Chapter 13.28
CONTROL OF BACKFLOW AND CROSS-CONNECTIONS TO WATER SYSTEM
Sections:
13.28.010 Intent, purpose and control.
13.28.050 Type of protective device required.
13.28.060 Specific types required.
13.28.070 Fire system backflow—Protection requirements.
13.28.080 Water shutoff conditions.
13.28.090 Water shutoff procedure.
13.28.100 Prevention device certification of approval.
13.28.110 Application to install prevention devices.
13.28.140 Penalties for noncompliance.
13.28.010 Intent, purpose and control.
A. It is the intent of this chapter to recognize that there are varying degrees of hazard to the city’s potable water system, and it is the intent to apply the principle that the degree of protection should be commensurate with the degree of hazard.
B.1. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public potable water supply of the city from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within its customer’s internal distribution system(s) such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow or back-siphon into the public water system; and
2. To promote the elimination and control of existing cross-connection actual to potential, between its customers in plant potable water system(s) and nonpotable water system(s), plumbing fixtures, and industrial piping systems; and
3. To provide for the continuing program of cross-connections control and certification training, which will effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water systems. (Ord. 444 § 1, 1990).
13.28.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
1. “Air-gap” (AG) 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, or other device and flood level rim of said vessel. An approved air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe, and in no case, less than one inch. When an air-gap is used at the service connection to prevent the contamination or pollution of a public potable water system, an emergency bypass shall be installed around the air-gap system and an approved reduced pressure principle device shall be installed in the bypass system.
2. “Approved” means accepted by the director as meeting an applicable specification stated or cited in this chapter, and suitable for the proposed use.
3. “Approved double check valve (DCV) assembly” means an assembly of two independently operating approved check valves with tightly closing shutoff valves on each side of the check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of each check valve. These devices must be readily accessible for in-line maintenance and testing.
4. “Approved double detector check valve assembly (DDC)” means an assembly of two independently operating approved check valves with tightly closing shutoff OS&Y UL listed gate valves on each side of the check valves, properly located test cocks for the testing of each check valve, a bypass line assembly consisting of a water meter in series with a double check valve, water meter shall read in cubic feet. The double checks shall consist of two independently acting, spring loaded, poppet type check valves. These devices must be readily accessible for in-line maintenance and testing.
5. “Approved reduced pressure principle (RPP) device” means an assembly of two independently operating approved check valves with an automatically operating differential relief valve between the two check valves, tightly closing shut-off valves on either side of the check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of the check and relief valves. The device shall operate to maintain the pressure in the zone between the two check valves at a level less than the pressure on the public water supply side of the device. During normal flow and, at cessation of normal flow, the pressure between the two check valves shall be at less than the supply pressure. In the case of leakage of either of the check valves, the differential relief valve shall operate to maintain this reduced pressure by discharging to the atmosphere. These devices must be readily accessible for in-line maintenance and testing and be installed in a location where no part of the device will be submerged. The entire assembly shall meet the design and performance specifications and approval of a recognized and city approved testing agency for backflow prevention assemblies.
6. “Auxiliary water supply” means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the purveyor’s approved public potable water supply. These auxiliary waters may include water from another purveyor’s public potable water supply or any natural source(s) such as a well, spring, irrigation canal or pipeline, etc., or “used water” or “industrial fluids.” These waters may be polluted or contaminated or they may be objectionable and constitute an unacceptable water source over which the water purveyor does not have controls.
7. “AWWA” means American Water Works Association.
8. “Backflow” means a flow condition, induced by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids into the distribution pipes of a public water supply from any source other than its intended source.
9. “Backflow preventer” means a device or means designed to prevent backflow or back-siphonage.
10. “Backpressure” means the resulting backflow of contamination, polluted, or otherwise unacceptable quality water from a plumbing fixture or other customer source(s) into a public water supply system due to a greater pressure within the customer’s water system.
11. “Back-siphonage” means the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable water supply system from any source other than its intended source caused by the sudden reduction of pressure in the potable water supply system.
12. “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 an actual hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease.
13. “Cross-connection control by containment” means the installation of an approved backflow prevention device at the water service connection to any customer’s premises where it is physically and economically infeasible to find and permanently eliminate or control all actual or potential cross-connections within the customer’s water system; or it shall mean the installation of an approved backflow prevention device on the service line leading to and supplying a portion of a customer’s water system where there are actual or potential cross-connections which cannot be effectively eliminated or controlled at the point of cross-connection.
