Chapter 13.12
CROSS-CONNECTIONS CONTROL PROGRAM
Sections:
13.12.015 Authority of superintendent.
13.12.030 Cross-connection protection requirements.
13.12.040 Backflow prevention devices.
13.12.060 Administrative procedures.
13.12.070 Water service termination.
13.12.010 Purpose.
A. The purpose of this chapter is:
1. Protect the public potable water supply of the city from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating within its customers’ internal distribution systems or its customers’ private water systems such contaminants which could backflow or back siphon into the public water supply system;
2. Promote the elimination or control of existing cross-connections, actual or potential, between its customers in-plant potable water systems and nonpotable water systems, plumbing fixtures and industrial piping systems;
3. Provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross-connection control which will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water systems; and
4. To prevent the making of any cross-connection in the future.
B. This chapter is adopted pursuant to the State of California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Public Health, entitled “Regulations Relating to Cross-Connections.” (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 1062 § 1 (part), 1999: prior code § 13.32.010)
13.12.015 Authority of superintendent.
The superintendent shall be responsible for the protection of the public potable water distribution system from contamination or pollution due to the backflow or back siphonage of contaminants or pollutants through the water service connection. If, in the judgment of the water department superintendent/supervisor, an approved backflow prevention device is required at the city’s water service connection to any customers’ premises for the safety of the water system, the water department superintendent/supervisor or his designated agent shall give notice in writing to the customer to install such an approved backflow prevention device as each service connection to his premises. The customer shall immediately install such a device, at his/her own expense, and failure, refusal or inability on the part of the customer to install such a device immediately shall constitute grounds for discontinuing water service to the premises until such a device has been properly installed. (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part))
13.12.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “Air-gap separation (AG)” means a physical break between a supply of pipe and a receiving vessel. The air gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, in no case less than one inch.
B. “Approved backflow prevention device” means devices which have passed testing laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which demonstrated their competency to perform such tests to the California Department of Health Services.
C. “Approved water supply” means any water supply whose potability is regulated by a state or local health agency.
D. “Auxiliary water supply” means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the approved water supply.
E. “AWWA standard” means an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Associations (AWWA).
F. “Backflow” means a flow condition, caused by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source, whether caused by back siphonage, back pressure or otherwise.
G. “Contamination” means a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any substance which creates a hazard to the public health or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.
H. “Cross-connection,” as used in this chapter, means any actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome and potable. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices or other devices through which backflow could occur shall be considered to be cross-connections.
I. “Double check-valve assembly” means any assembly of at least two independently acting check-valves including tightly closing shutoff valves on each side of the check-valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the water tightness of each check-valve.
J. “Health agency” means the California Department of Health Services.
K. “Local health agency” means the Riverside County department of health services.
L. “Person” means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility or other public body or institution.
M. “Premises” means any and all areas on a property which is served or has the potential to be served by the public water system.
N. “Public water system” means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption which has five or more service connections or regularly serves an average of twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days out of the year.
O. “Reclaimed water” means a wastewater which as a result of treatment is suitable for uses other than potable use.
P. “Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly” means an assembly incorporating two or more check-valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two checks, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the check-valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing.
Q. “Service connection” means and refers to the point of connection of a water user’s piping to the water supplier’s facilities.
R. “Superintendent” means the city of San Jacinto’s water department superintendent/supervisor, or his or her designee.
S. “Unprotected cross-connection” means any cross-connection not outfitted with an air-gap separation, double check-valve assembly or reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
T. “Water supplier” means the person who owns or operates the approved water supply system. For the purposes of this chapter, the term “water supplier” shall mean the city system.
U. “Water user” means any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system. (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 1062 § 1 (part), 1999: prior code § 13.32.020)
13.12.030 Cross-connection protection requirements.
A. General Provisions.
1. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, at any time to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes of water fixtures of other appurtenances or fixtures which by reason of their construction may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the city and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any water user of the city.
2. Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.
3. Whenever the superintendent, health agency or local health agency determines that backflow protection is required on a premises, the city will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention device at his/her expense for continued services or before a new service will be granted.
4. Wherever the superintendent, health agency or local health agency determines that backflow protection is required on a water supply line entering a water user’s premises, then any and all water supply lines from the city’s mains entering such premises, buildings or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention device, to be installed at the water user’s expense. The type of device to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
5. Every fire protection system served by the water supplier shall be separately connected to the public water system, and not interconnected to plumbing systems serving domestic or irrigation water.
B. Where Protection Is Required.
1. Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the city, and is approved by the public health agency having jurisdiction.
2. Each service connection from the city water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance, which has the potential to create contamination, is handled in such fashion as may allow its entry into the water system, shall be protected against backflow of the water from the premises into the public system by a backflow prevention device to be installed at the water user’s expense. Backflow prevention devices shall also be installed, at the water user’s expense, for service connections handling process waters and waters originating from the city water system which have been subjected to contamination from the premises.
3. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on all service connections to any premises having:
a. Internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the state or local health agency and the superintendent; or
b. Intricate plumbing and piping arrangements; or
c. Where entry to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist.
4. Any system or premises designated to serve one or more commercial or industrial tenants whose water practices are unknown at the time the plumbing or building permit is issued shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises to the public water system by a backflow prevention device of the type required by the superintendent, health agency or local health agency. The determination of the type of backflow prevention device required shall be based on a determination of the potential hazard that may reasonably be expected to be encountered in buildings of similar type or nature.
5. All portable pressure spray or cleaning units (including water trucks, street sweepers, etc.) that have the capability of connecting to any water supplier’s system shall be provided with an air-gap separation or a reduced pressure principle assembly.
C. Type of Protection Required.
1. The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer’s premises. The type of protective device that may be required (listed in an increasing level of protection) includes: double check-valve assembly (DC), reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RP) and an air-gap separation (AG). The water user may choose a higher level of protection than required by the superintendent, health agency or local health agency. The minimum type of backflow protection required to protect the approved water supply at the user’s water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard are given in Table 1. Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the superintendent or health agency consistent with the highest practicable protection of potable water supplies.
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Table 1 TYPE OF BACKFLOW PROTECTION REQUIRED |
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Degree of Hazard |
Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention |
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a. Sewage and Hazardous Substances. |
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i. Premises where the public water system is used to supplement the reclaimed water supply. |
AG |
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ii. Premises where there are wastewater pumping and/or treatment plants and there is not interconnection with the potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by both the health agency and the superintendent. |
AG |
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iii. Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by both the health agency and the superintendent. |
AG |
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iv. Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter a potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by both the health agency and the superintendent. |
AG |
|
v. Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides are, or can be, injected or assimilated. |
RP |
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b. Auxiliary Water Supplies. |
|
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i. Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply which is interconnected with the public water system. An RP or DC may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by both the health agency and the superintendent. |
RP |
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ii. Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system. A DC may be provided in lieu of an RP if approved by both the health agency and superintendent. |
RP |
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c. Fire Protection Systems. |
|
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i. Premises where fire system is directly supplied from the public water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or to the premises (not interconnected). |
DC |
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ii. Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by both the health agency and superintendent. |
AG |
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iii. Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which take suction from the private reservoirs or tanks are used. |
DC |
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d. Dockside Watering Points and Marine Facilities. |
DC |
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i. Pier hydrants for supplying water to vessels for any purpose. |
RP |
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ii. Premises where there are marine facilities. |
RP |
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e. Premises where entry is so restricted that the superintendent determines that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or at sufficiently short notice to assure that cross-connections do not exist. |
RP |
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f. Premises where cross-connections have been established or reestablished two or more times. |
RP |
2. Two or more service connections supplying water from different street mains to the same building, structure or premises through which an interstreet main flow may occur, shall have at least a standard check-valve on each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side of the respective meters. Such check-valve shall not be considered adequate if backflow protection is deemed necessary to protect the city’s mains from pollution or contamination; in such cases the installation of approved backflow devices at such service connections shall be required. (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 1062 § 1 (part), 1999: prior code § 13.32.030)
13.12.040 Backflow prevention devices.
A. Approved Backflow Prevention Devices.
1. Only backflow prevention devices which have been approved by the city shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the city’s potable water system.
2. The city will provide, upon request, to any affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention devices.
3. Any backflow prevention device required in this section shall be of a model and size approved by the superintendent. The term “approved backflow prevention device,” as used in this section, shall mean a device that has been manufactured in full conformance with the standards established by the American Water Works Association entitled “AWWA C506-78 Standards for Reduced Pressure Principle and Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Devices,” and has met completely the laboratory and filed performance specifications of the Foundation for Cross-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. These AWWA and FCCC&HR standards and specifications have been adopted by the city. Final approval shall be evidenced by a certificate of approval issued by an approved testing laboratory certifying full compliance with such AWWA standards and FCCC&HR specifications. The following testing laboratory has been qualified by the superintendent to test and certify backflow preventers:
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Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research |
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University of Southern California |
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University Park |
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Los Angeles, California 90007 |
Testing laboratories other than the laboratory listed in this subsection will be added to an approved list as they are qualified by superintendent. Backflow preventers which may be subjected to back pressure or back siphonage that have been fully tested and have been granted a certificate of approval by such qualified laboratory and are listed on the laboratory’s current list of approved devices may be used without further test or qualification.
