Chapter 12.22
CONTAMINATION OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
Sections:
12.22.020 Cross-connections—Prohibition.
12.22.030 Service—Discontinuance.
12.22.040 Service—Contingent upon installation of backflow prevention device.
12.22.050 Repayment of charges for testing backflow prevention devices.
12.22.010 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the words and phrases set forth in this section are defined as follows:
(a) “Backflow” means the flow other than the intended direction of flow of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into the distribution system of a public water supply.
(b) “Backflow prevention device” means a device to counteract back pressure or prevent back siphonage.
(c) “Cross-connection” means any physical arrangement whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device which contains or may contain contaminated water, sewage, or other waste or liquids of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water supply as a result of backflow.
(d) “Supervisor” means the supervisor of the water and sewer department, city of Othello. (Ord. 583 (part), 1978).
12.22.020 Cross-connections—Prohibition.
The installation or maintenance of a cross-connection which will endanger the water quality of the potable water supply of the city of Othello is prohibited. Any such cross-connection now existing or hereafter installed is a nuisance and shall be abated. The control or elimination of cross-connections shall be in accordance with the state of Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-290-490) or subsequent revisions, together with any future manuals of standard practice pertaining to cross-connection control approved by the Director of the State of Washington Department of Health Services. The water supply will be discontinued to any premises for failure to comply with the provisions of this section and will not be reestablished until compliance is approved by the director. (Ord. 1400 § 7, 2014: Ord. 583 § 1, 1978).
12.22.030 Service—Discontinuance.
Service from the city of Othello water supply system to any premises upon which a private water supply system is used or operated contrary to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the State Board of Health regarding public water supplies may be discontinued or refused upon order of the supervisor. (Ord. 583 § 2, 1978).
12.22.040 Service—Contingent upon installation of backflow prevention device.
Furnishing of any service shall be contingent upon the installation of a backflow prevention device approved by the state of Washington Department of Social and Health Services for the protection of the city water supply from backflow. (Ord. 583 § 3, 1978).
12.22.050 Repayment of charges for testing backflow prevention devices.
The city is authorized to contract for services to inspect, test, repair and maintain each backflow prevention device as may be required by law. Each contractor who inspects, tests or repairs or maintains any backflow prevention device shall submit to the city such written documentation as may be required by the city to verify such services and the cost thereof. The city is authorized to pay the contractor directly, all or any portion of such costs; provided, however, that the city shall be reimbursed the full amount of such costs by the legal owner of the real property upon which such backflow prevention device is located, and nothing herein contained shall relieve the owner of such obligation. There shall be added to the owner’s monthly utility billing, the actual amount of such costs which shall be paid within sixty days of the billing date. In the event the owner fails to pay the full amount of such costs within sixty days of the billing date, then in such event, the city shall have the right to discontinue service until such time as the billing is paid in full. (Ord. 810 § 1, 1989).