Chapter 13.12
CROSS CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Sections:
13.12.020 Cross connections prohibited.
13.12.030 Water utility inspections.
13.12.040 Water service discontinuance.
13.12.050 Emergency determination.
13.12.060 Backflow preventers.
13.12.090 Relationship to other laws.
13.12.010 Definitions.
“Backflow” is defined as the flow of water or contaminants into the town’s water supply distribution system from a source other than the town’s water supply.
A “cross connection” is defined as any physical arrangement, including cross connection control devices not in working order, whereby the town’s water supply distribution system is directly connected, either continuously or intermittently, with any secondary source of supply, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, piping, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device that contains, or may contain, and is capable of imparting to the town’s water supply, contaminants, contaminated water, sewage, or other waste or liquid of unknown or unsafe quality.
The town hereby incorporates by reference the definitions in 327 IAC 8-10-1. [Ord. 2014-20 §§ 1 – 3]
13.12.020 Cross connections prohibited.
No person, firm, or corporation shall establish or permit to be established or maintain or permit to be maintained any cross connection. No interconnection shall be established whereby water from a private, auxiliary, or emergency water supply other than the regular public water supply of the town may enter the supply or distribution system of the town, unless such private, auxiliary, or emergency water supply and the method of connection and use of such supply shall have been approved by the utility director and by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (“IDEM”) in accordance with 327 IAC 8-10. [Ord. 2014-20 § 4]
13.12.030 Water utility inspections.
Upon presentation of credentials, the representative of the water utility shall have the right to request entry at any reasonable time to examine any property served by a connection to the water utility for cross connections or back flows. On request, the owner, lessee, or occupant of any property so served shall furnish to the water utility any pertinent information regarding the piping system or systems on such property. If entry onto the property or production of requested information is refused, the utility director may attempt to obtain entry or the requested information by obtaining an inspection warrant, and the utility director may deem refusal as evidence of the presence of cross connections or back flows. [Ord. 2014-20 § 5]
13.12.040 Water service discontinuance.
The town authorizes and directs the utility director to discontinue water service to any property where any connection in violation of this chapter exists, and to take such further precautionary measures deemed necessary to eliminate any danger of contamination of the water system. Water service shall be discontinued only after reasonable notice is served on the owner, lessee, or occupants of the property or premises where a violation is found or suspected to exist. Water service to such property shall not be restored until the cross connections or back flows have been eliminated in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 2014-20 § 6]
13.12.050 Emergency determination.
If the utility director determines that a cross connection or back flow creates an emergency, endangering public health, safety, or welfare, and the emergency requires immediate discontinuance of service, he or she shall take the following actions: (A) make a written finding which describes the relevant facts and circumstances of the emergency; (B) file the finding with the town council; (C) deliver the finding to the consumer’s premises; and (D) immediately discontinue service. The consumer shall have an opportunity for a hearing within 10 days of such emergency discontinuance of service. [Ord. 2014-20 § 7]
13.12.060 Backflow preventers.
All consumers using toxic or hazardous liquids, all hospitals, mortuaries, laboratories, and all other hazardous users, as defined in 327 IAC 8-10-4(c), shall install and maintain a reduced-pressure-principle backflow preventer (check valve) in the main water line serving the premises. The backflow preventer must be installed in an easily accessible location not subject to flooding or freezing, and it may not be installed below ground level. [Ord. 2014-20 § 8]
13.12.070 Lawn irrigation.
A reduced pressure backflow preventer, an air-gap, or an approved pressure type vacuum-breaker device shall be required for lawn-irrigation systems and garden hose spigots placed below lawn grade. [Ord. 2014-20 § 9]
13.12.080 Penalty.
Any violation of any provision of this chapter shall result in a fine of not more than $1,000. Each day’s violation shall constitute a separate offense. [Ord. 2014-20 § 10]
13.12.090 Relationship to other laws.
This chapter supplements the State Uniform Plumbing Code and does not supersede it. Where the requirements of this chapter are more specific than the state law authorizing the enactment of these requirements, the provisions of this chapter shall apply, but under no circumstances shall this chapter be construed to contradict existing state law regulating this matter. [Ord. 2014-20 § 11]