B. Backflow Prevention Device Installation.
1. Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603, Title 17, of the California Code of Regulations. Location of the devices should be as close as practical to the user’s connection. The superintendent shall have the final discretionary authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention device.
a. Air-Gap Separation (AG). The air-gap separation shall be located on the user’s side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank.
b. Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP). The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed on the user’s side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. The device shall be installed a minimum of twelve (12) inches above grade and not more than thirty-six (36) inches above grade measured from the bottom of the device and with a minimum of twelve (12) inches side clearance. The device shall be installed so that it is readily accessible for maintenance and testing. Water supplied from any point between the service connection and the RP device shall be protected in a manner approved by the superintendent.
c. Double Check-Valve Assembly (DC). The approved double check-valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user’s connection and shall be installed above grade, if possible, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double check-valve assembly is put below grade it must be installed in a vault such that there is a minimum of six inches between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the device, so that the top of the device is no more than eight inches below grade, so there is a minimum of six inches of clearance between the side of the device with the test cocks and the side of the vault, and so there is a minimum of three inches clearance between the other side of the device and the side of the vault. Double check-valve assemblies of the “Y” type must be installed on their “side” with the test cocks in a vertical position so that either the check-valve may be removed for service without removing the device. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed on a three-inch layer of gravel.
C. Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.
1. The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow prevention devices are installed shall have the devices tested by a person approved by the superintendent. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The superintendent may require a more frequent test schedule if it is determined to be necessary. No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the superintendent shall be filed with the city each time a device is tested, relocated or repaired. These devices shall be serviced, overhauled or replaced whenever they are found to be defective and all costs of testing, repair and maintenance shall be done by the water user.
2. The city will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the city to test backflow prevention devices. The city will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and also supply users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each time a device is tested or repaired.
D. Backflow Prevention Device Removal.
1. Approval must be obtained from the city before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated or replaced.
a. Removal. The use of a device may be discontinued and the device removed from service upon determination by the superintendent that a hazard no longer exists or is not likely to be created in the future.
b. Relocation. A device may be relocated following confirmation by the superintendent that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements. The superintendent shall require a retest following the relocation of the device to verify the required level of protection.
c. Repair. A device may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued until repair is completed and the device is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the city. The superintendent shall require a retest following the repair of the device to verify the required level of protection.
d. Replacement. A device may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All replacement devices must be approved by the superintendent and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved. (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 1062 § 1 (part), 1999: prior code § 13.32.040)
13.12.050 User supervisor.
At each premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the superintendent, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring of the backflow prevention devices and for avoidance of cross-connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking water system due to a cross-connection on the premises, the city shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water user shall inform the city of the user supervisor’s identity annually, and whenever a change occurs. (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 1062 § 1 (part), 1999: prior code § 13.32.050)
13.12.060 Administrative procedures.
A. Water System Survey.
1. The city shall review all requests for new services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the city upon request for review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention device is necessary to protect the public water system, the required device must be installed before service will be granted.
2. The superintendent may require an on-premises inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The city will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer which cannot or will not allow on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the superintendent considers necessary.
3. The superintendent may, in his discretion, require a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premises to which it serves water. The city will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer which cannot or will not allow an on-premises inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the superintendent considers necessary.
B. Customer Notification—Device Installation.
1. The city will notify any affected water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of thirty (30) days will be given to complete all corrective action required including installation of backflow prevention devices.
2. A second notice will be sent to each water user which does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within the thirty (30) day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the two-week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken.
C. Customer Notification—Testing and Maintenance.
1. The city will notify each affected water user when it is time for the backflow prevention device installed on their service connection to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user thirty (30) days to have the device tested and supply the water user with the necessary form to be completed and resubmitted to the city.
2. A second notice shall be sent to each city water user which does not have his/her backflow prevention device tested as prescribed in the first notice within the thirty (30) day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to have his/her backflow prevention device tested. If no action is taken within the two-week period the city may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject device is tested. (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 1062 § 1 (part), 1999: prior code § 13.32.060)
13.12.070 Water service termination.
A. General. When the city encounters water uses that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the city shall institute the procedure for discontinuing the city water service.
B. Basis for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following items:
1. Refusal to install a required backflow prevention device;
2. Refusal to test a backflow prevention device;
3. Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device;
4. Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention device;
5. Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line;
6. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants;
7. Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system;
8. A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.
C. Water Service Termination Procedures.
1. For conditions in subsection (B)(1), (2), (3) or (4) of this section, the city will terminate service to a customer’s premises after two written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done. If no action is taken within the allowed time period water service may be terminated.
2. For conditions in subsection (B)(5), (6), (7) or (8) of this section, the city will take the following steps:
a. Make reasonable effort to advise the water user of intent to terminate water service;
b. Terminate water supply and lock service valve. The water service will remain inactive until correction of violations has been approved by the city. (Ord. 13-04 § 1 (part): Ord. 1062 § 1 (part), 1999: prior code § 13.32.070)