Chapter 13.20
CROSS CONNECTIONS AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES
Sections:
13.20.020 Cross connections regulated.
13.20.030 Backflow prevention device requirement.
13.20.040 Installation requirements.
13.20.060 Annual testing and repairs.
13.20.090 Termination of service.
13.20.010 Definitions.
(1) “Approved backflow prevention device” means a device to counteract back pressures or prevent back siphonage.
(2) “Backflow” means the flow in the direction opposite to the normal flow or the introduction of any foreign liquids, gases or substances into the water system of the city of Kittitas.
(3) “Contamination” means entry into or presence in a public water system of any substance which may be deleterious to health and/or quality of the water.
(4) “Cross connection” means any physical arrangement where a public water system is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other non-drinkable water system or auxiliary system, sewer, drain conduit, swimming pool, storage reservoir plumbing fixture, swamp coolers, or any other device 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 changeover devices or other temporary devices through which, or because of which, backflow may occur are considered to be cross connections.
(5) “Health hazard” means the actual or potential threat of contamination of a physical or toxic nature to the public potable water system that would be a danger to health.
(6) “Plumbing hazard” means an internal or plumbing-type cross connection in the consumer's potable water system that may be either a pollutional or contamination-type hazard. This includes, but is not limited to, cross connection toilets, sinks, lavatories, washtrays, domestic washing machines and lawn sprinkling systems. Plumbing-type cross connections can be located in many types of structure, including homes.
(7) “Pollutional hazard” means an actual or potential threat to the physical properties of the water system or the potability of the public water system but which could not constitute a health or system hazard, as defined. The maximum degree of intensity of pollution to which a potable water system could be degraded under this definition would cause a nuisance or be aesthetically objectionable or could cause minor damage to the system or its appurtenances.
(8) “Potable water supply” means any system of water supply intended or used for human consumption or other domestic use.
(9) “Premises” means any piece of land to which water is provided including all improvements, homes, mobile homes and/or structures located on it.
(10) “Reduced pressure principle device” shall mean an assembly containing two independently acting 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 device shall include properly located test cocks and tightly shut off valves at the end of the assembly. A check valve is approved if it appears on the list of approved devices issued by the State of Washington Department of Health.
(11) “System hazard” means an actual or potential threat of severe danger to the physical properties of the public potable water system or of a pollution or contamination which would have a detrimental effect on the quality of the potable water in the system. (Ord. 97-557 § 1).
13.20.020 Cross connections regulated.
No cross connections shall be created, installed, used or maintained within the territory served by the city of Kittitas, except in accordance with these regulations. (Ord. 97-557 § 2).
13.20.030 Backflow prevention device requirement.
Approved backflow prevention devices shall be installed and maintained at the expense of the user, either at the service connection or within the premises, as determined by a certified cross connection inspector employed by the city of Kittitas, whenever:
(1) The nature and extent of any activity of the premises, or the materials used in connection with any activity of the premises, or materials stored on the premises, could contaminate or pollute the potable water supply.
(2) Premises having one or more cross connections present.
(3) Internal cross connections are not correctable, or intricate plumbing arrangements make it impractical to ascertain whether or not cross connections are present.
(4) There is a history of repeated cross connections being established or re-established.
(5) There is unduly restricted entry so that inspections for cross connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or with sufficient notice to assure cross connections do not exist.
(6) Materials of toxic or hazardous nature are being used such that, if backflow should occur, a health hazard could result.
(7) There is any mobile apparatus using city of Kittitas water or water from any premises within the city of Kittitas.
(8) Installation of an approved backflow prevention device is deemed to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these regulations in the judgment of a certified cross connection specialist employed by the city of Kittitas.
(9) An appropriate cross connection report form has not been filed with the city of Kittitas.
(10) A fire sprinkler system using nonpotable piping material is connected to the city of Kittitas water system.
(11) All residential properties occupied by persons other than the property owner shall have installed an approved backflow device, or the property owner shall assume all responsibility for any backflow that should occur. (Ord. 97-557 § 3).
13.20.040 Installation requirements.
To ensure proper operation and accessibility of all backflow prevention devices, the following requirements shall apply to the installation of these devices:
(1) No part of the backflow prevention device shall be submerged in water or installed in a location subject to flooding. If installed in a vault or basement, adequate drainage shall be provided.
(2) Devices must be installed at the point of use and/or point of delivery of the water supply. Alternate locations must be approved in writing by the city of Kittitas prior to installations.
(3) The device must be protected from freezing and other severe weather conditions.
(4) All backflow prevention device assemblies shall be of a type and model approved by the State of Washington Department of Health and the city of Kittitas.
(5) The device shall be readily accessible with adequate room for maintenance and testing.
(6) The property owner assumes all responsibility for all maintenance and testing of the device, as determined by the city of Kittitas.
(7) City of Kittitas personnel or their representatives must have access to all devices during regular working hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(8) Upon completion of installation, the city of Kittitas shall be notified and all devices must be inspected and tested. All backflow devices must be registered with the city of Kittitas. Registration shall consist of date of installation, make, model and serial number of the backflow device and initial test report.
(9) Any water pressure drop caused by the installation of the backflow device is not the responsibility of the city of Kittitas.
(10) All new construction shall install an approved backflow device at the service connection. (Ord. 97-557 § 4).
13.20.050 Access to premises.
Authorized employees of the city of Kittitas, with proper identification, shall have access during reasonable hours to all parts of a premises and within the building to which water is supplied. However, if any water user refuses access to premises or to the interior of a structure at reasonable times and on reasonable notice for inspection by a cross connection specialist appointed by the city of Kittitas, a reduced pressure principle device will be required to be installed at the service connection to that premises. (Ord. 97-557 § 5).
13.20.060 Annual testing and repairs.
All backflow devices installed within the territory served by the city of Kittitas shall be tested immediately upon installation and at least annually thereafter by a state certified tester. All such devices found not functioning properly shall be promptly repaired or replaced by the water user. If any such device is not promptly repaired or replaced, the city of Kittitas may deny or discontinue water service to the premises. All testing and repairs are the financial responsibility of the water user. (Ord. 97-557 § 6).
13.20.070 Variances.
There will be no variances from these requirements. (Ord. 97-557 § 7).
13.20.080 Cost of compliance.
All cost associated with purchase, installation, testing, inspection, replacement, maintenance, parts and repairs of the backflow device are the financial responsibility of the property owner. (Ord. 97-557 § 8).
13.20.090 Termination of service.
Failure on the part of any customer to discontinue the use of all cross connections and to physically separate cross connections is sufficient cause for the immediate discontinuance of public water to the premises. (WAC 246-290-490). (Ord. 97-557 § 9).