Potable water supplies are an essential life-supporting
element of our natural environment. Such water is continually threatened
by contamination or pollution and the possible subsequent creation
of health hazards. The Town of Pendleton desires to do all that is
practicable to prevent such contamination and pollution through the
use of safeguard devices. This chapter assists in the effectuation
of such purpose by requiring the installation of backflow prevention
devices where these exist. Cross-connections between private and public
water systems should avoid backflow into the public water system.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
AIR-GAP SEPARATION
A physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel.
Said air gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe,
as measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, and in no
case be less than one inch.
APPROVED CHECK VALVE
A check valve that seats readily and completely, carefully
machined to have free moving parts and assured watertightness. The
face of the closure element and valve seat shall be bronze, composition,
or another noncorrodible material which will seat tightly under all
prevalent conditions of field use. Pins and bushings shall be made
of bronze or another noncorrodible, nonsticking material machined
for easy, dependable operation. The closure element, e.g., the clapper,
shall be internally weighted or otherwise internally equipped to promote
rapid and positive closure in all sizes where this feature is possible.
It must be approved by New York State Department of Health.
APPROVED DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY
An assembly of at least two independently acting check valves,
including tightly closing shutoff valves on each side of the check
valve assembly, suitable leak-detector drains, and connections for
testing the watertightness of each check valve. This device must be
approved by New York State Department of Health.
APPROVED REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE
A device incorporating two or more check valves and an automatically
operating differential relief valve located between the two check
valves, two shutoff valves, and those appurtenances necessary for
testing. The device shall operate to maintain the pressure in the
zone between the two check valves at less than the pressure on the
public water supply side of the device. At cessation of normal flow,
the pressure between the check valves shall be less than the supply
pressure. In the event of leakage of either check valve, the differential
relief valve shall operate to maintain this reduced pressure by discharging
to the atmosphere. When the inlet pressure is two pounds per square
inch or less, the relief valve shall open to the atmosphere thereby
providing an air gap in the device. In order to be approved, these
devices must be readily accessible for maintenance and testing, and
installed in a location where no part of the valve will be submerged.
The enclosure must be self-draining, so that the large amount of water
which the relief valve may vent will be disposed of reliably without
submergence of the relief valve. This device must be approved by the
New York State Department of Health.
AUXILIARY SUPPLY
Any water supply on or available to the premises, other than
the approved water supply.
BAROMETRIC LOOP
A loop of pipe which at its topmost point rises approximately
35 feet above the highest fixture it supplies.
CERTIFIED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TESTER
A person who is certified by the State Health Department
to be competent in the testing of backflow prevention devices. Said
person shall be provided with an appropriate identification card which
must be renewed annually. Said person will hereafter be referred to
as "Certified Inspector."
CROSS-CONNECTION
Any unprotected connection between a water system used or
intended to be used to supply water for drinking purposes, and any
source or system containing water or a substance which is not or cannot
be approved as equally safe, wholesome and potable for human consumption.
WATER USER
The consumer, or the person on the premises charged with
the responsibility of complete knowledge and understanding of the
water supply piping within the premises, and for maintaining the consumer's
water system free from cross-connections and other sanitary deficiencies
pursuant to regulations and laws. It shall be the responsibility of
the water users to provide and maintain these protective devices,
and each one must be of a type acceptable to the New York State Department
of Health.
[Amended 6-13-2022 by L.L. No. 2-2022]
The water user may opt to employ the service
of a certified operator employed by the Water Department. Fees for
inspections by said certified inspectors shall be as described in
the Town of Pendleton Fee Schedule, adopted by the Town Board by resolution,
as may be amended from time to time. All such fees will be billed
by and be paid to the Water Department on the next quarterly or the
final water bill, as the case may be.