14. Cross-connections, controlled. “Controlled cross-connection” means a connection between a potable water system and a nonpotable water system with an approved backflow prevention device properly installed that will continuously afford the protection commensurate with the degree of hazard.
15. “Customer” means water user served by the public water system.
16. “Customer’s water system” means the piping used to convey water supplied by the public water system throughout the customer’s facility.
17. “Director” means director of public utilities, city of Patterson.
18. “Fire marshal” means fire chief of the city of Patterson or State Fire Marshal.
19. Hazard, degree of. “Degree of hazard” means the evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of hazard upon the potable water system as follows:
20. Hazard, health. “Health hazard” means any condition, service or practice in the water supply system and its operation which could create, or in the judgment of the director may create a danger to the health and well being of the water consumer.
21. Hazard, plumbing. “Plumbing hazard” means a cross-connection in a consumer’s potable water system that has not been properly protected by a vacuum breaker, air-gap separation, or backflow prevention device. The term “plumbing hazard” includes but is not limited to cross-connections to toilets, sinks, lavatories, wash trays, washing machines or lawn sprinkling systems. Unprotected plumbing type cross-connections shall be considered to be a health hazard.
22. Hazard, pollution. “Pollution hazard” means an actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or to the potability of the public or 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 dangerous to public health.
23. Hazard, system. “System hazard” means an actual or potential threat of severe damage to the physical properties of the public 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.
24. “Industrial fluids system” means any system containing fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically, or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form of concentration such as would be a health, water system, pollutional 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” originating from the public potable water system which may have deteriorated in sanitary quality. Chemicals in fluid form; plating acids, alkalis, circulated cooling tower waters, open or closed, that may be chemically or biologically treated or stabilized with toxic substances; contaminated natural waters such as from wells, springs, streams, irrigation canals, oils, gases, glycerin, caustic and other acid solutions which may be used for industrial and firefighting purposes.
25. “NFPA” means National Fire Protection Association.
26. “Pollution” means the presence of any foreign substance (organic, inorganic, or biological) in the 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.
27. Water, nonpotable. “Nonpotable water” means water which is not safe for human consumption or which is of questionable potability.
28. Water, potable. “Potable water” means any water which, according to recognized standards, is safe for human consumption.
29. “Water purveyor-public, municipal water system” means the city of Patterson public water system.
30. “Water service connection” means the terminal end of a service connection from the public potable water system; i.e. where the water purveyor loses jurisdiction and sanitary control over the water at its point of delivery to the customer’s water system. If a meter is installed at the end of the service connection, then the service connection shall mean the downstream end of the meter. There should 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. Service connection shall also include water service connection from a fire hydrant and all other temporary or emergency water service connections from the public potable water system.
31. Water, used. “Used water” means any water supplied by water purveyor from a public potable water system to a customer’s water system after it has passed through the point of delivery and is no longer under the sanitary control of the water purveyor. (Ord. 444 §§ 2, 3, 1990).
13.28.030 Responsibility.
The director of public utilities shall be responsible for the protection of the public potable water system from contamination or pollution due to the backflow or back-siphonage of contaminates or pollutants through the water service connection.
If, in the judgment of said director, an approved backflow prevention device is required at the city’s water service connection to any customer’s premises, for the safety of the water system, the director or his designated agent shall give notice in writing to said customer to install such an approved backflow prevention device at each service connection to his premises. The customer shall immediately install such approved device or devices at his own expense; and failure, refusal, or inability on the part of the customer to install said device or devices immediately shall constitute a ground for discontinuing water service to the premises until such devices have been properly installed. (Ord. 444, § 4, 1990).
13.28.040 Requirements.
A. Water System.
1. The water system shall be considered as made up of two parts: The city system and the customer system.
2. The city system shall consist of the source facilities and the distribution system, and shall include all those facilities of the water system under complete control of the city, from the source of supply to the point where the customer’s system begins. The source shall include all components of the facilities utilized in the production, treatment, storage and the delivery of water to the distribution system.
3. The distribution system shall include the network of conduits used for the delivery of water from the source to the customer’s system.
4. The customer’s system shall include those parts of the facilities beyond the termination of the city distribution system which are utilized in conveying city delivered domestic water to point of use.
B. Policy.
1. No water service connection to any premises shall be installed or maintained by the city water department unless the water supply is protected as required by state laws and this chapter. Service of water to any premises shall be discontinued by the director if a backflow prevention device required by state law or this chapter is not installed, tested, or maintained, or if it is found that a backflow prevention device has been removed, bypassed, or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premises. Service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected.
