supply.
Shall include all uses not specifically included in "residential
use."
The city's current adopted issue of the International
Plumbing Code.
An internal or plumbing-type cross-connection in a consumer's
potable water system that may be either a pollution or contamination
hazard.
The appropriate backflow prevention within a consumer's
water system at the point at which a cross-connection exists.
Any water supply intended or used for human consumption or
other domestic use.
Any piece of property to which water is provided, including
all improvements, mobile structures, and structures located on it.
The appropriate backflow prevention at the service connection
between the public water system and the water user.
Any public or privately owned water system which supplies
water for human consumption. The system includes all services, reservoirs,
facilities, and equipment used in the process of producing, treating,
storing, or conveying water for public consumption.
Pressure vacuum breaker.
An assembly containing two independently acting approved
check valves together with a hydraulically operated, mechanically
independent pressure differential relief valve located between the
check valves and at the same time below the first check valve. The
assembly shall include properly located test cocks and tightly closing
shutoff valves at the end of the assembly.
Single-family dwellings, duplexes, multiplex housing and
apartments where the individual units are each on a separate meter,
or, in cases where two or more units are served by one meter, the
units are full-time dwellings.
The point of delivery at which the water purveyor loses control
of the water.
An actual or potential threat of severe danger to the physical
properties of the public or a consumer's potable water supply,
or an actual or potential threat of pollution or contamination that
would have a detrimental effect on the quality of the potable water
in the system.
A person who is a certified backflow prevention assembly
technician approved and registered with the director.
Heated water that does not have the space to expand.
Water supplied by a public water system to a water user's
system after it has passed through the service connection.
(Ordinance 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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
10 inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock side, 10 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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 every five (5) years for all double check
assemblies and pressure vacuum breakers on irrigation systems without
additive administration.
(4)
A minimum of once a year for all double check assemblies and
pressure vacuum breakers installed on systems other than irrigation
or irrigation systems with additive administration.
(5)
Any premise that has RP assemblies as point of use protection
without high hazard premise isolation protection must be tested every
six months.
(6)
Any premise that has an RIP assembly as premise isolation without
high hazard point of use protection must be tested every six months.
(7)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
Equipment, appliances, fixtures, or devices installed in residential
or commercial buildings and are subject to or may be adversely affected
by negative water pressure, must be protected by a pressure vacuum
breaker or a device approved by the product manufacturer. It is the
property owner's responsibility to ensure their structures are
protected from negative water pressure (i.e., VB, vacuum breaker)
or positive water pressure, (i.e., PRV, PRV valve, pressure reducing
valve) or by having some type of approved device installed.
(Ordinance 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 their 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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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
10 inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock side, and the
relief valve opening shall be at least 10 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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 10 inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock
side, and 10 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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 10 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 10 inches all around the assembly.
(f)
PVBs shall be located between 10 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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 10 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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
(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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
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 904-24 adopted 5/14/2024)