2. The customer’s system shall be open for inspection at all reasonable times to authorized representatives of the city water services department, city building inspector and city fire chief to determine whether cross-connections or other structural or sanitary hazards, including violations of this chapter exist. When such a condition becomes known, the director shall deny or immediately discontinue service to their premises by providing for a physical break in the service line until the customer has corrected the condition(s) in conformance with state and city regulations relating to plumbing and water supplies and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
3. An approved backflow prevention device shall also be installed on each service line to a customer’s water system at or near the property line or immediately outside the building being served; but in all cases before the first branch line leading off the service line. (Ord. 444 § 5, 1990).
13.28.050 Type of protective device required.
A. In the case of any premises where there is an auxiliary water supply which is not otherwise subject to the provisions of this chapter, the public water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap (AG) separation or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPP).
B. In the case of any premises where there is any water substance that would be objectionable but not hazardous to public health if introduced into the public water system, the public water system shall be protected by an approved double check valve assembly (DCV).
C. In the case of any premises where there is any material dangerous to health, which is handled in such a fashion as to create an actual or potential hazard to the public water system, the public water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap (AG) separation or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPP). i.e.: Sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, chemical plants, hospitals and mortuaries.
D. In the case of any premises where there are “uncontrolled” cross-connections, either actual or potential, the public water system shall be protected by an approved air-gap (AG) separation or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPP) at the service connection.
E. In the case of any premises where, because of security requirements or other prohibitions or restrictions, it is impossible or impracticable to make a complete in-plant cross-connection survey, the public water system shall be protected against backflow or back-siphonage from the premises by the installation of an approved backflow prevention device in the service line. In this case, maximum protection will be required; that is, an approved air-gap (AG) separation or a reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention device shall be installed in each service to the premises.
F. In the case of premises having any internal cross-connection that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled, or 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 dangerous cross-connections exist, the public water system shall be protected against backflow from the premises by installing an approved air-gap (AG) separation or reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention device in the service line. (Ord. 444 § 6, 1990).
13.28.060 Specific types required.
Uses and other uses as designated by the director shall be required to install a backflow prevention device of the type indicated as a minimum are:
1. Air Conditioning Plants (Commercial A.C. Equipment) | RPP |
2. Animal Clinics, Animal Grooming Shop and Boarding | RPP |
3. Apartment or Office Complex with Pond, | RPP |
4. Apartments with Laundromats/Laundry | DCV |
5. Automatic or Manual Irrigation Systems Commercial or Private | DCV |
6. Automobile Repair W/Steam Cleaner, Acid Cleaning or Solvent Equipment | RPP |
7. Auxiliary Water System not | DCV |
8. Auxiliary Water System or Sources Interconnected (Well, Irrigation Canal, etc.) | RPP |
9. Bakeries | RPP |
10. Barber Shops, Beauty Shops or | DCV RPP |
11. Bars or Cocktail Lounges | DCV RPP |
12. Bottling Plants-Beverage or Chemical | RPP |
13. Building 2 Stories and Higher | RPP |
14. Buildings with Booster Pumps, Boilers, | RPP |
15. Buildings with Sewage Ejectors | AG |
16. Canneries, Packing Houses or Reduction | RPP |
17. Car Washes | RPP |
18. Chemical Processing or Storage | RPP |
19. Chemically Treated (Non-potable) Water Systems | RPP |
20. Chemically Treated (Potable) Water | DCV |
21. Churches with Baptismal Pools | RPP |
22. Civil Works Exempt from City of Patterson Inspections | RPP |
23. Cleaning and Dye Plants | RPP |
24. Cold Storage and Ice Manufacturing | RPP |
25. Commercial Meat Cutting, Packaging | RPP |
26. Concrete Plant | DCV |
27. Convalescent Homes and Clinics | DCV RPP |
28. Convenience Markets | DCV RPP |
29. Dairies | DCV |
30. Dental Offices | RPP |
31. Dialysis Clinics, Experimental Labs | RPP |
32. Fabricating Plants (Plastics & | RPP |
33. Fire Protection Systems Class 1 & 2 | DDC |
34. Fire Protection Systems Class 3 | DDC |
35. Fire Protection Systems Class 4 | RPP DDC |
36. Fire Protection Systems Class 5 | RPP |
37. Fire Protection Systems Class 6. | |
38. Food Processing Facilities Using Nontoxic Materials | DCV |
39. Food Processing Facilities Using Toxic | RPP |
40. Frozen Food Processing Plant | RPP |
41. Garden Centers and Nurseries | RPP |
42. Gas Service Stations | DCV |
43. Health Spas | RPP |
44. Hospitals | RPP |
45. Laboratories | RPP |
46. Landscaping with Elevated Areas or with | RPP |
47. Laundries Commercial | RPP |
48. Laundromats | RPP |
49. Machine Shops | RPP |
50. Manufacturing, Processing and Fabrication Nontoxic | DCV |
51. Manufacturing, Processing and Fabrication Facilities Toxic Materials | RPP |
52. Medical Offices | RPP |
53. Metal Stripping Facilities | RPP |
54. Mobile Home Parks | DCV |
55. Mobile Services (Pest Control, Drain | RPP |
56. Mortuaries and Morgues | RPP |
57. Offices or Shopping Centers with | RPP |
58. Oil and Gas Bulk or Production | DCV |
59. Painting Shops Using Water in any | RPP |
60. Paper Processing and Production | RPP |
61. Pest Control Business | RPP |
62. Photography Studios with Processing | RPP |
63. Planting Works | RPP |
64. Portable Insecticide and Herbicide Spray | AG DCV |
65. Radiator Shops-Repair or | RPP |
66. Reduction and Rendering Meat | RPP |
67. Rest Homes Ground Floor Only | DCV |
68. Rest Homes Multi-Story | RPP |
69. Restaurants or Buildings with Commercial | RPP |
70. School with Kitchens, Chemistry Labs, Boilers and Irrigation Systems | RPP |
71. Sewage and Storm Water Pumping | DCV AG |
72. Swimming Pools | RPZ |
73. Tank Trucks Filling from Fire Hydrants | DCV |
74. Temporary Construction Water | DCV |
(Ord. 444 § 7, 1990).
13.28.070 Fire system backflow—Protection requirements.
Following are the minimum backflow devices required to satisfy containment requirements and shall apply to those fire protection systems connected to the public water system: (AWWA M-14 and NFPA).
The director may require additional protection for the public water system if he deems it necessary due to potential contamination.
Class I—Direct connection from public water mains only; no pumps, tanks, or reservoirs; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or other additives of any kind; all sprinkler drains discharging to atmosphere, dry wells, or other safe outlets.
Class II—Same as Class I, except that booster pumps may be installed in the connections from the street mains (Booster pumps do not affect the potability of the system; it is necessary, however, to avoid drafting so much water that pressure in the water main is reduced below twenty psi).
Device—Class I and Class II—Approved double detector check valve (DDC) installed between the post indicator valve and the on-site fire system. The check valve shall be installed above ground to allow a minimum of eighteen-inch clearance around the valve. Check valve shall be flanged on victaulic ends.
Class III—Direct connection from public water supply main plus one or more of the following: elevated storage tanks; fire pumps taking suction from aboveground covered reservoirs or tanks; and pressure tanks (all storage facilities are filled or connected to public water only, the water in the tanks to be maintained in a potable condition).
Device—Class III—Approved double check valve (DDC) installed as outlined Class I and Class II.
Class IV—Directly supplied from public mains similar to Class I and II, and which an auxiliary water supply on or available to the premises; or an auxiliary supply located within one thousand five hundred feet of the pumper connection.
Device—Class IV—Reduced pressure principle device (RPP) or double check valve (DDC), valve shall be above ground installation as near public water system as possible.
Class V—Directly supplied from public mains, and interconnected with auxiliary supplies, such as: pumps taking suction from reservoirs exposed to contamination, or river and ponds; wells, mills or other industrial water systems; or where antifreeze or other additives are used.
Device—Class V—Reduced pressure principle device (RPP) installed above ground as near public water system as possible.
Class VI—Combined industrial and fire protection systems supplied from the public water mains only, with or without gravity storage or pump suction tanks.
Device—Class VI—Protection device would be determined after fire chief and director had made a complete survey of the fire protection requirements of the premises. (Ord. 444 § 8, 1990).
13.28.080 Water shutoff conditions.
When water users are found that pose a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply and these hazards cannot be immediately abated, the shutoff procedures should be initiated. Conditions requiring water shutoff shall include, but not be limited to the following:
A. Refusal to test backflow prevention device;
B. Refusal to repair or replace faulty backflow prevention device;
C. Direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and a sewer system;
D. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between a potable water system and a system or equipment containing toxic chemicals or sewage;
E. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between potable water system and auxiliary water system;
F. Unprotected direct connection between potable water system and nonpotable nonpressure system;
G. Refusal to correct violations.
(Ord. 444 § 9, 1990).
13.28.090 Water shutoff procedure.
When it becomes necessary to shut off a user’s water, the following steps shall be followed:
A. The director shall determine the degree of hazard to public health. Section 13.06,030, 030.1, 030.2, 030.3, 030.4, and 030.5.
B. If it is determined to be an immediate public health hazard:
1. Immediate discontinuance of user’s service;
2. Verbally notify the user;
3. Follow up with a certified letter of corrections to be taken prior to service being restored;
4. Immediate notification to State and County Health Departments. (Ord. 444 § 10, 1990).
13.28.100 Prevention device certification of approval.
Any backflow prevention device required herein shall be of a model and size approved by the director. The term “approved backflow prevention device” shall mean a device that has been manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) entitled: AWWA C506-69 Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle and Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices: and have met completely the laboratory and filed performance specifications of the Foundation of Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research of the University of Southern California established by: Specifications of Backflow Prevention Devices -No. 69-2 dated March, 1969, or the most current issue.
Said AWWA and FCCC & HR standards and specifications have been adopted by the director. Final approval of any device or system proposed for installation under the terms of this chapter shall be evidenced by a “certificate of approval” issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance with said AWWA standards and FCCC & HR specifications. The following testing laboratory has been qualified by the director to test and certify backflow preventers:
Foundation for Cross-Connection
Control & Hydraulic Research
University of Southern California
University Park
Los Angeles, California 90007
Testing laboratories other than the laboratory listed above will be added to an approved list as they are qualified by the director. Backflow preventers which may be subject to back pressure or back-siphonage that have been fully tested and have been granted a certificate of approval by said qualified laboratory and are listed on the laboratory’s current list of “approved devices” may be used without further test or qualifications. (Ord. 444 § 11, 1990).
13.28.110 Application to install prevention devices.
Prior to the installation of any backflow prevention device between the public water system and the owner’s facility, the owner or contractor shall make application and receive approval from the director. Application forms are available from the public works department and the building and planning department. (Ord. 444 § 12, 1990).
13.28.120 Device inspection.
It shall be the duty of the director at any premises where backflow prevention devices are installed to have a certified inspection or operational test made at least once per year. In those instances where the director deems the hazard to be great enough he may require certified inspections at more frequent intervals. These inspections and tests may be at the expense of the water user and shall be performed by the device manufacturer’s representative, city water service department certified personnel, or by a certified tester approved by the director. It shall be the duty of the director to see that these timely tests are made. The customer user shall be notified by the director in advance when the tests are to be undertaken so that he or his representative may witness the tests if it is so desired. Those devices found to be defective shall be repaired, overhauled, or replaced at the expense of the customer user. Records of such tests, repairs, and overhaul shall be kept by the water service department. (Ord. 444 § 13, 1990).
13.28.130 Qualification and certification of person to inspect and maintain backflow prevention devices.
A. No person shall be qualified to inspect and maintain backflow prevention devices unless his qualifications have been established to the satisfaction of the director as herein-after required. To determine the qualifications of any person to inspect and maintain backflow prevention devices, the director shall have the authority to conduct examinations as necessary. Upon successful completion of such examination and such training as the director shall prescribe, that person shall receive a “certificate of competence” verifying he is qualified to inspect, test and maintain backflow prevention devices. Every person, after receiving a certificate of competence shall be issued such identification as the director shall deem appropriate; and such identification shall be kept in the immediate possession of every person holding a certificate of competence while said person is inspecting or maintaining any backflow prevention device in the city.
B. Every person holding a certificate of competence issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be required to renew said certificate every three years. Re-examination may be waived at the discretion of the director.
C. Every person receiving a certificate of competence under the provisions of this chapter shall be responsible for the competency and accuracy of all inspections and maintenance performed by him on any backflow prevention device.
D. Any person issued a certificate of competence who violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter or willingly falsifies inspection or maintenance reports submitted to the director shall have said certificate immediately revoked, and shall not be considered for recertification for a period of two years. (Ord. 444 § 14, 1990).
13.28.140 Penalties for noncompliance.
The director shall have the authority to immediately discontinue service to any premises where cross-connections or other hazards to the water system are found to exist, and shall not again render service to said premises until such conditions are eliminated in accordance with this chapter. Any consumer who willfully violates any of the provisions of this chapter or alters, or bypasses or renders inoperative any backflow prevention device installed under the provisions of this chapter in addition to immediate discontinuance of water service it shall be deemed an infraction and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to the following fines:
(a) Fifty dollars upon the first offense;
(b) One hundred dollars upon the second offense;
(c) Two hundred fifty dollars upon the third and each subsequent offense.
If any violation be continued, each day’s violation shall be deemed a separate violation. (Ord. 444 § 16, 1990).